Learn Spanish in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua : Spanish Language Schools Playa Gigante, Nicaragua

Home > Learn Spanish > Spanish in Nicaragua > Playa Gigante

Learn Spanish in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua

Playa Gigante (or simply, “Gigante”) is a small and beautiful fishing village and budding beach destination on the south Pacific coast of Nicaragua, approximately 40 kilometers north of the border with Costa Rica. 

Beginning around 2002, people started coming here for the world class surfing to be had within walking distance of the beach, but now a much more varied group of travelers uses Gigante as a base to learn Spanish, lounge on picturesque beaches you’ll have practically all to yourself, visit the pristine tropical forest and it’s wildlife or see indigenous handicrafts markets and volcanoes.

Nicaragua Spanish School Playa Gigante

Location: The Nicaragua Spanish School in Playa Gigante is located 300 meters back from the beach on a small knoll overlooking the Pacific. Watch the waves crash on the rocks as you take classes in a peaceful setting just a 5-8 minute walk from the village. It is the perfect distance to walk-in to “town” regularly and to also maintain a sense of privacy and serenity when you are at school and in your guest room. Several restaurants are nearby. The town of Rivas, a 40 minute drive away, offers all the amenities one might need, such as banking, etc.

Facilities:  The Spanish school in Playa Gigante has five covered classroom spaces where up to two one-on-one classes can meet at any given time. Four of the teaching locations are at ground level surrounded by gardens, and the fifth is on a 2nd floor covered balcony with great views of the ocean. A restaurant and bar are on the premises, and drinking water is provided free of charge.

Teachers:  All Spanish teachers are university-trained and go through both an intensive classroom teacher training led by the school’s director, and a mentorship student teaching program with veteran teacher/mentors.

Materials: Included with tuition.

Spanish Courses in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua

Start Dates:  Spanish courses in Playa Gigante can begin any day of the week.

Course Type: Individual.

Hours per Week: Individual - 15, 25.

Course Duration: Minimum one week.

Lessons: 90 minutes.

Class size: One.

Levels: All.

Includes: Cultural activities, certificate of accomplishment, free internet access.

Specialized: Spanish and surfing, Spanish and fishing, volunteer program.

Spanish Learning + Cultural Activities

Living in a small Central American fishing village, abundant opportunities are available for volunteering and interacting with local community members. Volunteer in a local school, teach English classes, or go fishing with some of the local fisherman.

There are regular walking field trips go to the Zacatan Ecological Reserve to see the monkeys, birds, and butterflies of the tropical deciduous forest biome. Swim in a pool under a small waterfall (during the wet season). 

You can also schedule day outings to attractions 1-3 hours drive from Gigante – canopy tours, volcano hikes, visits to Nicaraguan handicraft markets, or explore the wonders of Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua.

You can also take a day long boat excursion to the tourist port of San Juan del Sur (one hour each way by boat) for shopping and to eat at one of the many restaurants there. Beach outings and trips to the ecological reserve are free, while others are available at a reasonable fee.

Playa Gigante Accommodation

Options:  School residence, private house, beach hostel, beach condos and houses.

Type: Single, double.

Description:

• School residence – hotel style room with private bath, ceiling fan, fully screened rooms, wonderful cross breezes, various configurations of single and double beds, optional A/C.
• Private house - for groups of 2-4, large ocean view, 2nd story balcony, kitchen, 2 bedrooms (a double bed in each room), 2 baths, A/C, no meals.
• Beach Hostel – basic Nicaraguan budget hostel, single and double rooms, shared bath, no meals.
• Beach condos and houses - various options in the vicinity available. Please inquire.

Meal Plans: No meals, half board, full board.

Travel Time to School: 0-10 minute walk.

School Testimonials

“The experience in Playa Gigante was unforgettable, living in the school residence and attending the school’s Spanish language program. Not only did we become very proficient in Spanish, we made lifelong friends with our teachers, the residence’s staff, and members of the community.”  Lindsey R, USA.

“It was a wonderful experience that I will forever remember...The Nicaraguan experience in Gigante is one not to be missed, I'll be returning to relax with all the wonderful people that I have befriended at the school residence as well as everyone else in Playa Pie de Gigante.  Thanks again for everything Rob, I had an exceptional time there.” Walter T, USA.

“We’ve had such a great time out here - your place is fantastic and the staff.  Thanks again for sharing your little piece of paradise with us.  It has been absolutely amazing... and we’re certain this trip down here won’t be our last!” Stacey B, USA.

Playa Gigante Spanish Course Fees (USD)

Accommodations Fees (USD)

Booking

Book your course at the Spanish language school in Playa Gigante by completing details here. We will check availability and get back to you with confirmation and deposit payment details within 24 hrs.

The administration of the Spanish language school in Playa Gigante works limited hours during weekends and therefore weekend bookings may take a little longer to process.