Granada and Nicaragua, Central America
Learn Spanish in Granada Nicaragua

About Granada Nicaragua

Granada is city that couldn't be better located! The city of Granada is on the shore of the huge Lake Nicaragua.

Managua and beautiful beaches on the Pacific Ocean are only an hour car ride away.

It is two hours by boat from the impressive Ometepe Island (a two-volcano island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua).

Granada is a great base to visit the main tourist attractions of Nicaragua, but it is also considered one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Central America.

Granada’s population is about 190,000 inhabitants and many historians believe this city to be the first city founded by Spaniards in the mainland of the American continent. Certainly, it is a beautiful well-preserved colonial city.

The city is also known as "la Gran Sultana" by locals. It is believed that its nearby volcano, named Mombacho that erupted more than a million years ago, created hundreds of tiny islands in Lake Nicaragua, this cluster of islands is called “Las Isletas,” a worth destination for most visitors. During the Holy Week there is a traditional and very attractive parade at the Las Isletas. Kayaking is possible here.

Mombacho volcano is a national park, with great views and fascinating flora and fauna. In fact, there are several endangered species whose only refugee is now Mombacho Park. There are several sports that can be practiced here, including hiking, canopy and biking.
While in Granada, tourist can enjoy not only colonial architecture, history and culture, but also excellent shopping, eating and museums. The Gallery of La Casa de Los Tres Mundos together with the Museum of El Convento de San Francisco are two places that should not be missed.

Granada welcome visitors all year long, but some important festivities include: the month of poetry during January, the Holly Week, Fiestas de la Asuncion during August, La Purisima at the end of November and Christmas.

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Nicaragua, "a country with a heart"!

Nicaragua is a beautiful and largely unspoiled country in its first phase of economic development. Along with its diverse natural attractions, Nicaragua has a very hospitable and diverse population and a fascinating place in history. Roughly the size of the U.S. state of New York, Nicaragua has a greatly varying geography and climate, from the cool mountains in the north, to and humid central lowlands, to the breezy beaches the hot on the pacific coast, as well as the marshy lowlands of the Atlantic coast. GSL school are located in a key area of Nicaragua (Granada city) that allow our students access to the various social and natural environments in the pueblos, cities, countryside, lakes and beaches on the Spanish-speaking western half of the country. Because Nicaragua is relatively unspoiled by over-tourism, you can visit many interesting places without fighting a crowd.

Participation versus Tourism

GSL school offers to their students the ability to learn Spanish through participation from within the Nicaraguan culture. This is very different experience from being a simple tourist who experiences a considerable degree of mental, emotional and even physical separation from the people and land they briefly visit. In this respect, Granada and Nicaragua offers an optimal social environment for the kind of immersion experience which challenges you to put aside some of your own cultural perceptions and safely experience the world from the point of view of the Nicaraguan culture. Your fellow students will be North Americans, Europeans and others who are also attracted by the natural beauty, the fascinating history, and the relaxed way of life in Nicaragua.

Many Interesting Things to Do!

What are some of the attractions of Nicaragua? Beautiful hills, mountains, lagoons, lakes, islands, beaches, volcanoes, petroglyphs, 16th century colonial cities to explore, special fiestas and community events, curious cooperative friendly people, adorable affectionate children, warm family relations, a sense of true community and humanity, quick acceptance and respect, a poetic sense of reality that respects the importance of human relations and hospitality.

-3rd Poetry Festival in Granada (Modified Feb 13 2007)-

Because of its economic situation, political consciousness, strong indigenous personality, interesting history, and rich ecology, Nicaragua offers a great location (Granada city) to study Spanish for those who have a complementary interest in international politics, sociology, economic development, ecology, public health, education, religion, Latino art, indigenous handicraft, and more!. Students can also expand their cultural immersion through volunteer activities with local organizations near from GSL school.

A Great Environment for Conversation

As a visitor to Granada and Nicaragua, you will enjoy the natural beauty of the land and you will be impressed by the energy, the friendliness and the generous spirit of its people. Due to their unique revolutionary period, an unusually large portion of the Nicaraguan population have an exceptional awareness of political, social, and economic reality and a ready willingness to discuss many topics in an open-minded and friendly way. You will notice that Nicaraguans have great resources of patience, humor and optimism, and you will be taken in by the natural warmth and humanity of the many friends you will make during your immersion program.