"Stay with the Locals" Spanish Immersion
Learn Spanish and get to know Santa Ana and the rest of El Salvador in a very unique way- like a local.
Nelson, known as "Castor," is a certified local guide born and raised in Santa Ana, El Salvador. A local who is passionate about languages and his people, he has created the perfect Hostel-Homestay for those who travel with purpose and want to learn about Salvadoran culture and discover this small but beautiful country. Come and stay with the locals...
Let Nelson be your guide:
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Volcano hikes
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7 waterfalls
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Hot springs waterfalls
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Surf lessons with a local instructor at Playa El Zonte
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Mayan ruins
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Whale watching (during season)
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Fishing tours
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Bird watching
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Photography tours
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and more!
PERSONALIZED
SPANISH LESSONS
FOR ALL LEVELS
ONLINE or IN PERSON
Living the language:
homestay
Learn Spanish while Staying with a local born and raised in Santa Ana, El Salvador.
Stay with Nelson and his Dog manager Bush. The program gets you involved in a truly local experience. There are options to add personalized Spanish lessons and cultural activities. Some options include a volcano hike, lake visit day trip, learning to make authentic Pupusas, the best and original walking tour in town, and hot spring waterfalls day trip by public transportation.
Dorm bed + activities
$250 / Week per person
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Option to add private lessons
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Optional pick-up from the airport
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Dorm bed with shared bathroom (shared room with up to 3 other guests)
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7 days & 7 nights of Homestay, starting on Mondays
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1 meal per day, Vegetarian breakfast
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Free WiFi
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Cold shower only
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3 cultural activities during the week with Nelson as your host and local guide, by public transportation.
Most Popular
$375 / Week per person
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Option to add private lessons
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Optional pick-up from the airport
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Private room with shared bathroom
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7 days & 7 nights of Homestay, starting on Mondays
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1 meal per day, Vegetarian breakfast
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Free WiFi
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Cold shower only
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3 cultural activities during the week with Nelson as your host and local guide, by public transportation.
UNFORGETTABLE LOCAL EXPERIENCES
Discover the Authentic Heart of El Salvador
Santa Ana Volcano Hike & Lake Coatepeque
Volcanic Hot Springs & Thermal Waterfalls
The Ilamatepec, also known as the Santa Ana Volcano, is the ideal destination for those who enjoy hiking in pleasant, cool weather.
Salto de Malacatiupan - Hot Springs waterfall day trip by public transportation, or camping, a unique experience for those adventurous souls.
Authentic walking tour in town
Authentic Pupusa Class with the locals
Nelson began offering walking tours around town long before they appeared on websites. Today, he keeps them small and personal, leading tours mainly for his guests or through word-of-mouth recommendations, with a maximum of six people at a time. The good news is that if you’re staying with him, you’ll have the best chance to experience one of the most authentic walking tours in town. Check out reviews here.
The class takes place at Maria's family house and everything goes to them. We don't want to keep you at the hostel like the rest. Come out to learn, have fun , and support the local families. Check out reviews here.
The possibilities are endless
As a Santa Ana native and certified guide, Nelson is the perfect person to lead your visit. Feel free to ask him about anything that interests you. In this gallery, you’ll find photos of surfing lessons, waterfalls, whale watching, fishing tours, photography tours, camping, bird watching, and more.
Reviews
Payment
Homestay: A 10% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Spanish lessons only: Fees are due at the time of booking.
We recommend using Remitly for payments, as it’s simple, secure, and cost-effective. First-time transfers are usually free, and after that, Remitly only charges low fees. You can pay using a credit card, debit card, or ACH bank transfer, though ACH typically has the lowest fees and offers the best overall value. Alternatively, you can use another method to do an ACH transfer, or initiate a Western Union cash pickup. Payment instructions will be included in your email confirmation. The deposit is non-refundable, as this is a small, local operation and we begin dedicating time and resources to your stay immediately upon booking.
The remaining balance can be paid in one of the following ways:
Cash in person upon arrival (preferred)
Via Remitly
ACH transfer before arrival
Western Union cash pickup before arrival
If your plans change and you need to cancel, please notify us at least 14 days (2 weeks) before your scheduled arrival.