TRAVEL TO LEARN	Ph. 602.538.2929 info@itraveltolearn.com
	SPANISH – ECOADVENTURE – VOLUNTEER – CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT – NATURE-BASED EXPERIENCES

HIGHLIGHTS Kayak through rainforest islands Canopy tours on side of volcanoe Swimg in volcanic crater Spanish immersion classes Look into a volcano Historical tours of Granada Volcano island of Ometepe Small groups of 8-10

DETAILS Length: 8 days (call for longer options) Price: $650 for 8 days Dates: September 18-26 Included: Accommodations, Transportation and Activities listed below, Entrance/Excursion Fees, Some Meals Not included: Airfare, Travel/Medical Insurance, Spanish Classes, Gratuities for Guides, Some Meals

THE AREAS OF FOCUS

Professional Development for teachers
Professional Development hours will come from Travel to Learn. You will be awarded a certificate that can be used for the state of Arizona. If you are a teacher, contact Carlos for more information.

Eco-adventures
It is important to offer activities that keep in mind the fragile environment while giving participants an opportunity to learn how to experience it naturally. It is for this reason that we participate only in eco-adventures and collaborate with official Nicarguan eco-tourist companies and give participants plenty of opportunities to learn about the incredible ecosystem.

Spanish Immersion
It is widely known that the best way to learn a language is to experience it. Formal Spanish class sizes range from one to four students per instructor. The Program Leaders are fully bilingual and support Spanish immersion/instruction throughout the entire trip. Tour Guides are Spanish speakers as well, allowing students to practice their Spanish in an immersion setting. Spanish classes are available upon request but are not part of the regular itinerary since they demand extra time from participants. Contact Carlos if you are interested in taking classes.

Program Fee ($650) covers activities in blue.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I choose NicaVentura?

1. We have extensive international travel experience.
   
2. Our programs focus on cultural immersion by visiting locations that are more authentic.
3. Our Program Leaders are fluent Spanish speakers.
4. People who Travel To Learn have more fun, learn Spanish, and more importantly, learn about themselves and other people from another country.
5. NicaVentura is packed full of activities so your time is spent visiting and learning about Nicaragua.

See what others are saying about TTL.

Who can participate?
Any adult over 18 can participate. Travel To Learn will accept participants regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, income, or national origin and has no affiliation with any branch of government, political party, or interest group.

Do I have to speak Spanish to go on this trip?
Whether or not you have taken Spanish, you can participate in the program. However, having previously taken Spanish will increase your access to Nicaraguans and their culture. Remember, language is inseparable from culture so the more Spanish you know, the more you will get out of your experience.

Who is going to teach me Spanish?
Spanish Instructors: We collaborate with Casa Xalteva, a language school located in Granada. The average class size at Casa Xalteva is between 2-4 students and it is leveled. Before going to Nicaragua you will take a Spanish exam so that we can place you in the proper level. The instructors are all native Spanish speakers from Granada so when they take your class to the market or plaza, they will be able to share their knowledge with you. Another reason we chose to collaborate with Casa Xalteva is because they house children that don't have families to take care of them. Travel To Learn tries to support local agencies and businesses, especially if they are working to help the underprivileged.
Nicaraguans/Immersion: You must practice your Spanish outside of class. Most tours will be in Spanish and most artisans working in the market place don't speak English. Participants who practice their Spanish, regardless of fluency, learn more from the locals and get more from their travel experience.
Your Program Guides: Each Guide speaks Spanish and they will support you as you use your Spanish throughout the trip. Of course, they are also available to fall back on if you need to use English.

Where will I sleep?
You will stay in hostels. They are clean, friendly and safe. Typically hostels do not have air conditioning. You can opt to stay somewhere nicer with air-conditioning by simply letting Carlos know when you book a trip. I choose hostels to support local business and to travel affordable. People also find that when they stay in hostels they meet interesting people and learn a lot more from the owners about things to do in Nicaragua.
Granada: Hospedaje La Siesta - Owners Boris and Marcela invite you into their home. They offer a quiet bed and breakfast style experience and provide a wealth of information about Nicaragua. They also teach French classes for those interested.

What am I going to visit?
See the itinerary below for details. You can also see our destinations here.

What is the weather like?
It’s hot and humid during the summer. You will receive a comprehensive packing/travel assist checklist.

Why Nicaragua?
Nicaragua contains 7% of the world's bio diversity and the second largest rainforest in the Americas. Close to 20% of the country's territory is protected as national parks or biological reserves. The country is mostly famous for its landscapes, flora and fauna, culture, beaches and of course, its lakes and volcanoes. According to the Ministry of Tourism of Nicaragua, the colonial city of Granada, Nicaragua is the preferred spot for tourists. It is also home to the second largest lake in Latin America. Other main tourist attractions near Granada are the city of Masaya, the volcano island of Ometepe and Mombacho Volcano. It is in this colonial town of Granada that participants will spend their first week receiving the majority of their Spanish classes.
Nicas (the local slang for Nicaraguans) are wonderful people. They are very welcoming, very proud of their culture and very willing to share cultural views with travelers.

How much does food cost?
Meals should cost between $20-30 per day depending on your choices. I like to take people to authentic restaurants. There are restaurants that cater to more ‘American’ food and you will probably pay a little more there.

How will I get around?
Travel to destinations in the itinerary are covered but local transportation is up to individuals. Cab rides are pretty cheap if you split the cost. Taking public transportation (bus) is not only cheap but part of a real experience in any Latin American country. Believe me, after a few bus rides you’ll have years of stories to tell.

Is Nicaragua safe?
Nicaragua is safe. Statistics show that it is safer than Washington DC or Costa Rica. Click here for safety information

The Program | FAQs | Itinerary | PARTNERS