Contrary to what you may read in your newspaper, Nicaragua is now a stable, democratic, peaceful country but (perhaps partly because of its reputation!) it is still genuinely off the beaten track – perfect for the traveller looking for something different, something more meaningful. It is becoming rightly famous for its lakes and volcanoes – and we offer an experience which makes the most of local beauty and interest but also helps you go well beyond the usual travel experience.

Stay with us and take your immersion Spanish classes in an eco-hotel which itself is an unforgettable experience. The beauty of the surroundings of the Mariposa Spanish School enhances the quality of our Spanish instruction – all our teachers are local Nicaraguan people, highly experienced in teaching and well-equipped to introduce you to both the local community and wider Nicaraguan culture, politics, history. The Mariposa is well-integrated with the local community where, with the income we receive from you, we do whatever we can to directly support the local economy and community. Volunteer opportunities are available with a range of different organisations and with different groups (see Volunteering)

The aim is to create at La Mariposa a learning environment where visitors, Nicaraguans and ex-pats come together to learn more about the world around us as well as, hopefully, some Spanish. La Mariposa is a safe, friendly environment and you can learn a great deal if you come with an open mind. Please note that the workers are NOT trained to work like automatons and we do make the (occasional) mistake. We welcome helpful feedback on any aspect of our work - but if it is a standard, consistent sort of perfection you are after then the Holiday Inn might be a better choice!

We welcome people who can feel marginalised in more mainstream hotels - including families, older people, disabled people, black people and people of colour, gay and lesbian people, and we do not charge a single person supplement.

Visit Nicaragua's must see sights using La Mariposa as your base. And visit all of the following places are easily accessible for a day tour and are included in our monthly activity programme.

• Granada - a beautifully restored colonial town on the shore of Lake Nicaragua
  
• Leon - Nicaragua's most historic and laid back town
  
• Pacific beaches - unspoilt stretches of sand only an hour from the Mariposa
  
• Mombachu volcano - spend a day exploring its unique tropical cloud forest
  

• Masaya - the centre of Nicaragua's artisans, folklore music and dance
  
• Managua - the often underrated capital city
  
• Masaya Volcano - visit a live volcano in the evening
  
• Laguna de Apoyo - a stunning natural volcanic lake, a swimming treat
  
• San Juan del Oriente - home of ceramic pot making
  
• Catarina - great viewpoint, great restaurants
  

• Omatepe - a magical island in Lake Nicaragua with twin volcanic peaks
  
• Estelí and Miraflor - a taste of northern Nicaragua
  

We know that travelling in Nicaragua can be a little daunting so we take the anxiety out of finding your destination, getting there, making hotel & restaurant reservations. Whichever locations you choose, we can simply help you plan your trip or you can take a bi-lingual Mariposa guide with you. We can advise you on using Nicaraguan buses (usually very safe and reliable) or you can take a Mariposa vehicle and driver. So you can simply relax, enjoy and absorb all of the amazing experiences Nicaragua has to offer.