LUXURY WINE & PATAGONIA SPANISH IMMERSION

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Join us for “un viaje de la vida” as we explore two amazing countries and cultures. We start out in the birthplace of Malbec wines, Mendoza, Argentina. Live with a family, attend classes, tour bodegas, eat empanadas and learn about the unspoken rules of mate. The 2nd part of this trip takes place in Torres del Paine National Park in the Chilean Patagonia. The traveling Spanish classroom continues as we explore the park on foot, by boat, on horse with local guides while enjoying delicious food and luxurious accommodations. Learn more about this luxury Spanish immersion that combines wine tasting in Argentina and trekking in the Chilean Patagonia!

INFO MEETING

Wednesday Apr. 29th, 2026 – Register below!
(5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central & 8pm Eastern)

This presentation is a general overview of our Spanish immersion programs in Argentina and Chile.

I’m interested in 2027

Have questions? Email Leslie today or schedule a call HERE

This luxury Spanish immersion trip takes you to the Malbec wine region of Argentina and the Torres del Paine national park in Chile. Improve your conversational Spanish through: classes, award-winning wine tastings, host families in Argentina and our traveling classroom in Patagonia!

One Program:

Two amazing countries

Argentina

Parte 1: Mendoza Wine Country Spanish & Cultural Immersion

Highlights

20hrs/week of Spanish classes in Mendoza

Live like a local with a host family in Mendoza

Cultural experiences & tours

Empanadas and Mate classes

Bodega visits & wine tasting

High-mountain hike in Aconcagua National Park

Chile

Parte 2: Trekking in the Patagonia with local guides in Spanish

Highlights

Half day and full day hiking explorations to the iconic sites, glaciers, torres

Horseback excursion / gauchos

Flora and fauna

Patagonia cultural experiences & tours

Travelling Classroom

Location
Based in Mendoza & Chilean Patagonia
Length: Two weeks.

Price

“We had a lot of experiences with wine tasting, which is what Mendoza is known for around the world… we participated in some really nice excursions. Patagonia is one of the reasons we came, it’s someplace that’s just been amazing to visit. Absolutely beautiful! We’re so happy that we joined Common Ground to learn Spanish. And I think it’s been really great to be able to speak Spanish with “hispano-hablantes”, because you just get to know people better when you speak their language.”

Caroline & Mark D.

“My first experience with Common Ground was traveling to Ecuador in 2024, and it was just a fabulous experience. When I saw the opportunity to come on this trip to Mendoza, Argentina and Patagonia, I jumped on it because I had such a positive time in Ecuador, and it has fully met all my expectations… I just can’t say enough. It’s been a great experience, and overall, I would give this five stars if you have the chance to do it.”

Jennie S.

“My first experience with Common Ground was in Costa Rica a couple of years ago, and I was really excited to come back and have this experience in Argentina and Chile. When I was with my host family in Mendoza, they were absolutely amazing, and I had such a good time… The classes were incredible. We were three friends in a class, and we all said it was the best teacher we’d ever had… The second goal was seeing Patagonia… enjoying the wonderful mountains, the hiking, just the camaraderie of the group… It was beautiful, and it was wonderful and the experience of the whole group was great. So, I have to recommend this highly.“

Carla C.

“I can tell you that my experience in the totality of the trip was, that it was fundamentally so well-organized, so clearly set up to make it exciting and interesting every single day. Probably the thing that I enjoyed most was the hike up the base of Torres. That was an incredible experience, just to look at those towers and to realize that I managed to climb all that way up… It’s definitely been five-stars, we’ve had great meals, great wine. The staff have just been incredibly helpful and taking care of us like we’re part of their family. It was just an experience beyond belief, and if you have an opportunity to take advantage of something like this, I would encourage you. It’s not about the cost. It’s more about how much you can improve your Spanish as a result of this kind of immersive and exciting experience.”

Bob W.

“It has been a phenomenal experience. The classes in Mendoza were phenomenal. The family was wonderful. I didn’t know that I would love Argentina as much as I did. I thought I might love Patagonia, and it surpassed every expectation.”

Ryann B.

“For some people, Patagonia is in their bucket list, and they have certain excursions or walks or hikes they want to go on. I didn’t know that much about Patagonia, but I knew I loved Common Ground, as I’d gone with them in Costa Rica in 2024. Don’t be afraid if you’re older and you aren’t fit enough. They have something for everybody… Common Ground was incredible about accommodating and making it the best trip ever for everyone who was here, and I think they all achieved the goals that they wanted, and you could too, if you’d like to join next year.”

Tamara S.

2027 Program Price = est $17,800* (please see note below)

Included in Trip Price:

Spanish classes- 1 week
Host family living – 1 week
Two meals a day in Mendoza
Cultural activities in Mendoza
Wine tours and tasting
All Inclusive Patagonia lodging, meals, tours, classes, cultural activities, transportation, national park entrances
24/7 program support
Customized Pre-departure preparation for this trip
Travel insurance policy with medical coverage

Not included in trip price:

Flights
7 lunches in Mendoza
1 dinner on day of arrival
Aconcagua National Park Hike
Tips
“Cancel for any reason” insurance policy

*2027 will be confirmed in April 2026. Stay tuned for more information.

How does the CGI Wine & Patagonia Immersion Trip compare with other options?

CGI
15 days
$17,800

Vaya
12 days
$15,350

Jacada
11 days
$12,237

Wilderness Travel
16 days
$12,495

National Geographic
17 days
$28,102

Argentina: Wine & Spanish

20hrs of Spanish classes

Host Family Immersive lodging & cultural intercambio

Cultural Activities & Tours

Malbec Bodega visit, wine tasting & pairing

Chile: Patagonia & Spanish

Chilean Bodega visit, wine tasting & pairing

Luxury lodging

Meals included

Drinks included

1/day

Tours included

Day to day Transportation included

Long drives to transfer from point to point. Hiking up to 10mi/day

Nat’l Park entrances included

Cultural activities

Traveling Spanish classroom

Spanish-speaking guides & Spanish teachers on tours

Guides speak Spanish upon request, no teachers

Tips included

Extensive pre-departure preparation

24/7 onsite support

Company

Trip Length

Common Ground International

15 days

Vaya

12 days

Jacada

11 days

Wilderness Travel

16 days

National Geographic

17 days

Company

Cost

Common Ground International

$17,800

Vaya

$15,350

Jacada

$12,237

Chilean Bodega visit, wine tasting & pairing

Common Ground International

Vaya

Jacada

Wilderness Travel

National Geographic

Common Ground International

Vaya

Jacada

Wilderness Travel

National Geographic

Traveling Spanish classroom

Common Ground International

Vaya

Jacada

Wilderness Travel

National Geographic

Spanish-speaking guides & Spanish teachers on tours

Common Ground International

Vaya *

Jacada *

Wilderness Travel *

National Geographic *

* Guides speak Spanish upon request, no teachers

Tips included

Common Ground International

Vaya

Jacada

Wilderness Travel

National Geographic

Extensive pre-departure preparation

Common Ground International

Vaya

Jacada

Wilderness Travel

National Geographic

24/7 onsite support

Common Ground International

Vaya

Jacada

Wilderness Travel

National Geographic

Preliminary Itinerary

March 6:

Program Starts in Santiago de Chile: brunch, bodega tour & wine tasting, afternoon to relax, hotel

March 7:

Fly to Mendoza- Lang. School orientation, classes, 1st night with host family

March 8-13

MENDOZA: Spanish classes, afternoon cultural activities, evening with host family

March 14:

Transfer to Santiago – afternoon relax

March 15:

Fly to Puerto Natales, Patagonia

March 15-19:

The travelling Spanish Classroom in the Chilean Patagonia

March 20:

Depart for USA

Next steps

I’m Interested

Request info

Schedule a call

Back to top

“Part of the reason I came was to try to improve what little bit of Spanish I had, it’s improved.”

Charles

“Age isn’t an issue, if you’re interested, sign up for Common Ground. They have a great preparation program. Just come over here and have a great time!

Tamara

It’s been a really great experience! The excursions have been great, my teacher was awesome and very patient.

Rose

Program FAQ’s – You asked, we answered

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

What dates is the program scheduled for?

March 7th – March 21st plus or minus a day or two on either end depending on flight schedules and final itinerary adjustments.

What is the flight duration to the program location?

We will start out in Mendoza, Argentina. To get to Mendoza we will fly into Santiago, Chile. From Atlanta it is a 9 hr flight to Santiago. Most flights are overnight. When we arrive into Santiago we will have a down day, catch up on sleep and visit a local winery. The next day we will fly to Mendoza, this a 40 min. flight. Stay tuned for specific flight details

Could there be a “down day” at the beginning and end of the trip to accommodate airline delays and jet lag?

YES, absolutely! We have one built in that includes catching up on sleep and visiting a local vineyard outside of Santiago, Chile.

Could participants arrive early or stay longer to explore more of the area?

YES!

Can someone fly separately using air miles and meet the group at the destination?

YES! We will not arrange a group flight, as some participants will want to use miles, others stay longer or arrive earlier.

Are dates flexible? Can someone join for only part of the program?

Priority will be given to those that register for the full program and your name will be put on a wait list. If there is still room at the end of the registration period, we will contact you.

Is it possible for a couple where only one person is studying Spanish to still join and enjoy the trip?

Yes, in this case, that person could do all the cultural and tour activities and have some down time while the participants are in Spanish classes. This has worked well on our other programs in the past. And it allows for those that might need to work to get a chunk of work time in while we are at language school.

PROGRAM DETAILS

What is the group size?

We are expecting between 15 and 20 participants this trip

What is the estimated cost?

Coming Soon! But we can tell you that the Patagonia is pricey!!!

Is the trip also open to families, kids and teens? How kid-friendly are the program areas?

Yes, and yes! Kids need to be at least 8 years old to participate in the Patagonia explorations. And when we have some wine tours planned, there are kid friendly options as well.

What’s the schedule like?

Week 1: morning Spanish classes, afternoon cultural activities or local tours and evenings with host families.
Week 2:Patagonia explorations with Spanish learning on the trail with local guides. Half day and full day excursion options for hiking, horseback riding, glacier visits, etc.

Is the tap water safe to drink in the locations you’re considering?

Chile meets the highest quality standards in the world, compared to the USA. In Mendoza City also. Rural areas of Argentina require bottled water.

Will there be options for those who prefer not to stay with host families?

Yes, there will be local places to rent

Are there vegan and/or vegetarian food options available in the local areas we’ll be at?

Yes, por supuesto

How walkable is the area in terms of restaurants, shops, culture, parks, and cafes?

Mendoza where we will be spending time studying Spanish and living with a host family is super walkable. A fantastic and huge park sits right in the heart of the city and offer great walking, running trails. There are many small cafes and restaurants, bodegas, shops dotting the streets.
While we are in the Patagonia; we are in remote areas where there is not access to city life.

What is the total duration of the trip?

12-14 days

Will there be a summer program (for those who can’t attend in March)?

Nope

HOST FAMILIES

Will the host family receive students at the airport?

Yes, they will.

Is the program in a touristy area or an area with almost no English speakers like Cuenca?

There are not many English Speakers in Mendoza, Argentina and as per our other programs, the goal is Spanish Immersion through host families, Spanish classes, local guides and explorations. While we will find more English tourists in Patagonia, the goal is still Spanish. Rory and I are committed to doing our part to keep the group commitment of speaking Spanish AND all our guides and explorations will be with local guides speaking Spanish.

Can dietary restrictions (like vegan, gluten and dairy-free) be accommodated when selecting host families?

Yes, por supuesto

Is the water safe to drink at the host family home?

Yes, it is!

What is included in the host family stay?

You can expect to have your own private bedroom, a shared bathroom experience, a host family that is genuinely interested in getting to know you and two meals a day; breakfast and dinner.

For families travelling with children, are there parks near the host families? And how safe is the area?

Yes, there is a fantastic park in the heart of Mendoza and it is very safe. Just like any city / town there are areas to avoid and we will inform you all about where to go and where not to go in our pre-departure preparation.

LANGUAGE PROGRAM

What are the school facilities like, and are they within walking distance of the host families?

The school in Mendoza is small, there are 8 classrooms, an outdoor patio and right next to several lovely cafes and bakeries. It is on a tree-line street, with great side walks and just a few blocks away from a huge park called Parque San Martin.

Is the program focused on General Spanish? Will there be options for Medical Spanish and Spanish for Teachers?

Yes, the program is focused on general Spanish. At this time, we will not have specific classes for medical Spanish or teachers.

What Spanish class levels will be available?

Just like our other programs, participants will have to take a Spanish placement exam and based on these results we will place students at an appropriate level. We will most likely have a variety of levels from high beginner to advanced.

How does the Spanish spoken in Chile and Argentina differ from that of other Latin American countries?

Going into this experience, we were super-aware of the common sentiment that both Chileans and Argentinians have strong accents and it could be more challenging to learn Spanish. We noticed the biggest linguistic differences in Chile. And we discovered that the Spanish in the Mendoza area was clearer and easier to understand. The Spanish in Buenos Aires is apparently thick and harder to understand with the “zcha” sound, but this was not the case in Mendoza.

Will these differences affect my Spanish fluency when communicating with patients in the U.S. healthcare setting, especially since I primarily work with people from Mexico?

No. If anything, you will gain a great ability to comprehend diverse Spanish accents, rates of speech, and tones. This will increase your fluency and your language comprehension. This is especially true for those with an intermediate level or higher.

Can schools teach a more neutral or “international” Spanish to avoid strong regional accents?

Yes, the teachers focus on standard Spanish and avoid the strong regional accents.

Are private lessons or off-program tutoring opportunities available?

We will not offer private lessons on this program, but off-program tutoring is an option.

Will there be CME and CEUs available for healthcare professionals?

We are still able to offer CE’s for health care professionals for this experience. We are not able to offer CME’s.

Can the program accommodate someone already familiar with Argentine “vos” conjugations and vocabulary?

Yes! You will have a step up in comprehension and you can challenge yourself by trying to use it with your host family!

Can the program help learners with varying levels of Spanish, like a beginner married to an intermediate speaker?

Yes, we will offer various levels of Spanish classes. Participants will have to take a Spanish placement exam and based on these results we will place students at an appropriate level. We will most likely have a variety of levels from high beginner to advanced.

Will there be support for those who worry about keeping up with the pace of learning?

Yes! Rory and I will be there for support AND we expect to have various levels of Spanish learners on this program.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

What excursions and activities will be offered outside of Spanish Immersion?

Great question…and we are so excited about all the options these two countries offer! Some excursions are included and some are optional. Here is a current list of what we are planning with more to come!

In Mendoza we will participate in:
– A mate tea class and tasting (included)
– A winery tour and tasking- home of the Malbec wines (included)
– A national park hike in Aconcagua National park (optional)

In the Patagonia everything is included:
– Catamaran to a Glacier
– Full day guided hikes in the park and half day guided hikes
– Horseback riding

Will we be visiting Patagonia as part of the program?

Yes, it is included in the program price and this is the second week of program

Is Buenos Aires, Atacama, Salta, Jujuy, and Iguazú Falls included as potential excursion destinations?

No, not at this time.

Are there wine tours available, will there be information on wine and food pairing? And is it OK for a traveler to participate even if they don’t drink wine?

Yes, yes, and yes!!! We have some fantastic wine tours planned with tasking, pairing and more.

Can you give more details on the length and intensity of hikes? Will there be half-day and day tours?

We will have half day and full day options each day. The half day hikes are between 3 and 5 miles. And the full day hikes are between 8 and 10 miles. We will have plenty of snacks and rest. And full day hikes include lunch. We will split up into groups of 8 people per hike. You can select the length of hike and your activity. All hikes will be in Spanish with a local guide AND either Rory or I to keep our learning happening on the trail.

Can older travelers or someone with mobility restrictions request a more relaxed pace while still engaging in meaningful learning?

Yes, there will be various options of excursions on the trip. All options are in Spanish with local guides and teachers.

Are excursions family-friendly and suitable for children?

Our excursions in Mendoza are suitable for children. Those include city tours, cooking and mate class, local hikes and park visits. When we go to the Malbec wine tour, there will be an alternate activity for children.
In Patagonia, kids need to be at least 8 years old to participate in the excursions.

Will there be opportunities to experience the gaucho lifestyle?

Yes! Stay tuned, one of our excursions includes the gaucho life!

LUXURY WINE & PATAGONIA SPANISH IMMERSION

One Program:

Argentina

Chile

Program Price = est $17,800*

Included in Trip Price:

Not included in trip price:

2027 Program Price = est $17,800* (please see note below)

Included in Trip Price:

Not included in trip price:

How does the CGI Wine & Patagonia Immersion Trip compare with other options?

CGI15 days$17,800

Vaya12 days$15,350

Jacada11 days$12,237

Wilderness Travel16 days$12,495

National Geographic17 days$28,102

Argentina: Wine & Spanish

20hrs of Spanish classes

Host Family Immersive lodging & cultural intercambio

Cultural Activities & Tours

Malbec Bodega visit, wine tasting & pairing

Chile: Patagonia & Spanish

Chilean Bodega visit, wine tasting & pairing

Luxury lodging

Meals included

Drinks included

1/day

Tours included

Day to day Transportation included

Long drives to transfer from point to point. Hiking up to 10mi/day

Nat’l Park entrances included

Cultural activities

Traveling Spanish classroom

Spanish-speaking guides & Spanish teachers on tours

Guides speak Spanish upon request, no teachers

Guides speak Spanish upon request, no teachers

Guides speak Spanish upon request, no teachers

Guides speak Spanish upon request, no teachers

Tips included

Extensive pre-departure preparation

24/7 onsite support

Company

Trip Length

Company

Cost

Argentina: Wine & Spanish

20hrs of Spanish classes

Host Family Immersive lodging & cultural intercambio

Cultural Activities & Tours

Malbec Bodega visit, wine tasting & pairing

Chile: Patagonia & Spanish

Chilean Bodega visit, wine tasting & pairing

Luxury lodging

Meals included

Drinks included

Tours included

Day to day Transportation included

Nat’l Park entrances included

Cultural activities

Traveling Spanish classroom

Spanish-speaking guides & Spanish teachers on tours

Tips included

Extensive pre-departure preparation

24/7 onsite support

Preliminary Itinerary

March 6:

March 7:

March 8-13

March 14:

March 15:

March 15-19:

March 20:

Next steps

Program FAQ’s – You asked, we answered

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

PROGRAM DETAILS

HOST FAMILIES

LANGUAGE PROGRAM

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Other Spanish immersion program details:

CGI
15 days
$17,800

Vaya
12 days
$15,350

Jacada
11 days
$12,237

Wilderness Travel
16 days
$12,495

National Geographic
17 days
$28,102