There’s no doubt that Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese. In fact, it’s estimated that there are more than 559 million Spanish-speaking people globally, with 450 million of them being native Spanish speakers.
And while most Spanish speakers reside in Spain, Mexico, and other countries in Latin America, you can find plenty of other great destinations on the Spanish-speaking countries’ map to put your language skills to good use.
If you ever wondered how many countries speak Spanish, the answer is 21. The full list consists of 18 American countries where Spanish is the official language in addition to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Equatorial Guinea in Africa, and Spain in Europe, not to mention that Spanish is the most popular foreign language in the US.
Here are five such countries you won’t regret visiting, along with some of the must-see attractions and cultural experiences you can enjoy during your visits:
Learn Spanish with Langster
Learn Spanish with Langster
Spain
- Population: over 47 million
- Capital: Madrid
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Euro
The first country on our list is Spain – one of the largest Spanish-speaking countries in the world by population. With over 47 million residents, Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe and shares borders with Portugal, France, and Andorra.
As the second-most visited country in the world, Spain boasts a diverse array of tourist attractions from world-famous art museums and architecture to stunning coastal towns and scenic mountain villages. And, of course, no trip to Spain would be complete without enjoying some traditional Spanish cuisine such as paella, gazpacho, and churros con chocolate.
Some of the must-see attractions in Spain include:
- the world-renowned museums in Madrid, such as the Museo del Prado and the Reina Sofia Museum,
- the Great Mosque of Cordoba,
- the Alhambra palace in Granada,
- the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
When traveling to Spain, be sure to also visit some of the beautiful Spanish coastal towns, including Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and Seville. Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, consider spending time in one of Spain’s many small mountain villages such as Ronda, Nerja, or Frigiliana.
Mexico
- Population: over 131 million
- Capital: Mexico City
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Mexican peso
Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world by population, with over 131 million residents. Located in North America, Mexico shares land borders with the United States to the north and Belize and Guatemala to the southeast.
As a popular tourist destination, Mexico offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and resorts to ancient ruins and colonial cities. And, of course, no visit to Mexico would be complete without trying some delicious Mexican food such as tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole.
Some of the must-see attractions in Mexico include:
- the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and Palenque,
- the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas,
- the beaches of Cancun and Puerto Vallarta,
- the Copper Canyon.
When traveling to Mexico, be sure to also visit some of the smaller towns and villages like Tulum, Guanajuato, Oaxaca, and Merida. Or, if you’re looking for a more adventure-filled vacation, consider exploring some of Mexico’s many national parks, including the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
Costa Rica
- Population: around 5 million
- Capital: San José
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Costa Rican colon
Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America, with a population of just slightly over 5 million people. Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes.
As a country with a strong commitment to environmental protection, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy some eco-tourism activities like hiking, bird watching, and whitewater rafting.
The must-see attractions in Costa Rica are mostly national parks, so here’s a list of some to consider for your trip:
- the Arenal Volcano National Park,
- the Manuel Antonio National Park,
- the Rincon de la Vieja National Park,
- the Tortuguero National Park.
When traveling to Costa Rica, be sure to also visit some of the country’s colonial towns and villages, such as Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago. Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation, consider spending time on one of Costa Rica’s many beautiful beaches like Playa Hermosa, Playa Tamarindo, and Playa Flamingo.
Peru
- Population: around 34 million
- Capital: Lima
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Peruvian nuevo sol
Peru is a country located in South America, with a population of over 34 million people. Bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile, Peru is a popular tourist destination for its Incan ruins, colonial cities, and stunning mountain scenery.
Some of the must-visit unique attractions in Peru include:
- the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu,
- the colonial city of Cusco,
- the Sacred Valley of the Incas,
- the Amazon rainforest.
If you're an avid hiker, you'll also want to check out the Inca Trail, a popular hiking trail that leads to Machu Picchu. Other than that, Peru is also known for its delicious cuisine, which often features locally grown ingredients such as quinoa, potatoes, and chili peppers.
When traveling to Peru, it's important to be aware of the altitude, as many of the country's major cities are located high up in the Andes mountains. This can cause altitude sickness, so take it easy and drink plenty of fluids when you first arrive.
Colombia
- Population: around 52 million
- Capital: Bogota
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: Colombian peso
Colombia is located in northwest South America, bordered by Panama to the north, Venezuela to the east, and Ecuador and Peru to the south. With a population of over 50 million people, it is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country on this list.
Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, is a great place to start your journey. This vibrant cosmopolitan city alone is home to a variety of attractions, including the Gold Museum, Plaza Bolivar, and the Botero Museum. For those interested in Colombia's rich history, the Museo del Oro offers a fascinating insight into the country's pre-Columbian past.
Some of the other popular attractions in Colombia include:
- the ancient city of Cartagena,
- the beautiful colonial town of Villa de Leyva,
- and the stunning area of Los Llanos.
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then head to one of Colombia's many national parks. Los Nevados National Park is a great option for those who enjoy hiking and trekking, while Tayrona National Park is perfect for a spot of beach relaxation.
For those looking for a more adventure-filled trip, Colombia also offers a wealth of activities such as trekking, rafting, and bird watching.
How to Practice Spanish During the Trip?
Whether you're planning a trip to Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, or Colombia, there are plenty of opportunities for Spanish learners to practice their language skills. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your trip and have a great Spanish-language learning experience:
- Take Spanish language classes before you go. This will give you a solid foundation in the basics and make it easier to pick up new words and phrases while you're on your trip. If you study Spanish on a regular basis, revisiting some conversational phrases before setting off is always a good idea.
- Try to engage in conversation with locals as often as possible. This can be done by striking up a conversation with someone in a bar or café, ordering food in Spanish, or simply asking for directions.
- Make an effort to learn key phrases and vocabulary before you go, especially expressions relevant to activities you'll be undertaking on your trip. For example, if you're planning on doing some hiking, learn words and phrases related to hiking and the outdoors.
- Use a mobile app or website such as Duolingo or our Langster app to help you learn Spanish in an interactive and fun way on the go.
- Finally, don't be afraid to make mistakes – the only way to get better at speaking a foreign language is to practice, even if you make a few errors along the way!
The Bottom Line
No matter your reasons for wanting to learn Spanish, a trip to one of these five amazing Spanish-speaking countries is sure to give you the boost you need. From the vibrant culture and history of Mexico to the stunning scenery and adventure opportunities in Colombia, the Spanish-speaking world offers a vast variety of unique experiences for everyone.
However, before you go, make sure you're prepared by taking some classes at a language school and familiarizing yourself with conversational phrases and vocabulary. With a little preparation, your trip is sure to be a success.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today! ¡Buen Viaje!
