Choosing a school can seem like a daunting task, as the choice is so large. If you're trying to book lessons in advance, you could email or fax a few of those listed below to request brochures or ask questions. If you're sorting them out after you've arrived, the best thing to do is pop in and visit a few schools, look at their classrooms and ask them about their facilities and methods - you could even ask to sit in on part of a lesson. Nearly all schools offer one-to-one lessons, but not all use books or visual aids. It's a good idea to ask if you can rotate your teacher , as this keeps the lessons fresher and allows you to compare techniques and work out what suits you. Some schools will try to encourage you to sign up for seven hours a day, but most students find it exhausting trying to concentrate for this length of time - four hours a day is about the maximum people can cope with comfortably, whether studying for just a few days or several weeks. The majority of schools offer you the option of staying with a family , usually for $10-15 a day, with all meals included. Activities such as cookery classes, dancing lessons or day-trips are also offered by many schools, which can be good ways to meet other students. The following schools are established and reputable; South American Explorers and many embassies also supply lists of language schools.

Academia Latinoamericana , Jose Queri 2 and Eloy Alfaro (tel 452824, fax 433820, delco@spanish.com.ec ). Well-structured courses, complete with homework and testing. Most teaching is in small groups of up to four students, but one-to-one is also offered. More expensive than most.

Amazonas , Jorge Washington 718 and Amazonas, 2nd floor (tel 527509, fax 504654, amazonas@pi.pro.ec ). Large, long-established school, with a branch in the Oriente as well. Students are offered use of pool, sauna and jacuzzi at the Hilton Colon .

Bipo & Toni's , Carrion 300 and Leonidas Plaza (tel 556614, fax 500732, bipo@pi.pro.ec ). This excellent school has great teachers and a lovely garden with tables, chairs and barbecue facilities. Also has a video room, library and cafe. Regularly donates a portion of profits to environmental projects.

Galapagos Spanish School , Amazonas 258 and Jorge Washington, 2nd floor (tel 565213, fax 220939, www.galapagos.edu.ec ). As well as ordinary language lessons, they offer courses in "literary analysis" and business Spanish. Has a large reference library and arranges weekly activities.

Instituto Superior de Espanol , Ulloa 152 and Carrion (tel 223242, fax 221628, www.instituto-superior.net ). Well-regarded school in a renovated colonial-style house with a garden, just north of La Mariscal. Use of a gym is also offered.

La Lengua , Colon 1001 and Juan Leon Mera (tel 543521, fax 501271, www.la-lengua.com ). Friendly, centrally located school with a range of good-value, flexible programmes including some covering Latin American history, economics and politics, literature and culture.

Simon Bolivar , Leonidas Plaza 353 and Roca (tel & fax 236688, www.simon-bolivar.com ). Dynamic young school in a quiet corner of the new town, making for a peaceful environment in which to study. Offers a wide range of activities and tours on top of its lesson.

South American Spanish Institute , Amazonas 1549 and Santa Maria (tel 544715, fax 226348, www.southamerican.edu.ec ). Long-established school with a good reputation, also popular with Ecuadorians for English lessons.