Spanish On the Go! - Improve your listening comprehension skills with our authentic podcasts

Costa Rica is one of the world's five Blue Zones, specifically, the Nicoya Peninsula region. Here –on average- people can live over a 100 years. To achieve this marvel the residents of rural Nicoya know that the key to a long, healthy and happy life is to live quite simply.

Click play to learn more about Nicoya's slow-paced lifestyle and the valuable lessons we can learn to enjoy an extended, stress-free life.

Aguacate, palta, avocado, no matter what we call it, this delicious fruit is present in the meals of millions of people around the world. El aguacate was first domesticated and farmed by the Indigenous people of Mexico and Central America thousands of years ago. Rich, creamy and colorful, el aguacate has numerous health benefits and it's a commercial success to the point of being called 'Green Gold'.

Click play now to hear how avocados took the culinary, financial and digital worlds by storm, one guacamole at a time!

La Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Three Cultures square) is a striking symbol of Mexico's rich and complex history. Located in the neighborhood of Tlatelolco in Mexico City, this square honors the three main Mexican eras: pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern. This site has witnessed the largest pre-Columbian market, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores and the highs and lows of modern, independent Mexico.

Click play to learn more about the different cultural eras represented in this captivating, must-see Mexican plaza!

The mahogany (caoba) wood is highly-valued for its deep, reddish-brown color, its durability and its workability. During the 18th and 19th centuries, owning furniture and other pieces made from this coveted wood was a symbol of wealth and status. At the time, the main source of mahogany was in Honduras and its trade was a symbol of colonization and exploitation. The location, extraction and transportation of the wood was done by slave labor under terrible and dangerous conditions.

Tune in now to hear the riveting story of la caoba de Honduras and the long-term consequences of the mahogany trade in Central America.

The Cathedral in Seville is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a perfect example of Spain's rich and diverse historic and cultural background. Built on the remains of a Muslim mosque, the construction of the Catholic Cathedral lasted over a century. The present building displays different architectural styles, impressive art works and magnificent workmanship that embody Spain's complex cultural identity.

Click play to learn about the fascinating history of this architectural jewel and start planning your next visit to Spain!

Over 500 species of insects form an integral part of Mexican cuisine. Among those species, we have los escamoles, also known as Mexican caviar. The escamoles are the eggs and larvae of the güijera ants and they've been considered a delicacy since Aztec times. Highly coveted for their unique and delicate flavor, escamoles can be used in different dishes and preparations, but they're quite difficult to harvest, making them a true culinary luxury item.

Click play now to hear more about this ancestral Mexican caviar packed with exquisite flavors, nutrients and hundreds of years of culinary traditions that turn each bite into an unforgettable experience.

La santería is a perfect example of the religious and cultural syncretism prevalent throughout Latin American communities. This practice originated in Cuba in the 19th century as a way for African slaves to protect their religious beliefs while being forced to learn and practice Catholicism under Spanish rule. These slaves found a way to link their orishas -Yoruba gods- to Catholic saints that shared similar attributes, combining elements from both cultures in the process. Click play to learn about the fascinating history of la santería and the role it plays in music, art, and literature Latin America and other parts of the world including the Unites States and Europe.

For hundreds of years popular wisdom proclaimed the benefits of taking una siesta (nap) during the middle of the day. Now, modern science confirms it. A short siesta after lunch helps with our digestion, stabilizes our blood pressure and stress levels, improves our mood and cognitive functions, boosts our energy and more.

Click play to learn more about this world-wide, ancient tradition that dates back to Ancient Rome!

When the first Spaniards arrived to the New World, they were faced with the unforeseen challenge of dealing with the native peoples who have lived there for thousands of years. This sparked many debates concerning their rights, land ownership, treatment and even their humanity. These discussions led to the enactment of las Leyes de Burgos, a set of laws governing the behavior of the Spaniard settlers and providing unprecedented rights and protections for the living and working conditions of the indigenous peoples.

Click play to hear about the major historical importance and ramifications of las Leyes de Burgos, considered the first step towards our modern labor and human rights.

Mexico City is the second city in the world with the most amount of museums with a total of 170 museums and 43 specialized galleries. In the Mexican capital you can find the more traditional fine arts and archeology museums as well as specific and curious museums dedicated to traditional drinks like pulque and tequila, perfumes, prints, shoes, old toys, chocolate and more!

Click play to learn more about Mexico City's fascinating collection of museums and start planning your next visit!