By Carlos Brito

At IDEAL Spanish Mexico, we often talk about immersion, fluency, and cultural discovery. But if you ask anyone who has spent time with us in Cuernavaca, they will tell you that the heart of our school isn’t just in the lesson plans—it’s in the relationships that turn into family.

Last Sunday was a perfect reminder of this. We took a trip to the charming Pueblo Mágico of Malinalco, accompanied by someone very dear to our hearts: my Japanese sister, Tomoko.

A Connection That Spans Decades

Tomoko first came to study Spanish with us back in 2002, staying with my mother as her host family. Over the weeks of practice, shared meals, and introduced cousins and aunts, she didn’t just learn the language—she officially adopted us as her Mexican family. Decades later, she visits us frequently, and this time she brought along her young daughter, Sana (a beautiful name chosen because it carries sweet meaning in both Japanese and Spanish!).

Sharing Malinalco with Tomoko and Sana was like stepping into a living postcard. We wandered through the vibrant local market to pick up fresh tropical fruit, stopped to chat with local artisans about their craft, and ended our afternoon with a delicious meal, incredible coffee, and freshly baked bread at La Casa de Valentina—a local favorite we always recommend!

Getting Up Close with the Imperial Jaguars and Eagles

The highlight of our trip, however, was climbing up to the breathtaking hilltop archaeological site of Malinalco.

For years, visitors could only admire its crown jewel from a distance. But during this visit, we were thrilled to find that a newly installed, very practical viewing scaffolding now allows visitors to get a much closer look inside the Cuaucalli (the “House of the Eagles”).

What is the Cuaucalli?

Carved directly into the living rock of the mountain during the 15th century, the Cuaucalli is one of only a few monolithic structures in the entire world (similar in style to places like Petra in Jordan). In Aztec times, this sacred sanctuary served as a ceremonial center for the military elite—specifically the fearsome Eagle (Cuauhtli) and Jaguar (Ocelotl) Warriors. It was here, high above the valley, that young noble warriors underwent rigorous initiation rites, bloodletting rituals, and sacred oaths to prove their strength, spiritual purity, and devotion to the empire.

Being able to step up close and look inside the chamber to see the original eagles and jaguars carved directly out of the stone floor and bench was an unforgettable experience for all of us.

The IDEAL Experience

Whether it’s discovering ancient Aztec sanctuaries, learning the stories behind local handcrafts, or building bonds that last over twenty years across continents, this is what a day with IDEAL looks like. We don’t just teach you Spanish—we welcome you into our family and show you the soul of Mexico.

Ready to start your own story in Mexico? Explore our customized individual and group Spanish programs at www.idealspanishmexico.com and discover where the language can take you!