Learn Spanish in Cusco, Peru

Overview of Cusco– The popular legend has it that Manco Capac, the first Inca, founded the city of Cusco.  Manco Capac, his wife Mama Ocllo and his comity emerged from the Lake Titicaca bearing in his hand a magical golden staff that led him to the chosen place (Cusco) where he decided to settle with his family.

Cusco is a relatively small city [1] and is easy to navigate.  It is set in a valley at an altitude of 3,400m above sea level surrounded by mountains. Despite the latest urban development, the charm of downtown Cusco remains undisturbed.  The main square is the heart of the city and is the meeting point for locals and foreigners.  It is flanked by la Catedral, la Compania de Jesus (a Jesuit church), and by buildings hosting souvenir shops, restaurants and tourist agencies. The locals congregate here to celebrate festivities and parades.

The city has many other points of interest like Santo Domingo church built on the foundations of the Koricacha-Temple of the Sun. El museo de Arte Precolombino (once the mansion of the conqueror Alonso Díaz.).  Hatun Rumiyoc street a narrow alley where one side of the road is laying by the wall of Inka Roca’s palace. This wall contains the famous twelve angled stone. San Blas district, La Merced church and others are places to see in Cusco.  Just outside of the Cusco city, Sacsayhuman, Q’enko, Tambomachay are places to explore. The Sacred Valley (Pisaq, Calca, Urubamba…), Ollantaytambo[2] leads into Machupicchu.  Cusco is also used as a base for tourists visiting Macchu Picchu.

The city is growing and recently new hotels been built; and some colonial houses have been converted into boutique hotels unveiling the beauty of these longstanding houses to accommodate the growing tourism industry.

The school- The school is located in the residential neighborhood of “Magisterio” known for its proximity to restaurants, banks, etc. easy access to transportation and safety.  It is a two level building and once was a family home.  The school does not have your typical school setting as it also functions as the students’ residence (in the second level). It is very spacious with lots of natural light coming in, it has an outdoor patio and a fully functional kitchen where the students enjoy refreshments.  Wi-Fi is available.

 The Spanish program

Group and private classes are taught-all levels available. The Spanish classes are designed to the students’ language needs, interests, and learning rhythm. The student can choose the number of hours (from 2-3 hours per day from M-F.) and the length of the program (from 2 weeks to a month). The Spanish level of the student is assessed on the first day of class and the student is placed in the appropriate level (basic, intermediate I-II, advance.).  The classes are complemented with extra-curricular activities (cooking, dancing, museum visits, painting, etc.) that seek to provide the students with opportunities to use the target language.

In addition, the program also includes a visit to Machu Picchu – a one-day visit to this archeological site (transportation from Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Cusco, train ticket, bus from Aguas Calientes to the site and tour guide included.).

Spanish for volunteers-The program is primarily focused on supporting the language needs of the volunteers. The classes are designed for the volunteers to learn grammar, vocabulary, writing and polish their pronunciation to communicate with (the patients, students, staff, etc.) the individuals that they will be working with during their volunteering time. The duration of the Spanish program is tied to the duration of your volunteer program, i.e. a person volunteering for two weeks will study a total of 15 hours[3] of Spanish classes during his/her staying (classes are taught M-F; 1.5 hours per day.). The students have access to Wi-Fi and refreshments.

A one-day visit to Machu Picchu is also included in our volunteer projects (transportation from Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Cusco, train ticket, bus from Aguas Calientes to the site, tour guide included.).

To learn about our volunteer opportunities in Cusco, Peru, Click here or email us at contact@travelwithspanish.com

Accommodation options-The students/volunteers have two choices: staying at the students’ residence or with a host family.

The students’ residence is a two level home located in the residential neighborhood of “Magisterio”; walking distance to banks, grocery stores, restaurants, cafeterias, laundry mats, mall, etc. Downtown Cusco is 10 minutes away by car (the average cost of a taxi ride is $ 4-6 soles), bus options are plenty (it cost an average of 70 cents- 1 sol).  It can accommodate up to 10 residents.  The house has a full equipped kitchen, a comfortable living room and dining room, a solarium and indoor patio where the students spend their free time. The rooms have their private bathroom, a desk to study, portable heaters (houses in Cusco don’t have AC or central heater), hot water, Wi-Fi and other facilities to make your staying enjoyable. The students have a choice of meal plan available to them.

The other option is to stay with a host family. The host families have been carefully selected and they have been working with the institution for many years. They were chosen for their location (proximity to the school/volunteer site), experience hosting international students, etc. Most of the host families have children and welcome their guest as part of the family. If you are interested not only in learning the language but experiencing the lifestyle, habits and customs of the host country, this is an excellent choice. The meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are provided.  The students are provided with a private room comfortably furnished, the bathroom is generally shared with the host family.

Cusco airport pick-up– Whether you choose to stay with the host-families or at the students’ residence. Airport pick-up service will be provided to all our students/volunteers.

Travel with Spanish

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[1] According with the census of 2007, Cusco has 1’ 171 403 habitants.

[2] The town of Ollantaytambo is the place where most travelers visiting Machupicchu chose to take the train to Aguas Calientes.

[3] Should the interested in taken more classes this can be arranged.