Thursday October 10, 2019 - Posted by admin

Study Spanish in Cusco, Peru! — You will not be disappointed if you choose to improve your Spanish skills in the ancient city of Cusco. Cusco, Peru’s 7th largest city, has much to offer. From its vibrant Inca history, to the endless possibilities for adventure, Cusco is an excellent choice for an intensive Spanish language course. Study Spanish in Cusco: you won’t be disappointed!

I – What to do in Cusco: half a day trips or activities

There is so much to do in Cusco that you will never be bored while studying Spanish in Peru. What to do in Cusco after your Spanish classes? Here are a few recommendations:

• Koricancha, also known as the sun temple, is an incredible museum. It showcases many aspects of Incan history. It is open Monday through Saturday 8:30am to 5:30pm. On Sunday, it is open 12 – 5pm. They charge 15 soles, however if you are a college student and bring your university student I.D. you can get a discount.

• Cristo Blanco is a statue of Jesus Christ. It is on a large hill that overlooks Cusco; you can see Cristo Blanco from the Plaza de Armas. The statue was designed by Francisco Olazo Allende, a local artist and filmmaker. The statue was sponsored by Arabic Palestinians who were flattered by Cusco’s hospitality. You can take a taxi, a bus, or hike. If you take a taxi from the Plaza de Armas it is approximately 15 minutes to get there. A hike takes about 40-50 minutes, and the bus about 20 minutes.
• The Cathedral is located in the Plaza de Armas. This Cathedral was built in 1560. The Cathedral resides between two churches, the Sagrada Familia and the Triunfo. Inside the Cathedral, take a look at the Crypts below the main alter of the Basilica. These hold the ashes of numerous deceased Archbishops of Cusco. Another important part of the Cathedral is The Sala de Plateria, or the Silver Room. This room contains religious silver artifacts that were used throughout the history of Cusco.
• San Pedro Market: to escape from the normal everyday touristy restaurants, stores, and nightlife, a trip to San Pedro Market is essential. The San Pedro Market gives a glimpse into the realities of many Peruvians. While you are there, you can also purchase all kinds of foods or souvenirs, eat among locals, and enjoy the life of many Peruvians.
• Sacsayhuaman is an area where a battle took place between the Inca and Spanish. There you can see impressive stone carvings in the ruins. It is about a 45 minute hike from Cusco’s center.

Extra tip: Don’t miss Limbus Restobar. It is located at Calle Pasñapkana 133. A bit of an uphill hike to get to, but the view, atmosphere, and food is worth it. You can enjoy indoor or outdoor seating. Outdoor seating ensures a beautiful overlook of the city.

Finally, the Choco Museum is another excellent way to spend your afternoon or evening. They offer chocolate classes that teach the origins of chocolate, what it meant to the Incas, and how it is made today. Participants are able to make their own chocolate and customize their chocolate to their personal preference. Afterwards, you can enjoy reading more about the history of chocolate and of course, eating the chocolate you created! The chocolate museum is located at 210 Calle Garcilaso, approximately a 5 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.

II – What to do in Cusco: day trips

There are many day trips to take advantage of in Cusco. A trip to Rainbow Mountain or to the Sacred Valley are doable in one day. And of course you will not want to miss out on the Inca Citadel Machu Picchu!

* Our Spanish school in Cusco runs it’s very own travel agency! Great discount opportunities and easy information and booking or our students in Cusco! The school is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the main Plaza de Armas. They also offer free cultural activities every day of the week. These can include a history lesson about the Incas, Peruvian cooking lessons, salsa dance classes, or even a trip to a museum.

Safety Tips for Cusco

Cusco has relatively low crime. However, it is important as tourists to take extra precaution.

• First, only VISA and occasionally MasterCard are accepted in stores. (And in several cases only cash is accepted). As a result, it is recommended to only take your visa card with you and some cash that you will need for the day. Do not take all your cash. Only take what you may need for the day.
• When shopping in the market, do not take out all your cash either. Taking out all your cash that you have can attract thieves. Try to be discrete when taking out your money.
• On the weekends in the club, do not go alone. Go with trusted friends. There are several locals that think tourists are easy prey, so do not fall victim to their traps. Be aware, be with other people, do not go to strangers houses and enjoy your night! As long as you follow these guidelines, you are sure to enjoy your time.
• Make sure you take official taxis. Registered, official taxis will have numbers on either the door or the rooftop. When taking a taxi, agree on a price before entering the taxi. If you enter the taxi without first agreeing on a price, the taxi driver will likely overcharge you. To get just about anywhere in Cusco will cost 4-6 soles.

What to pack for Cusco

First and foremost: warm clothes. Many tourists upon arriving to Cusco are surprised at the cooler temperatures. Although Cusco is close to the equator, the altitude brings cooler temperatures, especially at night. The nights are notably cold during the dry season in June, July, and August. We recommend you bring layers.

At the same time, sunscreen is essential to add to your packing list. Cusco is close to the equator and therefore close to the sun. You can easily burn or cause long term damage to your skin. Protect your skin and wear strong sunscreen every day.

It is wise to pack some things to help combat with altitude sickness. There are a few over the counter drugs that you can purchase before you make your trip to Cusco. The Sorojchi pill helps regulate blood flow and helps headaches due to altitude sickness. It contains acetylsalicylic acid, salophen, and caffeine. For dizziness or nauseous, take Gravol.

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Cusco will captivate you with its fascinating ancient history, delicious food, amazing scenery, and rich culture. There are numerous places to explore. From restaurants to hikes to fun shops—there is plenty to do! Pack your sweaters and your sunscreen and embrace the rich culture of Cusco while you learn Spanish.

Study Spanish in Cusco: you won’t be disappointed!

For more info, contact one of our study advisors

Register here for a Spanish language course in Cusco, Peru

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