CUZCO - PERU
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"Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the most fascinating cities of Latin America. Just two blocks from the city's centre, travellers and students meet each other in the traditional bars where you can feel the welcoming warmth of the locals. In Cuzco, you will step back in time, with its inhabitants wrapped in multicoloured blankets passing by with their llamas. You absolutely cannot miss the unique opportunity!"
César Rondón
Director of Studies, Spanish Schools Peru
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Cuzco is located in the center of Peru, the cultural heart of the Peruvian Andes.
It is situated 3.400 meters above see level, surrounded by mountains and valleys.
It has a population of 300.000 inhabitants - most of them indigenous- and has much beauty to offer.
This city was founded around 1100 AD. After the conquest, the Spanish built their colonial churches and houses on top of the Inca foundations and this fascinating mix of architectural styles is still much in evidence.
The city, the former capital of the Inca Empire, has enough to hold the interest of even the most demanding of tourist:
the convents, the churches, the museums, the Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral and the ruins in and around Cuzco (Sacsahuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay).
Almost every street features remains of Inca Walls, arches and doorways.
Right on the school's doorstep, enjoy the view of the Andes,
the famous Inca ruins and the magical city of Machu Picchu, Peru's best known archeological site.
This ancient citadel remains the most spectacular sight in all the Americas.
For centuries it was buried in the jungle, until discovered in 1911.
The school is located in a colonial building at only one block from the main square,
the 'Plaza de las Armas' Part of the building is dedicated to student accommodation.
The school has 25 classrooms of different sizes, the smaller ones being used for individual lessons,
and is equipped with a multimedia classroom, a very spacious meeting room, a sunny terrace,
and a café - 'La Tertulia' - the perfect meeting point for students.
| Celebrations and festivals |
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The nation of Cuzco has always been characterized for its joy,
hospitality and its marvelous traditional celebrations that prevail in the life and spirit of its inhabitants.
Two represent the most typical celebrations in Cuzco:
Every year on the 24th of June Cuzco celebrates the festival of 'Inti Raymi' (God of Sun celebration).
The Inti Raymi symbolizes the eternal consecration of marriage between the Sun and his sons, the human beings.
This festival takes place at the archeological complex of Sacsayhuamán, also called the Sacred House of the Sun.
The locals celebrate the winter solstice, in other words the beginning of the Sun's New Year.
This day was proclaimed by the high priest as the New Year: Inti Raymi! Thousands of people participate in this ceremony.
The second celebration is the 'Qoyllur Ritti'.
Here faith reaches its pinnacle at the foot of the snow-capped mountain Ausangate on June 24th.
In these days hundreds of the faithful come up to go on pilgrimage and celebrate Qoyllur Ritti,
radiant with the snow, in a ceremony that combines the cult of the sun,
the Christian images and the very ancient Gods of the mountains: the spirit of the Aunsangate, 'apu wamani' (hill) of Cuzco.
This is the most impressive celebration of the Andes and key to understanding the miscegenation of the faith in Peru.
In Peru excursions are organized in combination with Spanish classes.
One week in Manu (classes in the rainforest: a protected area in the Peruvian amazon) or two weeks in Urubamba (a small, quiet town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas).
A unique opportunity: the teachers will be accompanying you throughout the trip and therefore it is guaranteed that you will be practicing
the Spanish language continuously while participating in an attractive, dynamic, interesting and entertaining leisure program in an unspoiled natural environment.
 Click here to read more about the Sacred Valley of Urubamba.
Click here to read more about the rainforest of Manu.
Cuzco, Archaeological Capital of the Americas, World Heritage site,
and home of the Inca Empire is the oldest living city of the Americas.
Cuzco has it all: art, magic, mystery and all the beauty united in the center and the 'belly button' of the world.
It is a region with beautiful natural views: its street and squares,
the magical majesty of the Inca monuments and the elegance of the colonial constructions illuminated by a blue sky with white clouds which frame the six hills that surround the city.
Cuzco is very well connected and you can travel safely to the most important places of the ancient Inca Empire by taxi or bus without any problem.
Undoubtedly your stay in Cuzco will be an enriching experience in every aspect!
dQ Cuzco
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Urubamba
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Manu
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Volunteer programs in Peru
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