The school has two locations. The principal one is in Cusco
- Peru, at the well known San Blas Square. You can also study in Cai Cay
a small colonial village about one hour from Cusco. Read more about these
locations here.
Peru is the birthplace of many ancient empires. It also has the most variety
in fauna and flora than any other country in the world. The current population
is 27 million people. Lima, it’s capital, has 8 million inhabitants. It
has a costa (coast), sierra (highlands) and the selva
(rainforest). According to the "Inside Guide South America" it
is the ultimate destination for culture seekers, adventurers and eco-tourists.You
can admire Machu Picchu, the monumental ancient city of the Inca’s discovered
in 1911 by Hiram Bingham near Cusco. Or the Nazca lines, which only can
be viewed from the sky. Peru is literally packed with archeological wonders
from the Inca and Pre-Inca period, as well as from the colonial period.
For more information about Peru see the “Practical Info” chapter.
Cusco
is the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. The official flag of the province
of Cusco resembles the gay flag. The only difference is that it has 7 colors
instead of six. In Quechua (the language of the Incas, still spoken today) Cusco means navel of the world. The city is constructed
on an altitude of 11,000 feet or 3400 meters. There are approx.
300.000 persons living in Cusco. You’ll find many remains of the Incas here. For
example Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress just outside the city, is a site
that you must visit. Many of the colonial buildings are built upon the indestructible
Inca foundations. In Cusco you can undertake a diversity of activities,
like visiting the Manu wildlife reserve, the sacred valley, kayaking the Urubamba river or walking the famous
Inca Trail. The photo beneath offers you a 360°
view of the main square.
For more information about Cusco see the “Practical Info” chapter.
The principal school is located in the historical and artistic center
of Inca’s capital Cusco in Peru. The school is situated on Calle Tandapata
N°688—Plazoleta (little square) San Blas. The school can easily
be found, about 7 minutes from the main square. Look at the photos and
follow the arrows:
This photo gives you a 360° impression of the San Blas square. Our school
is situated to the left, above the fountain.
The
other location where you can study Spanish is in the little village
called Cai Cay* at about 60 minutes from Cusco. It’s a quiet typical Indian
village with a colonial square near the Urubamba river
and an amazing view of the mountains.
Apart from taking classes you can hike to Yunca
Puncu, that’s a one hour walk. Here you can admire the Inca bridge
that marks the beginning of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
If you decide to study here you stay in the same building
as our school and enjoy all the ecological products from
the huerta (garden).
Volunteer project Cai Cay
The Spanish School has initiated a project
to educate the school kids of the village after their
regular school time. The main aim is to help them learn a profession and
build a future. Cai Cay has a primary school, not only for the Cai Cay
children but also for the villages nearby. There are about 150 children
going to the local school. As a student of the San Blas Spanish School
you can participate in this project. By studying here you financially
support the education of the local school kids.
* We can offer one week of classes here for groups of minimal 3 people
or more. Nevertheless it is also possible to stay here for a couple of
days without taking classes.