About Other Amauta Destinations

Cusco:

Our Spanish School is located in the center of Cusco which is the cultural heart of the Peruvian Andes. Cusco is situated at 3.400 meter above sea level, surrounded by mountains and valleys. It has a population of 300,000 inhabitants - most of them indigenous - and has much beauty to offer: the panorama of the Andes, famous Inca ruins and the magical town of Machu Picchu.

Information about Peru:

Everyone who visits Peru inevitably winds up in Cusco, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The city was founded around 1100 AD and according to the Inca creation myth, the sun sent his son, Manco Capac, and the Moon her daughter, Mama Occlo, to spread culture through the barbaric lands. They emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca and began their journey in search of the place where they would found their kingdom. When they reached the site of present-day Cusco, Manco plunged his golden staff into the ground in order to test its suitability and it sank deep into the fertile soil. This was the sign they were looking for. They named this place Cusco, meaning "the navel of the world'.

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 very evident in the city. Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire, has enough to hold the interest of even the most demanding of tourists: the convents, the churches, the museums, the Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral and the ruins in and around Cusco (Sacsahuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay). Almost every street has remains of Inca Walls, arches and doorways.

The Sacred Valley Of The Incas

Just outside of Cusco lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its picturesque villages and colorful traditional Indian markets. In the heart of this valley is Taray, where our school offers the opportunity to study and become immersed in traditional, Peruvian life, far away from the tourist centers. Visit the beautiful market and the superb ruins in Pisac, the well-preserved Inca town of Ollantaytambo with its impressive fortress, and the authentic market at Chincheros.

The Valley runs west all the way to Machu Picchu, Peru's best-known archaeological site. This ancient citadel remains the most spectacular sight in all the Americas! For centuries it was buried in the jungle, until this lost Inca town was discovered in 1911. It's the combination of Inca ruins, unforgettable views, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety, which make the Machu Picchu national park truly an experience!

Excursions and Trips

The four hour Spanish Program will give the students more than enough opportunity to enjoy sightseeing in and around Cusco. Also the other School locations, Taray and Manu, provide endless opportunities for exploring the region.

For more information on excursions and trips, please visit the section Excursions and Activities.

Sacred valley:

Our Spanish school offers the exceptional opportunity to follow the Spanish Program at three different locations, each highlighting a different aspect of Peruvian culture: the beautiful city of Cusco, the rainforest of Manu and the picturesque village of Taray, at 15 minutes walking from Pisac, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Due to the lower altitude (2800 meters) the climate here is warmer than in Cusco allowing you to explore Peru as it is and feel as if you are truly immersed in the culture.

Spanish In Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley Spanish Program maintains the high level of instruction, since all of our school teachers rotate between the locations. In our school in Taray, the teachers live with the students at the residence, offering the students many opportunities to practice Spanish. The lessons will take place in either the morning or in the late afternoon, allowing time for the multitude of opportunities for exploring the Valley. Choose amongst walking, cycling or horseback riding to discover this magnificent area. In addition to the two-guided hikes during the week in the Sacred Valley that are included in the program, there are many walks for the independent adventurer.

Spanish Language School In The Sacred Valley

The school building is divided into a sleeping and a study/teaching area and has a lovely, sunny garden with fruit trees. The building is in Taray, a small village close to Pisac, surrounded by snow peaked mountains and typical peruvian houses. There is a large common room with a fireplace.

Recommends

Participants in our Sacred Valley program have spoken so highly of this location that we strongly recommend all students to follow part of their program in the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley program gives endless opportunities to combine excursions with the Spanish program and enjoy both the tranquility and the intimacy of the traditional Peruvian life, away from the hassles of the tourism centre of Cusco.

Practical information on the Sacred Valley location

Taray is a small, quiet village in the Sacred Valley, about 40 km from Cusco (a 40 minute bus drive). Accommodation is provided in a double or a triple bedroom with private or communal toilets for a minimum of 6 nights. Our school will arrange transport for teachers and students from Cusco to Taray every Sunday. The one week program runs till Saturday though students can choose to study in Taray for multiple weeks if the please. All meals are included in the program as well as the student activities, excursions and walks.

Manu:

Our Spanish School is always coming up with innovating ideas that combine the Spanish Language study with the magical beauty of Peru. The Spanish in the Rainforest program offers an excellent opportunity for those who want to study, while experiencing the mystical atmosphere of the Peruvian Rainforest. This is without a doubt, an unforgettable and unique experience!

Manu Biosphere Reserve

The Manu Biosphere is a protected area that still retains healthy populations of jaguar, tapir, anteater, black caiman, giant otter and 13 species of monkey. Its low human population and their continued use of traditional hunting techniques, means that animals are still generally unafraid of man.

Wildlife aside however, the journey into the park itself is amazing. Access to the park is by a single-track dirt road, which carries you from Cusco, over the Andes Mountains and up to an elevation of 4000 meter. Pass pre-inca ruins and then head down through the virgin cloud forest into the Amazon basin itself. The scenery is spectacular!

Spanish Course

Spanish group courses are offered at low intermediate and mid/high intermediate levels in combination with jungle excursions with an experienced guide. Our teachers from Cusco accompany the students throughout the trip, therefore guaranteeing a high level of Spanish instruction.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in double rooms with communal toilets at Pantiacolla Lodge, located in the Cultural Zone of the Manu Biosphere abreast of the beautiful and turbulent Madre de Dios River. At night, illumination is with candles and lanterns (no electricity is present). Paths lead from the bungalows to showers and toilets and further on to a spacious and comfortable dining area and bar.

Nine hundred hectares of land surround the lodge and gritted trails. The enthusiastic explorer will become enthralled with the unparallel wildlife watching opportunities.

Price includes:

Amauta Buenos Aires

For those who are interested in combining locations, we also have our new school out in Buenos Aires! Buenos Aires is the perfect location for those looking to use their Spanish in more than one South American country and learn about multiple cultures at the same time. For those who are continuing their travels after they are finished studying in Peru can head on over to Buenos Aires. Our top quality lesson materials are used at both our Amauta Peru and Amauta Argentina location. With our international staff working together to ensure constant quality in your South American experience, our Buenos Aires location is the perfect place to head to. Inquire about our special combi-programs (e.g. study in Cusco and volunteer in Buenos Aires, or a six week program: two weeks in Cusco, two weeks of travel over land, four weeks in Buenos Aires, etc.