LISA! Language Travel

Spanish Language Courses in Cusco

Cusco was once the centre of the powerful Inca kingdom and these days represents the gateway to South America for many travellers, as well as the starting point for a trip to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Cusco

Cusco lies in the highlands of the Andes in Peru, and once served as the capital city of the gigantic Inca empire, which expanded across what is now Ecuador, Chile and Argentina. This tradtional Peruvian city counts some 320,000 inhabitants and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983. The city was built by Spanish colonialists on the foundations of ancient Inca temples and palaces, 11,000 feet above sea level. The idyllic setting of crystal-clear lakes, statuesque mountains and raging rivers creates the perfect conditions for sporting activities such as hiking, mountain biking and wild water rafting. The savage beauty of the landscape set the scene perfectly for the dinosaur film Jurassic Park which was filmed here.

The area around the Plaza de Armas in the city centre comes to life at midday when the world-famous Peruvian street musicians create a unique atmosphere and put smiles on the faces of passers-by. In the arcades you can buy goods made from alpaca wool, hand woven and sold by indigenous Peruvian women. Cusco is a top spot for backpackers who sit on the steps of the small houses, chatting with the indigenous people and their children, who try to teach them a few words of the enchanting Quechan language for the rest of their travels through South America. One such journey where a few Quechan words may come in handy is the trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which remained hidden from the Spanish conquistadors despite many attempts to find it. This elusive site can only be reached via this footpath or by train, and lies 112 kilometres from Cusco.

LISA! Insider Tip: Taking the train along the Inca path leads to some breathtaking views of the stunning countryside; an out-of-this-world experience! Even for keen hikers, the footpath is extremely challenging, as the air becomes thinner with every step higher into the mountains, but the journey is worth it due to the stunning scenery and wildlife you'll see along the way. Cusco itself is rich in museums, monuments, green parks and monasteries. One of the most famous museums is the Archaeological Museum, in which visitors can learn all about the Inca people. The city has a cathedral and many churches, including the magnificent 'La Compañía de Jesús' dating from the 16th and 17th century. At night, the pubs and bars come alive, offering traditional music and regional dishes such as Ceviche, a delicious Peruvian meal of rice, fish and vegetables, which comes highly recommended.