Study in Cusco, Peru

About Cusco

Cusco, in the southern Andes of Peru, was the capital of the Inca Empire and is the starting point for trips to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cusco region had 1,379,000 inhabitants at the 2025 national census, according to Peru's statistics office (INEI); within the city, San Sebastián (124,000) and the district of Cusco (97,000) are the most populous districts.

Students come to Cusco mainly to learn Spanish. The historic centre, Inca walls and colonial streets are part of daily life, and classes are easy to combine with excursions, volunteering or a stay with a local family.

Studying in Cusco

Our directory lists three Spanish language schools in Cusco, all in or near the historic centre:

• Mundo Antiguo Spanish School has eight classrooms and states that it receives 900 to 1,000 students a year. Its curriculum follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), and it is licensed by the Municipalidad Provincial del Cusco as a language and cultural education centre.
• Amauta Spanish School has taught Spanish for 25 years and offers standard courses from A1 to C2, Spanish with DELE preparation and medical Spanish. It also teaches in Lima, the Sacred Valley and the Amazon rainforest.
• Wiracocha Spanish School offers intensive, part-time and immersion courses, business and medical Spanish, DELE preparation and volunteer work.

For university study, the city has the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (UNSAAC), founded on 1 March 1692; teaching is in Spanish.

Student visa

Peru's immigration authority, Migraciones, handles student status online. Students enrolled for a year or more at a centre recognised by the Peruvian state apply for the residence visa for training (visa de residencia por formación); short-term studies need the temporary visa for training, which allows a stay of 365 days that can be extended. Both are requested from outside Peru, the fee is S/ 58.80, and you sign a sworn statement that you can support yourself. Documents in another language must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Check with Migraciones or a Peruvian consulate which status your course requires.

Cost of living for students

There is no official student budget for Cusco, but the schools publish their prices in US dollars. As an example, Mundo Antiguo charges US$145 for a week of 20 hours of group classes, with a maximum of four students per group. A homestay costs US$165 a week with a private room and three meals a day, and a room in a shared student apartment US$95 a week. Amauta offers host families and a student residence in the centre.

Getting around and daily life

Most flights to Cusco connect through Lima; the flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Some schools pick students up at the airport when they book accommodation.

Cusco lies at over 3,399 metres above sea level. Many new arrivals feel altitude sickness, known locally as soroche, in the first days, so it is wise to plan a light first day before classes begin.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cusco a good place to learn Spanish?

Cusco has several Spanish schools with small groups, homestays and cultural activities. Our directory lists Mundo Antiguo, Amauta and Wiracocha, which offer courses from beginner to advanced level and DELE preparation.

How much does a week of Spanish classes cost in Cusco?

As an example, Mundo Antiguo charges US$145 for 20 hours of group classes a week and US$165 a week for a homestay with meals. Prices vary by school and season.

Do I need a visa to study in Cusco?

Peru has a temporary visa for short-term studies (365 days, renewable) and a residence visa for courses of a year or more, both requested from Migraciones before you travel. Check which one applies to your course and nationality.

How high is Cusco?

Cusco is at over 3,399 metres above sea level, according to Peru's official tourism portal. Altitude sickness (soroche) is common in the first days.