Learning Spanish in Peru

During your time learning Spanish in Peru you will be staying with a local Peruvian family on an authentic homestay experience. This is the ideal way to make the most of your Spanish skills and help you pick up the language that little bit quicker, as you experience a true taste of the culture and daily life of the Peruvian people.  If you prefer not to stay in a homestay, for example if you are travelling alone, then we can arrange alternative accommodation in a dorm at a local student residence.

Welcomed with open arms, you’ll be kept safe, enjoy clean accommodation in your own private room (includes a lock on the door), and will share the lounge, kitchen, bathroom and if available, courtyard or garden with the family and any other students the family has chosen to take in. All families have a television, radio and telephone (for the use of incoming calls).

During your stay you’ll be free to come and go as you wish, but as a simple courtesy, you should let your host family know where and when you’ll be out, so they won’t worry unnecessarily.

With two meals a day provided by your host family, you’ll be served breakfast between 06:30 and 09.30, with a full three course lunch/main meal between 13:00 and 15.30. These times are flexible however, and you can always make other arrangements if you wish, (and let them know!) Your hosts will also be happy to cater for any special dietary requirements.

Though your accommodation may be a little more basic than a hostel or hotel stay, it will still be safe, secure and comfortable and the perfect place to experience real Peruvian life and language in a loving and hospitable environment.

All families are chosen carefully and monitored through regular inspections and student feedback and are middle class. Many of the homestays are situated in Santa Monica, the same exclusive residential area as the Spanish School. Taxis into the centre of Cusco from this neighbourhood cost around USD1.20 and mini-vans cost around USD0.20. 

Please note that Cusco suffers from a water shortage, and most families do not have a water tank. Hot water installations and standards of accommodation in general, may not meet western expectations, so you should be prepared for basic or lower standards than you would normally be used to. Laundry is not usually included, but there are several laundry services/laundrettes in Cusco which usually return clothes within 24 hours.

We ask that you respect the family’s home and accept their way of living as a unique and wonderful cultural experience. During your stay you should bear in mind that some of our host families may only speak Spanish. As they are used to accommodating students who don't speak Spanish however, they are always very patient and have become incredibly imaginative, communicating using basic words and sign language. If there is a serious need, the staff at the school all speak English and can serve as translators where necessary.

If you prefer, you can swap your accommodation to a student residence in Cusco centre instead of the family homestay. Please ask our travel advisors for more information about prices and availability.