Others

Our experience is that intenational news about Peru tends to be exaggerated. Cusco especially is a relatively peaceful place. If you keep in mind some basic rules (do not carry a lot of cash around with you, do not walk around alone at night), you will usually be safe. Items that are on the news often happen in the country side or in other desolate places. Many tourists visit Peru every year and have a great time.

AMAUTA began in 1996 and is the oldest and largest Spanish School in Cusco. We have an average of 30 – 50 students per week in the low season, and 80 – 100 in the high season. The location of the school, just a block from the Plaza de Armas, is perfect, and the view from our sunny terrace is breath-taking. All our teachers are professionals and native Spanish speakers. Because of the large number of students that visit our school, we can always offer group lessons with other students of your level.

AMAUTA is the only school with programs at different locations, with a professional volunteer and trainee program and with it´s own students residence. And if you cannot decide, just visit us and sign up for our free trial class.
Please check our website and find out about what our past students say: Our Student Testimonials

You can bring your laundry every morning before 10am to our office, and it will be ready the same day at about 6:30pm. The price is about US $0.70 per kilo. If you booked a stay with the host family Plus Program, your laundry service is included.

That is difficult to say as it depends on your way of living while staying in Cusco. Public transport in Peru is very inexpensive, about a dollar. An average meal (set menu) in a restaurant will cost you about US$ 2.00. A beer or a coffee in a bar will cost between US$ 1 and US$ 3, depending on where you go. With a US$ 10 Visitors Ticket (‘Boleto turístico’) you can visit the most important ruins, museums and other sites of interest in and around Cusco. The ticket is valid for 10 days. With an ISIC Card you pay only $ 5. A visit to Machu Picchu or to the rainforest is much more expensive. For details, please check www.dosmanosperu.com, the webpage of our travel agency.

We do recommend you to take out medical and travel insurance before you arrive.

Free internet is included in your program - you can use the computers at the internet café between the hours of 8:30am and 6:30pm. You can use the phone at your accommodation for incoming calls or to make phone calls with a calling card.

There are several ATM machines in Cusco, but it is always good to bring some cash money or travelers checks with you just in case. Please check with you local bank about the rates they charge for withdrawing money in a foreign country.

You can change money (cash US or traveler checks) at the banks or at the different Casas de Cambio at the Plaza de Armas. The exchange rate, is currently $ 1.00 equals 2.8 soles. It is also possible to exchange other currencies but the exchange rate isn´t that good.

No visa is necessary for most countries (check with the Peruvian Embassy in your home country). The tourist visa you will get when entering Peru will give you a standard 90 days, but you can ask for 180 days if you wish. You are allowed a maximum of three 30-day extensions for up 180 days (6 months) in Peru. Each extension will cost you about $100. You might want to consider just crossing the (Bolivian or Chilean) border, if you need more time in Peru. It'll take you about two days and you'll be guaranteed another 90 days.

All the study materials are included and there is no need to bring materials with you. However we recommend you to bring a good dictionary. There is no bookstore in Peru where you can buy Spanish Grammar books or good dictionaries.

With an ISIC Card you get 10% discount on course price at AMAUTA. You can also use the card to get a $ 25 discount on the Inca Trail and $ 5 on the Boleto TUristico, the entrance fee ticket for the tourist sites in Cusco.

AMAUTA has an international staff that speaks a number of languages. When something unexpected happens, you can go to the school administration and talk to them. AMAUTA also has a 24 hour emergency phone number.