How much does it cost to live in Cusco as a Spanish student?
How much does it cost to live in Cusco as a Spanish student? That is one of the most important questions our students want to know the answer to, and that makes sense. But don’t worry. One of the things that many students appreciate about this city is its affordability. On top of Cusco’s friendly locals, stunning landscapes, amazing culture, and exquisite cuisine, this city is almost too good to be true as a destination for a Spanish abroad program. Keep reading to learn more about what you might expect to spend during your stay in Cusco while learning Spanish, and learn: How much does it cost to live in Cusco?
Cusco is one of the most affordable cities in Latin America. Apart from being a tourist hub, it is still cheap to travel, to enjoy the amazing food, do tours, study Spanish, and more! How much does it cost to live in Cusco as a Spanish student? Of course, it also depends on your own spending pattern. Here are some great tips to make your stay and study abroad in Peru affordable!
How Much Does it Cost to live in Cusco: Transportation
Walk. As a student, your primary form of transport will be your own legs. It’s easy to get around on foot through Cusco’s historic center.
Use Public Transport.
The local bus system is extensive and economical, costing a standard fare of 1,20 soles (35 cents) per ride. You can hail public buses at clearly labeled “paraderos” throughout Cusco. The colorful, cheerful bus exteriors are labeled with their destinations, making it easy to plan your travels. Another option to get around is the colectivo, a large shared minivan that travels within and outside of Cusco.
If you’re looking for an economical way to travel to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, the gateway point of Machu Picchu, you simply need to walk to Calle Pavitos and ask the “cobradores” (fare collectors) for the collectivo that goes to Ollantaytambo ($3-6). Be prepared that the colectivos only depart once they are completely full, so you may need to allow extra time to reach your destination.
Taking an Uber/Taxi is another convenient option in Cusco. A 10-15-minute Uber ride within the historical center generally ranges from $1.50 to $ 3.
Food
How much does it cost to live in Cusco? Cusco is heralded worldwide for its varied, flavorful, and flower-adorned cuisine. There are options for every wallet, whether you want a quick meal in the market or an elegant Friday night dinner.
Mercado San Blas is the second-oldest market in Cusco (after Mercado San Pedro). Located just 4 minutes walking from Amauta Spanish School, the market is the perfect place to grab lunch or an afternoon smoothie after classes. The market caters to a blend of locals enjoying lunch on their work break and tourists marveling at the rows of market stalls. Here, you can find:
- the “Machu Picchu” Sandwich – with chicken, cheese, egg, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and basil ($3)
- a vegan meal from Govinda Lila, including soup, main course, and beverage ($4.50)
- a fresh fruit juice ($2.50)
The more you shop at Mercado San Blas, the more you will be called “mami,” “preciosa,” or “casero/a,” a Peruvian term to describe regulars. You can find just about anything here:
- 1 Mango ($1-1.50)
- 2 Onions ($0.50)
- A specialty coffee from Brew Brothers, a charming coffee stand right within the bustling market center ($2.50-4)
- A bouquet of assorted flowers ($2-3)
- A bar of dark Peruvian Chocolate ($4)
Keep in mind that the cost depends on how comfortable you are with bartering!
Restaurants in Cusco
Many Cusco restaurants offer a “middle of the road” price point. One such is Sumaq, a cozy family-run locale serving authentic Peruvian cuisine. At the start of every week, our students gather here for dinner to try traditional Peruvian dishes such as Aji de Gallina: shredded chicken breast with a creamy chili sauce ($10). Sumaq is also a great place to try a Pisco Sour, a bright and refreshing Peruvian classic made with grape brandy, egg whites, lime juice, and simple syrup ($4.50). Even if you pass on the Pisco, you’ll still feel the warmth from the stone pizza oven, and enjoy watching “Winner”, Sumaq’s owner, juggle taking orders and preparing dishes.
We also recommend checking out the vegan hotspot Green Point, conveniently located across the street from Amauta. The candle-lit tables and ivy lined walls create a soft, elegant atmosphere, accompanying its menu of 100% vegan dishes perfectly. The slow-cooked, rich, and velvety House Lasagna ($15) and Vegan Pastor Tacos ($15), with oyster mushrooms, grilled pineapple, and pickled red onions, are two must-haves.
Drinks in Cusco
How much does it cost to live in Cusco in terms of drinks and going out? Studying in Cusco also gives you the opportunity to enjoy its expansive bar and coffee shop scene. You might consider Los Perros, a Dutch-inspired brasserie with a warm ambiance and a Happy Hour menu (2 Gin & Tonics for $12). At Molly’s Irish Bar and Restaurant, you’ll find live music and tasty Irish fare. You can grab a Corona ($5.50) or the Chilcano Clásico, made with Pisco, ginger ale, and lime juice ($9.50).
There is no shortage of coffee shops in Cusco’s historic center. In general, you can expect to pay between $3-3.50 for a latte (+$1 for non-dairy milk). One of our favorite spots is Ápice, a family-run locale nestled within Plazoleta San Blas. In addition to their fabulous coffee options, Ápice offers select baked goods every morning, including cinnamon rolls and matcha & raspberry cookies ($2). But without a doubt, the best part of Ápice is their fabulous, considerate staff, who will help you practice your Spanish.
Essentials
Living in the student apartments at Amauta has many perks, one of which is the shared kitchen. You can do your grocery shopping at both local markets and conventional grocery stores, such as Plaza Vea and Orion.
Here’s a sample list of the cost of essentials that you might buy during your stay in the Amauta student housing:
- fresh ciabatta baguette: $1.45
- 7-liter bottle of water: $2.04
- 5oz Nescafé instant coffee: $6.46
- large Greek yogurt container: $3.54
- 4 pack frozen hamburgers: $3.81
- 15 pack eggs: 10.20 soles $3.01
- tuna can: $1.68
- Lays chips: $1-2.95
- Coke bottle $1.06
- 24 pack of Toilet paper: $12.07
- Colgate toothpaste: $2.63
Laundry
You can find laundromats (“lavanderias”) around every corner. On average, laundry costs $ 2/kg for next-day pickup.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Cusco:
As you stroll through Amauta’s neighborhood (San Blas), you will undoubtedly hear advertisements for professional massages (starting at $6 per hour). And on your way to a restaurant, cafe, or a museum, you can’t miss the numerous artisanal shops lining the streets of San Blas and Plaza de Armas. We recommend you check out Artesanía Asunta, where you can peruse Alpaca clothing, warm cashmere scarves ($7.50), and colorful magnets ($3).
Tours in Cusco
One major perk of studying Spanish at Amauta is our travel agency, Dos Manos, located right inside the school. Our students book Dos Manos excursions at a discounted price. For one of your first weekends in Cusco, you might consider the Sacred Valley Tour ($30-35). This guided tour gives you a glimpse of ancient life in the Andes, taking you through Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. You should keep in mind that you will need to pay for your entrance to the ruins. You can buy a tourist ticket (“Boleto Turistico”) that ranges from $21-38.50, depending on which sites you’d like to visit in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain is another excursion that you can’t miss. Rainbow’s original name is Vinicunca, which translates to “rainbow” in Quechua. The mountain lives up to its name with its brightly colored mountain ranges. Rainbow is a great trip to book after getting adjusted to the altitude, as you’ll reach a peak of over 5,000 meters. Your tour includes round-trip transportation, breakfast, and lunch ($32). You’ll just need to pay the 30-sol entrance fee for the mountain upon your arrival.
Perhaps one of Dos Manos’ most adventurous options is the 5 Day Salkantay Trek. You will traverse mountain terrain, cloud forest, and lakes, traveling from Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu. This stunning hike-to-Machu Picchu tour includes a professional guide, camping equipment, meals, a hotel room in Aguas Calientes, a Machu Picchu ticket, a bus ticket (from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu), and a return train ticket (approx. $335 for Amauta students). In addition, you can expect to pay:
- $9-18 for your first breakfast (day 1) and last lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 5
- $15 for water
- $20 to rent a sleeping bag (optional)
- $20 to rent trekking poles (optional)
- $10 tip for your guide
- $3 for extra amenities (wifi, hot water at accommodation)
- $6 Lake Humantay entrance fee; $15 for water
- Money for snacks and $9-18 for your first breakfast (day 1) and last lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 5Read more: why not to miss out on the Salkantay Trek while studying Spanish in Cusco
Price Spanish courses in Cusco
How much does it cost to live in Cusco, and what is the price of the Spanish course itself? You can join an intensive Spanish group course for only $126/week* This course includes 4 hours of Spanish lessons, lesson materials, WIFI, coffee, tea, and three free activities!
There is no other destination in Latin America where you can study Spanish at a school that offers a better deal! Housing starts at $130/week or $156/week with 2 meals.
(min. duration of two weeks.)
Exchange rate used to calculate costs: 1 SOL = 0.30 US Dollar
Learn more about living in Cusco like a local