PERU: Cuzco & Lima

PERU STUDENT LIFE

Cuzco Lima

Cuzco offers an abundance of cultural and recreational activities. Museums, cafes and night clubs can be found in the city center. Ecological parks, Inca ruins and Andean villages are within 1 to 2 hour’s reach. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of campus clubs and activities.

Housing & meals

Students live with host families. Living with a host family is a great way to experience the Peruvian culture and improve Spanish language proficiency. Families are screened by KEI. Most bedrooms are double-occupancy. The living area, kitchen, and bathrooms are shared with the family. Breakfast and dinner/supper are included with homestays.

Peru is considered the gastronomy center of South America. Peruvian cuisine stems from a combination of Spanish and native ingredients. Chinese, Italian, West African, and Japanese influences can also be seen throughout Lima. Many traditional foods, such as quinoa, kiwicha, chili peppers, and several roots and tubers have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent decades with a revival of interest in native Peruvian food crops.

Getting around town

The main forms of public transportation in Cuzco are micros and taxis. Micros (also called Combis) are privately-owned minibusses known for being very cheap. This is the most common form of public transportation for locals. Taxis in the city are very cheap. There are no meters so you must tell the driver where you want to go and agree on a price before you get in. The average price within the city center is $3.

ONSITE DIRECTOR

Nancy Olarte
nancy@KEIabroad.org
Cuzco, Peru

Hola. I was born and raised in Cusco. At the age of 18, I moved to Lima where I lived most of my adult life until returning to my beloved Cuzco a few years ago. I have diverse experience and owned several business in Lima and Cuzco. I am so excited to work as the KEI Onsite Director and assist students while they study in Cuzco. Sharing my love of Peru with students brings joy to my life. I look forward to welcoming you in Cuzco. Hope to you see you soon.