About Peru and the Area

DATES: Courses start the first Monday of each month; other dates on request
*2008 Holidays (no class): Jan 1, Mar 21, May 1, Jul 28-29, Aug 30, Oct 8, 20, Nov 1, Dec 8, 25.

Cusco

The institute is located in the centre of Cuzco, cultural heart of the Peruvian Andes. Cuzco is situated at 3.400 meter above sea level, surrounded by mountains and valleys. It has a population of 300,000 inhabitants - most of them indigenous - and has much beauty to offer: the panorama of the Andes, famous Inca ruins and the magical town of Machu Picchu.

Everyone who visits Peru inevitably comes to Cuzco, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The city is founded around 1100 AD. According to the Inca creation myth, the sun sent his son, Manco Capac, and the Moon her daughter, Mama Occlo, to spread culture through the barbaric lands. They emerged from the waters of Lake Titicaca and began their journey in search of the place where they would found their kingdom. When they reached the site of present-day Cuzco, Manco plunged his golden staff into the ground in order to test its suitability and it sank deep into the fertile soil. This was the sign they were looking for. They named this place Cuzco, meaning "the navel of the world'.

Lima

Lima, a city of history and culture, endless beaches, hills and mountains, nightlife, the possibility to see Cuzco, Machu Pichu and much more!

Although four hundred years have passed since its foundation, Lima, known as the “City of the Kings”, has managed to hold onto its traditions, fashion and religious celebrations from Pre-Inca and Inca times.

Walking through the streets and squares of the historic centre of Lima is like traveling to the past. Discover Lima’s Colonial Architecture, for which it was declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

In almost all of Lima’s neighborhoods, you can enjoy an exiting nightlife with many possibilities to go out: casinos, discos, bars, pubs, folkloric parties and restaurants where you can enjoy and dance to the local music.

Lima is located in the central coast of the country, bordering the Pacific Ocean, with 7 million inhabitants you can enjoy beautiful beaches, landscapes, parks, the central market, and the Chinese neighborhood, which are all places you must visit. You can also contemplate the architecture, enjoy the Pacific waves while surfing, savor the world famous Peruvian cooking and the warm people, so… ¡Ven a Lima!