Student Life: Cuzco (Peru)

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 off-campus in the university residence called La Casa Don Ignacio. The residence is located in the city center, a 5 minute walk from campus. A typical room is double-occupancy. Bathrooms are shared among several rooms. Each room is furnished with a bed, desk and storage. La Casa Don Ignacio has a TV room, laundry, computer room, wireless Internet and small cafe serving Peruvian cuisine.

Student can also request housing with a host family. Living with a host family is a great way to experience the Peruvian culture and improve Spanish language, but students also give up some independence. Families are screened by KEI and USIL. Most bedrooms are double-occupancy. Living area, kitchen and bathrooms are shared with the family. Breakfast is 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 minibuses 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. Average price within the city center is $2.

Phones & internet

KEI will provide a prepaid mobile phone handset shortly after arrival in Peru. The KEI Onsite Director will explain how to use the phone. The phone will have a small amount of credit to get you started. Additional minutes can be purchased at numerous convenient stores. Wireless Internet is available on campus and La Casa Don Ignacio.