Sacred Valley Spanish School

Sacred Valley Spanish School

Pisac, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru

Contact: Judy Chavez Ipenza (Gerente)

Email: j.ci.spanish85@gmail.com

Skype: ju.spanish.teacher

Facebook: Sacred Valley Spanish School

Cellphone: +51 944.244.836 or  959.29.39.20

Address: Prolongacion Amazonas I-18, Pisac

Spanish Courses

Our school offers various Spanish courses and caters to all levels. We provide private courses, which are perfectly tailored for everyone´s needs, you will be able to learn the language on your own terms and pace.

In addition, there are group classes available with a maximum size of 4 students. In this setting you will get to know different people and could have interesting discussions.

All classes are fully tailored to the requirements and needs of the students and can be adapted to the timetable suitable for you or your group.

Before you start your course we will assess your level of Spanish with a short test to make sure you get the most appropriate course and class for you.

At the end of your study, during your last class you will have another test, to evaluate your improvement and provide you with a certificate.

All our classes are interactive and include many exercises, real-life examples and situations, videos or music and visits or tours to the town or local market.

We also provide online classes via Skype with one of our teachers.

Please contact us for more information on this option!

SIMPLE PACKAGES

Beginner course

This course is divided into three modules of 30 hours each. Upon completion of this course you will possess a basic understanding and small vocabulary to have a simple conversation in present, past and future tense.

Intermediate course

This course consists of four modules of 40 hours each. You will deepen your knowledge on different tenses, verb conjugations and the modes as well as gain more elaborated vocabulary. Afterwards, you will be able to understand a decent amount of vocabulary and have a conversation using and switching in tenses.

Advanced course

This course is composed of three modules with 40 hours per module. After completing this course you would have acquired the ability to hold a longer and more elaborated conversation. Further you will be capable to discuss about current news and topics and hold presentations about any topic. The grammar and use of tenses will be perfected.

SPECIAL COURSES

Survival Spanish

This is the perfect course for all visitors, who do not have much time to study Spanish, but still want to learn the basics in order to communicate with other people. Therefore, you will learn some grammar and vocabulary that is used in daily life conversations and is helpful during your travel. This course 20 hours long.

Andean Medical Spanish

This course is designed for students in need to learn the technical vocabulary for medical and hospital environment. This course is a combination of medical Spanish and a cultural teaching about the ancestral Andean culture, which is of importance, if working with the communities or indigenous people.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

FULL IMMERTION PROGRAM:

THIS PROGRAM IS IDEAL FOR SEEKERS OF A MORE PROFOUND EXPERIENCE IN THE LATIN AND ANDEAN CULTURE, SO THIS COURSE COMPRISES OF 4 HOURS OF DAILY SPANISH CLASSES AND 2 HOURS OF DAILY CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. WE ARE CONVINCED THAT EVERYONE THAT IS OPEN TO TRY NEW EXPERIENCES AND SITUATIONS WILL EJNOY THIS PROGRAM IMMENSLY.

PERFECTIONING YOUR SPANISH:

THIS IS A PERSONALIZED COURSE WITH FOCUS ON DETAILS TO REACH A GREAT PROFFICIENCY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE AN ADVENCED LEVEL OF SPANISH ALEADY AND WICH FOR A USE OF SPANISH IN A TECHNICAL OR PROFESSINAL ENVIRONMENT.

DELE EXAM PREPARATION COURSE:

WE OFFER THIS COURSE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO TAKE OFFICIAL EXAMS FOR SPANISHA AS A SECOND TONGUE, SUCH AS DELE AND OTHERS.

* PRICES FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON REQUEST

Prices for Spanish classes

PRIVATE CLASSES	PRICE
1 HOUR PER DAY	S/. 25.00
20 HOURS  COURSE	S/. 470.00
30 HOURS  COURSE	S/. 700.00
GROUP SESSION	PRICE
1 HOUR PER DAY	S/. 20.00
20 HOURS  COURSE	S/. 360.00
30 HOURS  COURSE	S/. 525.00

Please ask for the special packages prices

Fun and Recreational Services

WE STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT LANGUAGE LEARNING CAN BE SHARED NOT ONLY IN THE CLASSROOM BUT ALSO IN DIFFERENT, FUN SETTING AND THIS IS WHY OUR SCHOOL ORGANIZES DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES DURING WEEKENDS, SUCH AS:

COOKING CLASSES: DURING THESE CLASES YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO PREPARE TYPICAL LOCAL DISHES IN A TOTALLY INTERACTIVE WAY

DANCE CLASSES: WE OFFER TRADICIONAL PERUVIAN DANCE CLASSES AND ALSO LATIN AMERICNA DANCE CLASSES SUCH AS SALSA, MERENGUE AND TANGO.

CULTURAL NIGHT: PISAC IN THE SACRED VALLEY AND CUSCO ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS, SUCH AS THEATRE, DANCE AND MUSIC ETC. WE ALWAYS INVITE YOU SO THAT YOU CAN COME ALONG TO THOSE EVENTS.

ALL OUR ACTIVITIES ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE, NOT JUST FOR THE STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOL. THE COSTS ARE KEPT TO THE MINIMUM, SO COME AND HAVE FUN WITH US!

Quechua Course

If you want to work as a volunteer in the Andean communities it is of great importance that you have a basic understanding about the ancestral language of the Incas. The whole program is divided into 10 modules, which consists of 20 hours each. The course will be given by a Quechua native speaker and a professional teacher. 

Accomodation Services

FAMILY ACCOMODATION

THIS OPTION IS IDEAL FOR THOSE WHO SEEK MORE CONTACT WITH THE LOCAL POPULATION AND GET TO KNOW BETTER THE LOCAL CULTURE AND CUSTOMS. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE THE LIFE OF THE FAMILY FROM PISAC OR HIGHER MOUNTAINS. THE FAMILY WILL TAKE YOU IN AS ONE OF THEIR OWN OFFERIER THEIR WARMTH AND HOSPITALITY.

APARTMENTS

THIS OPTION IS GREAT FOR THOSE WHO WICH TO HAVE MORE PRIVACY DURING THEIR STAY IN PISAC. WE CAN PLACE YOU IN FURNISHED APARTMENTS WITH ALL YOU MIGHT NEED DURING YOUR STAY.

HOSTELS AND HOTELS

WE CAN ALSO HELP TO FIND YOU A HOTEL OR HOSTEL ACCORDING TO YOUR BUDGET AND NEEDS.

Volunteering

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP IN SOME COMMUNITIES WE CAN CONNECT YOU WITH A NUMBER OF NGOs THAT WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE IN NEED.

IT IS NECESARY TO HAVE LANGUAGE SKILLS IN ORDER TO HELP THE COMMUNITIES AND THIS IS WHY SPANISH AND QUECHUA LANGUAGE TRAINING SO THAT YOUR HELP CAN BE AS EFFICIENT AND AS EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE.

Additional Services

WE KNOW THE NEEDS OF THOSE TRAVELING AND LIVING IN A NEW COUNTRY. WE HAVE BEEN THERE AND DONE IT OURSELVES. THIS IS WHAY WE WOULD LIKE TO BE OF HELP AND SUPPORT FOR YOU WHILE YOU ARE HERE.

WE CAN ARRANGE FOR YOU:

* TRANSPORTATION

* HOUSE CLEANING

* GARDENING

* CHILD MINDING

ETC

EVERYONE THAT WORKS WITH US IS CAPABLE OF OFFERING YOU THE SUPPORT YOU MIGHT NEED DURING YOUR STAY AND STUDY WITH US.

About us

We are a small Peruvian family, who decided to teach Spanish and Quechua as a second language to foreigners and people, who are interested in learning and enhancing their language skills. Further, we want to be the bridge between the foreign visitors from and the local community, this way you can have a first hand experience with the Latin and Andean culture. This should be a very different and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

We are committed so that you have a great and unique experience here with us learning Spanish. To really get to know a culture and not just the language is a very different experience, therefore we really want you to know more about our Andean and Latin culture, so you will be able to explore a place not just as a visitor, but rather as a part of  our community.

We hope to be able to welcome you soon.

P.S. Even if you don’t want to take classes and just need some help or information about the Sacred Valley and surroundings or travel advice, don’t hesitate to ask us, we will be happy to advise you.

Location

We are situated in the center of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in a small and mystic town called Pisac, a place surrounded by majestic mountains and the glow of the sun and the Andean sky. The town of Pisac is located only 40minutes drive from Cusco.

(Map)

Our School

Our school is located in a quiet central area of Pisac and provides the ideal and perfect place to learn and study a language. We have a quality environment and study rooms, professional and hand sellected teachers, warm and friendly atmosphere. We offer a free WiFi and coffee and tea bar.

We also offer some extra services, such as travel advice and local information and help with finding your accommodation with a local family or a hotel.

Our team

THE ONWER AND HEADMASTER: 
Hello, my name is Judy Chávez. After 10 years of teaching Spanish to many people from various countries in big schools around the Cusco area, I decided to open my own school, where I could offer a professional teaching facility for you. I want you to have the best learning outcome, but enjoy your time and learn something new not only about the language but also about the culture, the lifestyle and the habitats of the Peruvians.


The office manager

THE TEACHERS

Rómulo: 

Hi everybody! I’m so happy to tell you welcome to this beautiful family. You will enjoy your experience here, learning Spanish with a nice environment. I have been a Spanish teacher since 2001, and will be more than happy to have you as my student.

Karen:

My name is Karen, I´ll be your teacher when you will come to our school. Together, we will learn a lot of Spanish and our Peruvian culture, visit us, we are waiting for you!

Paul: 

Hi friends! I’m one of the teachers in Sacred Valley Spanish School, after being teacher for more than 8 years in different places. If you come to our school I’m sure you will enjoy the experience, we will have a lot of fun learning.

Kettlin: 

Hi guys!! My name is Kettlin, I´ve been a Quechua and Spanish teacher for a long time, I want to welcome you to the school, you will love this experience, Pisac and the school have many things to offer you. Don’t hesitate to come!

José Carlos:

I want to say hi to everyone and invite you to visit us here in Pisac, we are waiting for you. I have been a teacher since 2007 in many schools and be part of this family makes the difference, come and visit us, we will give you an unforgettable experience.

Out teaching method

When you decide to study another language you always think about how difficult it is to memorize the rules and exceptions and how boring it is to study the grammar. Therefore, in our school you have the possibility to start speaking Spanish from the first day on with a more communicative method, where you will gain quickly speaking, writing, listening and reading skills. Moreover, we will not only have many conversations, but you have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and to get to know, understand and live the local culture. During the time of your stay and study with us you will have a great time too.

Why study in Pisac?

Compared to other cities such as Lima or Cusco, Pisac is a wonderful small sized town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and has a mystical and spiritual charm to it. The mountain surroundings and its inhabitants give you a sense of belonging and warmth. In these surroundings it is easier to study a new language and practice it, as there is not so much distraction you would find in a big city. Furthermore you will become quickly a part of a strong community, where you will learn many new things and will help you to grow personally and language wise. 

We consider ourselves lucky to be located in such a unique spot and that we are able to welcome guests from all over the world in our school and the community. We believe that by studying in our school and living in our town  you will have a very nice time and a very effective and efficient Spanish learning results.

THE TOWN OF PISAC

LOCATION: 

PISAC IS LOCATED 30KM AWAY FROM CUSCO IN PERU. THE ARQUEOLOGICAL SITE LOCATED HERE IS ONE OF THE MAYOR IMPORTANCE OF THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INKAS. PISAC IS LOCATED ON THE MOUNTAIN ON THE EASTERN MOUNTAIN CHAIN OF VILCABAMBA.

THE NAME PISAC, HAS ITS ORIGIN FROM ONE OF THE NEIGHBOURHOODS OF THE ARQUEOLOGICAL SITE, CALLED P’ISAQA (A TYPE OF PARTRIDGE BIRD AS INKAS USED TO CALL THEM).

OUR TOWN HAS BUILDINGS FROM AN INKA ERA AND A COLONIAL ERA.

IT’S MAIN SQUARE IS A FUN AND COLOURFUL PLACE, WITH A MARKET FULL OF ARTWORK FOR SALE: SILVER, TEXTILES AND CERAMICS.

WITHIN THE REGION OF CUSCO, PISAC IS CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE RICHEST IN CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND ARQEOLOGY.

THE TOWN’S ARQUITECTURE IS MESTIZO, BUILDINGS HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED OVER THE RUINS OF THE INDIGENOUS BUILDINGS BY THE VICEROY FRANCISCO TOLEDO.

HERE YOU CAN TAKE PART IN THE MESS IN QUECHUA BEING SURROUNDED BY THE INDEGENOUS PEOPLE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

YOU WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE FOR YOURSELF HOW THE INKAS HAD RESOLVED THE ISSUE OF HARVESTING ON THE MOUNTAIN SLOPES.

THE LOCAL POPULATION:

THE PISAC POPULATION IS MAINLY ANDEAN AND FROM THE ANDEAN HIGHLANDS. THERE IS AN INTERESTING MIX OF FOREIGNERS AND OTHER PERUVIANS WHO HAD FALLEN IN LOVE WITH THE PLACE AND DECIDED TO MOVE HERE, SO YOU CAN SPOT VARIED ACTIVITIES, CUSTOMS AND LANGUAGES SPOKEN AROUND TOWN.

THE LOCAL TRADITIONAL FOOD:

THE GASTRONOMIC SCENE IN PISAC IS VERY RICH AND VARRIED WITH THE NUMEROUS DISHES PREPARED WITH LOCALLY PRODUCED PRODUCTS AND ACCORDING TO THE ANDEAN CALLENDAR, SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND CELEBRATIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, DURING THE TIME OF PLANTING AND HARVESTING OF CORN A TIPICAL DISH FROM CORN AND POTATO AND CORN BREW IS PREPARED, ALSO DURING THE CARNAVAL T’IMPU O PUCHERO DISHES ARE SERVED, AND AT EASTER THERE IS A TRADITION TO EAT 12 DIFFERENT DISHES ETC.

THE AGRICULTURE: 

THE ANDENES (CULTIVATION TERRACES) IN PISAC WERE CREATED DUE TO THE NEED TO OBTAIN A BETTER EFFICIENCY IN THE CULTIVATION. THERE ARE OVER 65HA OF ANDENES IN THE AREA. THIS CULTIVATION METHODAS, LEFT BY THE INKAS ARE STILL IN USE NOWADAYS FOR CULTIVATION OF WHITE CORN, POTATOS, KIWICHA AND YAM.

Places of interest

* THE PISONAY TREE, OVER 400 YEARS OLD, LOCATED ON THE CONSTITUTION SQUARE

* THE BOTANICAL GARDEN “FELIPE MARÍN MORENO”, WITH MORE THAN 500 NATIVE PLANTS FROM PERU, LOCATED ON GRAU STREET

*THE CORN MUSEUM “SARA WASI” WHERE YOU CAN APPRECIATE A GREAT VARIETY OF CORN TYPES FROM THE CUSCO REGION, LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF  STREETS ESPINAR AND VIGIL

* THREE LAKES OF VIACHA, PARU PARU Y AMARU NEARBY PISAC

ANCIENT PAINTINGS OF CHAHUAYTIRE, LOCATED ON THE ROAD BETWEEN PISAC – PAUCARTAMBO

* THE “PARK OF THE POPATO”, COMPOSED OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF CUYO GRANDE, SACACA, PAMPALLACTA AND CHAHUAYTIRE, WHICH HOLDS OVER 1500 VARIETIES OF POTATOS

* AROUND TOWN A VISTOR CAN APPRECIATE PICTURESC SCENERY OF THE SURROUNDING AREAS, SUCH AS CHIHUANCO AND LA RINCONADA.

PISAC ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE 

THIS SITE IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 3400 METERS ABOVE SEA LEVEL, AT THE BEGGINING OF THE TURISTIC CIRCUIT OF THE SACRED VALLEY. THERE ARE 16 POINTS OF INTERESTS THAT AMAZE THE VISITORS BOTH LOCAL AND FOREIGN. THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES ARE: THE CEMENTERY “T’ANTANA MARKA” WITH OVER 1500 INKA TUMBS; THE “INTIHUATANA” OR SOLAR CLOCK, LOCATED IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE SITE; AND THE TERRACES LOCATED ALL AROUND THE SITE.

TO REACH THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE YOU CAN EAITHER WALK 3KM USING THE STAIRS UP OR TAKE A CAR FOR A 8 TO 10KM RIDE AND THAN WALK FOR ABOUT 1,5KM TO THE CENTRAL “INTIHUATANA” SECTOR.

TYPICAL CRAFTS MARKET

THE TYPICAL PISAC MARKET ORIGINATES FROM THE 1580s WHERE THE LOCALS FROM DIFFERENT AYLLUS (HIGH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES) BRINGING PRODUCTS SUCH AS POTATOS, QUINUA, TARWI, CHUÑO POTATOS ETC TO EXCHANGE THEM FOR PRODUCTS AVAILABLE IN THE VALLEY, SUCH AS FRUITS, COCA LEAVES, SALT, CORN AND ALCOHOL ETC.

IN 1965 THE FIRST MANUAL CRAFTS CENTRE IS ESTABLISHED, IN WHICH MANY LOCALS WERE TRAINED TO LATER ON PRODUCE VARIETY OF CRAFTS THAT WERE SOLD AT THE LOCAL MARKET,WHICH IN TURN BECOME ‘THE FIRST PERUVIAN CRAFTS MARKET’.

TODAY THE MARKET IS OPEN DAILY, WITH THE MAIN DAYS BEING TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SUNDAY.

THE COLONIAL TEMPLE

BOTH THE ´´SAN PEDRO APOSTOL” TEMPLE AND THE “VIRGEN DOLOROSA” CHAPPEL WERE BUILD IN THE COLONIAL AGE, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE XVII CENTURY.

FOR THE PURPOSE OF SPREADING THE EVANGELISM THE CATHOLIC CHURCH REQUIRED BUILDING A CHURCH FOR MAIN TOWNS, A CHAPPEL FOR SMALL VILLAGES AND A CROSS FOR THE FARMHOUSES.

THE COMMUNITARY MUSEUM

THE MUSEUM IS THE TRUBUTE TO THE LIFESTYLE, LIVING CULTURE, HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF THE QUECHUA COMMUNITIES FROM THE PISAC AREA; IT STIMULATES THE LOCALS TO VALUE THEIR CULTURE, THEIR TRADITIONS AND CULTURAL IDENTITY.

THE COLONIAL OVEN

THE OLD COLONIAL OVEN DATES BACK TO 1930, LOCATED ON THE MARISCAL CASTILLA STREET, A FEW METERS FROM THE MAIN SQUARE. IT HAD BEEN USED FOR DECADES TO BAKE DELICIOUS AND NUTITIONAL WHEAT BREAD. NOWADAYS IT IS THE ONLY OVER THAN PRESERVES ITS COLONIAL STRUCTURE AND WHERE YOU CAN VISIT THE MUSEUM AND HAVE ONE OF THEIR TASTY AND FAMOUS STAFFED PASTRY.

Things to do while in Pisac

RURAL COMMUNITARY TOURISM

THERE ARE A FEW COMMUNITIES THAT OFFER THIS OPTION: AMARU, SACACA, PARU PARU, PAMPALLACTA, CHAHUAYTIRE AND CUYO GRANDE WHERE YOU CAN NOT ONLY GET TO KNOW AND LIVE WITH THE LOCALS, SEE THEIR CULTURE, CUSTOMS AND DANCES BUT ALSO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE LOCAL NATURAL INTEREST SITES.

ADVENTURE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

THANKS TO THE NATURE AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE PLACE, PISAC HAS TO OFFER DIFFERENT SPOTS WHERE YOU CAN DO TREKKING, WALKS AND RAFTING AMONG OTHERS.

HEALING AND RELAXING SERVICES

IF YOU ARE A PERSON THAT SEEK RELAXATION AND HEALTH THERE ARE PLENTY SERVICES THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO YOU, SUCH AS MASAGE, REIKI, MEDITATION ETC.

MEDICINE CEREMONIES

PISAC IS A REKNOWN PLACE FOR PLACES AND PEOPLE THAT FACILITATE SPIRITUAL GROWTH ACTIVITIES, CEREMONIES AND SPIRITUAL HEALINGS.

OTHERS

PISAC OFFERS COUNTLESS ACTIVITIES FROM SPIRITUALITY TO ART AND MASAGE CLASSES ETC, HERE ARE SOME LINKES THAT MIGHT BE OF USE:

* SPIRITS EVENTS SACRED VALLEY >>

* LOCAL PISAC - SPIRIT EVENTS >>

* CUSCO ADVENTURE CLUB >>

* DHARMA MYSTICAL TOURS >>  Ayahuasca, San Pedro and other mystical experiences

* PERU TOURS, AYAWASCA AND HUACHUMA CEREMONY >>

Sacred Valley Spanish School Contacts

Sacred Valley Spanish School 

Pisac, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru


Contact: Judy Chavez Ipenza (Manager)

Email: j.ci.spanish85@gmail.com

Skype: ju.spanish.teacher

Facebook: Sacred Valley Spanish School

Cellphone: +51 944.244.836 or  959.29.39.20

Address: Prolongacion Amazonas I-18, Pisac