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.