Questions & Answers

What to bring

Bring comfortable clothing that is durable, can be layered, and is easy to wash. T-shirts, sweaters, comfortable slacks and a hat are recommended. In the rainy season, a raincoat or poncho is also a good idea. (Good-quality rain ponchos are available for sale near the Plaza de Armas.) Suitable footwear includes sturdy walking shoes and sneakers; sandals may prove slippery and are not recommended. If students are planning to hike the Inca Trail (or take a camping trip) we suggest bringing a warm jacket and sweaters, rainwear, hiking boots, a sleeping bag (rental is possible in Cusco), water purification tablets, a pocket-knife, and a torch/flashlight.

A guidebook is helpful, and good English novels are hard to find in Cusco.

Students should also bring any medications that they need during their stay, as some items may not be available for sale here. Prescriptions should be carried with the students, and Excel should be informed of any medical conditions that could cause unusual medical emergencies.

Students may wish to bring something small and typical from their country for their guest family.

Money In Cusco

The currency of Peru is el nuevo sol. At the time of this writing the USD $1.00 was equal to S/3.50. There are a number of automatic teller machines that take Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards and numerous casas de cambio where traveler’s cheques may be cashed and money exchanged.

Students are advised to arrive with American dollars.

Expenses

The following list gives an indication of what may be planned for during a Cusco stay.

• Taxis $0.75;
• local transport $0.20;
• a set meal / menu in restaurant $3.00;
• a beer in a nightclub $1.75;
• a coffee in a trendy cafe bar $0.75;
• international phone call $1.50 per minute;
• laundry service $1.00 per kilo;
• long distance local transport $13.00 for about 15 hours;
• e-mail $1/hr.

Health Care

It is recommended that prior to arrival students undertake a thorough medical examination, purchase health insurance and consult their physician about inoculations. There is no malaria in the Cusco area!

Excel should be informed of any medical emergencies that could arise and special medications that students may be taking. All information will be treated confidentially.

Altitude Sickness

Some people experience some discomfort at this altitude. We recommend at least a day of rest prior to the commencement of classes. The symptoms are headaches, dizziness, stomach upset and tiredness. These symptoms can be managed by reducing your alcohol intake, drinking lots of fluids, eating light meals and getting plenty of rest.

International travel requirements

Visas are not required to enter Peru, but all visitors must have a valid passport and a valid ticket out of the country.

We recommend that students consult with their physician before traveling to Peru and update vaccinations. Only Yellow fever is mandatory, but, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B and TB are recommended for those who will be traveling for three months or more.

Climate and weather

This area of Peru has two basic seasons - wet and dry. The rainy season runs from November to April, and visitors can expect brief afternoon showers during this time. The rest of the year it is usually dry with warm days and cold nights. Nights are especially cold between May and August, and visitors during this time should bring a warm jacket.

The issue of Security

Occasionally potential students have questions about safety. While we can't vouch for every part of South America, former and current students at Excel tell us that they find Cusco to be a comfortable and rather "laid back" city where the vast majority of visitors will experience no problems whatsoever. To ensure safety while visiting Cusco, we recommend that students take the same basic safety precautions as when visiting any new location. Specifically, stay aware of the surroundings, only carry money in a secure location (fanny packs under a shirt or sweater are ideal), leave expensive jewelry at home, and walk in groups or take taxis late at night or in isolated areas. These basic precautions should be all that is needed to enjoy a stay in the Cusco area.

Students should carry copies of passports in lieu of originals when out and about in the city.

Minimum / maximum age

There are no age restrictions for enrollment.

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