The NRCSA Center in Cuzco occupies a large building on one of Cuzco's main avenues, directly in front of the most important site from pre-Colombian Cuzco, the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun). The building houses two full floors with about 15 classrooms, a video room, a full kitchen, an entertainment room and a sundeck.

Capacity is 60 students, and participants are mostly from U.S. and Canada, Holland, and other parts of Europe. 60% Europeans and 40% North Americans. The majority of the students are university age, independent travelers, professionals, and some retirees also.

All teachers have a university degree, and have attended a preparatory course given by the Academia. They have been carefully selected because of their qualifications and experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. They refresh their teaching aptitudes, receiving special courses every year from our International Academic Directors in Ecuador & Spain. The teachers are known for their ability to listen, their enthusiasm and patience, but most of all for their love of teaching Spanish to foreign students. Each professor knows how to motivate, develop and support the students' curiosity and interest for the Spanish Language, Peruvian culture and social life. They also know that the learning process continues outside the classroom.

The NRCSA Center in Cuzco is registered with, and recognized by the Peruvian Ministry of Education. Certificates are given to students after completion of study.

According to the stories passed down through the generations by the Quechuas, the mythical monarch Manco Capac founded the city of Cuzco at the beginning of the 13th century B.C. with the help of this three brothers and four sisters. Under Inca rule, the empire grew and developed, the systems of past cultures were improved upon and magnificent structures were built, such as roads and stone bridges. Crop production increased, thanks to the construction of irrigation channels and aqueducts, and huge fortresses were built.

When Francisco Pizarro began to colonize Peru, the Inca empire had already been weakened. Nevertheless, the great city of Cuzco still conserves remnants of that ancient age of splendor. These have become obligatory stops on tourist itineraries, along with the city's important buildings from the Colonial period.

Any journey through this beautiful city should begin in the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cuzco, where you'll find the venerable Cathedral. Its construction was begun in 1556, but design changes and the earthquake of 1650 delayed its completion. It was finally in 1654. The imposing temple was designed in the Renaissance style and laid out in the form of a Latin cross. Some of its most important chapels include the Señor de los Temblores, the Virgen de lo Remedios and the Capilla de la Inmaculada Concepción, also known as La Linda.

The city sits perched amidst the clouds and the lush Andean greenery 11.000 feet above sea level, an everlasting legacy to Peru´s rich history. Many international tourists are drawn to Cuzco for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins and the Inca Trail. Due to the high elevation, it is cool at night and sunny but cool during the day year-round. Day temperatures ranges from high the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit. April to September is the coldest time, with high 60s during the day and 30s at night. Rainy season is from October to April.