Viaspanish.com Blog

“The Perfect Wall”

Studying abroad in Cusco is a cultural and historical experience. Cusco was the capital to one of the largest aborigine cultures in all of South America. The Incas once dominated this land and students taking Spanish immersion courses in Cusco have the opportunity to see the remnants of this powerful South American empire first hand. With ruins sprinkled throughout the city Spanish students in Cusco are able to see and experience the Incan history on a daily basis.

However, for a true historical experience, students studying Spanish in Cusco should venture outside the city to some of the larger ruins nearby. Just two kilometers outside of city students studying abroad in Cusco can witness the Incas’ incredible architectural abilities at the Saqsaywaman ruins. Referred to by the Incas as “the House of the Sun” and by the Spaniards as “the Fortress”, this huge complex is made up of three platforms one on top of the other and was one of the most important religious structures of its time. Built with massive boulders weighing up to 125 tons the Incans show off their architectural prowess by perfectly constructing this everlasting religious site without using mortar of any type. Of course if that is not impressive enough for students studying Spanish in Cusco there is always that small city on the top of a mountain to consider, Machu Picchu I think is the name.

Part of Spanish immersion in Peru is learning the history and culture of that place. The Incans were world class stone masons and it shows with their long-lasting strong structures. Mortar was used at times but it was considered to be a quick build and was not used for important structures. Spanish immersion students in Cusco can see how these amazing constructions held up over the years in the earthquake prone regions of Peru. By not using mortar and shaping the stones to fit together it allowed the stones to shift slightly in the event of an earthquake then resettle keeping the structure strong and sturdy for years and years. Spanish students studying in Cusco with Via Spanish are encouraged to live and experience this incredible history of the Incan Empire and much more.