Homestay in Cusco

Stay with a local family

Authentic Immersion in Peruvian Culture

A homestay is the most immersive way to experience Cusco and the wider Andean region. Living with a trusted local family gives you a level of cultural understanding and day to day connection that you cannot get from other accommodation options. You will hear and use Spanish in real situations, share delicious home cooked Peruvian meals, and become part of the rhythm of a Cusqueñan household while still enjoying the comfort and privacy of your own room. Our host families are carefully selected, welcoming, and experienced in supporting students, volunteers and interns who want to learn more about life in Cusco. It is a safe, warm and personal environment that helps you settle quickly, understand the city on a deeper level, and build relationships that often become the most memorable part of your time in Peru.

Homstay in Peru Cusco with modern Bathroom

My homestay family has been one of my greatest gifts here in Cusco, and something that I am genuinely grateful for. People often overlook the value of homecooked, delicious meals, especially after working all day. One of my favorite parts of the day is sitting down with my host mother, Lea, in the morning to talk and have breakfast. They also have been so flexible with me and my busy life in Cusco, even through travels, university work, and internship tasks, I felt the support of my host family always. From the moment they picked me up from the airport I felt welcomed and now I feel part of their family. I am planning to come back to Cusco next year and it’s comforting to know that I have a home to visit here.

Cali - Marketing Intern

Why Choose a Homestay?

Choosing a homestay in Cusco gives you the most complete and meaningful version of life in the Andes. Living with a local family surrounds you with the language, food and customs of the region from the moment you arrive, and it creates a level of cultural and language immersion that no hostel or hotel can offer.

You share three home cooked meals each day, often based on traditional recipes that families have prepared for generations, and these mealtimes become a natural space to practise Spanish, learn about daily routines in Cusco, and develop a genuine connection with the people hosting you.

A homestay is also a practical and comfortable option. You have your own private or shared room, a quiet space to study or relax, and the reassurance of being in a real household where someone is always nearby if you need support. Many of our students and volunteers value this sense of safety and stability, especially if they are travelling alone or visiting Peru for the first time.

Host families know the city well and can guide you to the best local markets, hidden viewpoints, neighbourhood cafes and weekend trips that rarely appear in tourist guides. This inside knowledge helps you move around the city with confidence and makes your time in Cusco feel much more personal.

For anyone who wants to improve their Spanish, a homestay offers a major advantage. The language becomes part of your everyday life, which speeds up learning and builds natural fluency. You will also be exposed to local idioms and speech patterns that you won’t always hear in the classroom. A homestay really is the best way to become a confident Spanish speaker.

A homestay is an ideal choice for solo travellers, interns, volunteers, or anyone who values connection, comfort and the chance to experience Cusco as it is lived by the people who call it home.

The home stays that they partner with are wonderful as well - all the students in my group of 10 were very happy with their placement. Moreover, they accommodate a large number of volunteers, and so even if you are traveling alone, you will be able to find a good group to explore Cusco with.

Sam - Medical Volunteer

What's included in your homestay

WiFi

Hot water

Airport pick up

Private bedroom

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Visit our Volunteering, Internships and Spanish Immersion pages to read more about our programs here in Cusco. Homestay accommodation is available with any of the programs. Book your experience today.

Homestay Pricing

Homestay Family - Private Room

Includes:
Airport pickup in Cusco
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily
Private bedroom,
Shared bathroom
WiFi
Smoke detector
Minimum 7 nights

Homestay Family - Shared Room

Includes:
Airport pickup in Cusco
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily
Shared bedroom,
Shared bathroom
WiFi
Smoke detector
Minimum 7 nights

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FAQ

What is included in a homestay?

Homestay accommodation includes airport pickup, three meals a day, a private or shared room, shared bathroom with hot water, WiFi and more.

What meals are provided and can dietary needs be accommodated?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided each during your stay. If you are at a volunteer or internship placement your lunch may be provided as a pre-packed lunch. Meals are generally shared with the homestay family and reflect the typical diet of families in the region. We can accommodate most dietary requirements. Please let us know as early as possible in the booking process so that we can ensure there is a family available who is able to meet your needs.

How much Spanish do I need?

Homestays are a great choice for Spanish learners of all levels. Regardless of your ability you will learn quickly through immersion and be communicating with more confidence than ever in no time.

What are the host families like?

Every host family is different, but we work only with friendly and welcoming families. Each of our families is specially selected and provided with training to ensure they know how to provide you the best possible experience.

Will I have my own private room?

You can reserve a private room or stay in shared room if you prefer.

Are the neighbourhoods safe?

All of our homestays are in safe neighbourhoods and Cusco is a safe city with a low crime rate. As always it is important to practice common sense when travelling abroad and be aware of your surroundings at night if walking alone.

Will I have a house key and can I come and go freely?

Yes you will have a house key and will be able to come and go as you please. We do ask that you remember that family members will have work and school, and that you therefore do not cause noise or disruption late at night. We also ask that you keep your homestay family informed if you are travelling out of town or are planning to eat out instead of joining them for any meal.

Is laundry included?

Laundry is not included. Most families in Cusco use laundrettes which wash, dry and fold your clothing for a low cost. If you need recommendations your family or our team will be more than happy to help.

What happens if I have a problem or want to change families?

In the unlikely event you are unhappy at your homestay family we will endeavor to find an alternative placement.

Is WiFi available?

WiFi is available at all homestay families and also at the Proyecto Peru Centre.

Can I invite guests to stay?

Unfortunately our homestay families are unable to accommodate additional guest outside of your reservation. If you have any questions or concerns about this please contact us at info@proyectoperucentre.org