Cusco
Located high in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is a vibrant city where ancient traditions, rich cultural heritage, and modern entrepreneurship come together. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now one of South America's most visited destinations and serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu. The city's unique blend of Indigenous culture, Spanish colonial influence, tourism, and entrepreneurship provides an exceptional setting for students to develop a broader global perspective.
Throughout the week, students will explore Peru's dynamic business ecosystem by interacting with organizations and businesses that range from tourism and hospitality to family-owned enterprises and growing entrepreneurial ventures. These experiences will help students better understand how culture, history, geography, and economic development shape business in one of Latin America's most significant cultural centers.
A defining feature of the Cusco experience is the opportunity to work alongside The Huntsman School's nationally recognized SEED Program. Students will be assigned to small teams and partnered with local entrepreneurs, where they will collaborate with current SEED students to analyze real business challenges and develop practical recommendations for growth. Students will engage directly with business owners, gaining firsthand insight into innovation, leadership, and the realities of operating a business in an international setting. This collaboration allows students to contribute to meaningful, ongoing projects while experiencing how entrepreneurship can strengthen families, communities, and local economies.
Beyond business, students will immerse themselves in Peruvian culture through historic landmarks, local markets, traditional cuisine, and unforgettable experiences throughout the Cusco region. The program culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, providing students with an unforgettable appreciation for Peru's history and global significance. By the end of the experience, students will have gained a deeper understanding of international business and entrepreneurship while developing a greater appreciation for different cultures, new perspectives, and the role business can play in creating positive change around the world.
Some things to do while on the Cusco experience:
Machu Picchu – Peru Travel
- Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru's most iconic landmark.
- Explore the remarkable engineering and history of the Inca civilization.
- Experience breathtaking mountain scenery unlike anywhere else in the world.
Sacred Valley of the Incas – Peru Travel
- Explore picturesque Andean villages, archaeological sites, and breathtaking landscapes.
- Learn how the Sacred Valley shaped the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
- Experience traditional markets and local communities throughout the region.
Experience Peruvian Cuisine
- Sample Peru's world-renowned cuisine, including lomo saltado, pollo a la brasa, fresh ceviche, and ají de gallina.
- For the adventurous, try cuy (guinea pig), a traditional Andean delicacy that has been enjoyed in Peru for centuries.
- Discover why Peruvian gastronomy is considered one of the world's most celebrated culinary traditions while enjoying chocolate, fresh tropical fruits, and regional desserts.
Historic Center of Cusco (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Walk the cobblestone streets of the former capital of the Inca Empire.
- Visit Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, and centuries-old colonial architecture.
- Discover the unique blend of Indigenous and Spanish influences that define modern Cusco.
San Pedro Market – Peru Travel
- Experience one of Cusco's most authentic local markets.
- Sample traditional Peruvian cuisine, fresh produce, coffee, chocolate, and regional specialties.
- Interact with local vendors while experiencing everyday life in Cusco.
Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park – Peru Travel
- Explore one of the finest examples of Incan engineering and stonework.
- Learn about the site's importance in the history of the Inca civilization.
- Enjoy panoramic views overlooking the city of Cusco.
