Volunteer in Peru

Discover Peru's rich cultural diversity firsthand by living and working in Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire and the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. Cuzco features open markets, adobe houses and narrow, winding cobblestone streets. Nearby attractions include the archeological wonders of Machu Picchu (the Lost City of the Incas, forgotten for over 300 years), the rainforests of Manu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Program Details

The program runs year-round and you can arrive on any Sunday. You'll spend the first four weeks of your stay taking 20 hours of Spanish language instruction per week at one of Cuzco's leading language schools. After the educational program, you'll move onto the four week prearranged project of your choice in or near Cuzco.

Volunteer placements include:

  • Working in alternative schools (kindergarten – secondary school)
  • Leading after-school projects (students ages 3 to 17)
  • Rehabilitation assistance for children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities
  • Assisting in cultural projects
  • Emergency services support
  • Hospital work (previous medical training required)
  • Working in orphanages
  • Coaching and leading sports activities
  • Working with street children
  • Working at tourism organizations

As a volunteer in Peru, you’ll receive:

  • Enrollment in an intensive four-week Spanish course
  • Certificate of completion from language school
  • Placement in a volunteer project
  • Housing and all meals with a Peruvian Host Family for the first four weeks
  • Housing, breakfast and lunch at a student residence for the second four weeks
  • Access to discounted international accident and sickness insurance
  • Airport pick-up and transfer to accommodations
  • Orientation, meeting for new students with city tour on Sunday, and Information Package
  • Welcome dinner upon arrival
  • Daily student activities
  • One hour of cultural classes every day
  • Free Internet access
  • $75 contribution to your volunteer project
  • ISE card - International Student & Youth Exchange Identification Card

Program Length

8 weeks

Program Fee

$1,895

Accommodation Type

Host family (during orientation); student residence (during volunteer placement)

Participant Requirements

To Volunteer in Peru, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Preferably have some experience related to their chosen volunteer placement field(s)
  • Complete the language course before beginning their volunteer placements
  • Have at least an intermediate level of Spanish upon completion of the language course
  • Meet the Peru Visa requirements 

Interested? Request Information

Ready to Get Started? Apply Now