Country Spotlight: Peru

At United Planet, we offer volunteer abroad trips to over 40 countries – but we know it can be difficult to decide where you want to travel! The following article provides some handy information about Peru, one of our most popular destinations. You can learn about other United Planet destination countries by viewing more of our country spotlights!

Located on the Pacific coast in western South America, Peru is one of United Planet’s most popular destinations. It is a country rich in history and archaeological treasures, the crowning jewel of which is Machu Picchu, an ancient sanctuary built by the indigenous Incas. In the pre-Colombian era, Peru was home to the Incan Empire and many other ancient civilizations. Today, it houses people of indigenous, European, African, and Asian descent, who speak a variety of languages, including Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara.

The landscape and terrain of Peru is simply breathtaking. Peru is unique because it contains three distinct geographical regions: the costa, encompassing the arid coastal plains, the sierra, encompassing the highlands of the Andes mountains, and the selva, encompassing the Amazon jungle. As a volunteer in Peru, you will have ample opportunity to explore this magnificent country on hikes, guided tours, or even by whitewater rafting! Most United Planet volunteers in Peru participate in an overnight excursion to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas (pictured below). Livia Matteucci, who volunteered in Peru in 2011, told us “it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen; I guess that’s why they call it one of the 7 Wonders of the World!”

Aside from the beautiful topography, Peru is a culturally vibrant country, home to traditional festivals, celebrations, music, and food. As a United Planet volunteer, you will have the opportunity to take either Spanish or Quechua language classes and learn traditional Peruvian cooking or dance! According to volunteer Samantha Boldon, “I don’t think I’ve ever met so many beautiful people, not just from the outside but from the inside as well. I spent my time learning salsa and spending time with my roommates and host family. It was honestly the most fun and most amazing thing I’ve ever decided to do.” 

However, despite the yearly influx of tourists who travel to experience the rich culture and stunning sights of Peru, poverty levels remain high, making your work as a volunteer even more important. United Planet volunteers in Peru can help to alleviate poverty at wide range of community centers or work in a health clinic or animal sanctuary in Cusco. We’re highlighting two of the Peruvian organizations to which United Planet sends volunteers this week!

Women’s Shelter Quest: At this women’s shelter in Cusco, volunteers work with teenage mothers and their children in a home designed especially for them. Women spend an average of 4-5 years in the house and are assigned there by a family court judge. For the smallest children, there is a wawawasi, or nursery, which is also open to neighborhood women who don’t live in the house. Volunteers are need to help in the nursery and assist the older children with their homework, as well as support the mothers when needed. This volunteer site is a great place for anyone interested in women’s empowerment!

Children’s Clinic Quest: This healthcare program is great for doctors, dentists, paramedics, and medical/dental students. The clinic was founded by a Catholic order in 1995 and is part of an umbrella organization that has private clinics all over Peru. The children, aged 2-15, often come from communities far from Cusco. Many of their families have sent them away because their physical and mental disabilities are not understood. As a volunteer, you can assist and observe medical procedures, as well as perform basic tasks such as feeding the children, brushing their teeth, and playing with them.

Volunteers return from each project feeling fulfilled and blessed that they had the chance to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Peru. Says Jennifer Roy, “My volunteer work in Peru changed my life. I learned so much about Peruvian culture, the friendly Peruvian people, the stunningly beautiful land, the Spanish language, and I learned a lot about myself. It was such a gift to me to be there, it meant so much to me to be able to help and give back.”

There are plenty more ways you can get involved! If you are interested in volunteering in Peru, visit our Peru homepage to read more about each volunteer project. If you would like to volunteer in another country, check out our interactive map to see where we offer volunteer trips!