Volunteer in Peru

Peru is filled with friendly people and is one of our most popular volunteer destinations. Ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes pepper the region, and the society is as complex as the woven tapestries that abound at the market. While staying with host families in Cusco or Lima, you will get a firsthand look at the political and economic issues that impact locals on a daily basis. Whether this will be your first out-of-country volunteer experience or your hundredth, the warmth and kindness of Peru’s people will make you feel at home.

As a volunteer in Peru, you contribute to social change by working at a wide range of community centers in Lima or Cusco. Partnerships with after-school programs, women’s shelters, and youth organizations allow you to build relationships and leave a lasting impression on the lives of those you meet.

While you do your part to make this world a better place, you also take in the fascinating culture!

United Planet also offers short-term (2 weeks to 12 weeks) volunteer programs in Peru. Learn more about all of our volunteer programs in Latin and South America.

Assist families who cannot afford education for their children by supporting this government-led program for youth development. Provide homework support, engage in arts and sports activities or assist psychologists at the center for children.

Volunteers work with organizations that help children and teenagers stay in school as well as, public schools.  Tasks may include creating or running workshops for language, computer, sports or music instruction. Volunteers enjoy teaching English, math, or music/art lessons. Volunteers at these projects motivate children to not only continue their education but, invest in themselves.

Promote environmental sustainability and wildlife preservation at an animal sanctuary in Peru. Activities include assisting sanctuary staff with animal hygiene, habitat upkeep, tours for visitors, and more. Volunteers enjoy learning about the local species and providing them with a safe home for the rest of their lives or until the animals are fit for reentry into their natural habitat.

Volunteers can assist in a clinic or with disabled youth. Help medical staff by administering first aid, observe doctors and nurses and provide support; depending on the level of education volunteers have the opportunity to truly utilize their skills. Within the program for disabled youth, volunteers enjoy assisting teachers and therapists with their daily activities. Both programs allow for volunteers to organize their own initiatives or workshops, as well.

Volunteers can work with young mothers and girls in this anti-violence women’s empowerment program. The program supports these ladies and their children and also, offers an in-house nursery to them and other women in the community. Female volunteers are welcome to assist in all aspects of the project or creative workshops from their expertise.

Cusco, Peru is rich in culture and filled with immense history. Learn about where this all came from through the sacred ruins and indigenous Quechua people.

Coca leaves are an incredible piece of Peruvian history. Visit the Coca Museum to understand the history and traditions behind the leaf, still used in the country for medicinal purposes in its natural state.  Suffering from altitude sickness? Try coca tea!

Capture the eloquent architecture of the city’s center. The Plaza de Armas is not only the historical city square where many gather and others use as a navigational point. But, it also holds the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin which stands astoundingly at the head of the plaza.

The Pisaq Market is the largest in Cusco, Peru. Local artisans display colorful paintings, hand-made jewelry, and customary items such as mate, gourd sculptures, and more. Fall in love with the cultural items (or at least down a shopping spiral).

• Extensive pre-departure preparation, including a training weekend in New Hampshire with United Planet staff or online
• Food and lodging in your host country
• Airport transfers
• Emergency medical insurance
• In-country orientation upon arrival and ongoing support and supervision throughout your Quest
• Language training
• Mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers) and final camp
• Monthly stipend for incidental expenses

• Minimum age limit is 16
• Citizen or resident of the United States or Canada

• Volunteers are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their own flights (including pre-departure training).
• Volunteers will obtain the necessary visas with support from our Long-Term staff to volunteer in their host country.