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 volunteering in Peru and staying with host families in Cusco, 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 will help alleviate poverty by working at a wide range of community centers in Cusco. Partnerships with after school programs, child care centers, 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 of Cusco!

United Planet also offers long-term (6 month and one year) volunteer programs in Peru. Learn more about all of our volunteer programs in Latin and South America.

United Planet Volunteers – First week in Peru

See what the newest batch of United Planet Volunteers are thinking and feeling in Peru!

As a United Planet healthcare volunteer in Peru, you will work closely with several clinics in the beautiful city of Cusco. Health placements also exist at centers for the elderly. Healthcare professionals will assist with various medical tasks based on experience and certification. The primary task for students is observation.

Volunteers care for children in daycares, after-school centers, and child care centers. Other volunteer opportunities include assisting teachers in state schools and providing support at women’s shelters and schools for children with physical and developmental disabilities. Volunteer work is available for all ages and skill levels.

Volunteers have the opportunity to work at an animal sanctuary that provides shelter for animals that have endured trauma during their lives or at a local dog rescue center.

Peru Country Coordinator: Ernesto Alonso is Peruvian, and got involved in tourism when he became a guide in Cusco. He started as the leader of a tour where he had the opportunity to explore every corner of his country. He has lived in Germany for the last four years, after that deciding to return to Peru with his wife and children. Now in Peru, Ernesto is United Planet’s Country Coordinator. He is very excited to meet new volunteers and support their program in Cusco!

While volunteering in Peru with United Planet, you’ll receive at least six hours of private Spanish instruction during your stay. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice your new language skills at your host project and with your host family!

Volunteers in Peru participate in a cultural activity every other week for the first six weeks of their stay. Examples include a salsa dancing class, a Peruvian cooking lesson, a weaving workshop, a Peruvian flute lesson, or a Quechua lesson.

While in Peru, you’ll receive a Boleto Turistico (Touristic Pass), which grants you free entry to major museums and sites in Cusco for ten days. If you stay for two weeks or less, you’ll receive a limited pass; three week stays or longer will receive the full pass.

Volunteers in Peru staying three weeks or longer will take excursions every other weekend through week nine, depending on weather and availability. Examples include a tour of the Sacred Valley, a rafting trip, or a mountain biking trek. Excursions may be done individually or in groups.

Volunteers staying in Peru for two weeks or more will participate in a Cusco City tour with a Spanish or English speaking guide. This is a great way to learn more about Peru’s rich history and immerse in your new surroundings.

Most Peru volunteers live with host families in Cusco during their Quest. Many volunteers stay in touch with their families long after they return home!

Check out the experiences of previous United Planet volunteers in Peru.

My Most Cherished Moment: Volunteer In Peru

My experience in the clinic helped mold my passion for healthcare and dentistry. I experienced firsthand how Dra. Frallondiz was able to use her skills as a dentist to assist people who needed it most. She was able to work with me to teach me the different materials that she used. While I was with Dra. Frallondiz, I came to the realization that if I became a dentist, I would have the opportunity to help both my local community, and the global community. Read more on United Planet volunteer’s experience at a dental clinic in Peru.

Volunteering in Cusco, Peru, through the United Planet program was a truly empowering experience. Traveling alone and adapting to a new environment pushed me out of my comfort zone, but my host family was wonderfully welcoming and accommodating, making me feel right at home.

Working at Soy Callejerito Refugio Privado de Perritos was the highlight of my time there. I came to realize that the cycle of impounding and euthanizing dogs due to overpopulation is a global issue, one that many people are not fully aware of. While it can feel overwhelming, I was reminded that we can still make a difference.

By helping those we can, informing others about the effects of dog breeding, and educating people on the responsibilities of pet ownership, we contribute to the solution.

At Soy Callejerito, I witnessed the dedication and love given to the dogs, and it reaffirmed my belief that every small act of kindness and care matters. If you’re passionate about dogs, I strongly encourage you to volunteer with United Planet at Soy Callejerito in Ticapata, Peru. They need volunteers, and your contribution will truly make an impact.