Hosted by International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Volunteer in Peru with IVHQ from $23/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

Name: Volunteer in Peru with IVHQ from $23/day | Most Affordable & Trusted
Brand: International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ
SKU: 34396
Rating: 4.94 (68 reviews)

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4.94 Rating

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Location

Peru
- Cusco
- Lima

Length

1 to 24 weeks

Project Types

Agriculture Childcare Community Development Building Projects Youth Conservation Environmental Conservation Reforestation Wildlife Conservation Education Teaching Health Medical Disabled Care +4

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Program Details

Language

English

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Guesthouse Host Family

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

250

Price Details

Fully hosted experience from only $250 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: Jan 05, 2023

Last Reviewed: Feb 16, 2023

Wish List

107 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 124,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the most popular volunteer programs in Peru and 50+ other destinations around the world.

You can choose from 18 volunteer project options in Cusco or Lima and give back for periods ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks. Your Program Fee includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be accommodated in a homestay, with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world.

IVHQ is trusted to support the meaningful adventures of thousands of volunteers every year, so before you even depart for Cusco, you’ll receive outstanding personalized service from your expert Volunteer Program Manager and exclusive access to superior pre-departure volunteer training.

With IVHQ, you can expect to establish real connections within the local community while supporting projects that make a genuine difference.

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Affordable Volunteer Programs in Peru - Cusco with IVHQ

Volunteer Programs in Peru - Cusco with IVHQ

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Program Highlights

IVHQ’s Peru program is available year-round, offering a start date on every Monday in Cusco and every first and third Monday in Lima
Highly affordable program fees starting from $250 - IVHQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs
Exhilarating add-ons available, including Machu Picchu tours, Rainbow Mountain treks and a 1-week Mini Adventure
You’ll be traveling with IVHQ, the volunteer travel experts, and joining a network of 124,000+ volunteers. Our outstanding safety systems and track record set us apart, we are the world’s safest organization
Your efforts will have a positive impact because our programs are community-driven with a focus on supporting long-term local needs

Popular Programs

Childcare in Cusco, Peru

The aim of the Childcare project is for volunteers to provide individual attention and assistance to children from diverse backgrounds. Many children at the placements we work with do not receive the level of affection and education that they deserve, volunteers therefore play an important role in working alongside local staff to improve the educational, emotional and hygiene conditions of the children. Volunteers work in community centers, schools and kindergartens.

Peru Construction and Renovation Projects

Construction and Renovation in Lima, Peru

One of the ways we provide support to the different placements we work with in Cusco is through our Construction and Renovation project. Many of these placements are under-funded, run-down, and in need of renovation work. Volunteers work alongside a local construction worker who provides them with direction and motivation. Volunteers work on a variety of buildings, including schools, community centers and clinics.

Medical in Cusco, Peru

Clinics and hospitals for low income families in Cusco tend to be under-funded and under-staffed. As a result, volunteers play an important role in assisting local nurses and doctors, dentists and specialists while also learning about the healthcare system in Cusco. It is important that Medical volunteers have realistic expectations with regard to the activities that they will get involved in.

Andean Immersion in Cusco, Peru

Join this culturally immersive volunteer project and have the unique opportunity to experience life as a local in a traditional Andean community while volunteering your time to support your host family.

Jungle Conservation in Cusco, Peru

Peru’s Amazon rainforest is an incredible place to visit - full of wildlife and raw landscapes but facing its own set of challenges. As a volunteer on this unique project, you can contribute to the ongoing preservation of this vital part of the natural world.

Animal Care Volunteer Program in Lima - Peru

Animal Care in Lima, Peru

Love hanging out with man’s best friend? This Animal Care project is a great opportunity for volunteers to help the thousands of dogs that have been abandoned on the streets of Lima and are often suffering from hunger, disease and injury. You will be providing vital support and help for non-profit dog shelters that manage, treat and rehabilitate the dogs and try to find them new, loving homes.

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating

based on 68 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 94.12%
4 rating 5.88%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.8
Support 4.9
Fun 4.9
Value 4.85
Safety 4.85

Good for Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers, Students

Showing 1 - 8 of 68 reviews

What made my experience with IVHQ so great is definitely all the LOVE I felt during my whole trip. Love coming from the children I worked with, from my host family, the other volunteers I met during my stay who all shared my same mindset, etc. IVHQ made me remember the strong and independent woman that I always have been and they gave me all the tools needed to find myself again while also creating amazing and impactful change in the community. I always felt heard and seen by all the staff members and all my expectations, needs and desires were met one way or another.

I spent 3 weeks in Peru this summer and it was the coolest experience of my life. I stayed in Lima and we traveled to a village called Pachacutec to do the volunteer work. I worked with so many amazing children. I met so many amazing people and worked with some of the sweetest, more caring kids ever. We also had a lot of free time to do things like explore the city and do weekend excursions. I went to Cusco and saw Machu Picchu, and I also went to Huacachina and went in a sand buggy and went belly sand boarding. I can’t wait to do more projects like this with IVHQ.

Pros

meeting so many people
affordable
valued work

Cons

culture shock
getting homesick
language barrier

With IVHQ I found the perfect program for me! I went to Cusco for medical volunteer and through IVHQ planned activities around the city, it was an incredible experience! The family host was amazing and I got to make friends from all over the world. Definitely was more that I expected. I got to volunteer with children with special needs and then in a clinic helping everyone. I got to see Machu Picchu, Humantay, and Vinincunca !!! The food was amazing and the city was beautiful. After this experience I want to go volunteering again

Pros

tourism
food
people are amazing

Cons

security
really high altitude

This program is perfect for adventurer's that want to get off of the beaten path. I met some wonderful people and learned a lot about the most biodiverse place on planet Earth! I was initially scared of the prospect of living in the jungle for many weeks, but it isn't all just snakes and spiders! My time in the forest gave me time to reflect on questions that I have been needing to answer my whole life. If you find yourself needing a real adventure and some time away from your normal life, there are few better options.

What was your funniest moment?

The funniest moment was, by far, my fellow volunteer leaping out of his seat while we were fishing, nearly capsizing our small boat, because he was convinced that a spider was crawling up his leg.

I just returned from a 2 week medical volunteering program in Cusco, Peru through IVHQ. As someone who is extremely interested in international public health, I had high expectations for this experience. As dangerous as high expectations can be, all of mine (and many more) were exceeded in these 2 weeks. Not only was I able to learn from the incredibly knowledgeable healthcare professionals in Cusco, but my understanding of the culture was expanded more than I could have hoped for. I was worried that 2 weeks would be a lot, but I know that next time I go, it will have to be for more! I didn’t want to leave. The support from IVHQ was unparalleled, and I consider myself very fortunate for having this experience and learning so much!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

If you are from a flat area like myself, give yourself a few days to rest once you are in Cusco, the altitude is no joke. Also, although it sounds cliche, really soak in every moment that you are there. It goes by too fast, and you will soon miss those uphill walks and gorgeous Mountain View’s.

I’ve always had a passion to see the world- and to leave each place I visit better than the way I found it. IVHQ offered me the perfect opportunity to travel with meaning- to do my part in making the world a better place while discovering some of the hidden beauties planet earth has to offer.

I didn’t expect to fall IN LOVE with Peru, but I fell hard! From the welcoming and kind feelings from our host family, connecting with volunteers from all over the world, to breathtaking sites like Machu Picchu- every minute spent during these two weeks was something priceless. Everything we did, from volunteering to site seeing, we did as a team- as a family. I am forever grateful for that. Peru is filled with so many hard-working people, many alpacas and mountains that literally take your breath away (and not because of the altitude! but that is no joke).

IVHQ gave me more than an opportunity to volunteer while abroad. It gave me new friendships that will last a lifetime, experiences that you can’t put a price tag on, a new cultural lens, and a heart that feels so full it could explode! It’s a beautiful thing- to be able to connect with people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and corners of the world- to come together under one common desire: to help others. This was an experience of a lifetime… And I’m already planning my next IVHQ trip!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

I think the funniest moment during my trip was during our hike up Rainbow Mountain. We had been warned about the intensity of the hike and that we would be offered a horse to take. I start off the hike with my dad next to me. Somewhere along the route, I turn around and no longer see him! Once I was almost to the top with the rest of the volunteers, I ask around, “Has anyone seen my dad?!” One of my friends says “your dad? He hopped on a horse about an hour ago. He’s probably waiting for us at the top!” I almost passed out from both the lack of oxygen and because I was laughing so hard.

This experience gave me a lot to learn and see, thanks to the Holiday Program I got to experience the majority of the opportunities for volunteering, and I got the chance to discover what I am good at, I could learn from a lot of people, met amazing people and got to know myself better. Now I can not wait to volunteer again for more time and a new country to visit! All the volunteering activities helped me to grow and think how fortunate I am which means I have to give back some of the luck I have. The best way to do it is giving a small piece of your kindness wherever you go or volunteer.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be sure to be "normal fit" because all touristic activities involve a lot of energy, trekking or hiking! (and some of the volunteering stuff too)

Be a volunteer is always something that everyone wants to be. But most of the people that don't have courage enough!
My experience this year was in Peru-Cusco and it was the first time that I have done some experience like that! And I love it!
I have chosen to do Special needs care at Madre Teresa it was no doubts the best project that I could have! Plus you always can choose another programs to do!
You never feel alone, the people that you meet are unbelievable, the trips that you do are incredible and in the end you really feel that you achieve the fullfillment in life!
In the end you feel that helping another people is something that you really appreciate in life and you just want to do more and more!
So be a volunteer and enjoy your life!

Be a traveler with your backpack! But never forget to be humble!

Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Monica, thanks for your review of our Peru program. It's great to hear that you had such a rewarding experience and made some lasting memories. The effort that you put into your contribution to the program - it is really appreciated by the community. We look forward to having you volunteer with us at IVHQ again soon! ^ Aydan - IVHQ Peru-Cusco Program Manager

By IVHQ on December 5, 2019

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

At the beginning of my journey, I knew for sure that I wanted to travel this summer, but not in a touristy way. I wanted to see a country in its pure and vibrant life. After some time searching, I run into International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), a volunteer travel organization that has more than 35 destinations and a wide range of projects available to choose. I completely fell for the idea of traveling while making an impact on the country I would go to, so I started looking for the country for me.

I chose Peru as I spontaneously felt I needed to visit this country full of delicious and exquisite cuisine, with the Incas history being so extraordinary and to be able to go to places like Machu Picchu, The Andes, Sacred Valley, Moray, Rainbow Mountain And Lake Humantay.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

International Volunteer HQ’s guidance, accessibility, interactive training and full support made me feel prepared enough to take a flight to Cusco. The program has six steps to prepare you for your experience abroad.

You need to complete your application, read the program guide, pay program fee, submit arrival details, travel insurance, criminal background, an emergency contact, and complete the interactive training. But if at any step of the process you find yourself confused or with some questions, they’ll answer everything and help you all along the way.

This made me trust IVHQ and know that they are a safe volunteer program.

View Entire Interview

On my own, I had to prepare myself to live abroad for the next three weeks and to have all the positive attitude toward this trip since it was my first time traveling-solo

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My advice to someone who’s ready to go on the Childcare Volunteer Program on Cusco, Peru would be to inquire, research and get to know the country before you experience living there. Do research about the country’s history, gastronomy, climate, language that’s spoken, transport that’s used, biodiversity, wildlife and national holidays.

Why do this? Because once you get to Cusco after knowing all the data, myths, legends and stories, you'll be amazed that what you had read, heard and search for it’s all real. While you discover this place, you also get to discover so much about yourself - something that I wouldn't have done had I gone the touristy route.

I’m sure you’ve heard about Machu Picchu being one of the seven wonders, but you don’t really understand the depth of what people talk about until you are standing in front of the ruins and all these temples that Hiram Bingham found, surrounded by nature in its maximum splendour and realizing how lucky you are to see this unbelievable place with your own eyes.

Every trip has so many places to discover, experiences to gain and new friends to make, so go find out what awaits you.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I spent my mornings exploring the beautiful city of Cusco with my roommates. The city is a magnet for mystics and you never get exhausted of hearing their amazing stories and myths from the past.

I was the lucky to be placed in orphanages with kids that are so sweet, bright, happy and grateful every moment of the day. I spent my afternoons with these amazing kids singing, playing, laughing, dancing and letting me teach them English because they have the will to learn every moment. I gained so much sensitivity and closeness from this kids.

The nights were something special, we partied while getting to know the city night life and made memories that will last forever. Every day was different from the one before and completely surprising.

On the weekends I traveled to places like Machu Picchu, Sacred-Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Moray and Lake Humanity where photos and words are not enough to explain what it's like to be there. The places I visited were breathtaking and they all seemed so unreal.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was that I would not like my house or the placement and that all my effort would be needless. But once I got out of the airport, the team picked me up and took me to my home and my host was so welcoming.

I made the greatest and closest bonds with my roomies and other volunteers from my placement, and Peruvian people were so warm and polite. I knew in that moment, I had made one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Do you think anyone can become a successful volunteer?

I believe that any person who has the will to help, the pleasure to teach, has a passion for nature, likes to spend and share time with people, is willing to give all his support in obtaining smiles on small children or is 100 percent committed to creating a change in the world no matter how large or small this is, is an excellent candidate to be a volunteer.

As Mahatma Gandhi says: You must be the change you want to see in the world.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going overseas?

Actually, since I've come back from Peru, I've told my friends to go and live the experience of volunteering abroad. It’s such a different way to get to know a country.

I also told them how they will have the freedom to visit the corners of the city, make new friends from all over the world, travel with purpose and be certain that they will help and do good for people who need it. It’s such a gratifying experience that you have the desire to do it again soon.

About International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference on the adventure of a lifetime. We offer the world’s largest range of volunteer programs with 300+ projects across 50+ destinations - from teaching and working with children to medical missions, conservation and wildlife volunteering. With over 15...

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Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

Childcare in Cusco, Peru 

Construction and Renovation in Lima, Peru 

Medical in Cusco, Peru 

Andean Immersion in Cusco, Peru 

Jungle Conservation in Cusco, Peru 

Animal Care in Lima, Peru 

Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

What did you typically do at night?

On weekends did you ever go to the clubs?

Do you get a curfew?

Whats the typical age range?