Volunteering in Peru

Volunteer work in Peru and assist at an orphanage in Cuzco, known as the backpacking Mecca of South America and set against the spectacular Peruvian Andes. Volunteer work in Peru is an ideal starting point for first time volunteers and experienced volunteers alike.

The orphanage where you will be volunteering in Peru provides daily meals, a bed and schooling but the children also need attention on a one-to-one basis. Volunteer work in Peru is flexible and varied and you can be as involved as you like. One day perhaps helping with after school homework, another day organising your own activity or simply watching TV with the children. Volunteering in Peru is not all work either. The famous Inca Treks are a must and can be arranged on arrival from approx. £180. And if you want to visit Machu Pichu but are not into trekking and camping, the ruins can be visited easily on a day's excursion from Cuzco.

Whilst volunteering in Peru, volunteers live in comfortable (by Peruvian standards!) shared self-contained apartments at and close to the orphanages. Although there is only one English-speaking manager, orphanage staff are used to working alongside volunteers of all ages for many years. In addition, by living on site volunteers are never far away from assistance if they require it. If we had to choose just one quintessential project in South America which ticks all the boxes, voluntary work in Peru is a must!

A limited number of spaces (2 weeks maximum) are also available for Dentistry students to get involved with local surgeries alongside helping at the orphanages. Please book early as demand exceeds supply. A one-off contribution of £100 is required for dental placements which covers organisation, supervision and materials.

Combine volunteering with a trek on an Inca Trail

Most volunteers at some stage of their visit will make a trek on one of the many Inca trails in the region. These can be organised with local trekking agencies after arrival and a basic no frills-carry-your-own-rucksack-type with trek guides will cost in the region of £180. If you can't stretch to an organised trek or don't have time, there are plenty of cobblestone Inca trails surrounding the city which can be explored easily, in the same way as local footpaths at home. For those not trekking, the famous ruins of Macchu Picchu can be visited without the need to trek for days, just take the tourist bus from the little town of Aguas Calientes at the bottom of the hill!

Download the following document as a PDF file

Here you will find extra information about Peru. Call Reservations on 01603 627 007 and book a placement in Peru.

What's included in this programme

Volunteer accommodation is a comfortable self-contained shared apartment. During your stay you will be trained on the job informally via in-country orientation. Airport pick-up is also available to all our volunteers and costs £10.

We consider this project ideal if you...

Are looking for a small and friendly family-run project where you can live-in
Would like an opportunity to get some dental practice experience (dentistry students only - optional)
Want to learn or improve your Spanish by working alongside Spanish speaking staff
Are travelling alone and want to make new friends amongst the other volunteers and perhaps travel together afterwards

Peru at a glance

Peru has more than its fair share of wildlife, history, landscapes and culture which means there is something for everyone in this ancient land. From ice blue lakes and glaciers in the sierras to tropical rainforest in the Amazon basin Peru has it all and every imaginable habitat in between.

In Cuzco there are plenty of museums, shops, cafes and bars including a growing number of Irish pubs. Not to be missed before leaving are Machu Pichu, Inca Trail, Nazca Lines, Chan Chan, The Cordillera Blanca and Lake Titicaca.

Festivals: Inti Raymi, 24 June, Candelaria, February, Senor de los Milagros, October
Climate: Peru's climate is very diverse from subtropical on the coast to the Equatorial climate present in the eastern lowlands. The rainy season is from November-April and the average highest day time temperature in Cuzco is 21 Celsius between October and March.
Time difference from UK: GMT -5hrs