Placement Overview

Assist at an orphanage in the spectacular Peruvian Andes which are considered amongst the most dramatic mountains in the world.
This orphanage provides a home for some very special children in Cuzco, a town known as the backpacking Mecca of South America. Cuzco is an ideal starting point for first time volunteers and experienced volunteers alike.

Your Experience

The girls orphanage provides a stable permanent home with daily meals, a bed and schooling but the children also need love, time and attention on a one-to-one basis. As a volunteer you will help to fill this gap and assist Monday to Friday in the afternoons. You might organise activities for the children, teach the children songs, teach English in small groups, help with their homework, provide praise for their individual efforts or simply provide them with company whilst they watch their favourite cartoons on TV. There is a boys orphanage managed by the same family a short bus or taxi ride away which provides further opportunities whilst the girls are at school or as an alternative. The boys particularly love playing football if anyone has an interest and is looking for a more sporty placement.

Volunteers live in comfortable shared self-contained apartments at the orphanage sharing with other volunteers. Although there is only  one English-speaking volunteer coordinator who is the orphanage manager, the rregular staff are used to receiving and working alongside volunteers of all ages and backgrounds for many years. In addition, by living on site volunteers are never far away from assistance if they require it.  Trekking is popular and can be arranged on arrival with local companies from approximately £180 for a 4 to 5 day basic guided trek (without porters).

When should I apply?

Apply now by phone or on-line (or via post using our application form). There are no set arrival dates so you can arrive whenever it is convenient for you.
Start sourcing your flight to Cuzco now-volunteers recommend the following companies: Dial A Flight amongst others.
Flights to Cuzco expensive? Fly into to Lima (the capital) instead and book internal flight on line with taca.com or Lan.com. One way economy flights bought in advance cost from £60 each way.

We consider this project ideal if you

Are travelling alone (pick up and transfers)
Are thinking about a long stay but are unsure about committing at this stage
Want to take advantage of local hiking opportunities
Want to learn or improve your Spanish by working alongside Spanish speaking staff
Want an opportunity 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.
Not to be missed before leaving Peru: Machu Pichu, Inca Trail, Nazca Lines, Chan Chan, The Cordillera Blanca and Lake Titicaca.
The rainy season in from November to April. Festivals: Inti Raymi, 24 June 2006, Candelaria, February, Senor de los Milagros, October.
Travel difference from UK : -5hrs GMT

"Hi
Just to let you know everything is fine in Cuzco, Jeremy and his mother are
very nice and helpful and the teaching is going well. I would
recommend anyone to come here, it is a truly wonderful experience."
Karen volunteered in Cuzco - Peru