Affordable Volunteer Programs in Peru - Lima from US$180

I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to volunteer for 2 weeks in Lima with IVHQ. We partnered with a local organization called, "TarpuySonqo" and my particular project entailed organizing lesson plans and activities for teenage girls (aged 12-18) who were either victims of rape, abuse, prostitution and/or involved in petty crime. Some of these girls were pregnant or had young children, so we not only got a chance to interact with them but also their infants. It was such a pleasure volunteering at this site each day because despite their individual circumstances, you felt genuine warmth and love from each teenage girl, their babies, as well as the entire staff (i.e. psychologists, cooks, gatekeepers etc).
If you enjoy mingling and meeting new people then the homestay is a great fit for you. I got to meet fellow volunteers from all over the world and not only did friendships develop but we got to plan and go on weekend excursions together.
My only suggestions are 1) If you want to improve your Spanish be proactive, step outside of your comfort zone and speak Spanish to anyone you come across (hosts, cooks, cleaners, local coordinators etc) because it's easy to resort to English with your fellow volunteers 2) When booking your plane ticket give yourself a few extra days in the country (post-volunteering) to account for bigger excursions (i.e. Machu Picchu etc) 3) If you're able to, consider volunteering for 2 weeks or more in order to build a solid foundation and have a greater impact at your placement site.

I've never been abroad alone, so this was a great start! I met so many people and it was only a 2 week stay but it was a trip of a lifetime. I really felt I made a difference even by making one of the kids smile or laugh. I cant wait to do it again.
There was a room of children with severe conditions. One day, I was asked to help with physical therapy. These children are unable to speak, so it was a different kind of connection I felt when I was holding them. The gratitude I felt to be able to help them was tremendous. It was truly a reality check of how lucky I am.

Lima Peru was my first volunteering experience abroad and I can't express how much this experience has impacted me. Whilst in Peru I had the pleasure of working with the children at the orphanage. At first I felt a little overwhelmed but the staff and the other volunteers soon made me feel much at ease, and seeing the children smile made me feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with them. I assisted in phycology, where we arranged activities for the children. Despite the language barrier (which was soon broken) over the course of the two weeks I was able to see the progression that I had made with the children. Peru soon became my home away from home thanks to the other volunteers and the staff. The other volunteers were like my family, and I take comfort in knowing that I have made friends from all Corners of the earth. There's many things to do in Peru, whilst there myself and other volunteers took a trip to Haucachina ,a great weekend sandboarding. My time in Peru helped me step out of my comfort zone, meet new people and help make a difference. I've learnt so much more than what I thought possible, coming away with great gratitude. If you are hesitant about volunteering, just do it! It's true what they say, it really does change your life.

What an experience! Not only were we able to help children with disabilities but we were also able to really travel around Lima and experience Peru's local culture. I would never had imagined myself on a Peruvian local bus headed to an orphanage with 10 people I had met only two days ago yet felt like we have been friends for a long time. The experience you get with IVHQ is unique and the people you meet in the program will inspire you for a lifetime.

I knew when I signed up to volunteer in Lima that I would be helping people but what I didn't know was how wonderful it would be for me! I loved volunteering and making a contribution to a community. However the people I met in Lima changed me completely. The environment that we lived in, everyone being in the house together was so rewarding. I can't not believe how close I got with the other volunteers over the course of only 2 weeks. We did absolutely everything together and enjoyed it, I never wanted to be alone in that house. I also never felt alone. The people I was with were so incredible that whenever someone was leaving the house we played a game. Everyone had to think of one word to describe that person and the person leaving had a word for everyone else as well. Well when it was my turn I don't think I was mentally prepared for how incredible these other volunteers were. The things they had to say about me touched my heart so much I don't think I could ever forget them. I have never been in a room full of that many people crying out of happiness. I will never forget my experience with IVHQ in Lima but I will especially never forget how wonderful the other volunteers made me feel. Lima and that household will always have my heart. I would recommend any Ivhq program to anybody and I would go on another program in a heart beat. Thank you Ivhq for the best memories of my life.

I found IVHQ online a few years ago when I quit my job in 2009 and wanted to volunteer in Peru. The application process was pretty straight-forward, and the value for the money was pretty good.

The biggest con was that IVHQ didn't inform me that they weren't the volunteer program. They were just the intermediary between me and the volunteer program. Once I arrived in Peru, IVHQ was no longer involved. The Peruvian program affiliated with IVHQ (Maximo Nivel) was who I volunteered with. It's possible they cleared up the confusion between IVHQ and Maximo Nivel since I've been there.

The volunteer work was really fun and rewarding. I helped paint a battered women's shelter for 3-4 weeks. It got a little repetitive over time, so I changed projects to help take care of kids at a daycare in a rural community for 3-4 weeks after that.

I stayed in a volunteer house for accommodation and really liked it. The food was great, and staying in the house was a good way to connect with fellow volunteers. For three meals a day and good accommodation, the price was decent.

Overall, my experience was positive, and I'd recommend IVHQ.

Volunteering in Peru is one of the best decisions I´ve ever made. It very rewarding and IVHQ has several volunteer opportunities to choose from in Peru depending on your strengths and interests...you can even do more than one to try different experiences! They also offer Spanish lessons at a reasonable price which was fun and useful. I was able to make lifelong friendships with other volunteers and had the chance to live with a Peruvian family while there, which I would definitely recommend to really immerse yourself in the culture. I would definitely recommend using IVHQ, they are a great organization.

I thought the program was organized very well with the staff helping with pre-trip preparation and helping volunteers get accustomed to the city and new culture. My favourite volunteering activity was teaching English and it was rewarding to see so many enthusiastic students willing to learn. The volunteering program is flexible so you can change positions if you choose to do so at the site. Plenty of time to socialize with other volunteers and time to travel to heritage sites. It was a safe experience and the homestay food was great!

I spent 22 weeks in Peru as a volunteer. Each day had a variety of different experiences. I volunteered in two different orphanages, where I worked with special needs children, toddlers, and older girls. I was able to run activities with the girls and chase the toddlers all in the same day. I taught English in a public school and summer program. Each day was filled with laughter, joy, and love. I never woke up wishing I was elsewhere or wanting to have a day off. Days off from volunteering, were days I longed for my kids at the orphanages or schools. I can honestly say that it was the best weeks of my life. Do it!