Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Peru from US$180

I could spend 2 weeks in Lima to support a local community. I didn't realize the privilege I was born with till my volunteer work. Because having social security, nature around us, and breathing fresh air are privileged life circumstances that we should give more credit for. Too often we underestimate things that are in our life. The volunteer program made me realize this. It made me realize that not everyone was born to beautiful places and if you were, nothing can be more selfless and beautiful than helping others who cant say the same. We took care of children who were so loving, they shared so easily, they didn't know how much they taught us about life. I will try to always remember this and returning to volunteer again, as soon as I can. for this, I am glad, IVHQ exists, because without this organization, my life wouldn't change. As a future volunteer, you should know, these people are happy for the fact, that YOU, out there in the big world, trying to reach them out, you give your heart and time to show them some love, attention. You cannot change immediately their life, you might feel, you don't do enough while you volunteer, but you should know and understand, that the act of kindness does move mountains.

I had a wonderful time
Volunteering with IVHQ in Peru! Everything was well organized and smooth, I did the community support program and got to enjoy working in several different projects during my time. I will be volunteering with this
Company again and again! Everyone was so helpful and I left with such a humbling and eye opening view point. The work IVHQ is doing in Lima is making such and impact. Meals were good, the volunteer home was clean and organized. Travel was easy, I don’t speak Spanish and had no problems, just use a translator app! Most places have someone who can speak a little
English. I do suggest building in extra time to travel. There’s a ton to see and do in Lima and the surrounding areas! Thank you so much IVHQ for this amazing opportunity!

I had an awesome time volunteering in Lima, Peru. I worked with the dogs in the shelter and I fell in love with so many of them. My one regret was that I didn’t stay long enough. I was only there for one week which was really only four half days of volunteering. I would have liked to have been with the dogs so much longer so that I could feel like I was making more of an impact. I really enjoyed working with my coordinator. Her and I were one on one the entire time which made me feel like I had special attention. Spending that selective time with her helped me to really practice my Spanish which was an added bonus. This program is great for anyone looking to give back and explore other cultures while doing so. Finally, the shared house that I stayed
in was perfect. The people were great and the food was delicious. They were more than accommodating to my vegan diet.

I have previously been a volunteer, including 2 years with Peace Corps. So I understand the importance of working with a responsible, responsive program. IVHQ certainly met my expectations. The process of signing up was clearly defined and help was always available. Questions were promptly answered. The in country support in Peru was excellent. My assignment, teaching English, was relevant and very needed in a remote village outside of Lima. The children were so receptive and very interested in learning English. It was enjoyable finding ways to make learning English creative and fun for the students. My homestay experience was terrific. I felt like part of the family. The "housemother" was a great cook and she helped all volunteers with whatever they might need.

As a volunteer in my 70's, I can assure older volunteers that IVHQ make volunteering possible for everyone. Also, the program fees are affordable, another important factor when considering a volunteer program. I highly recommend IVHQ.

Volunteering in Lima, Peru was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I was on the teaching English project. We rode the local bus to Pachecutec daily, which was long but one of my favorite parts of each day. You got to really experience how locals got around and had time to reflect. The schools were full of love and gratitude, which made the experience that much more rewarding. Everyone - from the bus riders, to the school staff and students, to the program coordinators, to the locals you came across - were all SO kind and helpful. I went on the trip by myself and truly felt at home. I met some incredible people from all over the world, learned a lot about myself in the education profession, and myself personally! I already can't wait to go back!

From the moment I found out I was accepted I was nervous, excited, scared. Because this was the second time for me going out of the country and the first time going alone. Feeling scared and nervous was an understatement BUT from the moment I arrived in Lima I felt the exact opposite. I was greeted by Wilmer my driver with a sign that said my name. He was very nice! I had the amazing chance to to stay at the volunteer house. I shared a room with two other females and just the overall cleanliness of the house and really everything was great. Throughout my time in the volunteer house the food was good, the volunteers were all so nice and very diverse! Lots of volunteers from all over the world! and the family that lives there were the nicest people I have ever met! The program itself was great! I did childcare and worked at a preschool in Pachacutec. We do have to take public transportation but a coordinator was with us the entire time. (Shoutout to EMMA! best house coordinator ever!) I felt safe the entire time we took 2 modes of transportation a bus and then a little van thing. Emma, and either Daniela or Sayela always made sure we were on the busses and they always did headcounts! (we didn't loose anyone) The program itself was amazing! I got to work in a classroom of 4 year olds with 2 teachers. They didn't speak any english so it really tested my Spanish. WHICH I LOVED! I would help with various things in the classroom. (prepping project materials, passing out sheets, helping students with various things) we also helped supervise during outdoor play. The days were very fun and busy! And we would get back in time for lunch and have loads of time to chill/explore/take naps etc. We were in San Miguel and from there you can take Taxi/Uber to nearby areas (miraflores, Barranco etc.) after! I only stayed for 2 weeks I took a weekend trip to Machu Picchu with one of the other volunteers. The Tarpuy Sonqo directors helped me book my trip and it was AMAZING! I had so much fun! The second week was just as fun! But also bittersweet cause it was my last week. I did have some stomach troubles for a brief time and it didn't help when the water would randomly shut off (because there was construction work on a pipe nearby) . But I survived! Definitly talk to a travel doctor before you go! I was lucky enough to get some antibiotics that saved me during this time! I also got altitude medicine for Machu Picchu! (strongly advise for those doing any hiking in Cusco area) My last day was fun and sad. Sad that I was leaving the kids but grateful for everything they and their teachers have taught me in such a short time. I prepared goody bags and brought some outdoor toys from the USA for them to play with. (it's not required to bring things) but i got some donations from family members as well. The kids and staff were very appreciative! and just like that my trip was over that Sunday. I am forever grateful for both IVHQ and Tarpuy Sonqo for this opportunity. It really solidified my aspirations for working with children and it even opened a new career path. I had a child in my class who had trouble speaking not sure if he was on the autism spectrum. But because of that I have decided to pursue my masters in speech language pathology. and in my free time I want to go to different schools in different countries to help children who might not have the resources to have an SLP. This experience was truly life changing! and I will definitely be back to visit and or volunteer again.

For anyone hesitating about volunteering in Lima, I would highly suggest you just go for it! This was my very first volunteer experience and also my first time in South America (knowing very little Spanish) so I was defintely anxious at the start - but that all disappeared once I arrived there! Everyone at the volunteer house was super nice and friendly and the staff were really supportive and welcoming, which made me feel at home right away. The teaching program itself was well organized and gave the volunteers the oppotunity to work with a range of different classes and have responsibility for planning lessons, which made it a very rewarding experience. Your time and efforts are defintely appreciated there and you leave a huge impact :) I would do it again!

I taught English through this program during my spring break. I wish so badly that I had had more than a week to be a part of this. It was well organized, everyone was well-informed, and it was an amazing experience overall. Watching my students learn and grow through the classes was so rewarding, and I hope that the skills they learn take them far. I have been learning Spanish since I was 13, and it has benefited me in dozens of ways. I hope that the students in Peru understand the benefit of learning a second language. The ability to speak to an entirely new demographic of people is so amazing, especially with a beautiful language like Spanish. Additionally, I loved that we were allowed to have free time and explore Lima on our own. Sometimes I don't quite enjoy organized group activities, so it was nice being able to experience Lima on our own time and as we (responsibly) pleased. For example, I learned how to surf on my days off. Being from the inland city of Atlanta, GA, I never thought that I would be able to acquire such a skill. Not to mention I am exceptionally clumsy.