Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Peru from US$250

I taught EFL in Cusco for 1 week with my son who is 12. The local team, Maximo Nivel were excellent people to work with. Everything was organized, professional and they made it easy to settle into the experience. Traveling alone with my child I wanted to make sure I felt comfortable and safe and I couldn't have felt more so. Our teaching experience was just that; the organization and children we worked with were fun and engaged and they enjoyed learning from my son as well. Overall the entire experience was a great learning opportunity and travel memory to make. I am planning to volunteer with IVHQ again and would recommend IVHQ to anyone who wants their travel experience to be more wholesome and immersive beyond simple tourism.

** Please do not forget that IVHQ is not a non-profit organisation. You pay for an advertised product, you are suposed to get what was advertised.

I was the 3rd person on this project. The second person, with whom I was volounteering, also witnessed how the project was not built and not AT ALL described as one their website*****

IVHQ Proposed me to make the project a better place for what I do not have the expertise. That is not what I paid for nor applied. Had I not complained, IVHQ would not have known the conditions of this project. The project was not built when I got there. I was sold: Brooming, walking, showering dogs, adoption campaning, playing with dogs. Nothing posted on their website was effective when I got there. It was a traumatic day. Yes I stayed a day, and left. As anyone should of. Nobody should encourage such a fraud. I was offered to change project even if they asked was were my abilities relied to THIS and ONLY project before getting there.

I did recieved emails, that's it. No refund, no compensation for the false advertisment.

The CEO accused me of expecting conditions such as in Canada which is absolutely ridiculous. This is typical intimidation and out of context.

IVHQ prey on young people who will be intimidated by such a big organisation.

Here is the email I sent to IVHQ after what I witnessed/experienced. I would add that I recived NO help from IVHQ nor refund.

I am sending you this message to share my experience at the Animal Care project in Lima. First of all, I would like to specify that this message is not about the accommodation offered nor the geographical location of the project (Pachacutec). When I applied for the Animal Care program, I expected to help communities living in extreme poverty and their dogs. Unfortunately, after a day spent at the project, I and the other volunteer found that the conditions in which the dogs were living were unfortunately more endangering them more than helping. The dogs are locked up in an extremely unsanitary place: they live in their own feces and urine. Our work as volunteers consisted in cleaning the floor with a mop that was bathed in water completely soiled, full of excrement, thick and not changed for several days. We had to spread the water, full of excrement, all over the floor. The air inside the dog house is contaminated and extremely dangerous for dogs and humans. No soap or clean water is used to wash the floor and the person who takes care of the place, the daughter of the school director across the street, has no concept of sanitation and hygiene. The dogs, all sick, are locked up alone in their excrements breathing this contaminated air and sleeping on a floor washed with used water (filled with feces) and without being changed. Once the "cleaning" task was over, we went to the park to sit for the rest of the day. The person in charge did not need any help. She spent her time on the phone negotiating prices for the school services of the school run by her father and we just sat there. We asked to change the water so that we could at least clean the floor without further soiling it, which was refused. The water given to the dog is contaminated with urine and excrement and is not changed. We just Added more water and again, we were refused to change it. The dogs are not washed or brushed and seem to suffer from poor hygiene... During the hour at the park, the dogs were eating the garbage opening bags directly from the garbage. I asked if I should stop them to avoid contamination, and they answered to let them eat the garbage. In Pachacutec, hundreds of dogs roam the streets and eat the garbage. There is no difference between these dogs and the ones kept at the Project, except that the theses dogs are locked up once the vonlontaires have left until the next day, and sleep in their excrement. Most of them are extremely sick according to the appearance of their feces... The dogs would be much better off in the wild with bowls of food and water within their reach. The young woman who runs the place has absolutely no knowledge of the safety, hygiene and health of the dogs, or that of the human beings who could catch serious illnesses from being exposed to such a level of insalubrity. I understand her intention to help, but we are not talking about insufficient financial resources but about a lack of knowledge to manage such a project. Basic knowledge of health and hygiene would solve the situation. We were informed that we were among the first volunteers to work there. When I informed her of the situation, she replied that she had never had any such comments, but we were technically, after another volunteer, the first to witness this situation. It was an extremely traumatic experience for me, an animal lover and a person who cares about helping communities living in poverty. I applied for this program to help the dogs but unfortunately, I feel like I contributed to the abuse. I hav traveled quite a lot of time to communities of extreme poverty. An animal shelter requires very few resources other than a roof, water, soap and food. I left the program this morning out of respect for my values and the dogs. I was very satisfied with the service I received from IVHQ throughout the process and with the accommodation offered, but I do not think that other volunteers should be sent to the Animal Care program in Lima for reasons of health and respect for the animals. The help sent would be all the more necessary for the child care, medical and community programs. I intend to participate in future volunteer projects with IVHQ and in no way do I question the values of the company, but I believe that there was a lack of verification of the location. I would like to be refunded for the 7 weeks I paid for working on the project, and I strongly encourage you to review the organization of this project.

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.