Peru Volunteer Programs from $23/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

The reserve is located kind of far from city of Cusco, however, the overnight transportation is so far the best of the trip. Panthera reserve, the place in which I spent two weeks working and observing the nature may be one of the best options for jungle adventures. Each day on the reserve is well-organised and properly carried out by the staff on board, Alex, Pierre and the other staff are always willing to help at any time. I engaged myself to learning and communicating with people all day; the more time spent on the reserve, the deeper you feel attached to the surroundings. Personally, being immersed in the pure nature is a good way to figure out how you want your life to be; meanwhile, you may also come up with an idea on what to do for making your personal contribution. Signing up for jungle conservation program with IVHQ could be a life path changing step.

The two weeks I spent in Cusco, Peru was an amazing adventure, both for me and for my future in medicine. I enjoyed the city so much and loved the culture I was able to experience. I think I could have had a better volunteering experience if the clinic in Chinchero maybe was more aware of volunteers and had set protocols for us. I found myself really looking to fill in time and just roaming around trying to find something to do. The nurses were very kind and I learned a lot about the medical system in Peru. Overall, some of the changes that could have been made also come from my desire to just be more outgoing and just ask others if they need something from me. The adventures I did on my own time were amazing and I loved my stay. I really enjoyed the food and my host family were always very helpful and supportive. I felt extremely lucky while staying in Cusco and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is thinking about doing an IVHQ program.

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!

I am a pediatrician, I have stayed for 2 weeks in Peru, most of the time in the mountains, in the picturesque Cusco. I loved it, all the people I have met were incredibly nice and helpful. I had a great time, learned a lot on a personal level of truly lovely people and amazing culture. Besides, professionally, I could see a lot of the system differences, which was interesting and also rewarding for a volunteer. We were in a big enough clinic in Belampampa, where diverse cases were attended. So, I did get to see children, but also pregnant women. Nevertheless, I have met people of different backgrounds who volunteered with IVHQ, heard great life stories. It almost felt like time was flying by. Wish you all enjoy your experience just as much!

Last Christmas I had the pleasure of volunteering in Cusco. It was my most exciting and rewarding travel experience so far and I would definitely do it all again if I got the opportunity.

It was my first time travelling solo in a foreign language speaking country so naturally I was very nervous in the time leading up to my departure. However once I arrived, I felt completely at ease. IVHQ were very supportive and I had an airport pick up as soon as I arrived and met another volunteer straight away on the taxi ride to my homestay. From there on the experience was nothing but enjoyable and I had the best three weeks of my life.

The holiday experience project was great as it is was the only project where we got to do a mixture of each of the available programs. Over the course of two weeks, I got to help run a Christmas party for the local kids, help build a dog shelter, work with special needs care, plant trees and build guinea pig houses with the locals. After completing my volunteering, I had a week to myself where I used the mini-adventure tour option which IVHQ kindly organised for me. This was a great option for me as I had travelled all the way from New Zealand and wasn’t sure when I would be able to return, so I wanted to see as many things as possible. Using this service meant I got to cover all the major attractions including Machu Picchu, Scared Valley, Lake Titicaca and the salt mines. It was also a very easy, safe and hassle free process.

I also took advantage of the Spanish classes offered which was organised for me prior to my arrival. Taking these classes really enhanced my experience and I would definitely recommend to anybody who is not confident with their Spanish skills. It was also useful as you could practice what you learnt in class with the locals you volunteer alongside.

Overall, this was a challenging and wonderful experience where I learnt so much about myself and what I am capable of achieving. I have made life long friends and have memories that will last a lifetime. I cannot wait to volunteer abroad and travel solo again in the future.

You can try to dream up everything about your first trip abroad, but it will never come close. First, you will not have predicted the tough times, such as acclimating to the super high altitude, getting sick from food, or having arguments with traveling partners on what to do and when. But more importantly, you will not be able to fathom the unforgettable people you will meet, places you will see, food you will eat, stories you'll learn, history you will uncover, and PERSONAL GROWTH you will experience. Cusco captured my heart with its mountainous beauty, lively festivals, historic traditions, and host family hospitality. From hiking Machu Picchu, learning to salsa dance, taking cooking lessons, atving through the mountains, and helping those in need in clinics, Cusco stole my heart.

Being that it was my first time volunteering abroad I was a little nervous about what to expect, but the moment I was picked up by one of the staff members as soon as I arrived to the airport I started to feel less nervous, and when I arrived to my home stay I couldn't be more satisfied. Not only was the accommodation incredibly comfortable and spacious, but the host family was super hospitable and caring. I loved being immersed into an entirely different, yet beautifully new humbling culture, and to experience living as a local was the best feeling ever. The most rewarding part besides the wonderful site seeing was the actual medical project I volunteered at. It was such a rewarding an fulfilling feeling to help the locals who were in much need. I can't wait to go back next year! I am a new person thanks to you IVHQ!!!!!

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.