I had a really great time! There were many opportunities to book excursions like ziplining and quad biking that were fairly priced and completely organized for us. I went to Machu Picchu for a day which was really lovely. I went alone but met a lot of great people there, so I never felt alone. My host family was so nice. I saw a lot of really wonderful things and I would definitely recommend this trip!

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.

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.