Great Value Volunteer Placements in Peru with a UK Charity

All the staff at the project are doing an amazing job and you can tell the project is making a real difference and impact in the community. The kids at the project are great, always so excited and welcoming of new volunteers and even when there is a language barrier this does not stop them finding ways to interact and communicate with volunteers. It is impossible not to be happy while at the project, as the kids happiest is just infectious. In addition to the project being fantastic, Peru & Cusco itself are just amazing - with the most lovely people and so much to do in your free time!

Based right in the Amazon jungle of Peru, the work being done at this project is so interesting. Assisting on genuine conservation research project was a great experience. While trekking through the forest is definitely not easy, it is worth it, as you get to see countless insects, bugs, butterflies, amphibians, birds and monkeys too! And if you are very lucky you will get to see the resident sloth that is often lazying about in one of the trees close to the base. I love the social aspect of this project too, as with very limited electricity and no internet to distract you, you really get to know the people there.

I could not pick a favourite thing about this project if I tried!! The owner of the shelter is so genuinely passionate about the animals and their care - she remembers the names and stories of every animal that has come through the shelter. The project aims to release as many of the animals that come through as possible - they have already done many successful releases! Time at the project mostly spent preparing food for and taking food to all the animals there, as well as general maintenance around the project. I was extremely lucky when I was at the project as there were 2 babies (a baby sloth & a baby howler monkey) being hand cared for until they were old enough and strong enough to go into their own enclosures and I got to assist with their care! It was an unforgettable experience.

The first thing I should comment on is the passion that the staff at the shelter have for what they are doing. They put their heart and souls into helping as many dogs as they can, and they genuinely care about the well-being of each and every one of the animals under their care. And taking care of so many pups is a lot of work, so they are so appreciative to all of the volunteers that come to help! Of course the dogs are always happy to see you when you enter the shelter, and how can so many wagging tails not put a smile on your face?! While working, even if it's the grubby stuff like washing bowls or cleaning up messes, you genuinely feel like you are helping these animals have a better life, one meal or one scratch behind the ear at a time. Especially seeing how many dogs are out on the streets in Cusco - homeless, injured, or just generally unhealthy and un-cared for - you know that each of the dogs at the shelter have such a better quality of life, and are genuinely loved! It's a wonderful thing to be a part of.

This project is doing wonderful things for its community in Peru. The kids love attending the after-school program, and you can see it on their faces as soon as they walk in the door! They love meeting all of the new volunteers and are eager to participate and learn! The staff is friendly and incredibly helpful. My favorite memory was getting to participate in a day of fun and games during Halloween. We did activities normally practiced int he USA during Halloween like bobbing for apples, and the kids had an absolute blast! All the while they were happy to practice their English with all of the volunteers and staff. Peru is an amazing place, and getting to participate at this project is an amazing experience no one will ever forget!