If you’re ready to embark on an adventure like no other, Peru should be on your must-visit list. Ancient ruins such as those at Machu Picchu – and a trek along the Inca Trail – are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, though there is so much more to see.
Peru has among the most diverse landscapes in the world: the country has 28 individual climates between the snow-capped Andes, arid deserts, Amazon jungles, gorgeous beaches and islands, and the deepest canyons in the world. You can explore remote villages, small towns, and bustling cities like Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu and the ancient Inca capital. Peru is a welcoming and beautiful country for travelers worldwide, with an amazing culture, colorful history, and wonderful people – though it’s also a developing country that benefits from the support of volunteers who want to make a difference and build a better future for people and communities in need.
Nearly one-third of Peruvians live beneath the poverty line – that’s about 8 million people – and communities most affected are rural or remote villages largely comprised of indigenous families. Cities are affected by poverty as well: Lima, in particular, has experienced rapid growth in recent years but is in great need of sustainable community development as well as support for those living in shanty towns and unable to afford proper education or healthcare.
Some of the best ways you can make a difference in Peru are through education, healthcare, community development, and construction and infrastructure improvement. Peru is an excellent place both to teach English and other subjects, and to pick up Spanish: Cusco has many Spanish schools, and some of the organizations highlighted in this article have Spanish immersion programs in Peru. If you’re a student or professional in the healthcare or medical field, there are clinics, hospitals, and community outreach programs you can work in to improve your skills and teach people about proper nutrition, disease prevention, and hygiene. And if you want to help literally build communities, construction, and clean water programs abound, particularly in small towns and villages.
If you’re ready to start exploring the many ways you can see Peru and give back to the communities welcoming you to this amazing country, read on!
Great Volunteer Programs in Peru
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If you’re looking for an affordable, impactful volunteer opportunity, check out International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ). Since 2007, IVHQ has sent more than 80,000 volunteers around the world on 200+ projects spanning from childcare to community building, to medical care, and beyond. With programs in North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, IVHQ has no shortage of opportunities for travelers who want to make a difference and pursue adventure.
IVHQ offers a wide variety of volunteer projects in two different locations in Peru: in Lima and in Cusco. In Cusco, you can choose from 10 different programs to sign up for, with each hosting between 20 and 60 volunteers each month. And in Lima, IVHQ offers four different placements, with anywhere between 5 and 20 volunteers signing up each month. Depending on which project you take part in, you can stay with a host family, in a volunteer house, or in dormitory-style accommodations.
One of the many volunteer projects you can sign up for with IVHQ in Peru is a Special Needs Care program in Cusco. As a volunteer, you’ll work in a home for mentally and physically disabled children and will assist in the children’s personal care by providing specialized attention, helping with feeding, assisting with clothing and bathing, and organizing crafts and games for playtime. The children in this care center have a range of disabilities, so you may need to help them with basic functions and skills depending on the severity of their needs. Learn more about this program here.
If you’re more interested in volunteering with wildlife, definitely check out IVHQ’s Jungle Conservation Project. Through this program, you’ll have the opportunity to live and work at an Amazonian jungle conservation base while learning about and experiencing this unique ecosystem. Some of the tasks you’ll take on throughout your placement include research, reforestation, monitoring of animals, and organic agriculture. Your work will vary depending on the needs of your base at the time. Because you’ll be placed where your help is needed the most, you may not be able to choose your specific project location, and you must be flexible and willing to take on different types of work depending on program requirements at the time. During your weekends and free time, IVHQ encourages you to explore your community, take side trips, and learn about Peruvian culture to gain the most from your amazing experience abroad. Click here to learn more and sign up.
What Volunteers Say: Review from Annalise
I spent two months in Cusco Peru volunteering with IVHQ it was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I meet so many amazing people from volunteers to locals who made my trip who I wouldn’t of normally met if I hadn’t gotten out of my comfort zone. I highly recommend IVHQ for anyone who is a first time volunteer the support is great as well being the most affordable that I have come across.
A top-rated volunteer organization, GoEco was created in 2006 by experienced volunteers who work hard to provide impactful service opportunities across the globe. In their first 12 years, they sent more than 15,000 volunteers abroad. Among their 150-plus initiatives, GoEco has great volunteer programs in Peru. Recommended by known publications like The Guardian and USA Today, GoEco is a great choice if you’re looking to volunteer in Peru.
With GoEco’s 3rd Week Free Grant, enjoy the benefits of a third week free of charge when you sign up for two weeks or more.
Read through some of your options here and start planning your adventure.
Volunteer in the southeastern Andes Mountains in health care or for a more hands-on medical care volunteer experience. This program has opportunities available for everyone, from those just starting out at university to those who already hold medical qualifications. Volunteers will be placed based on their level of experience, but all placements allow volunteers to experience the Peruvian healthcare system first-hand.
Volunteer at Peru’s Amazon Wildlife Rescue & Release Sanctuary! Aid in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife affected by illegal trade, hunting, and habitat loss. Assist with feeding, caring, and preparing animals for release into protected reserves. Live in the enchanting Amazon jungle, working closely with professionals and indigenous wildlife. This ethical program offers hands-on animal care experience and conservation education. The minimum stay is one week with accommodation and meals included.
With many programs throughout Latin America, Maximo Nivel offers several opportunities to visit Peru, learn about the country and its culture, and impact the lives of people you’ll meet. Through Maximo Nivel’s placements in Peru, you can learn Spanish, volunteer, pursue an internship, teach English, and study abroad for university credit. Maximo Nivel’s volunteer program fees include airport pickup, housing, two meals per day, program orientation and management, classes, and much more.
Maximo Nivel invites you to help protect Peru’s landscape and ecosystems through its jungle conservation volunteer program. As a volunteer, you’ll help with several different tasks depending on the needs of your program, including:
- Reforestation, including planting trees and shrubs, and removing invasive species
- Organic gardening
- Wildlife and animal monitoring, including observing and counting birds, insects, amphibians, and primates
- Trail maintenance
- Leading workshops for the community to educate about environmental protection
You’ll work four to six hours per day, Monday through Saturday, and you’re asked to stay at least two weeks. Your work is incredibly important to ongoing efforts to research, understand, and protect one of the world’s last primary forests, and to protect the plants and wildlife that live in it. To learn more, click here.
If you’re interested in social work, international development, or another related field, check out Maximo Nivel’s human rights internship in Peru. Through this program, you’ll work with a community organization, NGO, or government agency to help drive positive change through social justice and human empowerment. You’ll work alongside social workers and other professionals to help with community outreach, education, research, and fundraising while learning about Peru’s culture, social values, and much more. You must have intermediate Spanish language skills to sign up. If you’re not a Spanish speaker, Maximo Nivel has an online Spanish class or a Spanish Immersion Program to help prepare you for your internship in Peru. Click here to learn more.
One of the best ways to make a positive difference for people in need is through education – and Maximo Nivel has an amazing English teaching program you can sign up for right now in Peru. Most public schools in Peru don’t teach high-quality ESL to their students, and private schools that do have better classes can be unaffordable to many people in poor communities. As a volunteer, you’ll help develop people’s educational and professional prospects through teaching in a public school, community center, after-school program, shelter for street children, or at other locations by creating lesson plans, teaching courses, tutoring students, organizing games and activities, fundraising, and much more. While this program starts from one week, Maximo Nivel encourages you to stay longer to learn as much as you can from your project, and to help your students as best as you can. To learn more and to sign up, visit this page.
Right now, Maximo Nivel is offering fall and spring semester, winter term, and summer term study abroad programs where you can study part-time or full-time in Peru for university credit. There are several programs available, including:
- Service-learning, where you can specialize in animal care, construction, medical care, and more
- Internships specializing in education, hospitality and tourism, human rights, and more
- Spanish studies, with several courses for beginner and intermediate speakers, composition, advanced grammar, and much more
- Medical studies, where you can learn about community medicine, medicinal plants, public health, and other topics
- Conservation and science, where you’ll take courses in ecology and conservation, tropical coastal marine systems, and other areas in conservation and biology
- Interdisciplinary studies, where you can learn about international development and business
Specific courses may vary from term to term, and some programs may qualify for financial aid. Depending on your program, courses may be taught in English or Spanish, and Maximo Nivel strongly recommends you add courses from their Native Spanish Program and Tandem Conversation Program. Throughout your stay in Peru, you’ll live with a host family or in a private apartment or student residence, and on your weekends, you’re free to explore the area, take a tour (either arranged by Maximo Nivel or scheduled on your own), or just relax. To learn more about studying abroad in Peru, click here.
What Volunteers Say: Review from Alexa
I went to Cusco, Peru on a one-way ticket back in 2009 and had the time of my life. Maximo was a big contributor to my positive experience. I volunteered with underprivileged kids and helped paint a battered women’s shelter. I also took inexpensive Spanish lessons with them.
The accommodation they provided was great (I recommend Arcopata Family House). I lived with fellow participants of the program in a house and was provided really good meals. When I got sick, they had a doctor come to the house to check on me and give me medicine too.
After volunteering, I became TEFL certified with them during a 4-week course.
All in all, I was very impressed, and I would recommend them to anyone. The experience changed my life.
Projects Abroad sends more than 10,000 volunteers each year to take part in impactful programs around the world. One of the world’s largest and most trusted volunteer travel organizations, it offers volunteer programs, internships overseas, under-18s trips, and lots of other programs fitted to your travel style.
Explore the history of ancient Mayan civilizations or live in the heart of the Amazon rainforest when you choose Projects Abroad opportunities in Peru, from thrilling archaeology work to childcare, conservation, or medicine.
Be part of preserving ancient Inca heritage on Projects Abroad’s archaeology project in Peru. You’ll work with experienced archaeologists on dig sites, gaining practical experience in excavating and preserving artifacts. Projects Abroad has partnered with a local museum where you’ll work with staff to clean and reconstruct your finds. Your work plays an important role in unearthing clues from the past that teach us more about human behavior. Read more here.
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Projects Abroad’s conservation project in the Amazon is the perfect opportunity to gain experience in zoological and botanical conservation. Protect endangered species as you live and work in the heart of the Amazon at an animal rescue and rehabilitation center. As part of this project, you will:
- Collect data on wildlife during surveys in the jungle
- Care for the animals at the rehabilitation center
- Learn from experienced conservationists
- Help with reforestation and community farming initiatives
- Set up trail cameras and monitor footage
Ready to learn more about this exciting conservation opportunity? Click here to learn more and apply today!
Learning Spanish in Peru is the ideal immersive language experience. Beginners to advanced speakers are welcome! You’ll have a dedicated, experienced tutor who will run one-on-one Spanish lessons with you, and lessons will be tailored according to your level of experience. When your lessons are finished for the day, you can practice your skills at local markets or while sightseeing. Speaking to locals in their own language is a great way to connect and learn more about their culture and ensure that you come home with enhanced Spanish-language skills and a richer insight into this vibrant South American country. Read more and apply here.
Volunteering in Peru with Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) offers a unique and enriching experience. IVI is a non-profit organization with over 35 years of experience, known for its excellent local team, affordable fees, and strong safety record. Volunteers can immerse themselves in Cuzco’s vibrant culture while engaging in diverse projects, from teaching to animal care and more. IVI provides comprehensive support, including accommodation, meals, orientation, and 24/7 assistance, ensuring a fulfilling and impactful volunteer journey.
Volunteers at the Alpaca and Llama Farm in Cusco, Peru, have the unique opportunity to live like locals in a small village in the Andes mountains. This family-run farm, dedicated to caring for llamas and alpacas, also produces native Peruvian textiles from the animals’ wool using traditional methods. Volunteers assist with animal care, including feeding, cleaning, and grooming, as well as helping with light construction work around the farm. They also participate in the shearing and weaving of textiles and create educational materials about these important animals.
Accommodation is provided through homestays with local families, offering an authentic cultural experience. Volunteers are required to be flexible and willing to help in any way possible, making this project perfect for those who love animals and are not afraid to get their hands dirty.
The Indigenous Community Immersion program in the Andes mountains near Cusco, Peru, offers volunteers a unique opportunity to experience an ancient way of life. Placed in a Quechua-speaking community, volunteers live and work alongside traditional Andean families, helping with farming, herding animals, and participating in minor construction projects. This off-the-grid, full-immersion experience is ideal for those interested in anthropology, gender roles, and indigenous cultures.
Accommodation is provided through homestays with basic amenities, and volunteers are encouraged to be self-driven and adaptable to local ways of life. This project promotes cross-cultural understanding and provides an amazing opportunity to expand one’s horizons.
The Amazon Rainforest Conservation program in Peru is vital for the protection and restoration of one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Volunteers participate in reforestation efforts, wildlife monitoring, and community education to combat the effects of climate change and deforestation. The project, located in the remote Amazon jungle, involves physically demanding tasks such as planting trees and removing invasive species.
Volunteers stay in communal jungle lodges with basic amenities and no WiFi, offering a truly off-grid experience. This project is perfect for those passionate about wildlife conservation and who enjoy being outdoors in a rustic setting. Volunteers need to be prepared for the physical demands and the lack of modern conveniences, but the work they do will have a lasting impact on the environment and local communities.
Volunteering Solutions offers a diverse array of affordable volunteer projects in Peru, catering to high school and college students, gap year travelers, and backpackers. Those seeking an alternative spring or summer break can join the 2-week programs.
With 17 years of trusted service, VolSol provides meaningful volunteer opportunities year-round, including meals and accommodation with Peruvian host families, and exciting weekend excursions to sites like Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountains. Volunteers and interns in Peru with Volunteering Solutions are well-supported throughout their stay. Upon arrival, participants are picked up from Cusco Airport by a local coordinator and provided with a half-day orientation covering essential topics such as safety, culture, and volunteer placements. Accommodation is with carefully selected host families, offering a comfortable and immersive experience of Peruvian life. Volunteers share rooms with other participants and have access to basic amenities, including hot showers and WiFi. Meals are provided thrice daily from Monday to Saturday, featuring a variety of Peruvian dishes. This comprehensive support ensures a safe, enjoyable, and culturally enriching volunteer experience in Peru.
Volunteering Solutions offers a Dental Elective Internship for students keen on gaining practical experience in Cusco, Peru. Interns assist dentists in various tasks, including sterilization of supplies, hands-on dental procedures, and conducting awareness campaigns in local communities and schools. This program provides an excellent opportunity to work with professional dentists, enhance career prospects, and explore Peru’s cultural heritage. Interns participate in dental camps, visit public schools to teach oral hygiene, and work in periodontology. The internship requires dental students to bring specific dental materials and have an intermediate level of Spanish.
VolSol’s Teaching English program in Cusco offers volunteers the chance to teach English to students from various communities and age groups. Volunteers teach three classes daily, each lasting 60 minutes, or assist local teachers in improving students’ pronunciation and English skills. Participants need an intermediate level of Spanish and must be flexible, proactive, and passionate about teaching. Volunteers work for 5 to 6 hours a day, five days a week, developing engaging lesson plans and focusing on interactive, activity-based learning.
What Volunteers Say: Review from Natasha V
I loved my experience while volunteering in Cusco, Peru. The family I stayed with was wonderful and I felt very welcome all the time. The volunteering itself was amazing and I enjoyed every second with the kids I worked with. I would do everything all over again!
Join Global Vision International (GVI) in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon for a transformative experience in rainforest conservation. The Amazon Rainforest Conservation Volunteering program offers durations from 1 to 24 weeks, during which you’ll contribute to protecting vulnerable species while working alongside experienced biologists and passionate students. Based in the Tambopata National Reserve’s buffer zone, you’ll monitor an array of extraordinary species, including pumas, jaguars, sloths, monkeys, river otters, and anacondas.
Your volunteer work will involve a variety of hands-on conservation projects, such as primate studies, camera trapping, mammal transects, habitat evaluation, and climate variable tracking. You’ll play a vital role in local conservation efforts, helping to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in independent research, potentially using your findings for university reports or theses. Living and working in the Amazon, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, promises an immersive and rewarding experience for any nature enthusiast or conservationist.
Ready to Go?
Not only is Peru a gorgeous country with a colorful history, but there are also so many ways you can do good for its people and environment while you explore and immerse yourself in Peruvian culture. From rural communities to bustling cities, and from jungles to mountains to beaches, Peru is an incredible place that’s wonderful for travel – and that’s in need of volunteers like you.
For more information about the different opportunities available to you in South America, check out these articles as well for even more inspiration to plan your travels in Latin America:
Volunteer Programs and Projects in Brazil and Ecuador
Volunteer in South America & Latin America – Brazil, Costa Rica & More
Cheap Affordable Volunteer Abroad Programs & Low-Cost Overseas Projects
Jordyn Hotchkiss ยท Guest Writer
Jordyn Hotchkiss is a Guest Volunteer Travel Writer for Volunteer Forever.