You’ll find volunteer opportunities in Peru all over the country...so if volunteering abroad is your dream, Peru should be your number one location choice. For our environment lovers out there, it’s got all the habitats: coastal, rainforest, jungle, and highlands. You won't go wrong with *any* of the best cities for volunteering in Peru!
Volunteer opportunities in Peru will take you to some pretty great heights.
There are tons of community outreach Peru volunteer programs for those who prefer to work directly with people. And while you’re volunteering, you can immerse yourself in the incredible Peruvian culture. From archaeological wonders to spicy cuisine, Peru will win your heart in about two seconds.
But where in Peru should you volunteer? There are big cities and rural villages alike, all with different volunteer opportunities in Peru. We’ve broken down some of our favorite locations and even included some volunteer opportunities available in each. Score!
Why volunteer in Peru?
From misty ruins to colorful culture to llamas, Peru is one of our favorite locations for volunteering abroad. It is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, producing the most exquisite cuisine you’ll ever try. Travelers will be mesmerized by the streets and buildings that are colorfully decorated in loud and bold colors. We love Peru!
We also love volunteering abroad. It’s a wonderful way to see the world and do some good while you’re at it. It can be hard work! Volunteers earn that warm and fuzzy feeling that comes from making a difference in a community or environment. But it’s not about the feeling. It’s really about coming together to make a difference.
We love Peru and we love volunteering, so it only makes sense to put the two together! Peru volunteer programs are some of the best. Here are some of our favorite locations for your soon-to-be volunteer adventure in Peru.
7 best places to volunteer in Peru
1. Cusco
Cusco is known to many as the jumping off point for Machu Picchu, but the city is so much more than that. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent and has been declared the Archeological Capital of the Americas. As the capital of the Inca empire, it is surrounded by enormous temples, sacred fortresses, and ancient roadways. Some of these ruins are over 1,000 years old! It’s even survived a few earthquakes as recently as 1950.
If you’re looking for the best Peru volunteer programs, don’t skip the colorful and wonderful streets of Cusco.
Because of its archaeological heritage and proximity to Machu Picchu, tourism is huge in Cusco. Many people speak English and those who don’t are likely trying to learn. Some volunteer opportunities in Peru around Cusco have you teaching English to these people in order to help them earn a living in the tourism industry.
If skilled volunteering is more your thing, Cusco has tons of nonprofit opportunities as well. From construction to computer programming, this location has a place for you. You’ll be able to beef up your resume with awesome nonprofit experience while living in an amazing city and exploring ancient ruins on your weekends. NBD.
Recommended volunteer programs in Cusco:
- Teaching English in Peru with Maximo Nivel
- Construction Volunteering with Build Abroad
- Browse all Peru volunteer programs in Cusco
2. Lima
With over 9 million people, Lima is easily Peru’s largest city and comes with plenty of volunteer opportunities! The city is an eclectic mix of modern and ancient, with high rise apartment buildings built next to ancient temples.
Because of colonization and immigration, the city is a melting pot of cultures, including European, Andean, African, and Asian. Between all of the different cultures, the Lima cuisine is adventurous to say the least. You’ll have a blast experiencing the city’s culture by tasting the different twists and flavors of the food.
Lima’s enormous size means many volunteer opportunities include working with the communities. Through teaching English to business learners or helping at-risk youth, you’ll fall in love with the city and its people in no time. Although many Peru volunteer programs include community outreach, Lima is huge and there is a volunteer project for anyone here.
Recommended volunteer programs in Lima:
- Rehabilitating Marine Life in Peru with ISA
- Volunteer Teaching in Peru with GVI
- Browse all Peru volunteer programs in Lima
3. Chiclayo
Chiclayo isn’t nicknamed “The Capital of Friendship” for nothing! Volunteering in Peru here means tons of friendly locals to help show you around. At around 100,000 residents, the city is big enough to give you the big city experience similar to Lima, but small enough to be manageable on your own.
Spend your weekdays volunteering abroad in Peru, and your weekends traversing the jungle.
Chiclayo is located next to a super cool prehistoric archaeological site. It’s called the Northern Wari ruin and dates back to the 7th century. It houses the Lord of Sipan tomb, a tomb nicknamed "King Tutankhamun of the Americas”, and will not let you down in terms of spectacular ancient treasure.
Chiclayo’s location is a perfect environmental blend; it’s a coastal city with plenty of beach and the deep jungle just a short drive away. Because of the prime environmental location, a lot of volunteer programs in Chiclayo involve conservation or farming. If that’s not your thing, there are a handful of community outreach volunteer opportunities available as well.
Recommended volunteer programs in Chiclayo:
- Volunteer Work at a Ranch with South America Inside
- Browse all Peru volunteer programs in Chiclayo
4. Arequipa
Arequipa is a gorgeous city that is nicknamed “The White City” for its stunning white volcanic rock buildings. As if the striking white baroque architecture wasn’t enough, the city is also surrounded by three different towering volcanoes. Yes, three (dw, two of them are extinct).
Because it’s a larger city, social work is big in the volunteer scene here. You’ll have the opportunity to work with women and children in need. Volunteer opportunities in Peru here range from serving in a soup kitchen to helping kids with their homework after school.
When you’re not volunteering, you can explore the fascinating history of the city. Arequipa was the capital of Peru in colonial times, a fact that has filled the city with cultural heritage galore. Gaze at the beautiful paintings of the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, one of the most captivating religious buildings in all of Peru.
Recommended volunteer programs in Arequipa:
- Support a Home for Girls with Volunteer World
- Kindergarten Volunteering in Peru with Pod Volunteer
- Browse all Peru volunteer programs in Arequipa
5. Machu Picchu
Why not spend your time volunteering abroad in Peru in the most famous area? There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in the heart of the “Lost City of the Incas” as well. Machu Picchu might have been voted one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
In fact, volunteers are not only needed, but welcomed here! The social issues the area faces are valid and real. Volunteer opportunities are mostly involved in community development, so you’ll likely be working directly with the Peruvian people. Other volunteer opportunities range from healthcare to environmental conservation.
Volunteer work is rewarding no matter where you go, and this picturesque locale will only add to your overall experience. You’ll explore the misty Incan ruins on your days off, and maybe even hike to the top! It doesn’t get better than this.
Recommended volunteer programs in Machu Picchu:
- Affordable Peru Volunteer Programs with Volunteering Solutions
- Browse all Peru volunteer programs in Machu Picchu
Those with a passion for the ocean will find plenty of inspiration when they volunteer in Peru (and an incredible night sky to boot).
6. Mancora
Are you a true ocean lover at heart? Do you love to spend days lounging in beachy, sandy paradise? Do you sing along a bit too loudly to the Moana soundtrack? (Us too.) Then Mancora is the beach destination of your dreams!
This cute beach town is on the smaller side, but it attracts tourists from around the world with its pristine turquoise beaches. This gives it a good mix of small town, while still allowing for plenty of cool new people to get to know! Mancora is also well known for awesome waves, making it especially perfect for surfers. The volunteer opportunities here are mainly working with children in orphanages, so you’ll get your fill of cute kiddos!
And, if you ever need a dose of the city life, Lima is just a couple hours drive away, perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. (But you probably won’t need a getaway, while you’re volunteering in a beach paradise).
Recommended volunteer programs in Mancora:
- New Beginnings for Children in Peru with Kiya
- Explore South American Culture in Peru with Youth International
- Browse all Peru volunteer programs in Mancora
7. Ayacucho
Ayacucho is a city with a tragic history. Its name, originating from the Quechua aya (death, or soul) and cuchu (outback), came after suffering a terrible defeat in battle with many casualties. In the more modern history, the city was occupied by a left extremist group called the Shining Path. In spite of all this, Ayacucho has emerged an independent and thriving city, teeming with beauty and life.
Its resilient spirit is evident in the cityscape itself, from pastel-colored colonial buildings to numerous cathedrals dotting the streets. With 33 colonial cathedrals, Ayacucho has more than earned its nickname of City of Churches. Besides the incredible architecture, Ayacucho is known for its festivals and thriving culture that sets itself apart from the rest of Peruvian culture.
The city is continuously working to build itself up, so many volunteer programs will be focused on social issues. Volunteers are needed to work with at-risk children and youth.
Recommended volunteer programs in Ayacucho:
- Social Activities with At-Risk Children with Canadian Alliance
- Human Rights and Women Empowerment in Peru with ELI Abroad
- Browse all Peru volunteer programs in Ayacucho
Use MyGoAbroad to Compare Volunteer Programs in Peru
You’re ready to volunteer abroad in Peru!
Say ‘sup to your new friends.
Archaeological wonders, surprising and spicy cuisine, llama festivals, and ancient ruins reign supreme in Peru, and you’re more than ready to go out there and experience it all! You’ve got the information and options to choose the perfect location for you, and the skills and knowledge to volunteer there.
You’ll spend your days off traversing the ancient roadways and incredible Inca ruins. You’ll fall in love with the super friendly locals. And you’ll rock the volunteering gig too! We know you’ll have an awesome time volunteering abroad in Peru.
View ALL Peru Volunteer Programs
Look for the Perfect Volunteer Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search