9 Best Volunteer Programs in Peru

Who runs the best Peru volunteer programs? Let’s find out!

Simply put, any amount of time you spend in Peru will be life-changing. You simply cannot travel in this country of unbelievable beauty and generous people and remain unchanged. And to volunteer in Peru is the opportunity to explore the natural and cultural riches of this country on a deeper level, while at the same time investing in making Peru an even better place. Double win!

And if you don’t believe us about Peru volunteer programs, well—a photo is worth 1000 incredible, stunning, breathtaking words.

Volunteer projects in Peru can be found all over the country, but Cusco and Lima are typically where most programs are located. Whatever your professional interest, there’s probably several volunteer projects in Peru that are specializing in it, especially if working with children or teaching English are a component.

Here’s a preview of the best volunteer opportunities in Peru this year, according to meaningful travelers and past volunteers:

The best programs for volunteering in Peru this year

Editor’s note: This information on Peru volunteer programs was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Affordable Volunteering with Globalteer

“I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone. They were professional and supportive throughout. Their staff are lovely and really helped me out. I also like the fact that a lot of the money goes towards the project. You can see where your money goes and how much the kids appreciate the program.”—Read more Globalteer reviews here.

Where? Cusco
When? Year Round; 1-2 Weeks; 2-4 Weeks; 5-8 Weeks; 9-12 Weeks
Why? Globalteer offers the best volunteer programs in Peru according to reviews. With them, you can combine your volunteering abroad in Peru with the adventure of a lifetime! This program allows volunteers in Peru the unique opportunity to base themselves high in the Andes mountains in the city of Cusco—the oldest continually inhabited city in South America and the staging post for Machu Picchu. Volunteers will contribute to an after-school education program assisting the young and vulnerable in finding a way out of the trap of poverty by providing supporting them in their education. Globalteer is known for the unrivaled support they provide to their volunteers and is committed to providing an ethical and affordable volunteer experience, making it a top choice for volunteer opportunities in Peru.
More info on Globalteer’s volunteer programs

2. Volunteer in Cusco with United Planet

“Anyone will tell you that volunteering will completely change your perspective on life, but once you get out of your comfort zone to do it for yourself you will understand what they are talking about. United Planet has provided the perfect opportunity for me to grow as a person through volunteering. My Quest with the children in Peru is going to be a memory I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.” —Read more United Planet reviews here.

Where? Cusco
When? Year Round; 1-2 Weeks; 2-4 Weeks; 5-8 Weeks; 9-12 Weeks
Why? Whether you have one week to spare or want to spend the entire summer abroad, United Planet has flexible volunteer programs in Peru where you’ll gain a firsthand look at the economic and political issues affecting locals on a daily basis. United Planet is an international non-profit organization with the mission of creating a global community, one relationship at a time. They connect volunteers who want to make a difference with communities in 35 countries, where they learn, teach, work, engage, and immerse themselves in a culture outside their comfort zone.
More info on United Planet’s volunteer programs.

3. Volunteering & Language Immersion with Maximo Nivel

“I arrived in Cusco at the beginning of January very unsure of what to expect and overwhelmed with nerves! The second I stepped off the plane, the staff at Maximo made me feel right at home and extremely comfortable, considering that I was on the other side of the world, in a foreign country, alone, for the first time ever!”—Read more Maximo Nivel reviews here.

Where? Cusco
When? Year Round; 1-2 Weeks; 2-4 Weeks; 5-8 Weeks; 9-12 Weeks; 7-12 Months; Alternative Spring Break; Summer
Why? Want to improve your Spanish language skills while volunteering? Perfecto. Offering a variety of projects working with kids, conversation, or healthcare, Maximo Nivel aims to provide the best Spanish language immersion in Latin America, improve the impact at every volunteer project, train and certify world-class ESL teachers, organize excellent internships, and help people see the world.
More info on Maximo Nivel’s volunteer programs

4. GoEco Kindergarten Assistance

“I have had 3 wonderful weeks in Cusco, Peru! The experience was life changing, and Maximo was available for support the entire time! The people are so helpful and friendly! My home placements were outstanding, and my volunteer placement was very special! I highly recommend to all who want an incredible experience to contact GoEco!”—Read more GoEco reviews here.

Where? Cajamarca
When? Year Round; 1-2 Weeks; 2-4 Weeks; 5-8 Weeks; 9-12 Weeks
Why? If you like working with children and are eager for the chance to visit Machu Picchu, this volunteer teaching project in Cajamarca is for you! The goal here is to begin teaching English to children at a young age—between the ages of 2 and 4—through fun activities such as playing games and leading organized activities. of Peru. GoEco is one of the world's top volunteer organizations, with award-winning programs that are carefully chosen by the company's founding sustainable travel experts.
More info on GoEco’s volunteer programs

5. Medical Placements with Volunteering Journeys

“I was very satisfied with the program especially with teaching in cardiology. The NICU was very helpful. Learnt a lot and also the differences between healthcare systems. Palliative care day was amazing."—Read more Volunteering Journeys reviews here.

Where? Cusco
When? Minimum duration of 4 weeks
Why? For a chance to gain hands-on experience while working alongside local medical staff, there are no better volunteer opportunities in Peru for students studying healthcare and medicine. This program helps you learn first-hand about the local Peruvian healthcare systems while assisting local doctors with the care for patients. You will also support health education campaigns addressing crucial public health issues such as nutrition and hygiene. Receiving internship credit or volunteer hours for your experience may be available—bonus!
More info on Volunteering Journeys volunteer programs

6. Projects Abroad in Peru

“Projects Abroad is a super helpful and supportive company. I did the sports program in Peru. From the day I booked my trip I had lots of contact with my supervisor. She answered every question I asked, and checked up on me and how I was feeling. I [also] called a couple of times for any question and given more information. Projects Abroad also has a great volunteer page where you can get a range of helpful and education information about pre and post departure.”—Read more Projects Abroad in Peru reviews here.

Where? Cusco, Puerto Maldonado
When? Year Round; 1-2 Weeks; 2-4 Weeks; 5-8 Weeks; 9-12 Weeks; 3-6 Months, 7-12 Months
Why? If you’re looking for a well-organized project with language learning opportunities, check out Projects Abroad. Projects Abroad offers a variety of volunteer projects including teaching, healthcare, conservation, sports, Inca culture, in addition to the opportunity to learn either the Spanish or Quechua languages. Regardless of your project, all volunteers in Peru receive top-notch in-country support from the Projects Abroad staff to ensure their experience is safe, worthwhile, and fun.
More info on Projects Abroad’s volunteer programs

7. Amazon Conservation with Pod Volunteer

“Definitely the best month of my life. There were so many moments that were just surreal, it just felt as if we had wandered into a nature documentary, like when we found ourselves stroking a baby caiman while knee deep in a river or blowing on butterflies to determine their gender.”—Read more Pod Volunteer in Peru reviews here.

Where? Manu National Park
When? Year Round; 1-2 Weeks; 2-4 Weeks; 5-8 Weeks; 9-12 Weeks
Why? If you want to work with the incredible animals of the Amazon for your volunteer project in Peru, this program hosted by Pod Volunteer is for you! Here, volunteers will support conservation research and sustainable development projects documenting rare blue-headed macaws. Or you might be collecting data on butterflies or building new, sustainable biogardens. Whatever your project, you’ll also be given training on jungle ecology to prepare you for the role. Pod Volunteer specializes in providing ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world.
More info on Pod Volunteer’s volunteer opportunities in Peru

8. Volunteer in Lima with ISA

“Volunteering in Lima, Peru with Aprendo Contigo, taught me how to be a positive light in tough times. I was a full-time student at a local university and volunteered twice a week with Aprendo Contigo. At the hospital, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas, I provided therapy to children with cancer. Every morning, volunteers and I would work and play with children of all ages, as they sat in their hospital beds receiving chemotherapy. From the fun of finger painting to playing an intense game of Jenga, we as volunteers brought a bright, smiling face and a positive attitude to their bedside.”—Read more International Studies Abroad reviews here.

Where? Lima
When? Year Round; 1-2 Weeks; 2-4 Weeks; 5-8 Weeks; 9-12 Weeks;
Why? If your vision of volunteering in Peru involves spending time in the capital of Lima, read on. ISA Service has many volunteer projects in Peru, but their opportunities for students of marine biology or human rights are particularly strong. ISA is committed to providing university-level students with the opportunity to discover, learn, and enjoy a way of life other than their own.
More info on International Study Abroad’s volunteer programs

9. Environmental Conservation in the Peruvian Rainforest with Kaya Responsible Travel

Where? Cusco, Rural Areas
When? 2-4 Weeks; 5-8 Weeks; 9-12 Weeks
Why? Are you ready to help defend one of the most important biospheres in the world? Through this program, Kaya Responsible Travel aims to unite international volunteers with indigenous communities, creating authentic cultural exchange, all while supporting environmental protection and research in Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru (a UNESCO World Heritage site!). Kaya Responsible Travel offers volunteers flexible dates, affordable program fees, an excellent safety record, customized volunteer placements, and the support of dedicated, professional staff both pre-departure and in-country.
More info on Kaya volunteer opportunities in Peru

[Browse ALL Volunteer Programs in Peru]

You’re ready to volunteer abroad in Peru!

We don’t mean to throw off your groove, but there’s no word on whether or not you’ll stay in touch with your llama friends after you go home.

Volunteering abroad in Peru will challenge you, but also change your life. Home to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, people, and customs, Peru has no shortage of breathtaking places to visit during your free time.

And while you’ll be able to check the Amazon, the Andes, Machu Picchu—or maybe all three!—off your travel bucket list during your volunteer experience, you’ll have also seen the real Peru, and not just the tourism brochure version, either. You’ll also be making an impact on conservation projects, the lives of children, or any number of important projects that need your skills.

After all, this is the opportunity to forgo a week at the beach to, instead, travel where you are needed. And sometimes the most rewarding aspects of volunteering aren’t always the experiences you can define in a five paragraph essay.

But don’t worry—in addition to the intangible rewards of volunteering abroad, you’ll also be developing language skills, while (don’t worry Mom!) still improving that pesky resume.

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