Gap Year Programs in Lima,Peru

"Join one of the most accessible and affordable volunteer programs in South America with International Volunteer HQ. Trusted by more than 147,000 volunteers worldwide, IVHQ’s Lima-based volunteer projects give you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while living in Peru’s vibrant capital city. With 6 unique volunteer opportunities to choose from—including Childcare, Medical Outreach, Animal Care, Construction & Renovation, Community Support, and Teaching English—there’s a project suited for every interest and skillset. Programs run from 1 to 24 weeks and are a great fit for those who thrive in urban settings and want to explore Peru’s cultural richness without venturing into more remote areas. Your all-inclusive experience covers airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, daily meals, and 24/7 in-country support. Volunteers are placed either in a shared house with fellow participants or in a Peruvian homestay for a more immersive experience. Even before you touch down in Lima, your dedicated IVHQ Program Manager will help guide your preparation—from travel planning to pre-departure training—ensuring you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

Andean peaks surround Machu Picchu; lush tropical rainforests, Amazonian jungles, sandy beaches, arid deserts, remote farmland and fishing villages make up the Peruvian landscape. Likewise, Peru's cuisine is rich in variety and has influences from Spanish, Chinese, European, African, and Japanese cultures. Peru's people are also diverse: Quechua Indian--descendants of the Incas--mestizos (part-Indian and part-European) and people of Spanish ancestry. Generally speaking, Peruvians are known for their warmth and generous displays of affection.

Embark on an epic six-week exploration of Peru and discover where the Amazon's secrets meet with the majesty of the Andes mountains. Travel through diverse landscapes – rainforests, ancient ruins, verdant valleys, soaring mountains, arid deserts, and stunning coastline – plus, experience the cosmopolitan energy of Lima and Cusco. Live with – and learn from – Indigenous people while improving your Spanish, cookery skills, and salsa dancing! See the Nazca Lines and Sacred Valley, plus trek to the ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu. See the mighty citadel of a once powerful Inca empire.

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands-on sustainability and community projects led by local partners, learning through experience, not from a classroom. Designed for gap year students, alternative study abroad seekers, and values-driven travelers, this journey offers leadership development, guided reflection, and deep cultural exchange. You'll build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain clarity for your next steps all in a supportive, close-knit group of like-minded peers. Whether you're looking to grow personally, earn credit, build your resume, or simply see the world through a more intentional lens, this is more than a semester off—it’s a transformative step forward. Travel with purpose. Return inspired. Reach Out to Learn More!