GoAbroad
Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
2007Year established

Program Overview

Volunteers live with a local family in a Quechua-speaking rural community and help with their daily tasks while experiencing traditional Andean life first hand.

You may assist with farming and agricultural work such as planting or harvesting potatoes, quinoa or corn, caring for livestock, or helping with animal husbandry. You could help with domestic chores, general farm and house maintenance, or simple building tasks. In some placements you may learn traditional weaving techniques and natural dyeing, help prepare textiles for local markets, or support educational activities including teaching English.

This program is ideal for volunteers who enjoy rural life, are flexible, open-minded and ready to adapt to basic living conditions. No previous experience is required because local families provide guidance and training. Volunteers should be prepared to embrace local customs, participate in everyday routines, and contribute with energy and respect.

During free time you can explore the surrounding Andean villages and valleys, enjoy traditional mountain scenery, immerse yourself in local culture, learn about Quechua traditions, taste regional food, and visit nearby historic sites.

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Program Highlights

Programs start every Monday. Duration from 1 to 24 weeks
Includes homestay accommodation, traditional meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
Volunteer up to 5 hours a day living with a local family in a rural Quechua-speaking community near Cusco
Help with farming and agricultural work, construction or domestic chores, learning traditional weaving and natural dye methods, helping make textiles for sale, and teaching
Fully immerse yourself in Andean rural life, learn about indigenous culture and lifestyle, practice Spanish (and possibly Quechua), and contribute to sustainable community

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Pre-Departure Orientation
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Orientation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Sacred Valley, Peru

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Home-stays
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-30

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Career Break / Mid-Career

Starts At

Contact Provider for Cost Details, $300-600

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

4.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

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4
1
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Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Program Administration
4.0
Community Engagement
4.0
Day to Day Life
4.0

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Showing 1 of 1 review

Amanda BonesteelUnited States · March 2025

Wonderful experience!

I loved my experience volunteering with a local family near Cusco, Peru! My host family was gracious and lovely, and the area was beautiful. It was a very unique experience! This was my second experience with IVHQ, my first was in 2019 teaching English in Romania. Both were wonderful experiences. The local programs and teams are super nice, supportive, and helpful. I would definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a volunteer experience abroad.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What does the Andean Immersion program in Cusco with IVHQ involve?


The Andean Immersion project places you in a rural Quechua-speaking community near Cusco where you live with a local family and assist with daily tasks like farming, textiles and teaching English.

* Live with a host family in an Andean village
* Help with agriculture, animal-husbandry, weaving and English lessons
* Experience a traditional lifestyle within a Quechua-speaking c

When can you start and how long can you volunteer with the program?


The program starts every Monday and you can choose to stay from 1 to 24 weeks.

* Weekly Monday start dates
* Duration options: 1–24 weeks
* Volunteer hours up to approximately 5 hours a day

What are the eligibility requirements for the Andean Immersion program


Participants must be aged 16 or older (families welcome), have English proficiency, and if over 18 provide a criminal background check.

* Minimum age: 16 years or older
* English proficiency required; Spanish recommended
* Background check required for volunteers over 18

What accommodation and support does IVHQ provide for the program?


You stay in a homestay with your host family and receive orientation, airport pickup and full in-country support from the IVHQ local team.

* Homestay accommodation with a local family
* Airport pickup and program orientation included
* 24/7 in-country support from local team provided

What skills and experiences will you gain from the Andean Immersion?

You’ll develop cross-cultural communication, agricultural and textile skills while fully immersing in Andean life and contributing to local livelihoods.

* Gain practical skills in farming, textiles and community living
* Learn about Quechua culture and practice Spanish
* Make a meaningful contribution to local economic and social development

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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