Volunteer Programs in Lima, Peru

The moment I stepped into the airport, I felt welcomed and it was easy to figure out where to go to the accommodation. As for my stay, I found that the scheduled routine makes it easier to know what to expect in terms of house rules and what volunteers should be doing.

I had an amazing time in Peru and Ecuador! I made friends that will last a lifetime and experienced things I will never forget. Seeing one of the seven wonders of the world was surreal. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide either. Colin was attentive and kind to everyone always!

Definitely the Mobile Clinics have been a very nice experience, extremely rewarding. We have learned a lot together with other doctors in all stations. This has been a truly rewarding and beautiful experience. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Uptc5tlaD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=91c71cdd-e0bb-4f79-b3fc-32e9af8f7de3

Here we’ve learned a lot about different medical systems in Peru and how patients have different needs than the ones we were used to. I think gaining some more cultural competency is huge for our future career in medicine. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzwyWehhFa8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=497e53fe-6189-46ca-a590-bfc1996988b6

The way of life of individuals is different in every country, so I already had some background knowledge of what an SLT is like, but every SLT is unique and special in its own way, offering new experiences and learning opportunities each time. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RCpMvMN2V/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0095e7cf-600a-46b5-9ecf-222ce6488c26

Going on a MEDLIFE SLT is more than just like a talking point in an interview. I think it’s something that shows your true passion because you’ll find that here you’ll learn more than just how to do medical work and dental work, you’re also going to learn about the problems in a community and what true mission work is. https://youtu.be/3RMNIGO30so?si=W54Fy-ErQmjnJ5Kl

If you’re thinking that you want to go just do it! It’s easy to get caught in book work, textbooks and you’ll not get the same experience as you will just reading about the things that you can do than actually going out and doing them. Go out! Get those referrals, fundraise and then come and do the work. It’s an amazing experience. https://youtu.be/BHHzVKCcTC0?si=8hB7q1ZwPNMztlaT

I found it really incredible attending this Service Learning Trip. I really recommend it because it is a very eye opening experience. If you’re thinking of joining MEDLIFE and you’re afraid of coming here alone don’t worry, I made new friends and I’m sure we’ll stay great friends after the program. https://youtu.be/_CQsNngRmQc?si=hbsDOwuKOTCnEAuu

I think that being involved with MEDLIFE has given me so many amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had as a pre-health student. It has definitely confirmed my passion for medicine and strengthened my commitment to pursue a career in healthcare. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy6WCteLZXH/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=630afaa2-8769-4715-b8b5-e46ad23b6264

I will be heading off to Med School in a couple years so not only will this provide job shadowing and volunteer hours but also better me as a person and prepare me for what’s ahead in my medical career to be the best person I can be for my patients and the people around me. https://youtu.be/ySXhbM48-TE?si=Fwe9w6Hjpd0wwPsO

I’m aspiring to be a PA and being on an SLT has allowed me to gain a lot of experience. The MEDLIFE movement aligns with a lot of my goals in healthcare caring for people especially in low-income communities and I think that just being a part of MEDLIFE really helps you to aspire to achieve all those goals and help people in an impactful and achievable way. https://youtu.be/4tU_H4nUrRI?si=E6AUJrST-KLfsFCF

Besides the really neat aspect of touching people’s lives and helping others, coming to an SLT is also really good for a president like myself in a leadership role. Med Schools love seeing that leadership or even just being a part of MEDLIFE shows leadership. It shows initiative and Med Schools really like that. https://youtu.be/h15_J-pGU00?si=RJt-QmwEuOiSnWgN

I felt so welcome there, the whole team in Lima were amazing! The actual volunteering was great and seems to have a real impact on those we were helping. The program was a lot of fun and I had a great time with all the people I met there. Lots of people came and went when I was there so I met loads of new people! I was able to do a wide variety of volunteering including a soup kitchen, painting and sanding a fence and house, childcare and helping in a carehome. We also had a lot of free time where we were able to spend exploring the local area which was incredibly cool and interesting!

It was an eye opening experience for me. Discovering that basic health care, screening or even basic health workshops is a luxury it was utterly shocking. But I learned about the health disparities the population faces. Types of health care facilities government provide and had a chance to visit health and prevent centre. I would recommend anyone to want to start their journey in health care or medical care. It also deepened my culture humility. One of the best experience i had in 2025. I also had chance to provide infographic that i had for the population such as what is balance diet, how to wash hands, how to brush teeth, wonderful opportunity to grow professional and personally as well. Apart from professional experience i met amazing people over the span of 2 weeks, great people form different part of the world. We atleast had one meal together, before going to bed watch Netflix most of the days and go for walk. It was one of the best time i had.

My Gapforce trip to Peru and Ecuador was amazing and full of adventure, culture, and volunteering. I loved exploring Machu Picchu, hiking through the rainforest, and meeting locals in small communities. Our guide was super helpful and made sure everything ran smoothly. I didn’t enjoy the lack of freedom at times, but I understand it was for safety reasons. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow, make friends, and see the world in a completely new way.

A very enjoyable 50 days spent with fun like minded people. Our leader Gaz was very knowledgeable about travel and had plenty of tips. We did a variety of activities with tubing and white water rafting being highlights along side Machu Picchu we also did lots of day hikes to some amazing views! Would recommend as a great confident booster to first time solo travelers. About half the group went home after the trip and half stayed in South America to do further travel. Would recommend bring a waterproof cover for day bag as it can rain a lot on treks and this helps to keep stuff dry.

IVHQ offered excellent pre-departure support, highlighting travel safety throughout the online modules. The preparation checklist was easy to follow, as well as the instructions for the airport pick up once you arrive in Lima. Everything felt organized and well-coordinated with the local team, who were also very kind, responsive and supportive throughout my stay. Will be returning for another project.

My South American trip happened as a result of my previous trip being cancelled. This trip was referred to me as it included volunteer work, something I am focusing my gap year around. I’m happy to say that I had the best time ever with the most amazing people and rich experiences. From the Spanish classes to the treks to the volunteer work everything was planned properly and allowed us to properly experience South America to its fullest. My highlights were Punta Hermosa and Yanacocha/Tamandua. The beach was such fun with the surfing and stunning sunsets, the perfect time to relax after Salkantay. The jungle experience and volunteer work was more than I could have imagined, working with animals and becoming our own leaders by the end of it. I learnt so much and had the best time!

Everything on this trip was organised so well that it all fit together without it feeling rushed and giving plenty of free time to explore things individually as well. The homestay experience was a highlight for me as it let me practice my Spanish and meet an amazing family. Although the Salkantay trek was tough at times it was so worth it and everyday you got to see something new and amazing and alongside the jungle experience and working at the animal sanctuary you really feel like you get to grips with the wildlife that Peru and Ecuador have to offer. In addition the adventure activities were definitely adrenaline fuelled and so much fun. I would recommend this trip a million times over to anyone who is looking for adventure and culture combined!

I had a lot of fun Cusco was a good start to the trip. After that the Spanish school was a nice to stay in a house. Salkantay trek was great! Some other highlights was banos and punts hermosa, that’s all.