Volunteer Programs in Machu Picchu, Peru

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6 Volunteer Programs in Machu Picchu, Peru
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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Embark on a six-day volunteering trip at an ecological reserve in the extremely dense and diverse Amazon rainforest combined with guided tours around the southern region of Peru! For those who are interested in rainforest conversation and experiencing the wonders of Peru, this is the perfect trip fo
See All 2 ProgramsTravel For Teens
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Peru Service is one of our most spectacular trips for teens finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. It offers the opportunity to perform meaningful service helping the local communities of Misminay and Urubamba while exploring the most iconic sites of this South American gem! Your rewarding days of ser
See All 2 ProgramsGlobal Works
4.67
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Experience the road less traveled on a Peru adventure! Get to know the Peruvian culture in an authentic way through a homestay in Calca. Here, you work alongside community members on sustainable service projects; get ready to apply your Spanish skills in a real-life context! Beyond an unforgettable
Putney Student Travel
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Immerse yourself in daily life in Peru’s Sacred Valley while working alongside community partners in the Andes. Support ongoing construction and agricultural projects that strengthen local infrastructure and deepen your understanding of Andean traditions. Explore vibrant markets, learn Quechua phras
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Machu Picchu
Popular Ways to Volunteer Abroad in Machu Picchu
Despite the beautiful surroundings you’ll find while volunteering abroad in Machu Picchu, nearly 15 percent of the population of the country lives in poverty. Racism still exists between locals and ancient cultures, and adequate health care is difficult to come by. Volunteers will be welcomed with open arms and generosity as they step in to bring relief that most tourists cannot provide.
Popular causes in Machu Picchu. With many present social issues existing throughout Peru, those who volunteer in Machu Picchu will have plenty of opportunities to make a difference. Community development is one of the most popular placement options, with opportunities to volunteer in clean water projects, orphanages, and women’s centers in rural areas. Those interested in health care can assist in disease control or preventative education. Others can teach English or lend a hand at environmental conservation as they preserve ancient ruins.
Summer and short-term programs in Machu Picchu. While it is always favorable for the communities when volunteers stay longer, short-term placements tend to be popular in Machu Picchu. Volunteers can stay for as short as one or two weeks. Spend a summer holiday or take a break from work with a short-term stint, combining volunteer work with adventure travel. After a hard day’s work, you’ll have time to hike and trek the Inca trails, and explore surrounding national parks.
Long-term volunteer stints in Machu Picchu. Those interested in staying longer in Machu Picchu have the option of staying up to six months in this magical land. Make the most of your trip, settle into the community, and become a lifeline for those living in the streets. Not only will you maximize your impact, but this wonder of the world will become a second home.
Life in Machu Picchu for International Volunteers
Although once left undiscovered, Machu Picchu is now one of the top tourist destinations in Peru, South America, and even the world. During high season from late May to early September, over 2,500 people arrive to Machu Picchu on a daily basis. But don’t let this deter you! Despite the tourist influx, Machu Picchu is somehow able to retain its mysterious splendor that will make you catch your breath. Volunteers can admire the classic Inca-style polished dry-stone walls, some of which have been reconstructed. Visit the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room with Three Windows. Trek through ancient Inca trails. And most importantly, experience traditional Andean culture.
One of the perks of volunteering abroad in Machu Picchu is that it is a very affordable destination, especially if you’re keen to immerse yourself in the Andean lifestyle. Live with a local family in a homestay and shop in the local markets for the best prices. Volunteers will be able to eat delicious Andean meals for only a few dollars. You may even develop a taste for cuy, a traditional meal consisting of guinea pig. If not, just wash it down with a Pisco Sour, Peru’s national drink.
GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop for volunteers in Machu Picchu
While many volunteers will travel abroad without language experience, it is important to know English is not widely spoken in Peru. While strangers are typically patient and willing to slow down to speak with tourists, it is important to have some understanding of Spanish before volunteering abroad in Machu Picchu. Take a few classes and brush up on your soft skills before arrival. Once on the ground, you’ll find the Peruvian accent fairly easy to understand, so take the opportunity to learn. For bonus points, learn a few Quechua phrases, a dialect found in the highlands, and you may score an extra piece of fruit at the market!
While volunteering abroad in Machu Picchu, make sure you plan enough time to experience every aspect. Because it is a major tourist attraction, you’ll find cable cars and luxury hotels amongst the ancient architecture. To experience the ruins to the fullest, make sure you have time to hike, trek, raft, and get down and dirty with nature. Bring a camera, and don’t take the altitude for granted.
Machu Picchu may already be at the top of your travel list, so why not help the community while you visit! As a volunteer abroad in Machu Picchu, you will see a new side to the community, leaving the beaten tourist track behind. Even better, you can say you made a difference in preserving the land and culture of one of the biggest landmarks of the entire world.
Want to explore other cities? No Prob-Llama! Read our comprehensive guide on volunteering abroad in Peru.
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Latest Program Reviews
It was very rewarding to see the way they swung from branch to branch.
January 30, 2025by: Emma WhitneyProgram: Peru - Amazon Conservation and Machu Picchu Expedition
We had to build a new enclosure for the spider monkeys to be relocated into as they get further along in their process towards release. It was very rewarding to see the way they swung from branch to branch and enjoyed their complex enclosure.
Something life changing that shifts you out from your comfort zone
August 19, 2024by: AngelikaProgram: Peru - Amazon Conservation and Machu Picchu Expedition
Every aspect of this experience was memorable and to share everything would fill a book. I did not want to leave and am planning to return. If you’re looking for something life changing that shifts you out from your comfort zone this experience is highly recommended.
Wow, what an incredible review! We're thrilled that your experience was so impactful and left such a lasting impression. It’s amazing to hear you didn’t want to leave and are already planning your return to the Animal wildlife shelter in Peru—that's the best compliment we could ask for! We’re so glad it resonated with you in such a meaningful way. Looking forward to your next adventure! - GoEco Team
Working with the vets while I was in the shelter.
May 25, 2024by: RachelProgram: Peru - Amazon Conservation and Machu Picchu Expedition
My most memorable experience must have been working with the vets while I was in the shelter. I had the incredible opportunity to watch a bullet being taken out of a howler monkey, and I learned so much while I was there.
Volunteering and Adventuring in South America with Travel for Teens!
November 01, 2023by: Ruby Foster - United StatesThis last summer (2023) I spent 3 weeks in Peru and Ecuador with TFT and it was an amazing experience. Not only did I create strong friendships through the program but my eyes were also opened to new experiences and realities. I learned so much throughout my time with TFT, from staying with locals in a remote village in Peru, to volunteering at a sustainable farm in the Galápagos, and so many more once in a lifetime experiences. I am infinitely and inexpressibly grateful to have been able to participate in this program, and I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.



What an experience!
November 30, 2022by: Yousef Hafez - EgyptProgram: Travel For Teens: Peru Service
From the first moment when I arrived at the airport to the final goodbyes everything was beyond amazing. I could not be more grateful for the incredible group of people that made this experience possible, especially the counselors that made sure we were always having fun and made sure that if there was a problem, they adapted quickly and found the perfect solution. I have gained memories that will last me a lifetime, relationships and bonds that will never be broken. In addition to that I got to enjoy all of Peru’s special areas and really dive into its culture from the small village of Misminay in the mountains to the infamous Machu Picchu. For me the best part was spending a few nights in Misminay to really embrace myself into the culture and the daily lives of the native people. To have been able to experience all of this with complete strangers and meet new people made it all the more special. By the end of the trip it was like we had known each other our whole lives due to the fun and numerous memories we created in that short but magical period of time. Not a minute went by when I wasn’t enjoying myself, including the hard work put in during the community service, because I knew how important it was and how large of an impact it made to the people we helped. Another thing that made it worthwhile was that I got to experience it as myself rather than it being somebody else's experiences. TFT helped and guided me towards picking the correct trip that suited my character and goals, and they could not have picked a better life changing journey. It doesn’t matter if you have traveled on your own before or if your trip with TFT is your first because this trip is an experience that is unique to anything else. I wholeheartedly recommend you contact TFT immediately and get ready to embark on a life changing experience!
Flexible
March 03, 2020by: Charley SpriggsProgram: Peru - Teaching Assistance in Cuzco & Machu Picchu Trek
Although the quad biking adventure and the volunteering at Aldea Yanapay were also particularly brilliant, the highlight would have to be the second day of the Inca Quarry Trek. Despite originally opting for the Classic Inca Trail, this was prohibited due to recent landslides so Bamba Experience was flexible by offering us this alternative with free hiking poles and a free sleeping bag to compensate. The friendly, gentle nature of our guide, Vidal, was absolute exceptional. He watched over us constantly, and always ensured we were safe and happy, as well as extremely well informed about the Inca sites we passed. He - as well as the sense of achievement of reaching the 4500m summit on the second day - was the definite highlight of the 2 week program.
very gratifying
August 05, 2019by: Manish MehtaProgram: Peru - Amazon Conservation and Machu Picchu Expedition
Working with the scientists and volunteers in the animal rescue centre was very gratifying.Helping observe and band birds. Once I was confirmed for the project, it would have been nice to have contact info of other volunteers so we could touch base and become friends that much faster.
Go TFT! Go TFT!
October 28, 2018by: Josh Joffe - United StatesProgram: Travel For Teens: Peru Service
In the summer of 2017, I was fortunate enough to embark on TFT’s Peru Service Trip and experience eleven days of wonder and bliss that I will cherish for the rest of my life. From the start, the TFT staff were extremely helpful and well-organized. At each destination I was provided with clean, safe, and comfortable accommodations and each activity was culturally immersive and fun. My counselors really fostered an inclusive and pleasant environment for everyone on the trip. Both counselors exceeded my expectations in every aspect and it truly speaks to the kind of company TFT is! I am happy to say that I am still in contact with everyone from the trip even a year later.
Latest Interviews

Luisa Zaske
Kiya Survivors
We have a school organization called Team Peru, which I have been part of for a couple of years. This club offers a trip to Peru every two years for s...

Sarah Otley
Kiya Survivors
To experience volunteering as a family.

Ema Gurycová
Kiya Survivors
Before this trip, I had never been outside of Europe before. What inspired me to travel abroad was that I wanted to experience a different continent, ...

Pia Mehdwan
Kiya Survivors
I really wanted to help people who were less privileged than me and see how I could do that now and when I'm older. Also, just aiding in any way to ma...

Rosie Brockett
Kiya Survivors
I worked in the UK at a school and college for students with special educational needs and was passionate about the therapy areas of this work. After ...

Tim van Asdonck
Supporting Kids in Peru
What inspired me to go abroad is that I had researched how skateboarding can be used as a tool to stimulate positive youth development in deprived sit...

Adriana Chacon
Supporting Kids in Peru
I wanted to do something different from my regular job. Something where I would put myself in a new setting where I would be totally lost and I had to...

Hlu Vang
Vive Peru
Medicine. As a future health care professional in the United States, we see that we have too many resources that sometimes the U.S. does not know how ...

Angelica Björkman
Supporting Kids in Peru
I have always had a great interest in working with people and I just love South America, therefore I have thought about going abroad to do something l...

Anthony Stoll
The Fuller Center for Housing
What initially inspired me to go abroad was my love for travel and adventure. I love getting out there, working with my hands, experiencing new cultur...

Rebecca Marston
Supporting Kids in Peru
I study English and Spanish and needed to spend the third year abroad (in a Spanish-speaking country) as part of my degree program.

Zach Rice
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
I've been on a few of these trips before with other organizations such as World Vets around South America, and while I previously have always loved wo...

Mehruba Alam
Vive Peru
I always knew I wanted to participate in an abroad program while I pursued my bachelor's degree because I have heard nothing but amazing things about ...

Jenny Argyle
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
I study geography and development studies, so South America really interested me.

Joy Lafferty
MAXIMO NIVEL
I love to travel and felt I needed a purpose, and volunteering in any capacity certainly fulfills that need.

Tyler Werboweski
MAXIMO NIVEL
By volunteering with Maximo Nivel, I was able to volunteer and be immersed in the culture of the city I helped in. Traveling has always been a passion...

Emily Hooks
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
I studied abroad in Spain during college for a semester. As one of the best experiences of my life, the seed had been planted to want to see and exper...

Yijia Wen - 2016 Program Participant
MAXIMO NIVEL
I am always longing to live with a clear purpose, to make sure I am pursuing what I really want. So, I chose to go abroad to find myself. Before leavi...

Candace Taylor
MAXIMO NIVEL
I have always loved traveling. I've been to several counties within Asia, Europe, North America, as well as Australia and New Zealand. I was always mo...

Noah Graves
United Planet
Living in a small east coast Canadian town, I've always wanted to explore the world and escape the small town feel of where I live. I volunteer at man...
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