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Volunteer Programs in Machu Picchu, Peru

If you’re looking for your next meaningful travel opportunity, what could be better than living amidst one of the seven wonders of the world in a fifteenth century Inca city in the mountains of Peru! The ancient Machu Picchu, ironically known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” is one of the most iconic sites in all of South America. It features a magical atmosphere almost 8,000 feet above sea level, with welcoming locals, llamas, and views that make you feel like you’re in heaven. Experience life in the Peruvian Andes and make this land your home while you lend a hand at preserving history.
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5 Volunteer Programs in Machu Picchu, Peru

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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Peru - Amazon Conservation and Machu Picchu Expedition

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 for you. Just two of the exciting activities that will take place are exploring Maras and Moray on a four-by-four motorbike tour and training to the entrancing ruins of Machu Picchu. The volunteer work you will engage in is work at an ecological reserve under the supervision of nature experts and biologists in the area. Tasks may include but are not limited to assisting the animal rescue center, conducting biodiversity research, assisting in turtle repopulation efforts, and maintenance of rescue center trails. There are many exciting travel highlights to consider such as a tour of the Valley of the Incas and a visit to Machu Picchu!

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Travel For Teens

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Travel For Teens: Peru Service

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 service will be spent on projects ranging from aiding in construction projects and farming to teaching English as a second language. The rest of your time will be nothing short of transformative as you experience the unique atmosphere of the Sacred Valley. Drink in the mountain culture of Cusco as you see the mix of Inca and Colonial architecture around the Plaza de Armas and the temple of Coricancha. You will also peruse vibrant handicraft markets and marvel at the mesmerizing Inca city of Machu Picchu. Service, culture, incredible sights, and adventure. What more could you ask for in a Peruvian summer?

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Putney Student Travel

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Service & Cultural Immersion in Peru

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 phrases, and share fútbol matches with Peruvian peers. Journey through the heart of the Inca Empire on excursions to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the agricultural terraces of Moray, then cap your experience with a breathtaking hike on the Inca Trail and a full exploration of Machu Picchu.

Global Works

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Peru Teen Travel Programs

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 and authentic community collaboration, you discover all the wonders of Peru on this teen travel program. Get your camera ready for breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and explore the small city of Cusco through markets, sights, and more!

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.

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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
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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.

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