Volunteer Programs in Peru

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131 Volunteer Programs in Peru

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MAXIMO NIVEL
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Join Maximo Nivel work-study-travel programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. We have been a leading educational travel and study abroad provi...
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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 20...
See All 8 ProgramsGapforce
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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 m
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IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care
See All 7 Programs4.7
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Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to h
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Experience Peru in this combination of volunteering, cultural immersion, and travel! Our volunteer programs are based in historic Cusco, located in the Peruvian Andes and the former Incan capital. Now, the city is famous for its archaeological sites, natural surroundings, and unique gastronomy. Vol
See All 9 Programs4.29
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Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g
See All 5 ProgramsGoBeyond Student Travel
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This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language sk
See All 2 Programs5
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Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive educational journeys to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Tanzania. During these trips, volunteers actively collaborate with local communities on various development projects, including constructing homes, improving access to clea
See All 4 ProgramsWorldStrides
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Build your skills through a service-learning experience in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital where modern city life meets centuries of history and cultural traditions. Partner with community organizations focused on marine conservation, youth support, disability services, and environmental protection whi
See All 2 ProgramsPacific Discovery
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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
Rustic Pathways
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Stand in the shadows of the majestic Andes mountains, connect with warm-hearted indigenous peoples and their culture, and take a selfie with a llama! Peru offers the opportunity to trek majestic trails, explore ancient ruins, visit rural villages, and engage in meaningful community service and genui
Travel 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
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Join the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon (ASA) at Finca Las Piedras, a biological research station in the Peruvian Amazon. Work alongside researchers and conservationists while contributing to biological research, reforestation, and wildlife surveys. Live and work in a field station in one of the
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Immerse yourself in the life and culture of Peru by living with a local family and engaging in meaningful Community Service projects. You will volunteer with children in community centers where you will assist with activities, games, homework, and improvement projects. In the mornings, while the chi
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
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Travel to the Peruvian Rainforest and build a broad skillset as you help to protect the rainforest and uplift the communities that call it home. This program places you with an organization that works to protect the Amazon Rainforest. They work in a holistic method that doesn’t just include refor
See All 10 ProgramsKaya Responsible Travel
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Contribute to an amazing conservation research programme in Peru that works to unite international volunteers, indigenous communities, local non-profit organisations, and the National Park Authorities. The program aims to protect natural resources and work with the local community. Volunteers get
Global Works
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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
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Join us for an unforgettable 14-day cultural immersion experience in Perú, where we explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions of the Sacred Valley. Our adventure begins with stunning hikes to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, where we walk in the footsteps of the Incas. We’ll engage i
United Planet
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Peru is one of United Planet’s most popular volunteer destinations. Join participants from around the globe for 1-12 weeks in this diverse nation with friendly people, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient ruins. Discover a society that is as complex as the handwoven tapestries you find in the market
See All 3 Programs4.65
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Apply medical theories you have learned in school and gain hands-on experience by volunteering at a clinic or hospital in Peru. This program, offered by Vive Peru, involves collaborating and working alongside local medical staff, helping you learn first-hand about local healthcare systems. You will
See All 5 ProgramsKiya Survivors
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'Quilla', pronounced 'Kiya', is the Quechuan word for moon—the symbol of a new beginning. Kiya Survivors aims to give just that. Through education, therapy, love, and laughter, we encourage new beginnings for children with disabilities or learning difficulties and living below the poverty line, fro
Globalteer
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Volunteer at a dog rescue center in the magnificent city of Cusco in Peru with Globalteer. Participants work directly with the dogs at the rescue center, preparing their food, walking them, socializing with them, and training them. Many of the dogs at the center previously lived on the streets and s
See All 5 Programs4.53
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We are looking for volunteers and interns with creative teaching ideas, such as playing games, singing, storytelling, acting, etc. The focus should be on developing curiosity about other cultures and experiencing language as a communication tool and part of a culture. You can also organize workshops
Projects Abroad
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Peru is a land of incredible contrasts, where the snow-capped peaks of the Andes meet the lush depths of the Amazon Rainforest. Whether you are an aspiring medical professional, a history enthusiast, or on an adventurous gap year, Peru offers a breathtaking setting for cultural immersion and meaning
See All 4 Programs5
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Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing South Africa, Peru, and Sri Lanka. This 8-month adventure starts in the Kruger area where you'll engage in wildlife conservation efforts to protect Africa's iconic Big 5 (lion, tiger, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Next, you will t
Globe Aware
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Volunteer abroad in Cusco, the enchanting ‘belly button’ of the Inca civilization and the main doorway to Machu Picchu - one of the world’s greatest wonders. With its narrow, cobblestone streets, Inca stonework, and women in ancient dress, you will forget you are living in the 21st century. But the
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Join the Multilingual School of Cusco and become part of an educational movement dedicated to expanding opportunities for children through bilingual education. As the first English-speaking kindergarten, our mission is to help break cycles of inequality by providing high-quality early childhood educ
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Do you want to contribute to the research of the Amazon rainforest and learn about the rich flora and fauna of the Peruvian rainforest? Become part of an international research team of students, interns, and volunteers and support the protection and conservation of the rainforest through monitorin
A Broader View Volunteers Corp
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Embark on an unforgettable journey with abroaderview, volunteering amidst the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Cusco, Peru. Set amidst the majestic Andes Mountains, Cusco is a city steeped in history, offering a perfect blend of ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and vibrant
See All 2 ProgramsInvolvement Volunteers International
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Cusco, Peru – easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers of the world - is also home to immense scenic beauty, biodiversity, and incredible culture. Bordering the Pacific Coast, Andes & Amazon, Peru is an ancient land with one of the richest collections of historic artifacts known to man.
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Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January Join the Global Leadership Programme, designed to provide you with hands-on experience supporting the work of an international development charity. We are looking for passionate graduates, who are keen to learn about global challenges, work with youth and defin
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Step into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon with the Los Amigos Volunteer Program, an immersive experience at one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Volunteers join a vibrant conservation community, gaining hands-on skills while contributing to meaningful science. Activities range from wildlif
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Trade the ordinary for the extraordinary. Based in Urubamba in Peru's stunning Sacred Valley, just an hour from Cusco, this 2 to 4-week community impact experience puts you at the heart of real change. You will design and deliver hands-on workshops centred around conversational English, STEAM, and c
Otra Cosa Network
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The HELP Literacy Coordinator is one of OCN’s four Project Coordinator roles. You will plan and deliver weekly reading and writing classes for children at the REC in Cerrito de la Virgen, helping them strengthen their Spanish literacy. You will also brief and guide a small team of volunteers. As a
See All 13 Programs0
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Speaking English in Peru is very important due to the good job opportunities it provides to locals. However, many students cannot afford to study another language, especially children. Therefore, our Teaching English program is very important because it gives those who would not normally be able to
See All 3 ProgramsThe National Registration Center for Study Abroad
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The Study and Volunteer in Cusco, Peru program of the National Registration Center for Study Abroad includes 20 hours of group Spanish classes per week and a four-week volunteering placement in a wide range of fields. It begins with four weeks of Spanish study, with the volunteers attending 20 hours
See All 2 Programs0
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As a volunteer at Amazon Shelter, you’ll be immersed in every part of our vital conservation work. From preparing specialized diets and feeding the animals to enriching their enclosures, collecting fresh leaves for our Howler monkeys, cleaning habitats, and assisting with repairs and maintenance, yo
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La Isla de los Monos is a sanctuary and rescue center located 30 km from Iquitos, Peru, in the heart of the Amazon jungle. Our 450-hectare island focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing New World monkeys. As a volunteer, you'll live on the island for a minimum stay of one week, with ac
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Colitas Con Canas, located in Ahunamarca above Urubamba in Peru's Sacred Valley, invites volunteers to help care for rescued animals. At our shelter, you will work with local and international volunteers, providing care and affection to our rescued dogs. This is a chance to make a real difference in
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Looking for a volunteer adventure that combines animal care with stunning beaches? Our program in Colán, Peru, might be your perfect match! Located in a charming beach town on the north coast, our animal shelter provides a loving and safe haven for rescued cats and dogs. This volunteer program is
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Peru
Locations
Beginning in March 2017, Peru has been faced with immense flooding, rendering many families homeless and leading to numerous other issues. As this tragic flooding continues, availability of volunteer opportunities in Peru may vary, depending on the organization and location.
Cusco, the red roofed city, was once the capital of the Incan Empire and has gained its modern fame as a gateway to Machu Picchu, because there are multiple Incan Trails that lead from Cusco to the famous mountain ruins. It is a charming city which provides easy access to several ancient ruins and green valleys. But with all the magnificence beyond Cusco, many forget what is offered within the city itself. Volunteers in Cusco can walk just ten minutes from the Plaza de Armas (the city center) to visit Sacsayhuaman, an ancient Incan military fortress. Cusco also has a plethora of Cathedrals and ancient Incan architecture living side-by-side. It is also filled with Spanish Language Schools so it is a great place to study Spanish on the side.
While volunteering in Cusco you will see many foreigners, so if you are looking for an off the beaten path, secluded experience where you will meet no one but Peruvians, then Cusco is not the place. That being said there are many volunteer organizations in Peru that are based in Cusco, but many do the majority of their work in the surrounding area.
Lima, a sprawling and bustling city, will surprise many with its ample volunteer opportunities. The city has grown so quickly over the last two decades that it is hard to pinpoint the needs of its ever-growing population. Droves of people from rural locations moved to the city in the late 1980s and early ‘90s as a result of The Shining Path, a terrorist/guerilla organization that was active in rural areas during that time. The quick growth of the city resulted in disorganization as Lima expanded. The criss cross streets of Centro de Limo leave you quickly lost when you attempt to travel outwards, and “Shanty Towns” frame as well as sprinkle nearly the entire city.
Centro de Limo is identical to cities in Spain in many ways, with giant Spanish style mansions left from the conquistadores, cathedrals, and tons of shopping and restaurants. Volunteering in Lima’s shanty towns can seem a million miles away, as many lack any real structure and schools are often shacks with tin roofs. Playgrounds need repairs, buildings need new paint, children need supervision, and teachers need educational assistance in these communities.
Lima is an allusive city; many of its problems are slightly hidden behind the well-to-do districts, where most students studying in Peru live, or the historic center and ocean cliffs, where tourists flock. While it is a much less popular location for volunteering in Peru, there is plenty of need for volunteer projects in Lima.
Rural Areas. Smaller cities, like Chiclayo on the western coast and The White City of Arequipa, offer ample opportunities to volunteer in Peru as well. Volunteers can choose between extremely secluded villages in the Amazon or mid sized towns.
Volunteer Projects in Peru
Around 15 percent of the population lives in poverty and classism thrives. People with native Quechua background and darker skin are openly looked down upon and live in an entirely different world, even within the same city as their lighter skinned counterparts. The idea of changing the life you were born into is difficult and often not even considered an option, which leads to a range of complex needs and highly impactful volunteer programs in Peru.
On top of these social issues, Peru has been faced with extensive flooding since early March 2017, leaving thousands of families homeless as flooding continues. Therefore, diaster relief voluntering in Peru is a particularly important type of volunteer work to consider currently.
Community Development & Education. These are the most prevalent volunteer projects in Peru, spanning from teaching English and clean water projects, to city clean ups and construction projects. The political terrorism of the 80s and the ensuing influx of the population strained resources and left many people without their traditional lifestyle and work. People in the rural areas are in need of better educational opportunities and community projects that can ease the difficulty of daily life.
Healthcare. The level of access to health care varies greatly throughout the country, making medical volunteering in Peru a high demand placement. In more rural areas, disease prevention is almost nonexistent, and what developed countries would consider simple procedures are much more serious and life threatening. For example, a chipped tooth could result in the tooth being pulled rather than simply being filled. Diabetes is a growing issue because of unbalanced diets and some areas of the country have literally no access to health clinics at all. Preventative education, assisting with physical exams, and encouraging personal hygiene are common responsibilities. Individuals looking to volunteer in Peru in the medical field may sometimes required, or at least encouraged, to have knowledge of the Spanish language.
Environment & Conservation. Peru’s diverse geography and vast Amazon Rainforest make it a prime location for environmental and conservation volunteer placements. These projects are hands on and perfect for volunteers seeking outdoor time. The most popular locations are environmental volunteering in Peru are the Amazon Basin, the Urubamba Valley, and Lake Titicaca.
Volunteer placements in Peru typically last around four weeks, but longer and shorter stays are widely available.
Costs & Affordability
In general, volunteering in Peru is affordable. The bargaining side of Peruvian culture helps expenses stay low, as does the favorable exchange rate. Markets and small shops are easy to find in cities and most small towns alike, and price is never a static number but more of an open discussion. Unlike many other countries, Peru does not seem to hike up prices for foreigners so intensely and instinctively. Instead locals will pitch foreigners a price, especially for things like taxi rides and tours, but it is usually comparable to the local pricing, and they will easily change if you speak in Spanish or give some indication that you know what the price should be. Volunteers in Peru will be able ot grab a quick bite for just a couple dollars or experience five star dining for little more than $20 USD.
Accommodation & Visas
Accommodations for individuals volunteering in Peru will vary even within the same neighborhoods in the same cities. Common accommodations options available are homestays, volunteer houses, or hotels/hostels, both in urban and rural areas. In some volunteer programs in Peru, volunteers will be asked to share a room with another volunteer during their stay. Homestays or living with Peruvians is the best way to become familiar with the culture of Peru, as one would expect.
While most urban areas will have WiFi in almost every establishment, this is not the case for rural places. However, if your accommodation happens to be in a rural area, Internet cafes are still popular, so you can find a cafe to plug into at some point.
If volunteering in Peru for 90 days or less, U.S, Canadian, U.K., and Australian citizens do not need to obtain a tourist visa, as long as they have a current up-to-date passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for at least six months past the last date of your travel.
GoAbroad Insider Tips
Wide Selection. Peru has a unique benefit in that there is a very strong presence of NGOs and volunteer organizations that range from super small local projects to larger companies that will have every bit of your trip arranged.
Spanish is highly recommended. Peru is an ideal South American location for learning Spanish, since Peruvians are known for speaking clearly, more slowly, and with a more understandable accent than their neighboring countries. English fluency or even proficiency is not prevalent in many areas, although Peruvians are very interested in learning English and willing to try to speak it. Strangers on the street or in the markets are typically patient, will speak slowly, and repeat themselves without the slightest hint of annoyance, but if you get into a more casual or friendly environment it can be hard to feel involved without a knowledge of the language.
Counterfeit Capital of the World. No joke, Peru was actually given this lovely title in recent years. You WILL encounter fake money and will see the locals inspect the bills and even coins scrupulously. So follow the tips below to avoid counterfeit currency:
- Touch. The Nuevo Sol is printed on 100 percent cotton giving it a unique, soft yet strong feel. They are not crisp and crinkly like most currencies. There should be some dimension to it. Run your fingers along the bill and be sure you feel it.
- Look. Bills also have watermarks which is nothing special in terms of currency, but be sure when you hold the note up to the light the image (the face and denomination) is striking and clear. If it is blurry it may be fake.
- Quality Counts. Peruvians are a bit particular about the state of the money. You can have problems using bills with tears or missing corners so take care of your bills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to volunteer in Peru
To volunteer in Peru, you’ll need to decide what kind of project you want to focus on and when you want to go. You can then use a resource like GoAbroad.com to explore your program options and apply accordingly. Once you’re accepted to a volunteer program, you’ll pay your program fees, book a flight, and be on your way to Peru!
Do I need a visa to volunteer in Peru?
You do not need a special visa to volunteer in Peru—a tourist visa will suffice. For Americans, this means you can volunteer for up to 183 days before your visa expires.
Can I volunteer and learn Spanish in Peru?
Yes! A major perk of volunteering in Peru is the potential to learn and perfect your Spanish. Most volunteer placements will involve the Spanish language, but you don’t necessarily need to speak Spanish to volunteer in Peru (this is a requirement that varies from placement to placement).
What are the best volunteer programs in Peru?
Some of the best volunteer programs in Peru are GoEco, GVI, and IVHQ. You’ll find projects that range from conservation to community development to volunteer English teaching.
Why volunteer in Peru?
The best reasons to volunteer in Peru include skill building, work experience, expanding your personal and professional networks, and, of course, making a tangible impact in your host community.
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.
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