About us
Who is ProyectoPeru
Proyecto Peru began in 2005 in the heart of Cusco, inspired by the vision of Dora, a local Peruvian educator who wanted to share the Spanish language and support her community. Together with her partner Coen, she developed this idea into a network of dedicated professionals who work closely with local organizations and international participants.
Today, our team focuses on creating meaningful cross-cultural experiences through well-structured volunteer and internship programs. Participants engage directly with Cusco’s social, health, and education sectors by supporting partner projects such as schools, community agencies, clinics, nonprofits, animal shelters, and after-school programs that request specific skills.
We also offer Spanish immersion courses and comfortable local accommodation to help you experience everyday life in Cusco. Our curated tours provide the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and surrounding landscapes while deepening your understanding of Peru.
Mission
Bridging Cultures, Building Bonds: Proyecto Peru´s mission is to offer an enjoyable, safe and affordable intercultural exchange, encourage personal growth and establish long lasting connections.
Vision
At Proyecto Peru, we envision a global community of travellers committed to building meaningful connections with the communities they visit, setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable tourism and actively contributing to the well-being of local communities.
Goals
At Proyecto Peru, our goal is support the local Peruvian community by enabling responsible volunteering and by investing in local projects. We want to boost income for Cusco families through helping them host travellers. We also support our native Spanish teachers to spread their love for their language. Plus, we make sure our students, travelers and volunteers feel right at home while they have an awesome and rewarding cross-cultural experience!
Students
Projects
Volunteers
Years of experience
Meet the Team
Get to know our diverse team of international experts dedicated to enhancing your experience. Whether you need advice or just want to chat, we’re not just support – we’re here to connect with students and volunteers worldwide. Drop by our office whenever you like; a cup of tea and a friendly chat await you on our cozy couch!
Dora
Founder, Owner
Introducing Dora, the heart and soul behind Proyecto Peru. She founded this initiative with a passion for spreading the Spanish language and making a meaningful impact on her community. Dora’s favorite breakfast? A refreshing fruit juice paired with tamales limeños featuring chicharron – a beloved dish from her hometown in Lima. Curious to learn more? Just ask Dora, the vibrant, positive, and talkative force behind our mission!
Coen
Owner, General Manager
Meet Coen, our adventurous Dutchman! A long time ago, Coen was a student at Proyecto Peru, where he not only fell in love with Cusco but also with Dora! His most cherished hiking experience? Conquering Choquequirao. Known among colleagues as welcoming, friendly, smart, helpful, and proactive, with a social spirit, he loves engaging in conversations with students. In his free time Coen enjoys crafting furniture and cooking. Swing by the office to get to know Coen!
Cherelyn
Program Manager
Native Cusquenian, Cherelyn blends her expertise in Administration with creativity and a passion for growth. She has a deep interest in exploring new cultures and languages, continuously improving her English while also diving into the adventure of learning other languages. Outside of work, she enjoys music, cooking, and connecting with people from around the world.
Charles
Marketing Manager
Meet Charles, our British storyteller. He brings over a decade of experience strategic communications and community engagement. Originally from Hong Kong he has worked across the UK, Europe, Mexico, the US and now Peru supporting organizations that focus on education, culture and social impact. Away from the office he is passionate about literature, cooking and hiking. Charles is always delighted to hear about your experiences here at Proyecto Peru.
Marcelina
Front Desk Manager
Meet Marcelina who runs our reception and is the first friendly face you see when you enter the school and volunteer house. She studied Management at Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco. Originally from Cusco, she has also lived in the U.S. and other cities in Peru. She enjoys soccer, trekking, and spending time in nature. Friendly and approachable, Marcelina is always happy to help you.
Francesca
English School Coordinator
Meet Francesca who leads our English department, running a program of language classes for local students. Hailing from the small, Italian island of Capri, Francesca has spent years traveling through South Asia as well as Australia where she gained invaluable teaching skills working with all ages and delivering high-quality lessons. She loves the personal interactions that teaching brings and has a passion for cooking when she is outside the classroom.
Larson
Tours Coordinator
Meet Larson our Tour Coordinator. An experienced Business Administrator from Cusco, with expertise in logistics, which allows him to contribute effectively to team operations. He loves learning languages, meeting people from all over the world, as well as discovering new cultures. He is also passionate about music, books, and technology, which inspire both his personal and professional life.
Lexi
Marketing Intern
Meet Lexi, our marketing intern. Lexi was born and raised in the small town of Cedar City, Utah. She is currently a student at Southern Utah University, where she is majoring in Strategic Communications and minoring in Spanish.
In her free time, you can find Lexi traveling, reading, or going on long drives while listening to music. She loves all music but especially 2000’s R&B. She has a caring personality and a passion for storytelling, and she loves showcasing all the amazing work and experiences that make Proyecto Peru so special.
Lexi
Operations Intern
Meet Alex, our operations intern. He will be supporting Proyecto Peru and making sure that volunteers feel right at home. Originally from Austria, where he studies tourism, he is very interested in getting to know people from all over the world. He always has an open ear for your concerns and questions during your time in Peru. In his free time he likes arts and crafts, hiking and being in nature. If you want to help him out, you could recommend your favorite bakery in Cusco since he has yet to get used to not having Austrian bread in every supermarket.
Step into a world of opportunities with Proyecto Peru
Grow, learn, and contribute to our community's success
These are our Core Values we share with our Staff and Visitors
Commitment
We are committed to achieving a positive impact on the community, working towards our goals with a sense of personal responsibility that allows us to ensure the success of all involved.
Innovation
We foster a culture of creativity where innovation is our driving force. When faced with challenges, we maintain an open mindset to change, enabling us to seek creative solutions with fresh and original ideas.
Quality & Competitiveness
We foster a culture of creativity where innovation is our driving force. When faced with challenges, we maintain an open mindset to change, enabling us to seek creative solutions with fresh and original ideas.
Positive Attitude
We believe in the power of a positive attitude to achieve our goals. We see every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and find creative solutions. We promote the personal and professional growth of our team members.
Cultural Understanding
We promote good communication through active listening as an expression of empathy. We value the opinions of our collaborators and clients, aiming to build solid relationships and foster the common good.
Honesty & Transparancy
We are committed to maintaining clear and transparent processes across all areas of our project. From decision-making to resource allocation, we seek maximum transparency to build trust within our community. We take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
