About us
Who is Proyecto Peru
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 and Sales Manager
Meet Charles who leads our marketing and reservations team. He brings over a decade of experience in 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 Director
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.
Adrian
Operations Assitant
Meet Adrian, our operations assistant, who helps organize projects and tours. He was born in Arequipa, a city rich in history, but grew up in the Sacred Vally. Because he is curious about how the world works, he studied International Business Administration. He really enjoys learning about global markets, solving problems, and working on meaningful projects.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find him playing football, trying new ways to brew a great cup of coffee, going on long walks, or reading a good book. He’s always excited to learn new things, share new ideas, and meet people from all over the world
Carla
Social Media & Marketing Assitant
Meet Carla, our Marketing Assistant, who takes care of Proyecto Peru’s social media and content. Born in London and raised in the small Italian village of Peccioli, near Pisa, she has always loved being creative and discovering new places. She has been living in Cusco for almost a year and loves exploring the city and its surroundings. In her free time, you’ll find her listening to music, taking photos, or stopping to say hello to pretty much every animal she comes across. You’ll also probably spot her around our projects with her camera in hand!
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.