There are many decisions to make when it comes to volunteering abroad. The most important decisions you will have to make are where to volunteer and for how long. No matter the country, you have to find a place and project that suits your interests, goals and skills, this way you will be making an genuine impact both in the project and on your self.
Peru is one of the most popular, and in our opinion best, places to volunteer abroad. You can help educate children in one of its cities, work in a local hospital in the Andes or even help with Amazon protection efforts. Peru is a very diverse and multicultural country that offers a variety of unique experiences to visitors and volunteers.
Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, Peru is a country full of history. Thanks to the Inca Empire and many other cultures, both older and newer, this South American country has one of the richest histories in the region.
Peru is also topographically diverse, with coastal, mountinous and jungle regions. It contains everything from stunning Andea trails to parts of the Amazon River as well as famous lakes such as Titicaca.
We believe there is a place and project in Peru for every type of volunteer. We have selected our 4 top places to volunteer in the country, but there are so many more options available to adventurous volunteers.
1. Cusco: Home of the Incas
1. Cusco: Historic Home of the Incas
Cusco is home to Machu Picchu National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city acted as the captial of the Inca empire which stretched to cover parts of Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Also, Cusco is home to many local and international NGOs seeking volunteers to help them develop their projects both in the city and other nearby communities. In Cusco, there really is a project for everyone. There are many opportunities to teach English, work in health care, help the environment, and take care of animals. There is also the chance to work with dentists, pyschologist or physiotherapist if you’re building a career around that and even archaeologists if you want to discover Peru’s history.
One of the biggest advantages you’d have volunteering abroad in Cusco is that there are countless incredible hikes you can go on during the weekends.
We may be biaised, but we think Cusco is the best place to volunteer in Peru, and one of the very best in the world.
2. The Jungle
It would be hard to choose just one specific place in the Peruvian jungle as this covers more than 60% of the country. But if you’d like to be close to Cusco for weekend trips, we’d recommend Puerto Maldonado.
Puerto Maldonado, as well as other regions in the jungle, is the perfect place to volunteer abroad if you’d like to make an impact with wildlife protection and the conservation of the environment. You can also teach English in these areas, as well as volunteer doing construction work.
The main difference when volunteering abroad between the jungle and Cusco is the weather and altitude. The weather in the jungle is humid and hot, while in Cusco and the Andes is dry and cold. So it’s better to be prepared for both types of climate!
The jungle has its own culture and food tradition, which makes it a great option if you want to split your volunteering time between two parts of the country.
3. Arequipa
Knows as the White City, Arequipa is the choice for many people that don’t want to experience the busy paceof Lima and the colder climate of Cusco. Arequipa is a region located in the southwest of Peru. It’s full of historical buildings and houses made of volcanic white rock, hence, the White City .
Just like in Cusco or the jungle, you can work in educational projects such as after-school programmes. You can also volunteer abroad helping in animal shelters and zoos. And on the weekends, you can go on hikes around the city or explore the Colca Canyon, which is the second deepest canyon in the world!
4. Trujillo
Located in the north of Peru, Trujillo, also known as the City of the Eternal Spring, is a beach town on the way to the popular Máncora. This town is not very popular amongst tourists, so it’s the perfect if you are looking for a place that’s not too crowded.
In Trujillo, you can also find yourself exploring its historic areas and places of interest such as the Chan-Chan Museum. On the weekends you can head to Huanchaco beach to ride some Caballitos de Totora (reed boats).
See? There’s a lot to see and do when volunteering abroad. You can find yourself on a beach town, in the city, or in the Mountains!
If volunteering in Peru sounds like the adventure you are looking for, check out our Volunteering Projects and Internships in Cusco or email us on info@proyectoperucentre.org.