Why Is Quechua So Difficult to Learn, and Is It Worth It?

If you are travelling through Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you will quickly encounter Quechua. It appears in place names, on signs, in local traditions and in conversations throughout the region. You may even hear people speaking it alongside Spanish. For visitors who become interested in the language, a natural question follows: Is Quechua difficult … Read more

Ethical Volunteering in Cusco: Why Language Learning Matters

Volunteering abroad is often described as a life changing experience, offering people the opportunity to travel, give back to communities, and immerse themselves in a completely different culture. However, ethical volunteering in Cusco involves much more than simply showing up with good intentions. Building meaningful relationships and understanding the needs of a local community requires … Read more

What Should I Pack for My Volunteering Trip to Cusco? A Complete Packing Guide

So you have booked your trip, your start date is on the calendar, and a couple days from takeoff, you are staring at an empty backpack wondering what on earth to bring. If you are getting ready to spend time volunteering in Cusco, packing can feel surprisingly overwhelming. You are heading to a high-altitude city … Read more

Living Like a Local in Cusco: The Host Family Experience

Studying or volunteering abroad is something many people dream about. Traveling to a new country, meeting new people, and experiencing another culture is something people really look forward to. But what some of us don’t think about is how scary it can feel at first. Arriving in a new country for the first time can … Read more

Do I need to Speak Spanish to Volunteer in Cusco?

Cathedral in Cusco

Why Volunteer In Peru? Cusco, Peru is one of the most popular volunteer destinations in the world. It is a city incredibly rich with opportunities for both cultural and personal exploration. There are dozens of major museums, archaelogical sites and monuments just in the city itself and hundreds of sites in surrounding areas. It is … Read more

The Value of Spanish for Proyecto Peru Volunteers: Connect, Communicate, Contribute

Do you value authentic travel experiences and genuine connections with the people, culture, and language of the places you visit? Are you someone who seeks personal and academic growth through adventure — willing to step into the unfamiliar to discover more about yourself and the world? If this sounds like you: at Proyecto Peru you … Read more

How to be a responsible volunteer and contribute the most!

Medical Intern helping locals

Volunteering is a great experience for both local projects and volunteers. Sometimes however, it can be challenging to discover how you can best contribute and actually make a lasting difference. The goal of Proyecto Peru is to support volunteers so they can fully employee their skills and passion to help local projects.  Responsible volunteering focuses … Read more

Peru honours the potato during “Day of the Potato”

portal blog day of the potato
portal blog day of the potato

On 30 May, the southern Peruvian city of Cusco is entirely dedicated to the ‘papa’; the potato. With more than 3,200 different types of potatoes, Peru is the destination for potato lovers. In terms of diversity and numbers, the Peruvian potatoes are world-class. Every year, Peruvians celebrate “La Día de la Papa”.

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Semana Santa in Cusco: How is it celebrated?

If you are in Cusco in April, chances are you will be see the celebration of Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Holy Week takes place the week before Easter and ends on Easter Sunday. This is a week full of traditions, food and family, with a religious background. Semana Santa in Cusco is the perfect fusion between Andean and Catholic traditions.

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