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

Why Is Peruvian Spanish Considered So Neutral?

Peruvian speaks with a foreign tourist

For many people deciding where to learn Spanish, one question comes up again and again: which variety of Spanish is the most neutral? Spanish is spoken by more than 500 million people across 20 countries (21 if we count the US/Puerto Rico) on multiple continents, and no single version can be considered truly “standard” in … Read more

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

It’s Luca’s last week volunteering at our offices and we’re sad, but very happy for all his adventures in this foreign land. Let’s read his adventure hiking to Machu Picchu through the Salkantay Trek.

Visiting the Machu Picchu is definitely a must-do if you travel to Peru. I have been in Peru since September doing volunteer work, and it was finally time to go there and explore the lost city of the Incas. There are several ways to get to the famous ruin: By train, by bus – or with your own feet. A trek seemed to be the best option for me because I could experience the beautiful mountains of the Andes and the wilderness of Peru. In a group of 10 people and our tour guide, we started the Salkantay trek on the January 18th 2020.

Read more

Peruvian Culture: 5 Christmas traditions in Peru

Family gatherings around the Christmas tree, celebrations, recipes for delicious meals and, of course, Christmas lights. Every year, many families around the world do all this before the arrival of Christmas. This is the season to have your tummies and hearts full, and share memories and stories with your loved ones.

Peru, thanks to its diversity, is a country that carries different traditions in every region, even for Christmas. In this country you can see how people pass on their Christmas traditions from generation to generation.

In this post, you will be able to explore Peru’s great Christmas traditions in different regions. And, if you’re in Peru, you will be able to choose what tradition to experience!

Read more

Peruvian History: Qoyllur Riti, a religious festival like no other

Peru is a very religious country, especially if you visit the highlands. In Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, the Qoyllur Riti has a special place in the locals’ hearts. A mix of Andean mysticism and Western religiosity. This festival gathers more than 10 000 people every year in May or June.

This is a festival you can witness if you travel to Cusco during these months. So discover all the wonders the Qoyllur Riti has to offer!

Read more

Peruvian History: The Cusco Flag

The first thing people visiting Cusco will see is the big rainbow flag at the main square and on all buildings of the city centre. Maybe the first thought you had when seeing this was Wow, Cusco is very LGTB friendly! I’m afraid the Cusco flag is not the same as the LGTB one. It has a different story. If you want to know more, then keep reading!

Read more

Learn Spanish in Peru

In this article, Laura Graichen shares her experience learning Spanish with Proyecto Peru.

Five years ago, I came to South America with zero knowledge of the Spanish language. I thought that I would get far with hands and footwork, but nothing could be further from the truth. Well, in the end you will get there, but some basic knowledge of Spanish is actually indispensable as it makes traveling a lot easier. In addition, it is nice if you can chat a little with the locals. You immediately get a lot of respect if they only see that you are trying!

Read more

8 free things to do in Cusco

Chances are that the Inca capital, Cusco, is on the programme during your tour through Peru. From here you can make trips to the surrounding Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley and of course your excursion to the not-so-hidden Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Cusco is well-organised, friendly and you will find many remnants of the resourceful Incas here. It means that many travellers like to stay in the city for a little longer. And even if you’ve just booked an expensive excursion to Machu Picchu or are travelling on a limited budget, these eight tips for free activities in Cusco prove that a few extra days don’t have to cost much at all

Read more

The best 4 places to volunteer abroad in Peru

There are many decisions to make and many places to choose from when it comes to volunteer abroad. One of the most important decisions you will have to make is where to volunteer and for how you will be doing it. No matter the country, you have to find a place and project that suits your skills, this way you will be making an impact in the project.

Peru is, indeed, one of the best places to volunteer abroad. You can help educate children in one of its cities, work in a local hospital in the Andes or help reforesting the Amazon. Peru is a very multicultural country that offers a unique experience to visitors and volunteers.

Read more