Are you excited to volunteer at a project in Cusco? There are so many ways you can make this an unforgettable experience. There are numerous benefits to volunteering, whether you are abroad or at home, it is a unique experience. Cusco is one of the best places to volunteer in Peru and Latin America. With various projects in the region, we can always find something that fits your wishes.
volunteer abroad
Hannah and Linda’s Experience in Cusco
Let’s get to know two of our volunteers a little more. Meet Linda(18) and Hannah(18) from Germany. They arrived in Cusco 3 months ago after doing some volunteering work in Zanzibar.
Currently, they are volunteering at a locla school in Cusco through their partnership with. Proyecto Peru. They are working in Childcare as teachers and helping with activities for the kids.
Tahuantinsuyo, the Inca Empire
As a responsible volunteer looking for opportunities in Peru, it is important to know some of the country’s history. So, when you look up information about Peruvian history on the internet, you might have seen the word Tahuantinsuyo or Tawantinsuyo. Likely a term you might have never heard before. What exactly is Tahuantinsuyo? How did it start? How big was it?
The first thing you need to know is that Tahuantinsuyo is another term for the Inca Empire. If you want to know more about this vast empire, keep reading!
4 tips to be a more responsible volunteer
Volunteering abroad can be a meaningful experience. It can broaden your perspective, strengthen your skills, and allow you to contribute to a community in a practical way. However, good intentions are not enough. Poorly designed volunteer programs can unintentionally cause harm, create dependency, or prioritise profit over impact.
If you are considering volunteering in Peru or elsewhere, here are four principles to help you approach the experience responsibly.
The best 4 places to volunteer abroad in Peru
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.
10 Tips for Volunteering Abroad Responsibly
Update for 2026
Volunteering abroad can be a meaningful and life changing experience, both for volunteers and for the communities they support. However, not all volunteer programmes are created equal. Poorly run or unethical organisations can do more harm than good, even when intentions are positive.
Every year, thousands of students, gap year travellers, and career changers look for opportunities to volunteer abroad. Before committing your time, money, and energy, it is essential to choose a responsible organisation that genuinely benefits the local community.
Below are ten practical tips to help you find an ethical and well run volunteer organisation, based on real issues volunteers often face and common mistakes we have seen over the years.