volunteer in cusco Archives - Page 2 of 2

10 Tips for Volunteering Abroad Responsibly

February 6, 2026September 18, 2019 by Coen

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.

Grace’s story as a medical volunteer in Cusco, Peru

February 6, 2026August 12, 2019 by Coen

Grace shares her experience of medical volunteering in Peru.

I have always considered myself lucky for the different places I have lived and the different people I have met along the way. I was born in the hustling bustling city of Seoul, South Korea, lived among the endless green pastures of Wisconsin for a year, lived in an apartment in Toronto, Canada for three years, and finally settled with the cows and trees in a small Connecticut town called Mansfield by the grand age of nine.

A weekend in Pacchanta: A remote town in Cusco

February 5, 2026July 30, 2019 by Coen

Sometimes, when you’re doing volunteer work or and internship, especially in a place like Cusco, you think you might not have time for everything, but you do!

There are a lot of popular places you can visit while in Cusco, such as the Salt Mines of Maras, the Sacred Valley, Rainbown Mountain, and many more. But if you’re a volunteer that’s looking for a more authentic experience in a remote Andean community, then this is the place.

Pacchanta, the last town you see before you head for the Ausangate trek but it is worth visiting for those who don’t have time for the the full trek. It is a very small community located near the base of the Ausangate glacier. If you cannot take a week from your volunteer project, then you can spend a weekend there, hike throug the seven lakes that the area is famous for and even enjoy some hot springs.

Do you want to know how to get there? Keep reading!

Note: This article was published in 2019, travel methods and costs may have changed since then. If you want to visit Pacchanta we recommend speaking with a member of the Proyecto Peru team for up to date travel advice.