Volunteer in Peru

Volunteering is an amazing way to gain an insight into the culture of a country. When you volunteer you are no longer just another tourist. You will work intimately with the local staff and, more importantly, give a special gift to the project and community you visit. Volunteering is for those who have an interest in other cultures and want to help those less fortunate than themselves. It is also a great way to meet like-minded, adventurous, open-minded people, with a willingness to make a difference.

Visit our photo gallery for a taste of volunteering in Peru.

Volunteers will assist local staff in their daily tasks. This programme requires maximum flexibility but is very rewarding for those interested in Peruvian culture as a whole and is ideal for volunteers wishing to take Spanish classes in the mornings. A typical week may be:

Monday to Friday:
2.30pm to 5pm - Class time with the children in Oropesa village including teaching basic English, playings sports and games, assisting in the library, and teaching arts and crafts.

Volunteers are required to arrive at least by 1:30pm to assist the local staff in preparing for afternoon classes and cleaning. There are always a lot of improvements to the facilities and extra projects that the staff need to work on in the mornings, and volunteers are welcome to assist with these tasks.

*These are only examples of what your daily activities may be, the programmes are continually evolving and their requirements may change before your arrival. Rest assured we are very flexible with volunteers personal needs and expect the same flexibility in return.

Accommodation

Volunteers will stay in a comfortable 2 star hotel. The hotel is well situated about a 10-minute walk from the main square. Rooms are single occupancy or can be shared if volunteers are travelling together.

The rooms are clean and comfortable, each with private toilet, shower or bath tub. The facilities include hot water, cable TV, free basic breakfast and wifi.

How to Apply

All volunteer applications are handled through our partner organisation, Globalteer. For more information about volunteering with us, including details of the required donation, visit The Globalteer Website.

Globalteer is a UK-registered charity providing volunteer support and funding development for projects overseas.

Why we need volunteers

Despite the wealth of tourist money that enters the country (particularly Cusco), very little of this money filters down to the average Peruvian.

Peru faces high levels of poverty and inequality. In 2011 the Corporación Andinda de Formento, a multilateral development bank, reported that while nationwide poverty levels were around 33%, they reached 70% in parts of the Andean and Amazonian regions where the country's indigenous population is concentrated. In these same areas, rates of malnutrition, infant and maternal mortality were also much higher and access to healthcare more limited.

Poverty levels are significantly higher in rural areas, while urban areas are the most unequal. This means a lack of education, healthcare and nutrition effects the poorest the hardest. With volunteers we hope to help the least fortunate live healthily, with dignity and with a future.