Quick Links
Volunteer Opportunities in Peru!
Do you want to experience cultural immersion in South America? Would you like to do so while helping others in need? Consider volunteering in Peru programs for an experience you'll remember always.
Peru is a magnificent, historically rich country filled with natural and cultural treasures. Visit the ruins of Machu Picchu and Manu National Park in the Peruvian Amazon. Discover the indigenous Uro, who live on floating islands made of reeds on Lake Titicaca. Cusco, gateway to Machu Picchu, and Lima, the country capital, are known for their spectacular food.
Travelers visit Guatemala for its captivating landscapes and breathtaking biodiversity. When you volunteer in Guatemala programs, you will have the chance to see the sights and fully immerse yourself in the exquisite ethnic culture.
UDespite having made significant strides in combating poverty in the past decades, Peru's poverty rate is beginning to rise again, especially in Lima. Slowing economic growth, combined with political disruption are having an effect. Natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods, are perennial problems due to the country's location and geography. Extreme income inequality, especially between urban and rural populations, also contributes to poverty in the country. Children suffer the most. Today, Peru needs volunteers more than ever.
You can help when you join a volunteer program in Peru. Work in an orphanage, with street children, teach English, or in medical or dental care. Expand your world view and be personally enriched while helping improve the lives of children and families in Peru.
Volunteer Opportunities in Peru
Is the idea of being a volunteer in Peru exciting to you, but you need to find the right program? Global Crossroad runs a variety of programs internationally, and we encourage you to choose the one that suits you best. Have a look, and think about your favourite.
Sadly, Peru has seen a dramatic rise in orphaned children in recent years, mostly living with no security, no education, no supervision, and no love or care. Poverty, abuse, and alcoholism have left many Peruvian families in ruins, depriving the children of the parental love they need. Orphanages in Peru do what they can to support and protect these children, but most are underfunded and under-resourced.
By joining Global Crossroad’s Peru Orphanage Volunteer Program, you will be working directly with needy kids who will appreciate what you have to give tremendously. Your assistance will help keep these children off the street, and give them a chance to live a happy and productive childhood.
For native Peruvians who can communicate proficiently in English, the doors of opportunities are far more open. However, many public schools in rural regions are lacking the resources, funds, and English teachers to meet the demand. This is where you can make a monumental difference.
When you join Global Crossroad’s volunteer teaching English program in Peru, you will share the gift of learning English to students who will greatly benefit from it, possibly throughout their lives. With your humble efforts, those who learn from you will be able to shape their own future into something brighter.
Do you have an interest or experience in the field of medicine? Do you want to gain invaluable medical experience abroad?
Global Crossroad’s medical volunteering opportunity in Peru is ideal for those studying or pursuing a career in the field of healthcare. This volunteer program provides hands-on experience and gives you the opportunity to work together with healthcare professionals.
Your main responsibility will be spending time assisting local doctors and healthcare professionals at various medical clinics. The program also allows you to educate locals on different health topics, arming them with information that can improve their self-care, and chances for a bright future.
Share your time, caring personality, and passionate belief in female equality by volunteering in a teenage mom center; and supporting the young women who experience sexual assault and rape due to a lifestyle and circumstances blighted by poverty and inadequate education. As a volunteer in Peru your work makes a huge difference to the lives of marginalized young women who need all the help they can get to create a brighter future
Do you want to help teenage mother? Visit the project page to find pricing and complete information.
Are you passionate about wildlife and wish to make a difference in the lives of animals? Do you dream of rescuing and rehabilitating animals in the rainforests? Our wildlife volunteer in Peru is just the program for you!
Visit the project page to find pricing and complete information.
Are you seeking out an escape to a fascinating country in Peru, while also have the chance to give back to a community in need? Global Crossroad’s 2-week volunteer abroad program in Peru invites participants to explore the enchanting country of Peru while also lending a helping hand.
Visit the project page to find pricing and complete information.
Peru is a fascinating Andean country alive with cultural activities. The archeological capital of the Americas, Peru - with its magnificent ruins of ancient culture that have passed into the mist of history - is a popular destination for tourists as well as volunteers. Explore the jungles of Peru and work in the needy communities for the betterment of the children - the future of this world. All this is possible when you join Global Crossroad's summer volunteering opportunity in Peru.
Visit the project page to find pricing and complete information.
In addition to the above projects, we also offer family Volunteering, alternative spring break, high school volunteering, college/university volunteering and many other programs. Contact Global Crossroad for further information.
Volunteer Opportunities in Peru: Dates and Prices
Dates: Volunteer in Peru
All volunteer programs in Peru start at the beginning of each week. Global Crossroad is very flexible and understands that various travel constraints that you might face.
All volunteer work in Peru options are available year around, except at times programs like a volunteer teaching English overseas program might be closed for various holidays and vacations. Also, some programs are seasonal due to extreme weather conditions. Between the project link and a Global Crossroad representative, all of this specific information regarding programs dates will be available to you. If a program is unavailable, we will provide an alternative program for you to join.
Fees: Volunteer in Peru
Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and highest quality volunteering programs in Peru. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.
Global Crossroad's volunteer program in Peru application and registration fee cost US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in USA office).
In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to your host family and project. This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and not for company profit.
| Duration | Orphanage/ Teaching/ Street Children | Medical |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $239 | $264 |
| 2 Weeks | $403 | $428 |
| 3 Weeks | $517 | $592 |
| 4 Weeks | $631 | $706 |
| 5 Weeks | $770 | $820 |
| 6 Weeks | $884 | $934 |
| 7 Weeks | $998 | $1,048 |
| 8 Weeks | $1,112 | $1,162 |
| 9 Weeks | $1,251 | $1,276 |
| 10 Weeks | $1,365 | $1,390 |
| 11 Weeks | $1,479 | $1,504 |
| 12 Weeks | $1,593 | $1,618 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years) »
How your fee is allocated?
Spanish Lessons : ( Monday-Friday ) 2 hours a day : $120/ week - mandatory for medical project
Airport Pick Up: $20
$25/week surcharge for medical project
Summer volunteer and adventure (4 weeks include safari) $2,309
Mini adventure (2 weeks include safari) $1,299
Program fees cover:
- Accommodation (host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- In-country support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The volunteering overseas in Peru program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
Accommodations and Meals
In Global Crossroad's Peru volunteer programs; weekly fees include management of volunteers' meal plans and accommodations, throughout the time of their visit.
You will stay with well-screened and respected host family in Peru. Each host family is socially respected, and most often already has experience hosting international volunteers. Host families offer a safe home, shared bathroom facilities, with running water and a "western" style toilet. You can to do your own laundry at the house, or the host family may offer to wash it for a small fee.
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided, consisting of local ingredients, and featuring traditional cuisine. Our meal program can accommodate vegetarian needs. However, we may not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Please contact us individually for details. Food and drinks outside of meal times are also the volunteer's responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets nearby the homes in which our volunteers stay.
Free Time Options
Peru is a beautiful country. When you volunteer with Global Crossroad we make sure you have the free time to see it. Work days are typically 4-6 hours long, and weekends are entirely free for exploration.
Cusco is a fabulous place for cultural activities, and for further travel and adventure. The city contains many attractions like historical museums, beautiful parks, colonial squares, stunning churches, ancient ruins, Incan streets, colorful markets, and endless adventure opportunities, such as river rafting, quad biking, horseback riding, paragliding, zip lining, trekking, and tours through the Amazon jungle and the Sacred Valley. When volunteering overseas in Peru in Cusco, you have countless fantastic free time options.
Learn more about your free time and weekend travel options in Peru.
Volunteer Opportunities in Peru: FAQs
Have you got more questions for us? We hope so. Please browse through our FAQ to find answers to your questions.
Which airport do I need to fly to for my volunteer project?
Cusco, Peru (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport); however, random placements may require arrival at a different airport. Please do not book travel until your placement is complete.
Do you organize airport pick-up services?
Yes, Global Crossroad organizes airport pick-up services for its international volunteers in Peru. Volunteers will be welcomed and transferred to their accommodations directly from the airport after their arrival at the airport in Cusco, Peru. The airport pick-up is covered by your initial volunteer program fee.
What will happen if I miss my flight or arrive late?
It is very important that our volunteers notify us about their missed flights or late arrivals as soon as possible. Volunteers must always give us proper information regarding their flight details and arrival times. This is necessary because we have to manage everything before the start of your Peru volunteering program and it won’t be possible to do so if volunteers don’t inform us about their flight contingencies.
Who will come to pick me up? How will I recognize this person at the airport?
Our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport arrival terminal. He/she will pick you up from the airport and accompany you to your accommodations before the start of your volunteer work project. You can recognize our local representative by searching for a person holding a white signboard with your name on it. Or you can also call them, as their contact information will be provided to you before your flight to Peru.
Who will bring me to the airport for my departure after completing my volunteer work in Peru?
After the completion of your volunteer program, it will be your responsibility to arrange for your transportation to the airport. However, we can assist you in finding a taxi to take you back to the airport if you would like our assistance regarding this matter.
What do I need to do prior to departure from my home country?
You will need to do many things prior to your departure from your home country. Listing all of them would be difficult, but some crucial items include: passport, visa, couple of photos, credit cards, some cash, flight tickets, comfortable clothing and shoes, toiletries, medicines, first-aid kit, sanitary towels, deodorant, insect repellent, mobile phone, laptop, adapter, chargers, and travel insurance.
Global Crossroad’s volunteer programs in Peru are located in Cusco. Situated at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level, Cusco boasts numerous exciting opportunities for volunteers to see a city that maintains echoes of its colonial and culture-rich past. More than 2 million visitors come to Cusco each year, as there is no shortage of things to do and see, from the streets and architecture to the people and their clothing.
Is there any minimum and maximum stay for my volunteer project?
You have to stay for a minimum of 1 week to maximum of 12 weeks if you decide to go on a volunteer trip abroad with us. While we do allow volunteers to always extend their stay, it is compulsory for our volunteers to at least have 1 week of free time on their hands.
Can I extend my stay if I choose to?
Volunteers can extend their stay if they wish to continue working on their volunteer projects. Our programs run from 1 to 12 weeks and the duration of these programs can be extended quite easily. Volunteer simply have to get in touch with our country coordinator and ask him/her to extend the volunteering opportunity in Peru. Global Crossroad offers full support to its participants in extending their stay in Peru for a much longer period.
Will I have enough time to travel after work and in weekend while volunteering in Peru?
Our international volunteers will have enough free time on their hands to travel and explore Peru after work and in weekends. Our volunteering work programs are designed flexibly for volunteers who wish to spend some of their time exploring Peru’s beautiful landscapes.
Can I change project if I do not like?
Yes, it is possible for volunteers to change their Peru volunteer program before and after coming to Peru. Global Crossroad does not restrict its volunteers from doing so and always puts effort to satisfy every needs of its volunteers working on its volunteer programs. So, if our volunteers don’t want to continue volunteering in a particular project (which they had chosen earlier) and join another project then they should get in touch with our country coordinator and ask him to change their project.
How old should I be to take part in these projects?
Most of the time, volunteers who have participated in one of our volunteer projects range from 18 years old students to old age adults. But you do need to be at lea 18 years of age to be eligible for our volunteering programs. If you are below 18 years of age then you have to provide us with a proof of parental consent to become eligible for our volunteer trips.
Who manages the volunteer projects in Peru?
Our Peru volunteer opportunities are all managed by an experienced country coordinator who has an expert knowledge of handling volunteer projects and volunteers. The country coordinator is there to provide you with a timely support on a day to day basis. He/she will even come to visit you frequently during your volunteer trip to check if you are doing well or not. You can ask for advices, suggestions and depend upon the country coordinator to ensure the success of your volunteer project in Peru.
Will I receive training before the start of my volunteering program in Peru?
Yes, our volunteers in Peru do receive training before the start of their volunteering work projects. You will receive proper training and guidelines for the successful completion of your volunteer projects, which can be anything from teaching English to medical volunteering. After your arrival, our in-country coordinator will engage you in an orientation class during which you will learn about safety measures and your daily schedules.
You may have more questions for us about your volunteer opportunity, and we want to provide the answers. Have a look through these frequent questions to learn more about what it means to volunteer abroad.
Why pay to volunteer abroad?
Global Crossroad is a non-profit volunteer organization that highly prioritizes offering life-changing Peru volunteering opportunities to its participants. Global Crossroad supports the local development projects and helps to make a difference to the lives of people living in the disadvantaged areas.
Therefore, Global Crossroad depends on its volunteer work program fees for the operation and management of its programs. Money paid by volunteers helps Global Crossroad to cover its expenses. Everything from the utility bills, rent, and advertisement, to the salaries of its staff, and taxes of the company, is all covered by the fees of the volunteer programs.
Why are Global Crossroad’s fees so much more affordable than other volunteer organizations?
Global Crossroad does not aim to earn any profit through its volunteering projects. Global Crossroad’s volunteering program fees have always been affordable, as all its programs are tailor-made, and the money goes directly to the host families. There are no hidden costs or middlemen involved. This helps us to cut down on unwanted expenses. Global Crossroad is also a financially transparent organization that works together with many international organizations to provide the most affordable and meaningful volunteer trips abroad.
Can I get help to raise fund?
Yes, you can get help from us to raise funds for joining a volunteer program in Peru. Whether you plan on visiting Uganda or Peru, we provide you with as much as help as possible. Just don’t forget to inform our office staff members while applying for the project and we will provide details.
Cost/Money Matter
Why do I need to pay to volunteer?
Program fee
Is it safe to visit and volunteer in Peru?
Peru is a safe country for international volunteers and travellers. Volunteering in Peru is relatively safe with little threat of violent crimes. In the recent years, Peru has become a lot safer than in the past. Global Crossroad also puts a great deal of effort in making sure that all of its international volunteers are safe during its volunteering programs.
What safety measures should I take during my volunteer project?
Of course, Peru might be safe for international travellers and volunteers, but it’s always advisable to exercise some degree of caution. Volunteers must stay in touch with their respective country coordinator at all times wherever they may be.
It is vital for volunteers to avoid traveling alone if possible, and avoid showing off cash or any expensive items in public areas. Volunteers must also be vigilant of their surroundings and take precautionary measures. We highly advise all our volunteers to do proper research regarding their personal safety before coming to Peru.
What will happen if I get sick during my volunteering program in Peru?
If you ever get sick and require immediate help while volunteering abroad, our field staff will take care of you, and bring you to the nearest hospital or medical clinic if necessary. Our in-country coordinator, along with the doctors and medical professionals will do their best to help you in every way possible.
What vaccinations do I need to have?
Hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria, yellow fever, rabies, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and pneumonia are some of the vaccinations suggested by the Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention for those planning to volunteer in Peru for at least a week. However, you must visit your local doctor and ask them for advice before actually taking all of these vaccinations for your volunteering trip in Peru. You can learn more about vaccinations for Peru here:
What are the principle health risks in Peru?
Like any country, Peru has its own set of health risks and hazards for which you should be prepared before your volunteering program. Local street food can pose a serious risk to your health. Water sources can be contaminated with deadly bacteria and viruses.
Staying hydrated all day long should be your top priority, but you should only drink boiled or chemically filtered water. You should avoid drinking from taps, and only eat food from hygienic, reputable places. You must be cautious while volunteering outdoors, and prepared to cope with exposure to sun and insects, for example. Take extra precautions to avoid mosquitoes.
For more readings
Vaccination
Health and Safety
Do I need a visa to volunteer in Peru?
Yes, you need a visa to enter and volunteer in Peru. But you will need a passport with a validity of at least 6 months to get a tourist visa for your volunteer work project.
How do I apply for a visa?
The easiest way to apply for a Peruvian travel visa to be able to volunteer in Peru program is to visit the Embassy of Peru located in your home country. You will have to fill out a visa application form and bring your original passport and a couple of photos for submission. But you can also obtain a travel visa for Peru upon arrival.
Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me with this?
No, you can’t extend your tourist visa after entering Peru. You will get to stay for a maximum of 183 days with your Peruvian tourist visa but won’t be able to extend it once the maximum days of stay in passed.
How do I contact Global Crossroad’s local coordinator during my volunteer program?
You can contact Global Crossroad’s local coordinator via your mobile phone, or go online and email them your inquiry. We will provide you with the personal contact details of our local coordinators before your arrival in Peru. So, if there is an emergency, or you feel like you need help, you can get in touch with them immediately.
What do I need to bring for my volunteering program in Peru?
You need to bring the essential things like clothes, shoes, rain jacket, umbrella, water bottle, backpack, hand sanitizer, flashlight, pocket knife, first-aid supplies and medicines, camera, sunglasses, sunscreen cream, insect repellent, passport, laptop, cell phone, USB drive, books, earplugs, masks, towel and toiletries for your volunteer program.
NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.
Page updated: 25th September, 2019