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Language & Orientation Week in Cusco - Peru

Volunteering Solutions gives its volunteers a great opportunity to learn the culture, history and language of the diverse city called Cusco “The land of the Incas”. This week is aimed to teach the volunteers all issues about culture, basic language and history about Cusco before they start their program in the field. You can choose to take part in this week program or go directly into the volunteer program. This program starts on 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month and is for 6 days. The program aims to give you true insight about Cusco, its culture, basic language, food, places to visit and things to do while you would spend your time in Peru. 
 
The program is held in Cusco “The land of the Incas”  and volunteers also have a chance to visit the Wonderful sanctuary of Macchu Picchu (at an extra cost) on the 7th day of the program. 
 
While on this program the volunteers would stay at the volunteer home accommodation arranged by Volunteering Solutions.
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Language & Cultural Week Schedule


Sunday: (Arrival in Cusco & transfer to volunteer home accommodation) 
 
Day 1: Introduction to the Language & Cultural Program, safety issues, basic culture and history about Peru (more emphasis about Cusco). Furthermore, during this morning your coordinator will show you the city to be familiar with during your free time. Also learn details about your volunteering program in Cusco if you applied for that after this week. 
 
Day 2: Your coordinator will take you early in the morning to a village to visit local artisans working with natural dye.  You will take 3 hours of Spanish lessons in the afternoon and will learn about history, culture and traditional insight about Peru followed with a Folklore Show dance at night. 
 
Day 3: Spanish classes continue for 3 hours during the morning. Then, explore the local art & craft – artisans -markets in the afternoon. 
 
Day 4: Discover more about Cusco - Go on a tour to Sacsayhuaman, Quenco, puca Pucara and Tambomachay´s most visited tourist spots. This would be full afternoon tour ending approximately at 19:00 hrs. 
 
Day 5: Spanish lessons 3 hours during the morning, covering more words and vocabulary to help you in daily use. You have the afternoon and night free to explore the beautiful view of Cusco. 
 
Day 6 : Discover the Sacred valley of the Incas - go on a guided tour to visit the beauty of Pisaq, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo ruins, with lunch in a traditional Inca restaurant.
 
Day 7 : Get ready for your volunteering program the next day or choose to visit Macchu Picchu for a day trip at an extra $200 only per person. 
 
** This is a suggested, itinerary and is subject to change in order to comply with changes according to local conditions. The program cost does not include any monument entry fee.**
 
Note: - Volunteers need to get the Tourist Ticket to visit all these spots (bring your ID students and ISIC student cards) your coordinator would guide you about the best places to go and visit. 

Start Date

Volunteers can join the Orientation Week from any 01st OR 3rd Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference. 
 
USD GBP EUR
1 Week
$350
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week
£245
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week
€280
Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    • Airport Pick up at Cusco
    • Full board accommodation
    • 9 hrs Spanish lessons
    • Folklore Show dance at night
    • City tour (Transportation / guide)
    • Sacred Valley Tour (Transportation / guide / lunch)
    • Pre departure Information
    • Local coordinator support
    • Medical Insurance (available at an extra cost)
     

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Entrance fee for the city tour and Sacred Valley  
    • ​Airport drop off
    • ​Visa and Vaccinations
    • Airfare

What are the Program locations in Peru?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Cusco and Iquitos. Cusco was the site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It is a major tourist destination and receives almost 1.5 million visitors a year.  We also arrange programs for groups in Tambopata Rainforest areas. Iquitos is the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest and it is the capital of Loreto Region and Maynas Province.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Peru. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Peru?

We are able to offer placements on the first Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Peru for my program?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are joining the project in Iquitos will be picked up from Iquitos Airport.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be provided in a host family or homestay.  You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like towels and toiletries. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Peru-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

  1. Hepatitis A and B
  2. Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Peru?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling from Bus within Peru is cheap; however, you should carry around $40 - 50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Peru? Are there ATMs in Peru?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATMs located all around Cusco and Iquitos city.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

Depending on your host family you will be provided with three meals a day from Monday to Saturday at their accommodation. Food is usually vegetarian and a mix of meat and salads.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for Peru?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Peru?

For cheap airline flying into Cusco and Iquitos are LAN Peru, Star Peru, Peruvian Airlines, Kindly visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com

Chris Rodriguez (USA)
Chris Rodriguez-Volunteer in a Day care center The highlights were working with the kids and spending time with the family. I understand the culture better-being outside of a tourist area and with people in a more nature setting was very enriching...... read more
Michelle Leigh Reardon (USA)
Michelle Leigh Reardon-Volunteer in a Kindergarten The children stole my heart instantly. I loved watching them learn and grow and the love that I felt in Jenny's home is something I will never forget. Despite its poverty , Cusco is an absolutely breathtaking city...... read more
Lorah Cuento (USA)
Lorah Cuento-Summer Program 2010 The host family and other volunteers in the house were fun and fascinating to get know. The city, Cusco, was fun to explore and interesting to learn their way of life. The volunteer experience as a teacher assistant aide was most rewarding and it motivates me to seek other volunteer opportunities...... read more
Brooke Amanda Pati (USA)
Brooke Amanda Pati-Healthcare program Excellent program location because it was busy and I was able to really get hands on experience in my field. The nurses and doctors were helpful and willing to teach me how to perform their everyday tasks which further enabled me to gain experience that is unimaginable in the any volunteer program in the US...... read more
Sheena Yee (USA)
Sheena Yee-Working with street kids I loved working with the children and i have built a bond over the past 2 weeks with some of them, they are all very dear, sweet and smart. Helping the kids learn the alphabet in English. I was a rewarding experience to know that I was able to teach them something useful...... read more