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1 Week Special Volunteer Program in Peru
Be a volunteer for the 1 Week Special Program in Peru with Volunteering Solutions and contribute meaningfully towards the lives of the little kids.
This one-week program places you at a Kindergarten or Daycare Center in Cusco, Peru, depending on which is in session that month, supporting local teachers with young children who face a stretched teacher-to-student ratio. Volunteer mornings run Monday to Wednesday, and the role suits anyone 17 or older who is comfortable with children and has a flexible, hands-on attitude rather than teaching credentials.
The program runs 1 week, starting twice a month (sundays), with the next start on 4 Oct 2026. You live with a host family in a shared bedroom and eat home-cooked meals with them Monday to Friday; weekends are on you. The total is $1,209 (deposit included), and this program's distinct draw is the built-in itinerary: after your three mornings of volunteer work, the trip includes a guided Sacred Valley tour and a full day at Machu Picchu.
- Experience the best of volunteering and traveling in just a week’s time
- Volunteer with underprivileged children in Cusco and make a difference
- Gain first-hand international work experience
- Travel and explore the city of Cusco, as well as Sacred Valley
- Hike along the ruins of Machu Picchu and soak in the old world charm
Your role on this program
- Assist teachers at a local Kindergarten or Daycare Center in Cusco, whichever is in session that month
- Support children's play and learning activities during the morning sessions
- Give extra attention to children in classrooms with a stretched teacher-to-student ratio
- Play with and engage young children through games and simple activities
- Help local teachers and caregivers with supervised classroom activities as needed
Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.
Role boundaries
You work alongside and under the supervision of local teachers and caregivers; you do not run the classroom, set curriculum, or discipline children on your own. Because this is a one-week placement with only three mornings of volunteer time, you are supporting an ongoing project rather than leading or completing one, and duties may vary with the placement's needs.
Program itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival in Cusco, Peru
Welcome to the heart of the Andes—the Land of the Incas! Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, our friendly coordinator will be there to greet you and transfer you to your cozy accommodation. You’ll have time to settle in before attending an Orientation Session at 03:00 p.m . For a smooth start, we recommend booking a morning flight so you can dive into your new adventure right away. Take the rest of the day to explore the lively streets of Cusco and prepare for the exciting week ahead!
Day 2 to Day 4 (Monday to Wednesday): Volunteer Work & Cultural Exploration
Mornings will be spent making a difference at local Kindergartens or Day Care Centers, working with children and supporting their growth in these vibrant communities. After your volunteer work, the afternoons are yours to explore Cusco—a city where ancient Incan history blends seamlessly with modern life. Visit the local markets, explore hidden alleys, or tick off must-see sites from your travel bucket list. For those eager to learn, Spanish language classes are available to help you fully immerse in the local culture.
Day 5 (Thursday): Sacred Valley Adventure
Get ready for an unforgettable day! We’ll pick you up from plaza de armas de Cusco at 7:00 a.m. and embark on a breathtaking journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas—a must-visit after Machu Picchu!
Highlights of the Tour:
Chinchero: Explore this charming colonial village, home to stunning churches with mural paintings and ancient Inca ruins.
Moray: Discover the fascinating Inca agricultural terraces, a unique greenhouse where the Incas acclimatized various crops.
Salt Mines Maras (Salineras): Visit the spectacular salt terraces, with over 4,000 salt springs still in use by local communities.
Urubamba: Enjoy free time for lunch in this picturesque valley, soaking in the stunning landscapes.
Continue along the Wilcamayu River to Ollantaytambo, one of the few Incan towns still inhabited today.
Stroll through the streets with ancient water channels and visit the impressive Temple of the Sun.
The tour wraps up around 3:00 p.m., giving you a bit of free time to explore the town before we head to the train station. A short 7-minute walk takes you to the train that will whisk you away to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, in just 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, hotel staff will be waiting to greet you and check you into your accommodation.
Finally, you’ll meet with your Machu Picchu guide to discuss the exciting visit planned for the next day!
Day 6 (Friday): Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas
Today is the highlight of your trip—a full-day guided tour of the legendary Machu Picchu Sanctuary, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the final day of our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, rise early for an unforgettable adventure! Take a 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu, where our expert guide will lead you through the iconic sites of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site for approximately 2.5 hours.
After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to capture more photos and soak in the breathtaking views. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider an optional hike up Waynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more spectacular panoramas (extra cost).
Afterward, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch before boarding your train (arrive 30 minutes early). The scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo lasts about 1.5 hours, where we’ll pick you up for the return trip to Cusco.
Expect to arrive back in Cusco around 8:30 p.m. after an incredible journey filled with awe and adventure!
Day 7 (Saturday): Departure or Continue Your Adventure
Your final morning in Cusco has arrived! Say goodbye to your fellow volunteers, exchange contact info, and make plans for future adventures. Whether you're heading home or continuing to explore more of Peru’s stunning landscapes, you’ll leave with incredible memories and a heart full of gratitude. If you wish, extend your stay and embark on another journey in this magical country!
NOTE: Kindergartens are open from March 2nd week until July 3rd week and from August 2nd week until December 3rd week. When the Kindergarten will be closed, all volunteers will be placed at the Day Care Center.
Who can join and what you need
- Minimum age 17 (parental consent form required if under 18)
- An open, flexible attitude toward working in a new environment
- A genuine interest in working with children, with initiative to join in activities
- Clean criminal background check report issued before the start date
- Beginner-to-intermediate Spanish is an advantage but not required
- Compulsory travel/medical insurance, own policy or one arranged through Volunteering Solutions
The placement, its limits and your part in it
Placements are at a local Kindergarten or Daycare Center in Cusco, chosen depending on the time of year the school is in session. Local teachers and caregivers run the classroom day to day; an in-country coordinator in Cusco supports volunteers and handles orientation, logistics, and the 24-hour emergency contact.
Because placements involve children, a clean criminal background check issued within 12 months of the start date is required before you join, and volunteers work under supervision rather than independently. Over one week, with only three mornings actually in the classroom, your contribution is best understood as extra hands and attention during a short visit to an ongoing project, not a completed program of your own.
Our standards
- Responsible volunteer travel policyHow we choose, run and review every project
- Safeguarding policyBackground checks, supervision and our code of conduct with children
- Child & vulnerable adult protectionThe rules every volunteer follows on placement
- Certified B CorporationSocial and environmental performance verified by B Lab
- How we volunteer responsibly in PeruCountry-level partner context and standards
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
Prices include your $249 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total program fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Total price | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $1,209 |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- Comprehensive pre-departure guide
- Assistance from support staff and In-country program coordinator
- Airport pickup from Cusco airport
- Orientation and walking city tour
- Accommodation in a homestay – shared bedroom
- Project placement in Cusco
- Meals at the accommodation from Monday to Friday
- Transportation and tour guide for Sacred Valley tour
- Round trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Double room accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Pay an additional of 25 USD for a private bedroom)
- Guide in Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
Not included
- International/Domestic Airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (available at nominal cost)
- Local transportation to and from the program location
- Vaccinations
- Lunch in Aguas calientes
- Meals on Saturday & Sundays
- Private bedroom in Aguas Calientes
- Visitor Entrance Ticket for the Sacred Valley Tour (130 PEN)
- Maras (salt mine) entrance ticket (10 PEN)
- Drop off from home stay to Plaza de armas
- Drop off to home stay when you back from the tour
- Any other personal expenses
- Drop off to Cusco airport
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
As soon as you land at Cusco Airport, our friendly local coordinator or representative will be there to greet you. If you’re traveling overland or are already in Peru, we’ll arrange a convenient pickup at a designated meeting point or bus station. You´ll see the VolSol logo and your name at the airport door.
Orientation
Get ready for an exciting journey with our orientation! Our local staff will introduce you to key aspects of life in Peru, covering topics like culture, greetings, transportation, safety, and your volunteer placements. This session will help you feel right at home!
Accommodation
Experience authentic Peruvian culture by staying with a local host family! You’ll share a cozy room with fellow volunteers, giving you the chance to bond and make new friends. Most host families have two bathrooms equipped with hot showers, and the accommodations are clean and comfortable. Many homes also offer Wi-Fi and cable TV for your convenience.
Meals
Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals with your host family, served three times a day from Monday to Friday. The menu varies daily and typically includes mouth-watering soups, fresh salads, rice, potatoes, refreshing juices, and delightful desserts.
During your Free Time
During your free time, feel free to explore, shop, or relax! Most weekends, volunteers seize the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Sacred Valley or the world-renowned Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. In Cusco, take a leisurely stroll around the Plaza de Armas, discovering local restaurants and vibrant shopping areas along the way.
Life on the program
Getting there and who looks after you in Peru
Airport or bus station pickup
On arrival at Cusco Airport (CUZ), look for the VolSol logo and your name at the airport door; if you arrive overland, pickup is arranged at the bus station instead.
First day, Sunday
You settle into your homestay accommodation, then attend an orientation session at 3pm the same day; a morning flight is recommended so you have time to settle in first.
Orientation
Local staff cover culture, greetings, transportation, safety, and your placement details, along with a walking city tour of Cusco.
First project day, Monday
Volunteer work begins at your Kindergarten or Daycare Center placement in the morning, with your in-country coordinator and 24-hour staff assistance available throughout the week.
From volunteers in Peru
Frequently asked questions
What do I actually do as a volunteer on this program?
You assist teachers at a Kindergarten or Daycare Center in Cusco during morning sessions from Monday to Wednesday, playing with children, supporting activities, and giving extra attention where classrooms have a stretched teacher-to-student ratio.
Do I need experience or qualifications to join?
No special qualification is required; you need an open, flexible attitude and a genuine interest in working with children. Beginner-to-intermediate Spanish is an advantage but not required.
What does a typical day look like?
Volunteer work happens in the mornings, Monday to Wednesday; afternoons are free to explore Cusco, and Thursday and Friday are given over to the Sacred Valley tour and Machu Picchu visit.
How long is the program and when can I start?
The program runs 1 week, with starts twice a month (sundays); the next start date is 4 Oct 2026.
What does the price include?
The cost is $1,209, deposit included; it covers airport pickup, orientation, homestay accommodation, weekday meals, the project placement, and the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour including transport, guide, train tickets, and entrance fees. It does not cover flights, visa fees, travel insurance, or weekend meals.
What is the deposit and is it refundable?
The $249 deposit counts toward your total cost, is valid for a year, and is refunded if no placement can be offered.
Where do I stay and what will I eat?
You stay with a host family in a shared bedroom, with meals provided three times a day Monday to Friday; weekend meals are your own, and during the Machu Picchu leg you stay in a double room in Aguas Calientes (a private room is available for an extra cost).
How does airport pickup work?
Pickup is included from Cusco Airport (CUZ); look for the VolSol logo and your name at the airport door, or a designated meeting point if you arrive by bus.
What support is available once I arrive?
An in-country coordinator in Cusco runs your orientation and stays available for placement support, with 24-hour staff assistance for emergencies throughout your stay.
Do I need a visa, vaccinations, or insurance?
Travel/medical insurance is compulsory, either your own policy or one arranged through Volunteering Solutions; specific visa and vaccination guidance is sent before departure.
Is a background check required for this program?
Yes, because the placement involves children, you must provide a clean criminal background check report issued within 12 months of your start date.
Who is this program best suited for?
It suits travelers with limited time who want a short, structured mix of childcare volunteering and guided sightseeing in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, rather than those seeking a long-term placement.
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