Overview
Be a part of the 2 Weeks Special Volunteer Program in Peru with Volunteering Solutions and experience the best that the country has in store for you! You'll get to volunteer for the underprivileged societies living in Cusco and contribute meaningfully towards improving their lives. During the weekends, you'll get to explore Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Humantay lagoon, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu as well as some of the historic and cultural sites in Cusco.
This program is perfect for those who want to make a difference but have limited time to volunteer abroad. Whether you're looking to gain hands-on experience in a meaningful role or simply want to immerse yourself in a new culture, this opportunity offers both! You’ll be working alongside like-minded people from around the globe while exploring breathtaking destinations. Join us for an unforgettable experience that combines personal growth, adventure, and the chance to make a real impact.
During the two-week programme, participants combine meaningful volunteer work with several of the most iconic travel experiences in the Cusco region.
Volunteers typically assist at their placement Monday to Friday for approximately four hours per day. On certain days, however, volunteer work is replaced with full-day guided excursions, allowing participants to explore Peru’s famous natural and cultural sites without missing out on the overall experience.
Overall, participants complete approximately 28–32 hours of volunteer work during the programme.
Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in South America programs.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 – Sunday: Welcome to Cusco
Arrive in Cusco, where you will be warmly greeted at the airport or bus station and transferred to your volunteer residence or host family. Take some time to settle in, unpack, and relax.
From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., you will participate in an orientation session followed by a walking tour of Cusco to help you get familiar with your new surroundings.
Day 2 – Monday: First Day at the Project
Begin your volunteer experience in Cusco.
Our local coordinator will pick you up around 8:00 a.m. and accompany you to your project site. You will be introduced to the local staff and shown the route you will use during your placement. Transportation to the project is usually by public bus, offering an authentic experience of daily life in Cusco.
Days 3–5 – Tuesday to Thursday: Volunteer Work
During the week, you will assist at local community projects supporting families in rural and marginalized urban areas.
Most volunteers help in rural nursery schools, assisting teachers who work with groups of around 20 children aged 3–5 years old. These kindergartens often have limited resources, so volunteers play an important role in supporting daily activities and providing extra care and attention.
Your typical responsibilities may include:
Assisting teachers with classroom activities
Helping children with hygiene routines
Supporting meal or snack times
Engaging children through games, learning activities, and creative play
Volunteer work usually lasts around four hours per day.
During late December, January, and February, some volunteers may also assist at rural day care centres where children range from 6 months to 4 years old.
Day 6 – Friday: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Adventure (No volunteer work today)
Today you will embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Andes.
You will be picked up at 4:30 a.m. from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco and travel through scenic countryside to Pitumarca, where breakfast will be served. The hike begins in K’ayrawiri (4326 m / 14,192 ft) and takes approximately 3–4 hours to reach the summit of Vinicunca (5020 m / 16,469 ft).
Along the way, you will see herds of alpacas and llamas, dramatic red mountains, and breathtaking Andean scenery. After enjoying the panoramic views and exploring the colorful Red Valley, you will return to Cusco at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Day 7 – Saturday: Free Day in Cusco
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day. You may explore Cusco’s markets, historic sites, cafés, and museums, or simply relax and recharge.
Day 8 – Sunday: Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Aguas Calientes
Depart early at 6:00 a.m. for a full-day tour of the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas.
You will visit fascinating archaeological and cultural sites including Moray, Maras, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo, while learning about ancient Inca traditions. After a traditional lunch in the valley, you will board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in preparation for visiting Machu Picchu.
Day 9 – Monday: Machu Picchu – The Lost City of the Incas (No volunteer work today)
Early in the morning, take a short 15-minute bus ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel, learning about its fascinating history and architecture. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the site, hike to the Sun Gate, or simply admire the spectacular views.
Later in the day you will travel back to Cusco, arriving around midnight.
Days 10–12 – Tuesday to Thursday: Volunteer Work
Continue supporting your community project and building meaningful connections with the children and local staff.These final volunteer days allow you to deepen your involvement and contribute further to the daily activities at the nursery school or daycare centre.
Day 13 – Friday: Humantay Lake Hike (No volunteer work today)
On your final excursion, travel to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, located near the towering Salkantay Mountain (6271 m).
After an early morning departure from Cusco, you will travel to Mollepata for breakfast before continuing to the starting point of the hike. A scenic two-hour hike leads you to the spectacular turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, a sacred site for local communities.
After spending time enjoying the views and taking photos, you will return to Soraypampa for lunch before heading back to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Day 14 – Saturday: Farewell to Cusco
On your final morning, take time to say goodbye to Cusco, enjoy some last-minute shopping, or relax with your host family before preparing for your onward travels.
Important information
The dates indicated in this itinerary may be subject to change due to the daily visitor limits set by the Peruvian government for Machu Picchu. For this reason, we kindly ask our participants to remain flexible regarding potential date adjustments. However, we assure you that the four mentioned tours, including the hike to Vinicunca Mountain, Humantay Lagoon, the Sacred Valley, and the visit to Machu Picchu, will all be fulfilled.
The specific details regarding the tours to the four mentioned destinations will be provided at the travel agency 24 hours before each departure. This will include important information such as the departure time, meeting point with the guide, guide’s name, return time, and more. The information is given 24 hours in advance to ensure it remains fresh in your memory, helping to ensure that the entire group is well-prepared for the experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Project Requirement
Project Requirement
Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and have a passion for working with children. You should also be proactive and have the ability to take initiative All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program. A beginner-intermediate level of Spanish would be an added advantage for the participants in the program.
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Living
Living
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 travelling 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.
Dates
Dates
January
18
25
February
01
15
March
01
15
April
05
19
May
03
17
24
June
07
14
28
July
05
12
August
09
23
September
06
20
October
04
18
November
08
22
December
06
January
17
24
February
07
21
March
07
21
April
04
18
May
02
16
23
June
06
13
27
July
04
11
August
08
22
September
05
19
October
03
17
November
07
21
December
05
12
Costs
| Duration |
Program Fee
|
Choose your currency
|
|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | $1112 |
Please Note: A registration fee of is charged in addition to the program fee. This fee is valid for one year, during which participants may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit card payments of program fee made in USD or AUD.
What are you Paying For?
- Pre departure guidebook
- Assistance from support staff and in-country program coordinator
- Airport pick up from Cusco airport
- Program orientation
- Accommodation in a host family or volunteer residence
- Project placement
- Breakfast & Lunch the 1st Sunday on arrival
- 3 meals a day from Monday to Friday
- Hiking Vinicunca Rainbown mountain
- Transportation from Cusco until vinicunca town round & trip
- Breakfast and lunch at vinicunca and Humantay
- Hiking to Humantay Lagoon
- Trip to Sacred Valley and Connection to Machu Pichu
- Tour in Machu Pichu Sanctuary
- Entrance ticket to visit Machu Pichu Sanctuary
- 2 hours tour guided in Machu Pichu
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas calientes (round trip)
- Round trip bus ticket to Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu Sanctuary
- Double room (shared room) in a hotel in Machu Pichu pueblo
- Lunch in Sacred Valley
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
What's NOT Included?
- International/Domestic Airfare
- Vaccinations
- Visa fees
- Meals on Saturday & Sundays
- Meals at Aguas Calientes
- Visitors entrance tickets for the Sacred Valley tour (130 PEN)
- Visitors entrance tickets for Vinicunca mountain (25 PEN)
- Visitors entrance tickets for Humantay lagoon (20 PEN)
- Maras (salt mine) entrance ticket (10 PEN)
- Rental of horse (100 PEN)
- Personal items (rain jacket, gloves, canes, candies, or snacks)
- Taxi from home stay to Plaza de armas to go the tours (to Vinicunca, to Humantay lagoon, to Sacred Valley tour)
- Drop off to Cusco airport
- Local transportation to and from program location
- Entrance to Huayna Pichu Mountain
- Taxi from Cusco downtown to home stay when returning from tours
- Dinner on the 1st Sunday
- Personal toiletries
- Private bedroom in Aguas calientes town
FAQ's
Accommodation, Meals and Daily Life
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How do I get to the program location?
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Your country coordinator will take you to your placement location and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, city, culture etc. You will also be narrated about the directions to the project location from your accommodation and the modes of transport which you can use.
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Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?
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Volunteering Solutions arranges accommodation for volunteers in homestays or with host families in Peru. The accommodations are simple and have basic amenities. Three meals are provided in a day of which the lunch is the specialty of Peruvian families. The food is tasty, hygienic and nutritious, suited to all volunteers. The volunteers should note that the food is provided from Monday to Friday of each week. On weekends, volunteers can eat at nearby eateries or find out good restaurants as per choice.
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Can vegetarians be accommodated?
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Yes – please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can make sure to provide you with the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.
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Are there more expenses once I arrive in Peru?
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Your program fee covers mostly all the major expenses when you arrive in Peru except your personal expenses. You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, the internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. However, you should carry around $70-80 per week for your basic personal expenses. However, this amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on different weekend trips out of town.
Connect with Past Volunteers
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How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Peruvian alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?
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We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
Flights, Arrival and Visa Information
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Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?
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With only a few exceptions (a small amount of African, Asian and communist nations), visas are not required for tourism in Peru. Passports should be valid for at least six months and volunteers will be permitted a 90 day stay, stamped onto your passport and onto a tourist card that you keep and return upon leaving Peru at the end of your stay. You can also apply for visa from your nearest Peruvian embassy if you are doing longer duration program.
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What are the recommended airlines to fly to Peru?
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Several major airlines offer reliable routes to Cusco (CUZ), usually with a connection through Lima (LIM). Here are the most commonly recommended options:
- Avianca
- LATAM
- Sky Airline
- Jet Smart
Free Time and Weekend Travel
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Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?
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Depending on your project placement, you may get free evenings and weekends. You can utilize this time to visit local markets and other places around your project location.Places like Barrio de San Blas, Hatton Rumiyuq, Convent and Church of La Merced and Cathedral of Peru have been declared as a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO and must be visited by volunteers during free time and weekends. Of course, we also arrange for tours to Macchu Picchu.Volunteers are also free to plan quick getaways and explore Peru. We also arrange programs for groups in Tambopata Rainforest areas and the country coordinator can be contacted for the same.
Health, Safety and Support
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Do I need to buy a health insurance?
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Yes, for all volunteers it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.To view more details of insurance policy, click here
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How safe is Peru in general?
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Peru attracts travelers from different parts of the world and is generally safe. However, we recommend all volunteers to take necessary precautions against thefts and robberies. Also, seek permission from your coordinator before venturing out alone in the evenings. Volunteers can also look up resourceful sites like Lonely Planet to gather more information about Peru and its general atmosphere. You are also recommended to follow the safety guidelines provided by the in-country coordinator during orientation Session.
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What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
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We recommend you to consult your physician or travel doctor before traveling to Peru. The following vaccines are generally recommended :-
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
Program Overview and Application Process
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How many hours will I volunteer every day?
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Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day, for 5 days a week, depending on their program. You will have the weekends to explore Peru. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can alter any time.
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How do I apply for a program and when do I need to pay?
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You can book your slot by filling the online application form and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments, however, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior the start of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form. The initial application fee is refunded in the unlikely event that we’re not able to offer you a place on the program, and you have the flexibility to request a change of start date up until the 45 day payment deadline (this is subject to availability for other dates).
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Can I volunteer as part of a group?
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For individual volunteers:
You will arrive on the same start date as other volunteers joining at the same time and will be part of a cohort for your program. This means you’ll share the same orientation day, accommodation, and overall experience; a great way to meet new people and make friends from around the world. The best time to join if you want to meet lots of other volunteers is July and August as these are the most popular months.
For groups:
If you already have a group, we also accept applications from university and college groups, high school groups, corporate teams, families, and groups of friends. Your group can fill in our Group Application Form, providing details such as the number of participants, preferred duration, budget, and destination. We take special care in providing your group with a placement that best suits your goals, and we can customise your itinerary to ensure you get exactly the experience you’re looking for. For groups of five or more, we can even design special group programs that combine meaningful volunteer work with cultural immersion and travel opportunities. All our programs, whether individual or group, are designed to be safe, affordable, and rewarding, offering every volunteer a memorable and impactful experience. -
Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?
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Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
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Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?
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If you are planning to come for multiple programs during your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time (from the date of applying). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.
For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next Vol Sol program. -
Are there any particular requirements to join the programs in Peru?
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The minimum age to join our programs in Peru is 17, while the Medical Program requires participants to be at least 18. Volunteers should be in good health, adaptable to new cultures, and have basic to intermediate Spanish skills. The Medical Program is open to Pre-Med, Medical, and Nursing students, medical professionals, and those with related qualifications such as CAN or EMT.
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When do I need to arrive in Peru for my program? What will happen once I arrive in the country?
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All volunteers need to arrive in Cusco, Peru, for the Peru programs on the starting date of their project. Volunteers are picked from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco by the in-country coordinator or representative. Accommodation is provided in a homestay or with the host family. A short orientation is given after arrival about the city, placement, safety precautions. The volunteers are also taken for a short tour of the city before the commencement of the program. However, the tour is dependent upon the arrival time of your flight.
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How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?
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As we have limited spots available in our programs and we follow the first come first serve rule, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also by installments. However, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior to the starting of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.