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Peru

2 Weeks Special Volunteer Program in Peru

Join 2 Weeks Special Volunteer Program in Peru, work for the underprivileged societies living in Cusco and contribute meaningfully towards improving their lives. This project includes volunteering in kindergarten & weekend trips to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Sacred Valley.

Highlights

  • The ultimate 2-week volunteer adventure in Peru, where you'll not only make a real impact by teaching and caring for children but also help with fundraising to keep the project thriving.
  • In your free time, explore Peru’s most iconic UNESCO sites: hike the vibrant Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the stunning Humantay Lagoon, and the ancient Sacred Valley. Cap off your journey with an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.
  • This is your chance to experience the magic of the "Land of the Incas" while creating lifelong memories with fellow volunteers from around the world!
  • Stay with a Peruvian host family and immerse in the local culture
Spezielles Freiwilligenprogramma voor 2 weken in Peru

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


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

How do I get to the program location?

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Peru?

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Peruvian alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?

Flights, Arrival and Visa Information

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Peru?

Free Time and Weekend Travel

Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?

Health, Safety and Support

Do I need to buy a health insurance?

How safe is Peru in general?

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

Program Overview and Application Process

How many hours will I volunteer every day?

How do I apply for a program and when do I need to pay?

Can I volunteer as part of a group?

Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?

Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?

Are there any particular requirements to join the programs in Peru?

When do I need to arrive in Peru for my program? What will happen once I arrive in the country?

How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?


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