Volunteer in Peru | Meaningful Programs in Cusco & Sacred Valley

From the moment you inquire about our programs until long after you’ve returned home, we’re with you every step of the way. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive support before, during, and after your experience in Peru, ensuring you feel confident, safe, and fully supported throughout your journey.

We understand that traveling to a new country – especially for volunteering or studying – can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve developed a robust support system designed to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you make the most of your time in Peru.

Our philosophy is simple: you’re never alone. Whether you need help packing, guidance during a challenging day at your project, or a reference letter months after returning home, we’re here for you.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

From Registration to Departure

The preparation phase is crucial for a successful experience. Our pre-departure support ensures you arrive in Peru feeling informed, prepared, and excited.

Dedicated Program Coordinator

From the moment you register, you’ll be assigned a dedicated program coordinator who will be your main point of contact throughout your journey.

Your coordinator will:

• Answer all your questions promptly (within 24 hours)
• Guide you through the registration process
• Help you choose the right program and accommodation
• Provide personalized advice based on your goals
• Send regular updates and reminders
• Be available via email, WhatsApp, or video call

Documentation & Paperwork Assistance

Visa Guidance:

• Clear information about visa requirements for your nationality
• Step-by-step instructions for tourist visa applications (if needed)
• Letter of invitation/acceptance for visa purposes
• Guidance on visa extensions for longer stays

Program Documents:

• Detailed program confirmation with all essential information
• Accommodation placement details with photos
• Emergency contact cards
• Medical information forms
• Liability waivers and agreements
• Travel insurance recommendations

Pre-Departure Information Pack

Two weeks before your arrival, you’ll receive a comprehensive information pack including:

Country Guide:

• Essential information about Peru
• Cultural norms and etiquette
• Basic Spanish phrases for survival
• Money and banking information
• Health and safety tips
• Packing recommendations by season

Program Specifics:

• Detailed project/school description
• Daily schedule and expectations
• What to wear and bring
• Your supervisor’s contact information
• Maps of your area
• Transportation information

Practical Details:

• Airport pickup confirmation
• Accommodation address and contact
• First day schedule and orientation details
• Emergency numbers
• Local SIM card information
• Weather forecast for your arrival dates

Pre-Departure Checklist

We provide a detailed checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything important:

Travel Essentials:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Flight confirmation
• Travel insurance documents
• Copies of important documents
• Credit/debit cards and some cash
• Program confirmation letter

Health Preparation:

• Visit travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure
• Required/recommended vaccinations
• Prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
• Basic first aid supplies
• Health insurance card

Packing Guidance:

• Appropriate clothing for activities and weather
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Rain jacket (especially Nov-April)
• Layers for variable temperatures
• Adapter plugs for electronics
• Unlocked phone for local SIM

Pre-Departure Communication

Welcome Call/Video Chat: About one week before departure, your coordinator will schedule a call to:

• Review your itinerary and first day logistics
• Answer any last-minute questions
• Discuss your expectations and goals
• Provide final tips and recommendations
• Ensure you feel confident and prepared

WhatsApp Connection:

• Added to our support WhatsApp group
• Direct line to local team before arrival
• Ability to ask questions in real-time
• Connection with other volunteers/students arriving at the same time

Flight & Arrival Coordination

We’ll help you with:

• Advice on booking flights (best arrival times, airlines)
• Airport pickup arrangement confirmation
• Instructions for meeting your driver
• Emergency contact if flights are delayed
• Communication with accommodation about your arrival time

DURING YOUR STAY

On-the-Ground Support

Once you arrive in Peru, our local team becomes your support network, available to help with anything you need throughout your stay.

Airport Pickup & Welcome

Your arrival experience:

• Personal pickup at the airport by our team member
• Welcome sign with your name for easy identification
• Assistance with luggage
• Safe, comfortable transportation to your accommodation
• Orientation conversation during the drive
• Introduction to your host family or house orientation
• Neighborhood walkthrough showing essential locations
• Local SIM card setup assistance
• First night check-in to ensure you’re settled

Comprehensive Orientation

Day One Orientation Includes:

Program Orientation (2-3 hours):

• Detailed overview of your project or school
• Introduction to supervisors and key staff
• Tour of facilities
• Schedule and expectations review
• Role and responsibilities explanation
• Questions and answers session

Cultural Orientation:

• Peruvian customs and social norms
• Do’s and don’ts for respectful interaction
• Understanding local communication styles
• Cultural context for your work
• Tips for building relationships

Practical Orientation:

• Transportation options and how to use them
• Money exchange and ATM locations
• Local markets and grocery stores
• Restaurants and cafes recommendations
• Healthcare facilities locations
• Communication (WiFi spots, phone cards)

Safety Briefing:

• Neighborhood safety information
• Areas to avoid
• Transportation safety tips
• Common scams to be aware of
• Emergency procedures
• 24/7 emergency contact information

Local Support Team

Your On-Site Coordinator:

• Based locally and knows the area intimately
• Available for scheduled check-ins
• Reachable for non-emergency questions and support
• Visits your project/school regularly
• Facilitates communication with local partners
• Helps resolve any issues that arise

Project/School Supervisors:

• Daily point of contact at your placement
• Guidance on your specific role
• Feedback on your contribution
• Support with any project-related challenges
• Cultural bridge between you and local community

Regular Check-Ins

Structured Support Schedule:

Open Door Policy: Beyond scheduled check-ins, we’re always available. Have a question at 3 PM on a Wednesday? Send us a WhatsApp message. Feeling overwhelmed after a challenging day? Call us. We’re here to support you whenever you need it.

24/7 Emergency Support

For true emergencies, you’re never alone:

Emergency Hotline:

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Answered by a real team member (not voicemail)
• Multiple phone numbers in case one is unreachable
• Spanish and English speaking support

Emergency Situations We Handle:

• Medical emergencies
• Accidents or injuries
• Security concerns
• Lost or stolen documents/belongings
• Natural disasters
• Family emergencies at home
• Any situation where you feel unsafe

Emergency Response:

• Immediate phone support and guidance
• Coordination with local emergency services
• Hospital accompaniment if needed
• Translation assistance with authorities
• Communication with your emergency contacts at home
• Help with practical needs (documentation, replacement documents)
• Follow-up care until situation is resolved

Health Support

If You Get Sick or Injured:

• Recommendations for quality medical facilities
• Accompaniment to doctor visits (if requested)
• Translation assistance with medical professionals
• Help with insurance claims
• Pharmacy guidance for minor issues
• Monitoring and check-ins during recovery

Medical Facilities:

• We’ve identified trusted doctors, clinics, and hospitals
• English-speaking medical professionals on our referral list
• 24-hour pharmacies locations provided
• Dental and specialist referrals available

Altitude Acclimatization (Cusco & High Altitude Areas):

• Guidance on managing altitude sickness
• Recommendations for first few days
• When to seek medical attention
• Medication recommendations

Practical Assistance

Our team can help you with:

Daily Life:

• Finding specific products or services
• Transportation questions and arrangements
• Recommendations for restaurants, activities, services
• Help with phone/internet issues
• Laundry, haircuts, and other practical needs

Travel & Adventure:

• Weekend trip recommendations and bookings
• Trusted tour operator referrals
• Transportation arrangements
• Advice on safe and worthwhile experiences
• Discount arrangements with local partners

Financial:

• Best places to exchange money
• ATM recommendations
• Handling lost/stolen cards
• Emergency cash assistance (loan system)
• Money transfer guidance

Communication:

• SIM card setup and troubleshooting
• WiFi location recommendations
• Help contacting home in emergencies
• Mail and package receiving

Problem Resolution

If Something Isn’t Right:

We strive to make your experience amazing, but we recognize that challenges can arise. Our approach to problem-solving:

1. Listen: We take every concern seriously and hear you out completely
2. Assess: We gather information from all parties to understand the situation
3. Act: We take prompt action to address legitimate concerns
4. Follow Up: We ensure the solution is working and you’re satisfied

Common Issues We Help Resolve:

• Miscommunication with host families
• Challenges at volunteer projects
• Accommodation concerns
• Cultural misunderstandings
• Homesickness or adjustment difficulties
• Interpersonal conflicts with other volunteers
• Schedule or placement changes needed

Our Commitment:

• Respond to concerns within 24 hours
• Treat all issues with confidentiality and respect
• Find solutions that work for everyone
• Learn from feedback to improve our programs

Community & Social Support

Connecting You With Others:

• Introduction to other volunteers and students
• Group activities and excursions
• WhatsApp groups for current participants
• Social events organized by our team
• Opportunities to meet locals beyond your project

Emotional Support:

• Culture shock is normal – we’re here to help you through it
• Homesickness happens – let’s talk about it
• Challenging days at projects – we understand and support you
• Feeling overwhelmed – we can adjust your schedule if needed
• Need to talk – our team is always available

Weekly Cultural Activities

As part of your program, enjoy:

• Guided city tours
• Local market visits
• Peruvian cooking classes
• Traditional music and dance experiences
• Museum and historical site visits
• Community events and festivals (when available)
• Language exchange opportunities

AFTER YOU LEAVE

Continued Connection

Your relationship with us doesn’t end when you board your flight home. We value our alumni community and provide ongoing support even after you’ve returned to your home country.

Departure Support

Before You Leave Peru:

• Certificate of completion (hours, project, level achieved)
• Reference letter (available upon request)
• Feedback session to share your experience
• Assistance with any last-minute needs
• Airport transportation arrangement
• Farewell from host family and project

We’ll Provide:

• Official program completion certificate
• Detailed letter confirming your volunteer service/studies
• Photos from your experience (when available)
• Contact information to stay connected
• Information about returning or extending

Certificates & Documentation

Certificate of Completion:

• Official certificate with program details
• Total hours of volunteering/Spanish classes
• Specific projects or levels achieved
• Signed by program director
• Suitable for academic credit submissions
• Professional quality for framing or portfolios

Reference Letters:

• Personalized letter describing your contribution
• Written by project supervisors or coordinators
• Highlights specific skills and achievements
• Available in English or Spanish
• Provided within 2 weeks of request
• Can be customized for specific applications

Academic Credit Support:

• Letters formatted for university requirements
• Detailed program descriptions for credit evaluation
• Hour verification documentation
• Learning outcomes summaries
• Direct communication with institutions if needed

Post-Program Follow-Up

After You Arrive Home:

Week 1:

• Email check-in to ensure safe arrival
• Reminder to share feedback
• Photo sharing opportunity
• Initial re-entry support resources

Month 1:

• Feedback survey invitation
• Reverse culture shock resources
• Invitation to alumni community
• Social media connection

Ongoing:

• Newsletter updates about our programs
• Invitation to alumni events
• Opportunities to mentor future participants
• Continued connection with your host family (facilitated)

Alumni Network

Join Our Community of Past Participants:

Stay Connected:

• Private alumni Facebook group
• LinkedIn network for professional connections
• Annual alumni newsletter
• Reunion events (virtual and in-person)
• Shared photo galleries and memories

Give Back:

• Mentor prospective participants
• Share your story for our website/materials
• Refer friends and receive discounts
• Return as a program leader or intern
• Support our social programs from abroad

Alumni Benefits:

• Discounts on future programs (25% returning participant discount)
• Priority placement for popular projects
• Extended network of global changemakers
• References for future opportunities
• Lifetime connection to Peru

Ways to Stay Involved

Continue Your Impact:

Spread the Word:

• Share your experience on social media
• Write a review or testimonial
• Speak at schools or community groups
• Refer friends to our programs

Support Our Projects:

• Donate to ongoing community initiatives
• Organize fundraisers at home
• Send supplies to projects
• Sponsor a child through Apu Tui Tun

Return to Peru:

• Come back as a participant
• Bring family or friends
• Lead a group program
• Work with us as staff or intern

Ongoing Communication

We’re Always Here:

Even years after your program, don’t hesitate to reach out:

• Need another reference letter? No problem.
• Want to connect with someone from your group? We can help.
• Planning to return and want advice? We’d love to hear from you.
• Have questions about other opportunities in Peru? Ask us.

Contact Us Anytime!

OUR SUPPORT PROMISE

We commit to:

✓ Responsiveness: Answer all inquiries within 24 hours

✓ Availability: Provide true 24/7 emergency support

✓ Honesty: Give you accurate information, even when it’s not what you want to hear

✓ Flexibility: Adapt to your needs and circumstances

✓ Respect: Treat you as an individual, not just another participant

✓ Care: Genuinely invest in your wellbeing and success

✓ Continuity: Support you before, during, AND after your program

SUPPORT TIMELINE AT A GLANCE

READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?

With our comprehensive support system, you can focus on what matters most: making a difference, learning Spanish, and creating unforgettable memories in Peru.

We’re here for you every step of the way.

Contact us today!

Your adventure starts with a single message. Reach out – we’re ready to help!