BEFORE APPLYING
Anyone 18 years or older can apply for most of our volunteer programs in Cusco! We welcome gap year students, university graduates, career professionals, retirees, medical students, teaching grads basically anyone with genuine desire to make a difference in Peru. Some programs (orphanage work, young mothers shelter) require you to be 21+. No previous volunteer experience needed for most programs, though medical volunteering does require students or professionals with healthcare backgrounds.
Nope! Many volunteers arrive with zero Spanish and do just fine. That said, learning some basic Spanish phrases before you come makes everything easier and more enjoyable. We highly recommend combining your volunteer work with our Spanish classes you’ll communicate better with locals, understand the culture more deeply, and make real friendships. For medical and psychology programs, we do require intermediate to advanced Spanish since you’ll be working directly with patients and clients.
We recommend applying at least 4-6 weeks before you want to arrive in Cusco, especially if you’re coming during peak season (June-August). That gives you time to book affordable flights, arrange travel insurance, and prepare properly. That said, we’ve accommodated volunteers who applied just 2 weeks before arrival we’re flexible! Programs start when you arrive, not on fixed group dates, so you have more flexibility than with other volunteer organizations.
We have 9 different volunteer programs: Teaching English, Medical Volunteering (for students/professionals), Social Work with Children, Street Dog Rescue, Wildlife Conservation, Psychology Support, Orphanage Care, Young Mothers Shelter, and Construction Projects. Each addresses genuine community needs in Cusco, Urubamba, or Cai Cay. You can read detailed descriptions of each program on our website and we’re happy to help you choose the best fit based on your interests and skills.
Totally up to you! Minimum duration varies by program (1-4 weeks depending on the project), and maximum is unlimited—we’ve had volunteers stay 6 months or longer. Most people start with 4-8 weeks. Here’s the cool part: 85% of our volunteers extend their original stay because they love the experience so much. So, start with what feels manageable and you can always add more weeks once you’re here in Cusco.
Absolutely! Actually, most of our volunteers arrive solo. It’s one of the safest ways to travel Peru because you immediately have a built-in support system: our local team, your host family or volunteer house mates, and other international volunteers. Solo travel to Cusco for volunteering often leads to the deepest friendships and most transformative experiences. You’re never truly alone, you’re joining a community.
Super easy! Fill out our online application form (takes about 10-15 minutes), and we’ll review it within 24-48 hours. You’ll receive an acceptance email with detailed information, invoices, and welcome packet. No complicated process, no lengthy interviews just straightforward application for genuine volunteers who want to serve communities in Peru.
Nope! Unlike many volunteer organizations that charge $150-300 just to apply, we don’t have any application fees or registration fees. What you see in our pricing program is what you pay, period. We believe those kinds of fees are exploitative and unnecessary. All costs go directly into your actual volunteer experience in Cusco.
We accept bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and Western Union. We send you an invoice with payment instructions after accepting your application. You can pay in USD or other major currencies at current exchange rates. If you need a payment plan for longer programs (8+ weeks), just ask we can work something out.
We operate differently than most organizations. After you’re accepted, you can secure your spot with the full program payment, which is due at least 30 days before your arrival in Cusco. No hefty non-refundable deposits months in advance. This gives you flexibility with your planning and doesn’t lock up your money unnecessarily far ahead.
We try to be fair to both volunteers and our local partners in Cusco. If you cancel 60+ days before your start date, we refund 100% minus any actual costs incurred (like accommodation already reserved). Cancel 30-60 days out: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund, as we’ve already committed resources to your program. Travel insurance protects you from losing money if unexpected emergencies force you to cancel, we strongly recommend it.
Everything you need! Accommodation (homestay or volunteer house), meals with homestay families (breakfast + dinner), airport pickup at Cusco airport, full orientation day, volunteer placement coordination, 24/7 emergency support, materials for your program, certificate upon completion. If you add Spanish classes, those include all textbooks and materials too. No surprise fees, no hidden charges total transparency from the start.
Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,150 feet), so layers are key! Pack:
Don’t overpack you can buy most things in Cusco if you forget something, often cheaper than at home!
Nothing mandatory for most of Peru, but recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus). Yellow Fever recommended ONLY if you’re doing wildlife conservation in jungle areas. Talk to a travel doctor 6-8 weeks before departure they’ll give personalized advice based on your specific volunteer program in Cusco and health history. Altitude adjustment is honestly a bigger concern than diseases for most volunteers.
Most nationalities (US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, etc.) get 90-183 days in Peru as tourists automatically no visa required! You’re volunteering on tourist status, which is completely legal for unpaid volunteer work. When you land in Lima or Cusco, immigration stamps your passport. Easy. If you’re from a country that does require a visa, we’ll guide you through the process.
Get travel insurance. Seriously. It’s mandatory for our programs. We’ve seen volunteers need emergency medical care, flights home for family emergencies, or cancellations due to unexpected events. Insurance protects your financial investment and provides medical coverage in Peru. Look for policies covering: medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage. World Nomads and Safety Wing are popular with volunteers. Don’t skip this.
Cusco’s 3,399m altitude hits some people hard. Here’s what helps:
Most volunteers adjust within 3-5 days. If you’re really worried, consider starting in Urubamba (Sacred Valley) at lower altitude (2,871m), then moving to Cusco after you’ve acclimatized.
Not required, but even basic Spanish phrases make your Peru experience infinitely better. Download Duolingo, watch Spanish shows with subtitles, learn greetings and common phrases. „Hola,“ „Gracias,“ „Por favor,“ „¿Dónde está…?“ „No entiendo“ Will get you far! Remember, you can take Spanish classes with us once you arrive in Cusco many volunteers prefer learning Spanish in Peru where they immediately use it in real situations.
Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) directly in Cusco, or into Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) and connect to Cusco. Most international flights arrive in Lima first, then you take a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Cusco. We recommend arriving during daylight hours if possible (easier pickup, safer). Book Cusco arrival, not Lima arrival, so we can pick you up!
Yes! Airport pickup at Cusco airport is included in your program. Our team member will be waiting in arrivals holding a „Volunteer in Peru“ sign with your name. We’ll transfer you directly to your accommodation (homestay or volunteer house). Just send us your flight details at least 3 days before arrival. If your flight arrives super late (after midnight), there may be a small additional fee, but we’ll still pick you up.
First day is usually resting and settling in! Jet lag plus altitude adjustment means taking it easy. Your host family or volunteer house manager will show you around your accommodation, explain house rules, and help you get a local SIM card if you want one. You might walk around the neighborhood to get oriented. Basically, low-key adjustment day. Volunteer work and formal orientation start the next day.
Full-day orientation on your second day covers:
If you’re taking Spanish classes, you’ll also do a placement test and meet your teacher this day.
Usually, Day 3! After orientation on Day 2, you start your actual volunteer program on Day 3 (typically a Monday if that’s when you arranged to start). Some programs are flexible about start days. Your exact schedule depends on your specific volunteer project in Cusco and the community’s needs. Our local coordinator ensures everything’s clear before you begin.
Homestay with Peruvian Family (most popular): Private bedroom in local family’s home, breakfast + dinner included, incredible cultural immersion, Spanish practice daily. Families are vetted, welcoming, and treat volunteers like family members.
Volunteer House – Shared Room: Share a room with other international volunteers (usually 2-4 people), share bathroom, shared kitchen for cooking your own meals, more independence, social international community.
Volunteer House – Private Room: Your own room, shared common areas, more privacy and quiet, good for introverts or older volunteers.
All options are safe, clean, and located in good neighborhoods within 15-30 minutes of volunteer placements in Cusco.
Homestays are amazing for cultural immersion! Your Peruvian host family welcomes you into their actual home and life. You get a private bedroom (sometimes shared bathroom, sometimes private depending on the house). Breakfast and dinner are provided home-cooked Peruvian food! Families range from couples to multi-generational homes with kids and grandparents. Some have pets. All speak Spanish (great for learning!), and many speak some English.
It’s not a hotel, it’s family living. That means participating in conversations, being respectful of house rules, and experiencing real Peruvian daily life. Most volunteers say their host family became their favorite part of volunteering in Peru.
We match you based on preferences: families with children, without children, with pets, no pets, vegetarian cooking, etc. Tell us your preferences and we will do our best! We personally know all our homestay families in Cusco do not have random assignments. That said, you can’t pick a specific family from a catalog. If there’s a serious incompatibility issue after arrival, we’ll move you to a different family.
Talk to us immediately! Don’t suffer in silence. We check in regularly, but if something’s wrong whether homestay, volunteer house, anything contacts our Cusco team right away. We can usually resolve issues quickly, or we’ll move you to different accommodation. Your comfort and safety matter. We’ve handled everything from personality mismatches to dietary issues to roommate conflicts. It’s fixable.
Most homestays and all volunteer houses have WiFi, though internet speed in Peru can be slower than you’re used to at home. It’s fine for messaging, emails, video calls (might buffer a bit), and social media. It is not great for streaming 4K Netflix, but totally usable for staying connected with family and friends while you volunteer in Cusco.
Depends on your program! Teaching English: Lead classes, help with homework, plan lessons (4-6 hours/day). Medical volunteering: Shadow doctors, assist with patient intake, health education campaigns (6-8 hours/day). Social work with children: Play educational games, homework help, mentorship activities (4-6 hours/day). Animal rescue: Feed, walk, clean, socialize dogs, vet assistance (5-7 hours/day). Construction: Building, painting, repairs on community projects (6-8 hours/day).
Most programs are Monday-Friday, weekends free. If you’re combining volunteering with Spanish classes, mornings are Spanish (9am-1pm), afternoons are volunteer work (2-6pm).
Typically, 4 – 5 hours daily, Monday-Friday. Exact hours depend on your specific program and placement in Cusco. Teaching and social work tend to be 4-5 hours. Medical, construction, and animal care are often longer (6-8 hours). We match your schedule to what’s helpful for the community not arbitrarily filling time. Quality over quantity.
Usually with other volunteers! Most placements in Cusco have 2-6 international volunteers working together, which creates camaraderie and support. Some smaller programs or rural placements might mean you’re the only volunteer at that specific project, but you’ll meet other volunteers during orientation, Spanish classes, and social activities. You’re never completely isolated.
Real talk: this happens occasionally. Maybe the project isn’t what you expected, maybe the supervisor is difficult, maybe it’s just not clicking. Tell us! We can adjust your role within the same project, move you to a different location for the same program type (like a different school if you’re teaching), or even switch you to a completely different volunteer program in Cusco if spots are available. Communication is key, don’t wait until you’re angry.
Most programs don’t require previous experience, just enthusiasm and commitment! Teaching English needs native/fluent English but no teaching degree. Social work needs patience and love for kids. Animal rescue needs physical stamina. Construction benefits from skills but isn’t required.
Medical volunteering welcomes medical students (any year), pre-med students, nursing students, and anyone interested in healthcare careers. You don’t need to be a licensed professional! Your responsibilities at the clinic or hospital in Cusco will match your experience level:
We place you appropriately based on your background and what you’re comfortable doing. It’s about learning and supporting, not practicing beyond your qualifications.
Psychology programs welcome psychology students (any level) and anyone interested in mental health support. Your role adapts to your experience—from observing sessions to leading workshops under supervision.
Modest, practical clothing. Cusco is culturally conservative, especially in community settings:
Construction: Work clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, sturdy closed-toe shoes Medical: Clean, professional clothing (scrubs if you have them) Teaching/childcare: Clean, modest, comfortable for active play
When in doubt, dress more conservatively. You can always dress casually on weekends exploring Cusco!
Maximum 6 students per group class, often just 3-4 in practice. Small sizes mean tons of speaking practice and individual attention from teachers. If you want even more personalized learning, we offer private one-on-one Spanish lessons where the teacher customizes everything to your pace and interests.
Generally, yes, but use common sense. Cusco is a tourist city with millions of visitors yearly, including many solo travelers. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is the main concern not violent crime. Safety tips:
Our orientation covers safety in detail. Our local team is here 24/7 if you ever feel unsafe. Thousands of volunteers stay safe in Cusco every year just be smart.
Dry season (May-September): Sunny days, cold nights, almost no rain. Best weather for trekking Machu Picchu and outdoor activities. Peak volunteer season (June-August). Temperatures: 0-20°C (32-68°F).
Rainy season (November-March): Afternoon rain showers, warmer, greener landscapes. Fewer tourists at Machu Picchu! Still good for volunteering, you’re mostly indoors anyway. Temperatures: 5-22°C (41-72°F).
Shoulder seasons (April, October): Mix of sun and occasional rain, fewer crowds, good middle ground.
Honestly, any time is good for volunteering in Cusco. Choose based on your availability more than whether each season has advantages!
Absolutely! Weekends are free time for you to explore. Popular weekend trips from Cusco:
Many volunteers extend their stay beyond volunteering to travel Peru: Amazon jungle, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Lima, northern Peru beaches. Having a Cusco base makes planning trips easier. Our team can recommend tour operators and help with bookings.
Yes! Most volunteers visit Machu Picchu on a weekend or extend a few days after volunteering ends. It’s a 2-hour train ride (or 4-day Inca Trail trek) from Cusco. Book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance, especially in high season. Some volunteers go multiple times during longer stays! We’re happy to help you plan your Machu Picchu visit we know all the options and can recommend tour operators in Cusco.
Of course! Many volunteers have family or partners visit mid-program. They can’t stay in your homestay (that’s for volunteers only), but we can recommend hotels in Cusco, or they can book Airbnb nearby. Your family can join you for weekend trips and experience Peru together. Just let us know if visitors are coming so we can plan your volunteer schedule.
Contact our local team immediately and we’ll help you get appropriate medical care. For minor issues (cold, stomach bug, altitude sickness), we’ll advise home remedies or connect you with pharmacies (Peru has excellent pharmacies with knowledgeable pharmacists). For serious issues, we’ll take you to a clinic or hospital. Your travel insurance covers medical care and brings your insurance card!
Common volunteer ailments in Peru: altitude sickness (first few days), upset stomach (eating too adventurously), common cold. Almost never serious. Our team has handled everything we know the best English-speaking doctors in Cusco.
Yes! Cusco has modern private clinics with English-speaking doctors serving the large expat and tourist population. Clinica Pardo and Clinica Americana are excellent. Medical care in Peru is good quality and affordable compared to US/Europe. Your travel insurance will cover costs (you pay upfront, they reimburse). For emergencies, we know exactly where to go and we’ll go with you.
Some volunteers feel nothing, others feel rough for 2-3 days. Symptoms: headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, trouble sleeping. Prevention/treatment:
Altitude sickness is usually resolved within 3-5 days as your body acclimatizes to Cusco’s elevation. If symptoms are severe or don’t improve, tell us immediately we’ll get you to lower altitude or medical care.
No, don’t drink tap water in Cusco. Brush teeth with tap water are fine. For drinking:
Ice in tourist restaurants is usually fine (they use purified water) but skip ice in sketchy places. This is standard throughout Peru—not a Cusco-specific issue.
Bring from home:
Available in Cusco pharmacies (no prescription needed, very cheap):
Peru’s pharmacies are excellent—you can buy almost anything. But bring prescription meds from home just to be safe.
Solo female volunteers are common and generally safe in Cusco using normal precautions. Street harassment (catcalling) exists in Peru like much of Latin America it’s cultural, not dangerous, but annoying. Ignore and keep walking. Safety tips:
Hundreds of solo women volunteer in Cusco safely every year. Our homestay families and team provide extra protection layers. You’re not truly alone you have community support throughout your Peru experience.
Absolutely! 85% of our volunteers extend their original stay people fall in love with Peru and want more time. Just tell us at least 1 week before your planned end date. We’ll check availability of your accommodation and placement, then arrange the extension. You pay the additional weeks at the same rate. Super easy.
Life happens we understand. If you need to leave before your program ends due to emergency, illness, or other reasons, contact our Cusco team immediately. Unfortunately, we can’t refund unused weeks since we’ve already committed resources to your placement and accommodation. This is why travel insurance is crucial it can reimburse you for unused program time if you must leave due to covered reasons (medical emergencies, family emergencies, etc.).
Usually yes, if you give us reasonable notice (2+ weeks). We understand flight prices change, life circumstances shift, plans evolve. Just email us and we’ll adjust your start date. If you need to change within 2 weeks of arrival, contact us ASAP we’ll try to stay but it’s harder with short notice since we’ve arranged accommodation and placement.
It depends on your program length and timing. For shorter stays (2-4 weeks), we prefer volunteers to stay continuously since placements depend on consistency. For longer programs (8+ weeks), taking 1-2 weeks off to travel is usually fine just discuss with our coordinator and give advance notice. We can’t hold accommodation during your break (you’d need to arrange separate lodging), but your program continues when you return to Cusco.
Possible! Some volunteers start in homestay for Spanish immersion, then move to volunteer house for more independence. Or vice versa. Give us 1 week’s notice so we can arrange the switch. There may be price differences between accommodation types we’ll adjust your payment accordingly. Most volunteers stick with their original choice, but flexibility is there if you need it.
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