COMPARISON TABLE
Feature | Host Family | Volunteer House | Private Room | Apartment | Hotel |
Privacy | Moderate | Low | High | Complete | Complete |
Meals | Included | Self-catering | Options | Self-catering | Varies |
Spanish Practice | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Limited | Limited |
Social | Family | Volunteers | Variable | Independent | Independent |
Kitchen Access | Limited | Full | Varies | Full | No |
Cleaning | Family | Shared duty | Varies | Self | Daily |
Laundry | Included | Facilities | Varies | Facilities | Service ($) |
Minimum Stay | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week | 1 night |
Best For | Immersion seekers | Social travelers | Privacy + community | Long stays | Short/luxury |
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN ALL ACCOMMODATIONS
Regardless of which option you choose, all of our accommodations include:
Before Arrival:
- Detailed accommodation information and photos
- Address and directions
- Contact information for your host/house manager
- What to bring recommendations
- Pre-arrival communication with your host (for homestay)
Upon Arrival:
- Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation
- Personal introduction to your host family or house orientation
- Neighborhood tour including nearby essentials (ATM, pharmacy, market, transport)
- Emergency contact information
- Local SIM card assistance
During Your Stay:
- 24/7 emergency support from our local team
- WiFi access
- Safe, clean living environment
- Regular check-ins from our coordinators
- Assistance with any accommodation issues
- Mediation support if needed
Practical Support:
- Help with extending your stay if desired
- Assistance changing accommodation if needed
- Recommendations for local services
- Travel planning assistance
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Security
Your safety is our top priority. All our accommodations meet strict security standards:
All Accommodations Feature:
- Located in safe, residential neighborhoods
- Secure entry (locks, gates as appropriate)
- Well-lit surroundings
- Proximity to public transportation
- Known to local police/neighborhood watch
Host Families:
- Personally vetted by our local team
- Background checked
- Regular visits and evaluations
- Direct communication with our coordinators
- Years of hosting experience (most families)
Volunteer Houses:
- 24-hour security where needed
- Secure storage for valuables
- Emergency exits and safety equipment
- Regular safety inspections
- House rules enforcing safety protocols
We Recommend:
- Using provided safes or lockboxes for valuables
- Not displaying expensive items
- Keeping copies of important documents
- Sharing your schedule with someone
- Following local safety advice from your hosts
Standards
Every accommodation in our network must meet our quality standards:
Physical Standards:
- Clean and well-maintained
- Comfortable sleeping arrangements
- Adequate bathroom facilities
- Functioning utilities (water, electricity)
- WiFi connectivity
- Proper ventilation and lighting
Host Standards:
- Welcoming and respectful attitude
- Clear communication
- Respect for volunteer/student privacy
- Responsiveness to concerns
- Cultural sensitivity
Regular Evaluation:
- Annual inspections of all properties
- Ongoing feedback collection from participants
- Immediate response to any concerns
- Continuous improvement based on feedback
- Removal of accommodations that don’t meet standards
Location
Strategic location is essential for a smooth experience:
Proximity Considerations:
- Walking distance or short transport to volunteer projects
- Near Spanish school locations
- Access to public transportation
- Close to essential services (grocery, pharmacy, ATM)
- Safe neighborhood for walking
Our Locations:
Cusco: Accommodations in San Blas, Centro Histórico, and San Sebastián – all safe neighborhoods with easy access to projects and the city center.
Sacred Valley (Calca, Urubamba): Peaceful settings in these charming towns, within walking distance or short ride to volunteer projects.
Other Locations: We place volunteers in accommodations convenient to their specific project sites.
Changing Accommodation
We want you to be comfortable and happy with your living situation:
If You Want to Change:
- Talk to us first – many issues can be resolved with communication
- We’ll mediate any concerns with your host or housemates
- If a change is necessary, we’ll arrange alternatives
- No penalties for legitimate concerns
- We’re here to help, not judge
Valid Reasons for Change:
- Safety concerns
- Significant incompatibility with host family
- Health issues requiring different facilities
- Standards not meeting what was promised
Process:
- Contact our local coordinator with your concerns
- We’ll assess the situation (usually within 24 hours)
- If needed, we’ll find alternative accommodation
- We’ll help with the transition
- Follow-up to ensure new accommodation meets your needs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: How do I choose the right accommodation option?
A: Consider what’s most important to you: If cultural immersion and Spanish practice are priorities, choose a host family. If you want a social experience with other travelers, the volunteer house is perfect. If you need privacy but still want community, opt for a private room. If you prefer complete independence, an apartment or hotel is best.
Q: Can I see photos of the accommodation before I arrive?
A: Yes! Once you’re registered and have selected your accommodation type, we’ll send you photos and details about your specific placement. For host families, we provide information about the family and your room. For volunteer houses, you’ll receive photos of the common areas and typical room setup.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
A: Please inform us during registration. Host families are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-related dietary needs when informed in advance. In volunteer houses, you control your own meals. We’ll ensure your hosts understand your requirements before you arrive.
Q: Is laundry service available?
A: Host families typically include weekly laundry service. Volunteer houses have washing machines for self-service laundry. Hotels offer laundry service for an additional fee. Apartments usually have access to laundry facilities or nearby laundromats.
Q: Can I arrive early or stay late on my final day?
A: Check-in is typically from 2 PM, and check-out is by 11 AM. If your flights require different timing, please let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate you or arrange luggage storage.
Q: What happens if I don’t get along with my host family?
A: This is rare, but if genuine incompatibility exists, we’ll help. First, we’ll try to address specific concerns through open communication. If that doesn’t work, we can arrange alternative accommodation. Your happiness and comfort are important to us.
Q: Can I have visitors at my accommodation?
A: Policies vary by accommodation type. Host families generally don’t allow overnight guests and daytime visitors require prior approval. Volunteer houses have common areas where friends can visit during reasonable hours, but overnight guests are not permitted. Apartments and hotels have more flexibility.
Q: Is WiFi reliable?
A: Yes, all our accommodations have WiFi. Peru’s internet infrastructure has improved significantly, and you should have sufficient connectivity for communication, social media, and video calls. However, speeds may vary and occasionally be slower than what you’re used to at home.
Q: What should I bring for my accommodation?
A: Essentials: Toiletries, medications, adaptor plug (Peru uses Type A/B, 220V). Recommended: Small flashlight (for occasional power outages), earplugs, photos from home to share with host families, small gifts from your country for hosts. Provided: Linens, towels (confirm with your specific accommodation), basic kitchen supplies in shared kitchens.
Q: Can couples stay together?
A: Yes! We can arrange host families with double rooms, private rooms, or apartments suitable for couples. Just let us know during registration so we can find the perfect fit.
Q: What’s the bathroom situation like?
A: Most accommodations have shared bathrooms except for private apartments and some hotel rooms. Bathrooms in Peru are similar to Western standards, though you’ll need to dispose of toilet paper in a bin rather than flushing it (this is standard throughout Peru). Hot water is available, sometimes via electric showers – your hosts will demonstrate how these work.
Q: How far is the accommodation from volunteer projects?
A: We place volunteers in accommodations that are convenient to their specific projects. Most are within 15-30 minutes by walking or public transport. We consider commute time when making placements to ensure you’re not spending hours traveling each day.
Q: Can I extend my accommodation stay?
A: Usually yes, subject to availability. Let us know as early as possible if you want to extend, and we’ll confirm with your host family or check room availability. Last-minute extensions are possible but not guaranteed.
Q: What if there’s an emergency at my accommodation?
A: You’ll have 24/7 emergency contact information for our local team. For immediate emergencies (fire, medical, security), call emergency services first (numbers provided upon arrival), then contact us. Your hosts also have our coordinator’s number.
READY TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION?
Let us help you find the perfect place to call home during your Peru experience!
Here’s how to proceed:
- Choose your program (Volunteering, Spanish Classes, or Both)
- Select your preferred accommodation type
- Tell us about any special requirements
- We’ll match you with the ideal placement
- Receive your accommodation details before arrival
Contact us today:
Have questions? We’re here to help!
Our team responds within 24 hours and is happy to discuss which accommodation option is best suited to your needs, preferences, and goals.
