The Social Experience
Our volunteer houses offer a fantastic opportunity to live with like-minded individuals from around the world. These shared accommodations create a supportive community where you’ll make lifelong friendships while contributing to meaningful projects together.
Community Spirit: Living with fellow volunteers creates an instant support network. Share experiences, travel tips, and weekend adventures with people who share your passion for making a difference.
Budget-Friendly: The volunteer house is our most affordable accommodation option, allowing you to extend your stay or allocate more funds to travel and experiences.
Shared Experiences: After a rewarding day at your project, come home to people who understand exactly what you’ve experienced. Debrief, celebrate successes, and support each other through challenges.
Flexibility: With a full kitchen at your disposal, you can cook when you want, what you want. Explore local markets, try your hand at Peruvian recipes, or share cooking duties with housemates.
Cultural Exchange: The volunteer house itself becomes a cultural melting pot. Learn about different countries, customs, and perspectives from your international housemates while sharing your own culture.
Independence with Support: Enjoy the freedom to come and go as you please while having the security of living with others who look out for each other.
Shared Rooms: Rooms typically accommodate 2-4 volunteers of the same gender. Beds are comfortable singles or bunks with fresh linens provided. Each person has designated storage space for belongings.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms are shared among all house residents. We maintain them regularly, and housemates are expected to contribute to keeping them clean. Hot water is available, and you’ll quickly establish a comfortable schedule with your housemates.
Kitchen: The communal kitchen is fully equipped for preparing your own meals. You’ll have designated shelf space in the refrigerator and cupboards. Many volunteers enjoy cooking together, sharing meals, and introducing each other to dishes from their home countries.
Common Areas: The living room and outdoor spaces are perfect for relaxing, socializing, and planning adventures. This is where house friendships are built – over shared dinners, movie nights, and conversations that last until the small hours.
House Dynamic: Each group of volunteers creates its own unique house culture. Some houses are social and lively; others are quieter and more relaxed. You’ll naturally contribute to and shape this dynamic.
To ensure everyone enjoys their stay at the volunteer house:
Shared Space Responsibilities:
Kitchen Etiquette:
Living Together:
Safety Rules:
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 |
Regardless of which option you choose, all of our accommodations include:
Before Arrival:
Upon Arrival:
During Your Stay:
Practical Support:
Your safety is our top priority. All our accommodations meet strict security standards:
All Accommodations Feature:
Host Families:
Volunteer Houses:
We Recommend:
Every accommodation in our network must meet our quality standards:
Physical Standards:
Host Standards:
Regular Evaluation:
Strategic location is essential for a smooth experience:
Proximity Considerations:
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.
We want you to be comfortable and happy with your living situation:
If You Want to Change:
Valid Reasons for Change:
Process:
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.
Let us help you find the perfect place to call home during your Peru experience!
Here’s how to proceed:
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.
Find all the destinations you can travel to
and their associated projects.
