The Best of Both Worlds
For those who want more privacy while still enjoying some level of community or family interaction, our private room options provide the perfect balance. You’ll have your own space to retreat to while still having opportunities for social connection.
Private Room in Host Family: Your own room within a family home, with options for meals or kitchen access. Enjoy cultural immersion on your own terms – participate in family life when you want, and retreat to your private space when you need downtime.
Private Room in Volunteer House: Single occupancy rooms are occasionally available in our volunteer houses for those who value privacy but still want to be part of the volunteer community. Limited availability – book early!
Private Room in Guesthouse: We partner with local guesthouses that offer private rooms with shared or private bathrooms. These provide hotel-like privacy with a more personal, local feel than large hotels.
In Host Family:
In Volunteer House:
In Guesthouse:
Personal Space: After a full day of volunteering or studying Spanish, sometimes you need a quiet space to decompress, recharge, and process your experiences. A private room gives you that sanctuary.
Better Sleep: If you’re a light sleeper or have specific sleep requirements, having your own room ensures you get the rest you need to make the most of your experience.
Flexibility: Store your belongings your way, keep your own schedule, and personalize your space for maximum comfort during your stay.
Work Requirements: If you need to attend video calls, work remotely, or study without interruption, a private room provides the professional space you need.
Introvert-Friendly: Being an introvert doesn’t mean you don’t want community – it means you need time alone to recharge. A private room lets you engage socially on your terms.
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.
