Quick Facts
Program code
PE-VOL100
Category
Volunteer Work, Child Care
Country
Peru
Location
Cusco
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year-round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
+49 151 41300782
+56 9 7516 9816
8 am - 4 pm EST
info@southamerica-inside.com
WhatsApp
+49 151 41300782
+56 9 7516 9816
Program details
Peru is a beautiful travel destination, where there is a lot to discover and explore. Peru has a very interesting history and a rich culture that goes back thousands of years, as well as beautiful natural sceneries.
However, there are also clear downsides in this beautiful country: Many children in Peru suffer poverty, abuse and precarious living conditions or even living on the streets. A lot of voluntary help is needed here to give children in need security, care and better prospects for the future.
This volunteer program in Peru takes place in the beautiful colonial city of Cusco, which is the starting point for excursions to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Volunteers are placed in different children’s homes for girls or boys or mixed (depending on availability). These institutions offer a refuge for children and teenagers who come from socially disadvantaged and poor families.
Many of the kids are homeless or have been abused or mistreated, while others just need a safe place to stay because they do not receive the necessary care in their parents' homes. Most of the children have had traumatic experiences that have harmed them both psychologically and physically.
In the centers, the children receive shelter, balanced meals, clothing, and medical care. The organizations also ensure that children receive education and physiologic attention. The homes are a safe place for them to stay and provide them with the opportunity to get education and gain new perspectives that set them up for a hopefully brighter future.
Tasks
The best way to get to know a country is by full immersion into the everyday life off the tourist track! Our volunteer work programs in Peru are designed specifically for travellers who want to experience this multifaceted country first-hand. You should be independent, energetic, patient, and flexible while carrying out volunteer work at the children’s homes. Due to the diverse and difficult backgrounds of the children, tolerance and understanding is necessary to successfully build their trust and carry out daily activities with them.
Your tasks as a volunteer may include:
- Organizing recreational activities, such as excursions, sports, arts & crafts, etc.
- Providing homework help
- Playing games, dancing, and painting
- Helping out with light chores necessary for the day-to-day operation of the orphanages
- Building the children’s self-esteem and confidence by paying attention and listening to them
- Helping with the preparation of the meals
- Keeping the orphanage tidy and clean
- Organizing cultural events
- Support in the construction or improvement of infrastructure
Volunteers are also encouraged to be creative and to bring any of their own personal skills while working with the children and teens. New ideas are always welcome and can be discussed with your in-country volunteer coordinator.
Although volunteers are not required to have special skills or a professional background in social work or psychology, they do need to be able to work independently, have a positive attitude, maintain sensitivity when dealing with children and teens, and be patient.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
It is very important for the success of your volunteer work that you feel comfortable during your stay in Peru. We therefore offer you two different accommodation options to choose from. All our accommodations are carefully selected.
Homestay
Accommodation in a single room in a Peruvian homestay includes breakfast & dinner allowing you to get to know the local cuisine and immerse yourself in everyday life. Living together with the hosts gives you the opportunity to get to know the warmth of the Peruvian people, their habits and their culture. You can also share your experiences with them and continuously improve your language skills.
Residence
For volunteers who prefer to live with other volunteers or Spanish students from all over the world, we offer single rooms in a residence. The bathrooms are always shared. No meals are included, but there is a kitchen for self-catering. Internet is available.
Location
The city is known worldwide as a starting point for adventurous hikes on the Inca Trail and for the trip to the famous Inca city and World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu.
As the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is itself a World Heritage Site and in the 13th century it had already reached a size much larger than all other Inca settlements. The history of the city is very eventful and legendary - traces of it can be found everywhere in the streets and alleys.
Today's very pretty cityscape is shaped by the colonial architecture, but there also are impressive remains from the Inca period, such as the legendary seamless walls that can be found everywhere. You can get a deep insight into the city's history in several museums.
Cusco is a lot in one: tourist magnet, starting point for adventures to Machu Picchu and surroundings, as well as a beautiful modern city in a spectacular scenery - you will be amazed!
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Peru, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Peru directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Peru!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Please also submit a police certificate of good conduct
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Peru located in Cusco.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in Child Care in Peru includes:
- Single room in Homestay with breakfast & dinner*
- Single room in Homestay/Residence (no meals)**
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
There is a US$ 30/week surcharge for special food requirements (vegan, celiac, gluten free).
Costs when living in a homestay*
(single room, breakfast & dinner)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 830 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 200
Costs when living in the homestay/residence**
(single room, no meals)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 765 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 170
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Cusco US$ 25
- Spanish course in Peru
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
Is it difficult for you to decide between the many great projects? You want to see and experience as much as possible during your stay in Latin America? Then build your own itinerary - experience more & see more! Our program combination makes it possible!
All our stay abroad programs can be combined with each other: So, you can combine different volunteer projects in the same country or in different countries, or you mix Working Holiday with volunteer work or Farm Stay with Working Holiday ...and so on …
Your creativity knows no limits. The longer your stay abroad in Latin America, the greater the discount you get from South America Inside. Below you can see how much you can save:
If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!