You are planning a time-out and intend to do something meaningful during that period? But you still don’t know where to go or what to do? You should definitely think about the idea to volunteer in Peru! Get in touch with the secrets of the Incan history and help to make a change by joining one of the diverse volunteer programs.
If you ask volunteers, who already took the chance to volunteer in Peru about their experiences, you will always hear the same: A country, which impresses everyone through its unique variety. One that conveys the impression to be welcome to every traveller. Fascination for Peru’s nature, people and culture will be easily developed as well as a certain passion for the local social projects. Although Peru’s economic development is steadily proceeding, there are still many volunteers needed. To give you a glimpse of what Peru has to offer, this article sums up the most important information concerning your volunteer opportunities, cultural habits and places you should visit.
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- Peru is the 6th largest producer of gold
- The Sand Dunes at the southern coast are the highest in the world
- In some areas, it’s tolerated to eat cats or guinea pigs
- Peru is one of three countries that grows purple corn naturally
- Postal service in Peru is quite unreliable
- It’s a tradition to give family members yellow underpants as a present on New Year’s Eve
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Social projects in Peru
If you planning to volunteer in Peru, there are different options to support on-site teams in various areas. Above all, social projects concerning Education, Human Rights and Community will need your help to make a difference.
Community
The support and development of an educational system are certainly important but not the only things that a volunteer can be a part of. It is also possible to start one step further ahead by creating an actual learning environment. In some rural areas, school buildings are so strongly derelict that there’s a lot of reconstruction work to do. The project’s primary focus is on the improvement of infrastructure as well as on the creation of secure and productive learning environments. If you prefer to get in contact with local society, join a program that involves teaching children about local environment issues or the promotion of recent recycling schemes.
As a nice feature, many construction programs include trekking trips to significant landmarks. Therefore there is a lot more for you to discover as a volunteer in Peru.
Business
If you wish to do something meaningful and like to gain further knowledge in marketing, IT or fundraising, you should consider to become a volunteer in Peru as well. Instead of supporting social projects in their daily tasks, you will ensure that the social projects receive enough resources to get on with their work.
Your function will include the establishment of newly founded organisations as well as the acquisition of new business connections. Additionally, you have the chance to take responsibility for the external appearance of the organisation. With your motivation and creative ideas, you can help to improve marketing strategies, administration processes or the coordination of workflows.
Human Rights
Although the social and political situation is improving more and more, the empowerment of women still suffers from stagnation. Discrimination, inequality and racism are the daily routine in some regions – especially when it comes to the attitude towards women.
They are still excluded from politics, education, gain a low income and are frequently victims to sexual violence. Help to make a lasting difference by joining the teams on the ground. Among other things, you will be responsible for organising the programs. You will give workshops on women’s rights and coach women how to defend them.
Another important cause are marketing and business courses. Because many women aren’t in the position to negotiate their salary, it’s crucial to support them in terms of appearance, argumentation and debating. Of course you’ll be invited to contribute your own ideas to improve the program. With a little effort, you will easily connect with the women. Therefore you can help to raise their self-awareness und be a guide, adviser and friend at the same time.
Education
Although Peru has an established education system, it’s not widely spread in the rural site of the country. By choosing to participate in an educational social project, you are going to support poorly resourced schools in teaching English. Help to promote new perspectives to the students and support their multi cultural understanding. Besides teaching actual subjects, it’s crucial to support children and especially girls in their development. To fight against inequality, your task will be to teach children in ethical principles from an early age. Therefore, you can help to prevent potential intolerance later in life.
As a volunteer in Peru you can be a part of the social change that has already begun. You will not only be a teacher or coach but a person of trust who provides guidance and advice.
If you open not only your mind but your heart to the children you teach, I can assure you that they will teach you so much more about the human spirit than you could ever imagine. –Javiier (27), Volunteer from the United States
Living costs for a volunteer in Peru
Before starting your volunteer experience you should provide yourself with certain information about the country. Always unpleasant is the calculation of how much money you will possibly need. Besides the potential fees for your volunteer experience, you will need money for the various free-time activities in Peru. To make it easier for you, this table presents an overview about your most important payments. In general, you should calculate a daily amount of $ 25.
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| Hotel $ 36.78 |
Big Mac® $ 2.88 |
Coca-Cola® $ 0.72 |
Eating out $ 4.32 |
Rental car $ 303.59/week |
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| Hostel $ 6.00 |
Marlboro™ $ 2.30 |
Beer $ 2.30 |
Fuel $ 1.13 |
Public transport $ 0.40 |
Best time to volunteer in Peru
Depending in which altitude you’re staying, the weather can be quite different. In addition to various elevations, Peru is geographically one of the most diverse countries in South America. With the Andes Mountains on the one site and the Amazon rainforest on the other, there is a broad climatic spectrum to explore.
As you may wish to travel the land besides participating in a social project, weather conditions are an important part of your journey quality. As a volunteer in Peru, you can choose between two main seasons: wet and dry or as you may call it: summer and winter. But be aware that seasons in Peru are opposite to these in the northern hemisphere.
Winter (Jun – Sep)
All months from June to September are considered to be winter season and also known as the dry period of the year. This time is perfect to explore the highlands, because mild temperatures make it easy to trek even the tricky parts. But don’t forget add a warm jacket to your packing list.
Nights can get quite chilly in the Andes. Most days in the highlands are surprisingly sunny but if you head towards the southern coast, cloudy skies will welcome you. Weather at the northern coast is pleasant all year long.
Summer (Oct – May)
Although nobody would think of summer as the wet season intuitional, you should pack a rain jacket or an umbrella. From October to May frequent rain showers are on the daily schedule. Just the coastal area is an exception here. If you want to go there, be sure to bring your sunscreen.
What precautions should I consider as a volunteer in Peru?
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- Make sure to renew your vaccines, especially if you’re planning a jungle trip (there is a high risk of malaria and the yellow fever in some regions)
- Because of the many different altitudes, be sure not to get a mountain sickness
- Be careful with food from street vendors
- Don’t drink tab water – buy bottled water instead
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- Pickpocketing is very common, so be sure to watch your bag all the time
- Because the major part of the population lives under the poverty line there are a lot of demonstrations, that can turn violent in no time
- There are almost no driving standards in Peru so always keep your eyes on the road
- Don’t take unlicensed taxis
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- You can’t take any archaeological artefacts out of the country without a permission
- You shouldn’t take pictures of military actions or staff
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- Do not call a local Indio. They consider it to be rude
- If locals call you “Gringo”, don’t take this as an insult
- Pack light. Elevators are not very common in Peru
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- Rain poncho
- Walking shoes
- Water resistant shoes
- Lightweight jackets and sweaters
- Bug Spray
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How to spend your free time as a volunteer in Peru?
Besides putting you energy in your volunteer work, you should definitely save some of it for your free time! What about learning something about Incan history? Peru is one of the countries with the longest Incan legacy and therefore perfect for that intention.
Highlands and Machu Picchu
One thing to be said: you can’t be a volunteer in Peru without trekking the Inca trail all the way to Machu Picchu! As one of the seven world wonders, Machu Picchu is reason number one why so many travellers find their way to Peru. This archaeological site is probably the best Place to immerse with Incan history. Besides a few exceptions, nobody knew of its existence until 1911. Until today the knowledge of Machu Picchu is fragmentary. Go to Machu Picchu and find out more about the secrets of this Incan legacy. Since it is a huge tourist attraction, you should buy your ticket in advance and visit around six in the morning.
Surely, exploring the Incan culture is really exciting. But what about exploring some more fascinating landmarks in Peru? As one of the most famous jungles, the Amazon covers 60 % of the country. In this unique ecosystem you can experience the untouched nature and its wildlife.
Culture
Once you’ve been to Machu Picchu, it’s just a stone’s throw to Cuzco, capital of the Incan culture. Located in the Peruvian Andes, Cuzco is the gateway to more Inca sites. But even Cuzco itself is quite spectacular. Leave the numerous travel agencies behind and find out about was Cuzco has to offer by yourself. On your to-do list should definitely be a visit to Pisaq Market. As one of the biggest in Cuzco, you can buy various local specialties like spices, jewellery or handicrafts.
Once your shopping is done, you can take a trip to some Inca ruins like Sacsayhuman or Tambomachay. Definitely worth a visit is the sacred valley, which is also within the region of Cuzco. It includes different ruins and destinations that are perfect for a day-tour.
Beaches and Dunes
As the costal areas have good weather conditions all year long, Peru is a perfect country to relax at its beaches or to surf the pacific. Although the country isn’t really famous for stunning beaches, you’ll will find some of good quality at the northern coast. The top beaches for relaxing or doing water sports are Mancora and Puntal Sal.
Not a beach but still impressive is the Lake Titicaca. Considered as the birthplace of the sun, the Titicaca region contains many ancient places (like floating villages), which should be visited.
If you are just a fan of sand under your feet, there’s no need to visit the beach. With its enormous natural desert, Peru is the home to some of the biggest sand dunes in the world. Highly recommended is a trip to Huacchina –an oasis in the desert. Close to the city of Ica, this beautiful spot will take your breath. On the one site, you have a cute little village that developed around a waterhole. On the other site it’s the best place to do some sand boarding or buggy riding.
Cuisine
Influenced by the indigenous population, Peruvian Cuisine is very exotic. At first sight, typical dishes may seem to be a little bit extraordinary. But to encourage the cultural exchange, you should open your mind to the Peruvian cuisine. Surely you already know for what dish the Peruvians are famous for? Exactly: Guinea Pig. Known as Cuy, the meat is usually baked and served in whole (even with the head). Traditionally it’s stuffed with local herbs and has potatoes as side dish.
Peru’s national dish has a high addiction potential. Consisting of different sorts of fresh fish, Ceviche is served with seasonings and onions and is considered to be one of the healthiest meals in Peru. You can try different variations in different cities. It will definitely be a pleasure.
Working with the kids is unbelievably rewarding, and I grew to love and appreciate Huaycan and the Peruvian culture – Rose (24), Volunteer from the USA
Volunteer Requirements
- You should be at least 18
- In some cases, a health declaration is required
- You should speak English at a basic level
- Within some volunteer programs you need to speak Spanish as well
- Especially when working with kids you should provide a background check
How to find volunteer opportunities in Peru
Peru is certainly worth a visit, so why not taking the chance to volunteer in Peru? Explore the various volunteer programs and find your very own volunteer opportunity abroad on Volunteer World. Featuring more than 500 volunteer programs and over 600 social projects in 70+ countries, Volunteer World is a one-stop resource for volunteer abroad opportunities. Find your perfect match in Peru in a simple and transparent way.
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