Location
  • Peru
    • Lima
    • Cusco
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
14
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family Hostel
Travel Type
Budget Family Senior Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
$180 USD
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $180 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Accommodation Airport Transfers Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Sep 02, 2021
Oct 03, 2019

About Program

Trusted by 116,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the most popular volunteer programs in Peru and 50+ other destinations around the world.

You can choose from 16 volunteer project options based in either Cusco or Lima, and give back for periods ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks. Your Program Fee includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support and you'll be accommodated in a volunteer house with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world.

Thanks to IVHQ's affordable fees, flexible booking and free changes, you can register for your volunteer program in Bali with confidence. Join our community of 114,000+ travelers who’ve spent over 7 million hours giving back. With IVHQ, you can expect to establish real connections within the local community while supporting projects that make a genuine difference.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • IVHQ’s Peru programs are available year-round, starting on the first and third Monday of the month
  • Fully-hosted volunteer experience from only $180 for 1 week - IVHQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs
  • You’ll be joining a global network of 116,000+ volunteers backed by the world’s leading team of volunteer travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record
  • Support impact-driven volunteer projects run by locals within your host community
  • Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence

Popular Programs

Volunteer in Peru with IVHQ

As a Childcare Volunteer, you'll work in community centers, schools and kindergartens providing individual attention and support to local children. Tasks include playing with children, organizing games and activities, assisting with homework, English classes and educating children about hygiene. You’ll be helping children aged between 3-7 years old, most of whom come from low-income families. Volunteers work closely with local staff, so don’t need prior childcare experience.

Volunteer in Peru with IVHQ

If you're an aspiring medical professional, this is a unique opportunity to assist local nurses and doctors with a range of tasks while learning about the healthcare system in Cusco. Pre-medical and lesser experienced students are able to assist local staff in routine jobs, while students in your third year of study or above, or qualified medical professionals are able to help with more hands-on tasks. Medical Volunteering start at US$240 p/w.

Volunteer in Peru with IVHQ

Tourism forms an integral part of the local economy in Peru, the ability to speak English gives locals a genuine opportunity to support themselves and find work. As an English Teaching volunteer, you’ll help with English lessons in local schools and community centers. Work varies but generally consists of tutoring, setting up small workshops, assisting local teachers and organizing educational games and activities.

Volunteer in Peru with IVHQ

This is a unique volunteering project in that your contribution as a volunteer is three-fold: your volunteering assists with construction and renovation tasks, your fees help to pay for materials, and the end product can then be used to host other important community projects. Volunteers help local building projects that would otherwise not be completed, lending time and funds to see them through to completion. Construction & Renovation Volunteering start at US$240 p/w.

Volunteer in Peru with IVHQ

As a Jungle Conservation volunteer, you'll be based in the heart of the jungle, contributing to the preservation of the landscape and animals that call it home. You’ll get a rare insight into the rich Peruvian biodiversity while providing a valuable contribution on tasks including reforestation, trail conservation, home-base maintenance, animal inventories and research projects.

Program Reviews

9.76 Rating
based on 25 reviews
  • 9-10 rating 100%
  • 7-8 rating 0%
  • 5-6 rating 0%
  • 3-4 rating 0%
  • 1-2 rating 0%
  • Impact 9.6
  • Support 9.7
  • Fun 9.6
  • Value 9.8
  • Safety 9.5
Showing 1 - 8 of 25 reviews
Default avatar
Carlee
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing time in Peru!

I had a wonderful time
Volunteering with IVHQ in Peru! Everything was well organized and smooth, I did the community support program and got to enjoy working in several different projects during my time. I will be volunteering with this
Company again and again! Everyone was so helpful and I left with such a humbling and eye opening view point. The work IVHQ is doing in Lima is making such and impact. Meals were good, the volunteer home was clean and organized. Travel was easy, I don’t speak Spanish and had no problems, just use a translator app! Most places have someone who can speak a little
English. I do suggest building in extra time to travel. There’s a ton to see and do in Lima and the surrounding areas! Thank you so much IVHQ for this amazing opportunity!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go with an open mind, absorb the experience and learn. Also pack sweaters. Lima is colder then you think!
8 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Carlee, thanks for your review of the Peru - Lima program. The effort you put into your project is greatly appreciated. We look forward to having you volunteer with IVHQ again soon. ^Grace - IVHQ Peru-Lima Program Manager

Default avatar
Alison
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

A wonderful experience!

I had an awesome time volunteering in Lima, Peru. I worked with the dogs in the shelter and I fell in love with so many of them. My one regret was that I didn’t stay long enough. I was only there for one week which was really only four half days of volunteering. I would have liked to have been with the dogs so much longer so that I could feel like I was making more of an impact. I really enjoyed working with my coordinator. Her and I were one on one the entire time which made me feel like I had special attention. Spending that selective time with her helped me to really practice my Spanish which was an added bonus. This program is great for anyone looking to give back and explore other cultures while doing so. Finally, the shared house that I stayed
in was perfect. The people were great and the food was delicious. They were more than accommodating to my vegan diet.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could do this all over again, I would have made my trip longer. I also would have arrived an extra day earlier.
9 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Alison, I'm glad to hear you had an awesome time on the Peru - Lima program. Thank you for the effort you put into the Animal Care project. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your review and I hope we will see you volunteering with IVHQ again soon - for longer next time :) ^ Grace - IVHQ Peru-Lima Program Manager

Default avatar
Sally
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommended Program

I have previously been a volunteer, including 2 years with Peace Corps. So I understand the importance of working with a responsible, responsive program. IVHQ certainly met my expectations. The process of signing up was clearly defined and help was always available. Questions were promptly answered. The in country support in Peru was excellent. My assignment, teaching English, was relevant and very needed in a remote village outside of Lima. The children were so receptive and very interested in learning English. It was enjoyable finding ways to make learning English creative and fun for the students. My homestay experience was terrific. I felt like part of the family. The "housemother" was a great cook and she helped all volunteers with whatever they might need.

As a volunteer in my 70's, I can assure older volunteers that IVHQ make volunteering possible for everyone. Also, the program fees are affordable, another important factor when considering a volunteer program. I highly recommend IVHQ.

What would you improve about this program?
We brought a variety of supplies. However, if we had known the approximate ages of the students we would teach, we could have brought even more supplies. I would recommend for teaching programs that office supplies be brought.....stapler, tape, paper clips, etc.
9 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Sally! It's fantastic to hear that this program met your expectations and that you felt well supported during the entire process. I agree, the homestay experience in Lima is amazing and I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with your host mother. We'd love to have you join us again soon! ^Grace - IVHQ Peru, Lima Program Manager

Default avatar
Macy
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

PERUsin'!

Volunteering in Lima, Peru was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I was on the teaching English project. We rode the local bus to Pachecutec daily, which was long but one of my favorite parts of each day. You got to really experience how locals got around and had time to reflect. The schools were full of love and gratitude, which made the experience that much more rewarding. Everyone - from the bus riders, to the school staff and students, to the program coordinators, to the locals you came across - were all SO kind and helpful. I went on the trip by myself and truly felt at home. I met some incredible people from all over the world, learned a lot about myself in the education profession, and myself personally! I already can't wait to go back!

What would you improve about this program?
I wish I was better prepared for my teaching placement (in regards to who I'd be working with and what resources I may want to bring/create) and that I got to speak with the in country team before arriving.
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alyssa
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience!!!

From the moment I found out I was accepted I was nervous, excited, scared. Because this was the second time for me going out of the country and the first time going alone. Feeling scared and nervous was an understatement BUT from the moment I arrived in Lima I felt the exact opposite. I was greeted by Wilmer my driver with a sign that said my name. He was very nice! I had the amazing chance to to stay at the volunteer house. I shared a room with two other females and just the overall cleanliness of the house and really everything was great. Throughout my time in the volunteer house the food was good, the volunteers were all so nice and very diverse! Lots of volunteers from all over the world! and the family that lives there were the nicest people I have ever met! The program itself was great! I did childcare and worked at a preschool in Pachacutec. We do have to take public transportation but a coordinator was with us the entire time. (Shoutout to EMMA! best house coordinator ever!) I felt safe the entire time we took 2 modes of transportation a bus and then a little van thing. Emma, and either Daniela or Sayela always made sure we were on the busses and they always did headcounts! (we didn't loose anyone) The program itself was amazing! I got to work in a classroom of 4 year olds with 2 teachers. They didn't speak any english so it really tested my Spanish. WHICH I LOVED! I would help with various things in the classroom. (prepping project materials, passing out sheets, helping students with various things) we also helped supervise during outdoor play. The days were very fun and busy! And we would get back in time for lunch and have loads of time to chill/explore/take naps etc. We were in San Miguel and from there you can take Taxi/Uber to nearby areas (miraflores, Barranco etc.) after! I only stayed for 2 weeks I took a weekend trip to Machu Picchu with one of the other volunteers. The Tarpuy Sonqo directors helped me book my trip and it was AMAZING! I had so much fun! The second week was just as fun! But also bittersweet cause it was my last week. I did have some stomach troubles for a brief time and it didn't help when the water would randomly shut off (because there was construction work on a pipe nearby) . But I survived! Definitly talk to a travel doctor before you go! I was lucky enough to get some antibiotics that saved me during this time! I also got altitude medicine for Machu Picchu! (strongly advise for those doing any hiking in Cusco area) My last day was fun and sad. Sad that I was leaving the kids but grateful for everything they and their teachers have taught me in such a short time. I prepared goody bags and brought some outdoor toys from the USA for them to play with. (it's not required to bring things) but i got some donations from family members as well. The kids and staff were very appreciative! and just like that my trip was over that Sunday. I am forever grateful for both IVHQ and Tarpuy Sonqo for this opportunity. It really solidified my aspirations for working with children and it even opened a new career path. I had a child in my class who had trouble speaking not sure if he was on the autism spectrum. But because of that I have decided to pursue my masters in speech language pathology. and in my free time I want to go to different schools in different countries to help children who might not have the resources to have an SLP. This experience was truly life changing! and I will definitely be back to visit and or volunteer again.

What would you improve about this program?
For the most part as seen in my review there were little to no problems with the program. I think the only thing I would say is during my time there was a construction area on a nearby street where they working on the pipe nearby so the water would randomly get shut off. It was a bit inconvenient just cause some volunteers wanted to shower. But then again it is a developing country so I took it as a new experience. Also I really wasn't expecting to pay for the transportation to and from the volunteering. I'm not sure if i just overlooked that detail but i had to take out a bit more extra money to cover that cost. (it wasn't that expensive though) 2 soules for the bus and then 1 soule and 50 cents for the second mode of transportation the you have to pay the same amount for the trip back. So just take that into account when taking out money for spending. The ATM's do charge you so definitely take as much as you need the first time. Always store majority of it at home! Just for safety reasons The good thing is the volunteer house is right a big mall so it's pretty easy to take out money! Other than that everything was AMAZING!
7 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Alyssa thank you very much for sharing this beautiful overview of your time on the IVHQ Peru - Lima program! It sounds like you were very proactive and such a great asset to the team at your placement. It makes me happy to read that this experience has further solidified your future aspirations with working with children and I wish you all the best for what is to come! Aydan - IVHQ Program Manager.

Default avatar
Stacey
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

A truly eye opening, fun, and rewarding experience!

For anyone hesitating about volunteering in Lima, I would highly suggest you just go for it! This was my very first volunteer experience and also my first time in South America (knowing very little Spanish) so I was defintely anxious at the start - but that all disappeared once I arrived there! Everyone at the volunteer house was super nice and friendly and the staff were really supportive and welcoming, which made me feel at home right away. The teaching program itself was well organized and gave the volunteers the oppotunity to work with a range of different classes and have responsibility for planning lessons, which made it a very rewarding experience. Your time and efforts are defintely appreciated there and you leave a huge impact :) I would do it again!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you're a part of the teaching program in particular, it's defintely a huge advantage if you speak Spanish! I managed to get by as I was paired with a volunteer who spoke Spanish and I picked up some Spanish while I was there, but my experience would've been a whole lot easier for me if I knew the language! If you're staying for more than 2 weeks and don't know Spanish I would suggest taking Spanish classes they offer there - it's very affordable.
7 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks loads Stacey for taking the time to provide this awesome review about the time you had with us on the IVHQ Peru - Lima Program. It's awesome to hear you were able to meet like minded people from all over the world, and that you felt like challenging yourself with the Teaching English project was very rewarding. We can't wait for you to volunteer with IVHQ again some time. Aydan - IVHQ Program Manager.

Default avatar
Mercer
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Opportunity

I taught English through this program during my spring break. I wish so badly that I had had more than a week to be a part of this. It was well organized, everyone was well-informed, and it was an amazing experience overall. Watching my students learn and grow through the classes was so rewarding, and I hope that the skills they learn take them far. I have been learning Spanish since I was 13, and it has benefited me in dozens of ways. I hope that the students in Peru understand the benefit of learning a second language. The ability to speak to an entirely new demographic of people is so amazing, especially with a beautiful language like Spanish. Additionally, I loved that we were allowed to have free time and explore Lima on our own. Sometimes I don't quite enjoy organized group activities, so it was nice being able to experience Lima on our own time and as we (responsibly) pleased. For example, I learned how to surf on my days off. Being from the inland city of Atlanta, GA, I never thought that I would be able to acquire such a skill. Not to mention I am exceptionally clumsy.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Before the program started, and I was on my own in Lima, I tried a guinea pig taco at a very fancy restaurant called Astrid y Gaston. It was fine, I didn't really think of it as unusual. I also got a dessert there that was extremely unique. The outside layer was a thin, hard frosting that the waiter tapped open with a spoon. On the inside, there were a few scoops of lucuma ice cream (which I am now hooked on), and he then poured dry ice and cacao on top. It was the most delicious thing I think I have ever tasted.
8 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks for leaving this review and for letting us know more about your very unique time in Lima! It sounds like you were able to strike the perfect balance between volunteering and doing some amazing activities in your free time. Thanks so much for the contribution you made whilst on the program and feel free to visit again soon! All the best! Aydan - IVHQ Program Manager.

Default avatar
Sven
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Sven in Lima

I worked with IVHQ as a volunteer in Lima, Peru on the English Teaching programme. The organisation was great. It provided all the information I needed before making a decision about where and what voluntary work I wanted to do. I never had an issue or a problem during application or registration. All the necessary preparation steps were properly explained. Before arriving the communication was clear and sufficient. All information was provided. In Lima the accomodation was clean and had everything I could wish for. Everything was done to make me feel welcome and at ease. The local staff was friendly and helpful. The work itself was also nice and fullfilling. I really felt like I was making a contribution. With the work I got to know and help the local community. In short: I absolutely recommend working as a volunteer with IVHQ.

8 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Yeah! I actually got there earlier than the program started and went out in Lima on my own. During the program, yes we went out to different bars/discotecas. During the week, however, we had a curfew of 11pm.

There was a wide range of ages! I think you have to be 18 to do this program, and we had 18 year olds, people in their 20s, and we had one or two people in their late 20s/early 30s.

Yes, we can accommodate families on our volunteer programs and our local team can make arrangements to ensure you are accommodated and placed on a project together. To apply to volunteer abroad as a family, one person needs to complete the application process first and select ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Will you be volunteering with a friend, family member or group?’ within the application form. They...

Hi Laurie, according to the IVHQ website, "Volunteers in Lima are accommodated with other volunteers, in either a​volunteer house run by a the local coordinator's family or in a homestay." "Volunteers are provided with three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)." I did an IVHQ program myself and both of those were included in the program.