Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer & Gap Year Programs in Cusco with IVHQ

I just returned from a 2 week medical volunteering program in Cusco, Peru through IVHQ. As someone who is extremely interested in international public health, I had high expectations for this experience. As dangerous as high expectations can be, all of mine (and many more) were exceeded in these 2 weeks. Not only was I able to learn from the incredibly knowledgeable healthcare professionals in Cusco, but my understanding of the culture was expanded more than I could have hoped for. I was worried that 2 weeks would be a lot, but I know that next time I go, it will have to be for more! I didn’t want to leave. The support from IVHQ was unparalleled, and I consider myself very fortunate for having this experience and learning so much!

I’ve always had a passion to see the world- and to leave each place I visit better than the way I found it. IVHQ offered me the perfect opportunity to travel with meaning- to do my part in making the world a better place while discovering some of the hidden beauties planet earth has to offer.

I didn’t expect to fall IN LOVE with Peru, but I fell hard! From the welcoming and kind feelings from our host family, connecting with volunteers from all over the world, to breathtaking sites like Machu Picchu- every minute spent during these two weeks was something priceless. Everything we did, from volunteering to site seeing, we did as a team- as a family. I am forever grateful for that. Peru is filled with so many hard-working people, many alpacas and mountains that literally take your breath away (and not because of the altitude! but that is no joke).

IVHQ gave me more than an opportunity to volunteer while abroad. It gave me new friendships that will last a lifetime, experiences that you can’t put a price tag on, a new cultural lens, and a heart that feels so full it could explode! It’s a beautiful thing- to be able to connect with people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and corners of the world- to come together under one common desire: to help others. This was an experience of a lifetime… And I’m already planning my next IVHQ trip!

This experience gave me a lot to learn and see, thanks to the Holiday Program I got to experience the majority of the opportunities for volunteering, and I got the chance to discover what I am good at, I could learn from a lot of people, met amazing people and got to know myself better. Now I can not wait to volunteer again for more time and a new country to visit! All the volunteering activities helped me to grow and think how fortunate I am which means I have to give back some of the luck I have. The best way to do it is giving a small piece of your kindness wherever you go or volunteer.

Be a volunteer is always something that everyone wants to be. But most of the people that don't have courage enough!
My experience this year was in Peru-Cusco and it was the first time that I have done some experience like that! And I love it!
I have chosen to do Special needs care at Madre Teresa it was no doubts the best project that I could have! Plus you always can choose another programs to do!
You never feel alone, the people that you meet are unbelievable, the trips that you do are incredible and in the end you really feel that you achieve the fullfillment in life!
In the end you feel that helping another people is something that you really appreciate in life and you just want to do more and more!
So be a volunteer and enjoy your life!

This program was wonderful. Starting from the pickup at the airport, everything was taken care of. This was my first volunteer trip with IVHQ and it will not be my last. I made so many friends in this program. I recommend to anyone looking for an affordable and impactful way to travel!

All of the staff that I encountered were wonderful and the homestay felt very safe and welcoming. I was conveniently located just a few blocks from the town square as well. As for excursions, the staff was more than willing to make recommendations. I ended up doing a day trip to Machu Picchu through America Inca Trail. As for my volunteer placement, our staff member showed us how to use the public bus system in order to get there and made sure we knew what was expected of us. This was a great time!

I had a really great time! There were many opportunities to book excursions like ziplining and quad biking that were fairly priced and completely organized for us. I went to Machu Picchu for a day which was really lovely. I went alone but met a lot of great people there, so I never felt alone. My host family was so nice. I saw a lot of really wonderful things and I would definitely recommend this trip!

The reserve is located kind of far from city of Cusco, however, the overnight transportation is so far the best of the trip. Panthera reserve, the place in which I spent two weeks working and observing the nature may be one of the best options for jungle adventures. Each day on the reserve is well-organised and properly carried out by the staff on board, Alex, Pierre and the other staff are always willing to help at any time. I engaged myself to learning and communicating with people all day; the more time spent on the reserve, the deeper you feel attached to the surroundings. Personally, being immersed in the pure nature is a good way to figure out how you want your life to be; meanwhile, you may also come up with an idea on what to do for making your personal contribution. Signing up for jungle conservation program with IVHQ could be a life path changing step.

The two weeks I spent in Cusco, Peru was an amazing adventure, both for me and for my future in medicine. I enjoyed the city so much and loved the culture I was able to experience. I think I could have had a better volunteering experience if the clinic in Chinchero maybe was more aware of volunteers and had set protocols for us. I found myself really looking to fill in time and just roaming around trying to find something to do. The nurses were very kind and I learned a lot about the medical system in Peru. Overall, some of the changes that could have been made also come from my desire to just be more outgoing and just ask others if they need something from me. The adventures I did on my own time were amazing and I loved my stay. I really enjoyed the food and my host family were always very helpful and supportive. I felt extremely lucky while staying in Cusco and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who is thinking about doing an IVHQ program.