Volunteering in Peru

Volunteer work in Peru
Peru - the 'heart of the Inca empire' - is known for its rich cultural history. Hiking up the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a must on everyone’s bucket list! Peru’s lush nature offers exciting activities like rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. This is truly the perfect travel destination for adventurers and volunteers! The friendliness of the Peruvians will motivate you to volunteer for the many volunteer programs in Peru and support local rural communities. Grab this chance to be the meaningful explorer you've always wanted to be! Start your volunteer adventure abroad today!
If you ask volunteers about their volunteering experience in Peru, the answers are quite similar: Peru is a country that impresses everyone because of its natural diversity, vibrant colors, and wonderful people.
Discover the wonders of the Incas, the ancient city of Cusco, and assist other volunteers by joining one of the volunteer opportunities in Peru. If you plan on taking a career break and want to do something meaningful, consider volunteer work in Peru! Before we continue with the volunteer opportunities in Peru, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about this tourist hotspot:
- Over three-quarters of the world’s Alpaca population lives in Peru.
- The national animal of Peru is not the Alpaca but the Vicuna. Its wool is considered the world’s most luxurious fabric.
- Roasted Guinea Pig, Cuy, is Peru’s national dish. It’s served whole including hands and feet!
- The Incan Empire was larger than the Roman empire at its peak. It had over 24855 miles of roads!
- The potato originated from Peru and there are now over 3000 varieties of this tuber.
🇵🇪 Why Volunteer in Peru?
Although Peru's economy has developed in recent years and is quite strong, the country’s poverty scale still reaches 25% and inequality is very common. There is still a lot of work to be done and volunteers play a crucial role.
Peru offers a variety of local social projects that suit the interests and abilities of each volunteer. Amongst the various social projects in Peru, you can choose between volunteer work in
- education,
- human rights
- community support
- medical mission trips
- child care volunteering
Nature lovers will be surprised by the Peru volunteer program in:
- Amazon Rainforest conservation
- Wildlife Conservation
- Animal Shelter volunteering
👩🏼🤝👩🏻 How to Volunteer for Community Service in Peru
Because poverty remains a major issue, it’s important for organizations in Peru to help with the development of rural communities. This is crucial to support local communities and also provide them with sustainable projects and opportunities. The local volunteering organizations offer help in the following areas:
- Culture and arts
- Daycare support
- Orphanages
- Social Work
💪🏽 How to Support Local NGOs in Peru
Peru is considered to be one of the world's fastest-growing economies. This is especially the case with travel hot spots such as Cusco. Although government policies have allowed Peru to enhance its economic conditions, there is still room for improvement.
8 million people still struggle to survive every day. Poverty is especially common among indigenous communities. Statistics show that national rural poverty is over 50%, and people living in remote regions are affected the most.
So, what can you do to help? Volunteers who want to help these communities and want international work experience can volunteer for local NGOs in Peru that need your knowledge and skills. Check out the following categories:
Amongst your tasks as a volunteer in Peru, you will help new social organizations expand their connections. With your skills and motivation, you can help NGO projects improve their marketing strategies, administration processes, and coordinate different tasks.
🩺 How to Volunteer for a Medical Mission in Peru
If you’re a medical professional or student, then take this opportunity to volunteer for one of the healthcare programs in Peru. A medical mission trip in Peru is a great way to gain practical work experience abroad.
Nurse sick people back to health and support the local staff in hospitals and clinics. Learn what it’s like to work in less than ideal conditions and learn more than you ever could in school. Some of the tasks you will be involved in as a medical volunteer abroad:
- Assist with procedures such as suturing wounds, giving vaccinations
- Taking patients’ vitals
- Being involved in the daily activities of the medical center
- Observing or assisting doctors and nurses
- Shadow doctors on critical surgeries and operations
- Conduct hospital rounds with the doctors
- Maintaining files
- Routine patient check-ups
Whether you’re a nurse, dentist, nutritionist, or medical doctor, there are volunteer programs that are waiting for your help. Make the greatest difference in someone’s life. Because it’s all starts with good health!
👶🏽 How to Volunteer for Child Care in Peru
While parents go to work, there are plenty of children that need to be taken care of. Volunteer for one of the childcare programs in Peru and support the community. Take a load off parents knowing their children are in good hands.
Teach young Peruvian children fun games and engage them in ways that are good for their development. The most important lessons are taught at a young age, are you ready to impact lives forever?
Orphanages in Peru
Although we don’t advocate institutionalized childcare, you can volunteer in Peru at an orphanage. Please keep in mind that children at orphanages aren’t always orphans by definition. They have been given away due to poverty or other difficult circumstances. We only accept volunteers with relevant experience and a suitable background to volunteer in Peru orphanages.
Before volunteering at an orphanage in Peru, volunteers need to make sure they’re prepared. It is essential that volunteers have the appropriate skills. If not, you could be putting yourself and the children at risk. If you wish to work as a volunteer at an orphanage in Peru, you should meet at least one of the following requirements:
- experience in working with traumatized children
- trained or experience as a child caretaker
- trained as a psychologist
- trained as a social worker
👩🏽🏫 How to Volunteer and Teach in Peru
Although Peru has an established education system, it's not widely accessible in rural areas. Many children in these areas cannot attend school; either because they need to work to support their families or because they simply don't have access to education.
By choosing to volunteer in an educational social project in Peru, you are going to support under-resourced schools by teaching e.g. English or sports. This is also your chance to introduce students to new ideas and a new culture Besides teaching subjects, it's crucial to provide emotional support during the program. This can prove to be especially important for girls.
👨🏽🏫 How to Teach English in Peru
Volunteer teaching English in Peru and open the youth of the country up to more future opportunities. English skills can exponentially increase people’s chances in life. Especially since Peru relies on the tourism industry. Volunteer in Cusco, Lima, or more rural areas, and help local communities improve their English skills.
Your teaching volunteer work in Peru can be transformational in fighting inequality. This is an opportunity to introduce children to ethical principles from an early age which prevents intolerance.
As a teaching volunteer in Peru, you will not only be a teacher or coach but a person of trust who gives guidance and advice. Changes in society start with education. Take this opportunity to volunteer for one of the education projects in Peru.
🌳 How to Volunteer for Amazon Conservation in Peru
Peru’s landscape is varied. Besides the Andean mountains and coastal regions, you’ll also find the Amazon rainforest. Nature lovers who prefer working in remote circumstances will love their time as an Amazon conservation volunteer in Peru.
Help protect this precious habitat that is home to so many incredible species. Learn all about environmental conservation during your volunteer program as you spend most of your time out in the forest. Keep an eye on the wildlife and help rehabilitate and maintain the forest.