Volunteer Programs in Cusco, Peru

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

Embark on a six-day volunteering trip at an ecological reserve in the extremely dense and diverse Amazon rainforest combined with guided tours around the southern region of Peru! For those who are interested in rainforest conversation and experiencing the wonders of Peru, this is the perfect trip for you. Just two of the exciting activities that will take place are exploring Maras and Moray on a four-by-four motorbike tour and training to the entrancing ruins of Machu Picchu. The volunteer work you will engage in is work at an ecological reserve under the supervision of nature experts and biologists in the area. Tasks may include but are not limited to assisting the animal rescue center, conducting biodiversity research, assisting in turtle repopulation efforts, and maintenance of rescue center trails. There are many exciting travel highlights to consider such as a tour of the Valley of the Incas and a visit to Machu Picchu!

Contribute to an amazing conservation research programme in Peru that works to unite international volunteers, indigenous communities, local non-profit organisations, and the National Park Authorities. The program aims to protect natural resources and work with the local community. Volunteers get the chance to participate in community work programme and environmental research at the Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru, a UNESCO World heritage site. They will have an inspirational experience, as they contribute to a meaningful, well-structured, and sustainable project. Although no specific skills are required for the project, a love of the outdoors and the ability to embrace life in the jungle are necessary. The project gathers a lot of data and attention to detail is critical to ensure concrete results. A basic level of fitness is required to ensure volunteers are able to undertake activities, including walking many miles each day.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med volunteer abroad programs specifically for school leavers who are considering studying medicine in the future. We also offer customised placements for those seeking medical electives or medical internships abroad. Most of our medical electives abroad placement require that you spend 5-7 hours at our partner hospital or clinic as an observer of the daily routines of medical staff. You will be assigned a doctor or a department who will mentor you and may call upon you to assist with basic tasks such as taking vitals and treating minor wounds under the supervision of the local doctors. Our medical electives are offered in developing countries such as Philippines, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru and Costa Rica.

Volunteer at a dog rescue center in the magnificent city of Cusco in Peru with Globalteer. Participants work directly with the dogs at the rescue center, preparing their food, walking them, socializing with them, and training them. Many of the dogs at the center previously lived on the streets and suffered serious injuries from being run over by cars, fighting among packs, or being beaten by market stall owners, as well as suffering from malnourishment and general mistrust of humans. The main objective of the dog rescue center is to nurture the dogs back to health through receiving veterinary treatment and loving care from veterinary students and volunteers. Whenever possible, the dogs are placed in caring adoptive homes. The Peru Dog Rescue Shelter works with dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or injured in and around the city of Cusco, the oldest continually inhabited city in South America. The shelter also works with local authorities and other organizations to sponsor sterilization and deworming campaigns, as well as raise awareness in Cusco about the importance of caring for dogs.

Peru Service is one of our most spectacular trips for teens finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. It offers the opportunity to perform meaningful service helping the local communities of Misminay and Urubamba while exploring the most iconic sites of this South American gem! Your rewarding days of service will be spent on projects ranging from aiding in construction projects and farming to teaching English as a second language. The rest of your time will be nothing short of transformative as you experience the unique atmosphere of the Sacred Valley. Drink in the mountain culture of Cusco as you see the mix of Inca and Colonial architecture around the Plaza de Armas and the temple of Coricancha. You will also peruse vibrant handicraft markets and marvel at the mesmerizing Inca city of Machu Picchu. Service, culture, incredible sights, and adventure. What more could you ask for in a Peruvian summer?

Located in southeastern Peru, Cusco sits in the Andes Mountains. It is home to the palace of the Inca, the Temple of the Sun, and the famous Machu Picchu. Its fascinating archaeological sites, architecture, and colorful Peruvian dress attract tourists from all over the world. The people of Cusco still use the traditional dress of polleras, play zampoñas, and raise llamas. Service opportunities range from small schools to women’s shelters to medical placements in clinics and dental offices. Through service at a local organization and guided reflection curriculum, our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of the local language, culture, and community. Each placement is unique, so visit our website to learn more about the specific placement and program options available. Although we have something for everyone in Cusco, we especially recommend this destination for anyone interested in community agriculture or the dentistry field.

The Study and Volunteer in Cusco, Peru program of the National Registration Center for Study Abroad includes 20 hours of group Spanish classes per week and a four-week volunteering placement in a wide range of fields. It begins with four weeks of Spanish study, with the volunteers attending 20 hours per week of Spanish classes in groups of one to four other students. Each class lasts 55 minutes and English isn’t used to foster quick learning. Although volunteers may opt to study Spanish longer than four weeks, they will be placed in a volunteering position immediately after the fourth week. Placement opportunities are available in the fields of Social Services, Healthcare, Orphanage, Education, and Indigenous Community.

Join us for an unforgettable 14-day cultural immersion experience in Perú, where we explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions of the Sacred Valley. Our adventure begins with stunning hikes to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, where we walk in the footsteps of the Incas. We’ll engage in meaningful community service, working with llamas to support sustainable Andean practices and learning age-old farming techniques from local Quechua families. This program offers hands-on experiences that not only promote environmental conservation but also empower local communities. As we traverse historical sites like Ollantaytambo and Cusco, we’ll participate in a chocolate workshop and enjoy a cooking class with a professional chef, deepening our understanding of Peruvian cuisine. With 10 hours of community service, we’ll actively contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage while forging lifelong connections. Join us to create lasting memories and make a meaningful impact in the Sacred Valley!

Psychology internships abroad are the perfect opportunity for psychology students to gain some work experience while traveling abroad. Mental health is a topic that is often overlooked, especially in developing countries, so the help of skilled and dedicated volunteers is very much needed. Whatever your skills are, plenty of psychology internships are available for graduates and undergraduates. Join a clinical psychology program and shadow doctors in their daily work. If you prefer working with children, join a mental health initiative in schools and daycare centers.

Cusco, Peru – easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers of the world - is also home to immense scenic beauty, biodiversity, and incredible culture. Bordering the Pacific Coast, Andes & Amazon, Peru is an ancient land with one of the richest collections of historic artifacts known to man. As a rich country in natural resources, Peru has many dimensions, and unfortunately, social development has not kept pace in all regions. Education, illiteracy, and fundamental social justice among poorer communities continue to divide the rich and the poor. IVI’s work mainly focuses on vulnerable areas that can benefit from voluntary services. Programs include: - Alpaca & Llama Farm - Animal Care & Rehabilitation - Teaching English - Childcare - Rainforest Conservation - Indigenous Community Immersion - Public Health & Nutrition - Medical Hospital - Community Construction - Christmas & New Year Holiday Internships: - Hospitality & Tourism Internship - Human Rights Internship - Medical Internship - Micro-Business Internship - Special Education Internship - Education Internship - Veterinary Internship - Dental Internship

Peru is one of United Planet’s most popular volunteer destinations. Join participants from around the globe for 1-12 weeks in this diverse nation with friendly people, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient ruins. Discover a society that is as complex as the handwoven tapestries you find in the market. Stay with host families in Cusco, where you’ll gain a firsthand look at the economic and political issues affecting locals on a daily basis. Whether it’s your first overseas volunteer experience or the nth time, the locals’ warm welcome and kindness will make you feel at home. As a volunteer in Peru, you’ll help break the cycle of poverty by working at community centers. You could also partner with orphanages, after-school programs, youth organizations, and women’s shelters. In return, you’ll build relationships and leave a lasting impression on the lives of those you meet.

Volunteer abroad in Cusco, the enchanting ‘belly button’ of the Inca civilization and the main doorway to Machu Picchu - one of the world’s greatest wonders. With its narrow, cobblestone streets, Inca stonework, and women in ancient dress, you will forget you are living in the 21st century. But the real charm and the challenge come from the orphans with whom you will be working. Globe Aware offers diverse opportunities to volunteer in Cuzco, including working in a home for impoverished children from rural households. Many of these kids come from families who are too poor to care for them. Without this home or "albergue," these children would have no educational opportunities. Other service vacation projects include improvements and maintenance to facilities, such as painting classrooms, creating a garden, or constructing desks and beds. The children attend a public school in Cuzco during the day, but you will have ample opportunities to work directly with them after classes and on weekends. You may also visit a local family to construct a Lorena stove.

Volunteer in Peru with A Broader View Volunteers, a highly rated non-profit charity organization. Our placements are based in the Inca city of Cusco, Peru, and you may choose from 20 program options available. In recent years, Peru has experienced a rise in tourism, providing some economic relief. However, millions of Peruvians still live below the poverty line, with more than half of the population struggling to survive and close to one-fourth living in extreme poverty. Children are the hardest hit, with many living and working on the streets. Our volunteer programs aim to support these children by addressing their care, education, and health needs. In Cusco, Peru, we offer various social programs, including a medical program, teaching in primary and secondary schools, premedical/prenursing internships, and volunteering with orphanages and daycares. Additionally, you can combine these programs with Spanish immersion lessons while volunteering.

Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive educational journeys to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Tanzania. During these trips, volunteers actively collaborate with local communities on various development projects, including constructing homes, improving access to clean water, and participating in mobile medical clinics that provide essential healthcare to underserved areas. These trips offer a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the communities that MEDLIFE supports, allowing volunteers to witness firsthand the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty. By working side by side with locals, volunteers not only gain invaluable insights into global health and development but also contribute directly to impactful projects that foster long-term, sustainable change. Beyond the hands-on experience, SLTs encourage participants to reflect on the role they can play in addressing global inequities. The trip fosters empathy, awareness, and ignites action, empowering volunteers to join the MEDLIFE Movement and advocate for a world where poverty no longer limits opportunities.

The childcare program is perfect for patient and affectionate volunteers looking to help young children in Peru that face challenging situations stemming from poverty. Volunteers coming to the childcare program will be assigned to work in daycares or orphanages where they will be working in a variety of tasks like: - Basic education for the children; teaching colors, basic math, songs, etc. - Helping to clean up after the children. - Playing educational games with the children. - Helping teachers and tutors create lesson plans. - Helping cook for the children. - Organizing donations. - Small renovation tasks like plumbing, painting, and general maintenance. - Fundraising and technology support (web page maintenance, budgeting, etc. In the orphanage, volunteers will be lodged along with other volunteers inside the orphanage.