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Volunteer Programs in Sacred Valley, Peru

Thousands of visitors find their way to the Sacred Valley in Peru each year, most headed straight toward the ruins of Machu Picchu. Yet at over 60 miles long, the valley is so much more than an ancient monument on a hillside. Volunteering in Peru in the Sacred Valley is a fantastic opportunity to go beyond the tourist mindset and learn about life in this rural area, all while providing service to the community. Whether you’re helping students learn English or training local health advocates, working with volunteer programs in Peru in the Sacred Valley is an experience you won’t soon forget.
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Maximo Nivel volunteers

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8 Volunteer Programs in Sacred Valley, Peru

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.65

55

Working with Kids—Volunteer in Peru!

Respond to the needs of at-risk children on this volunteer program in and around Cusco. Placements are in community centers, orphanages, rural schools, and street children programs. Projects focus on providing disadvantaged boys and girls with shelter, food, and education Volunteers help to keep children off the street and provide them with a happy, productive childhood. Depending on individual skills and interests, volunteers act as mentors, help with homework, organize sports and arts and crafts, and teach English. However, care and support are the most important things for these children. This program is available all year round, with start dates every Monday. It’s designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year. NOTE: This program qualifies for 3-4 university credits via our School of Record. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. We require background checks and proof of medical insurance.

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.5

4

Peru - Amazon Conservation and Machu Picchu Expedition

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!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9

1

Volunteer in Andean Immersion in Peru - Cusco

High in the Peruvian Andes, people live in small rural villages where the pace of life is slower and the standard of living is basic. These people often speak the local indigenous Quechua language and some Spanish, but little English. As an Andean Immersion volunteer, you’ll live with a local family and help them as they go about their daily tasks. Your help will make the family more efficient, both economically and around the house, while at the same time providing you with an immersive cultural experience. Volunteer duties can vary greatly but often include: -Farming and agricultural work, including animal husbandry -Construction -Domestic chores -Learning about traditional weaving and natural dyes -Helping make textiles for sale at a local market -Teaching English classes -Helping with educational activities -Taking part in local festivals and gatherings

Global Works

9.33

3

Peru Teen Travel Programs

Experience the road less traveled on a Peru adventure! Get to know the Peruvian culture in an authentic way through a homestay in Calca. Here, you work alongside community members on sustainable service projects; get ready to apply your Spanish skills in a real-life context! Beyond an unforgettable and authentic community collaboration, you discover all the wonders of Peru on this teen travel program. Get your camera ready for breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and explore the small city of Cusco through markets, sights, and more!

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in the Sacred Valley

How to Volunteer in the Sacred Valley

Choosing to volunteer abroad in Peru within the Sacred Valley is a great way to combine sightseeing with service. Not only will you get to explore this history-rich, verdant region, but you’ll also become better acquainted with the locals who call it home. Volunteering here won’t be your typical tourist experience, and you’ll return home with a better understanding of the area’s magnificent beauty as well as its challenges. 

Popular causes and program types in the Sacred Valley. No matter what your interests are, there’s a volunteer programs in Peru that’s right up your valley. Many programs offer the opportunity to get involved with education projects, whether you’re teaching English classes or assisting with after-school activities. Other programs focus on the environment and projects include trail maintenance, animal monitoring, and reforestation efforts. Some organizations provide an eco-tourism opportunity, allowing volunteers to live with a local family, learn Spanish or Quechua, and assist the family with daily duties such as farming. 

Summer and short-term programs. If you only have a week or two but still want to give back, a short-term volunteer program is a great chance to learn more about life in the Sacred Valley (and perhaps throw in some sightseeing too!). Some volunteering in Peru tasks, like construction or conservation projects, lend themselves better to short timelines; it’s easier for a new volunteer to pick up where you left off and continue the work. 

Long-term programs. While a short-term volunteer stint can be beneficial, if you really want to maximize your impact, your mantra should be, “the longer, the better.” Longer term volunteer programs in Peru of three months or more allow you to make personal connections (which is especially important when working with children), improve your fluency in Spanish, and become comfortable and efficient in the tasks required of you.

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Latest Program Reviews

I had the time of my life in Cusco!

October 30, 2025by: Rida Ahmed - United StatesProgram: Construction Programs—Volunteer in Peru!
10

I came to Cusco, Peru with Maximo Nivel to volunteer in Construction. I spent my week here painting a beautiful little school that's currently being built by Volunteers and funded by Maximo too. I don't think I've ever painted so much, but it was such an amazing, fulfilling experience! I had amazing support from the International team at Maximo, and I got the best experience ever!

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