Overview
Be a volunteer for the 1 Week Special Program in Peru with Volunteering Solutions and contribute meaningfully towards the lives of the little kids. You'll either be placed in a Kindergarten School, where there's inadequate teacher-student ratio, or in a Daycare Center. You don't need any special qualification to join this program, all you need is a little patience and a lot of enthusiasm. Spend quality time with the little ones, play with them & teach them, shower them with love & care and make the most of this opportunity.
And the best part is that you'll get to travel and explore as well. On the weekdays, head out and walk around the city of Cusco, once you get free from your volunteer work. Then, we'll take you for an amazing tour across the Sacred Valley and give you a chance to hike through the ruins of the Inca trails in Machu Picchu. A perfect program for those who have a time crunch, this is the best and ultimate way to explore Peru in a week!
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival in Cusco, Peru
Welcome to the heart of the Andesāthe Land of the Incas! Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, our friendly coordinator will be there to greet you and transfer you to your cozy accommodation. Youāll have time to settle in before attending an Orientation Session at 03:00 p.m . For a smooth start, we recommend booking a morning flight so you can dive into your new adventure right away. Take the rest of the day to explore the lively streets of Cusco and prepare for the exciting week ahead!
Day 2 to Day 4 (Monday to Wednesday): Volunteer Work & Cultural Exploration
Mornings will be spent making a difference at local Kindergartens or Day Care Centers, working with children and supporting their growth in these vibrant communities. After your volunteer work, the afternoons are yours to explore Cuscoāa city where ancient Incan history blends seamlessly with modern life. Visit the local markets, explore hidden alleys, or tick off must-see sites from your travel bucket list. For those eager to learn, Spanish language classes are available to help you fully immerse in the local culture.
Day 5 (Thursday): Sacred Valley Adventure
Get ready for an unforgettable day! Weāll pick you up from plaza de armas de Cusco at 7:00 a.m. and embark on a breathtaking journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incasāa must-visit after Machu Picchu!
Highlights of the Tour:
Chinchero: Explore this charming colonial village, home to stunning churches with mural paintings and ancient Inca ruins.
Moray: Discover the fascinating Inca agricultural terraces, a unique greenhouse where the Incas acclimatized various crops.
Salt Mines Maras (Salineras): Visit the spectacular salt terraces, with over 4,000 salt springs still in use by local communities.
Urubamba: Enjoy free time for lunch in this picturesque valley, soaking in the stunning landscapes.
Continue along the Wilcamayu River to Ollantaytambo, one of the few Incan towns still inhabited today.
Stroll through the streets with ancient water channels and visit the impressive Temple of the Sun.
The tour wraps up around 3:00 p.m., giving you a bit of free time to explore the town before we head to the train station. A short 7-minute walk takes you to the train that will whisk you away to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, in just 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, hotel staff will be waiting to greet you and check you into your accommodation.
Finally, youāll meet with your Machu Picchu guide to discuss the exciting visit planned for the next day!
Day 6 (Friday): Machu Picchu ā The Lost City of the Incas
Today is the highlight of your tripāa full-day guided tour of the legendary Machu Picchu Sanctuary, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the final day of our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour, rise early for an unforgettable adventure! Take a 25-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu, where our expert guide will lead you through the iconic sites of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site for approximately 2.5 hours.
After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to capture more photos and soak in the breathtaking views. If youāre feeling adventurous, consider an optional hike up Waynapicchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more spectacular panoramas (extra cost).
Afterward, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where youāll have time for lunch before boarding your train (arrive 30 minutes early). The scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo lasts about 1.5 hours, where weāll pick you up for the return trip to Cusco.
Expect to arrive back in Cusco around 8:30 p.m. after an incredible journey filled with awe and adventure!
Day 7 (Saturday): Departure or Continue Your Adventure
Your final morning in Cusco has arrived! Say goodbye to your fellow volunteers, exchange contact info, and make plans for future adventures. Whether you're heading home or continuing to explore more of Peruās stunning landscapes, youāll leave with incredible memories and a heart full of gratitude. If you wish, extend your stay and embark on another journey in this magical country!
NOTE: Kindergartens are open from March 2nd week until July 3rd week and from August 2nd week until December 3rd week. When the Kindergarten will be closed, all volunteers will be placed at the Day Care Center.
Project Requirement
Project Requirement
Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and have a passion for working with children. You should also be proactive and have the ability to take initiative All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program. A beginner-intermediate level of Spanish would be an added advantage for the participants in the program.
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Living
Living
When you choose to volunteer in Peru, just pack your bags and arrive at the destination with a relaxed mind. Our dedicated coordinator at the location arranges airport transfers, stay, meals and also weekend tours for you. All you have to do is arrive.
Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the Cusco Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Peru will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand or at the bus station.
Accommodation
Volunteers are provided with accommodation with local host families. By staying with a host family you will experience the local culture, customs and Peruvian way of living. Volunteers are hosted in shared bedrooms with other volunteers. Usually, there are 2 bathrooms in every host family with hot showers. Accommodations are clean and comfortable. Some houses have the WiFi connection and cable TV as well.
Orientation
A half day orientation will be provided by the local staff. Areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer placements are given during the orientation. The orientation will be given by the local staff in Peru.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with three cooked meals a day (Monday- Saturday) at the host family house. Meals vary from day to day and generally include soups, vegetable salad, rice, potatoes, juice, dessert etc.
During your Free Time
Volunteers are free to visit and see places or do shopping during their free time. On the weekends most of the volunteers plan a trip to Sacred Valley or the world famous 'Macchu Picchu' - the lost city of Incas. In Cusco, you can walk around Plaza de Armas and explore the different restaurants and shopping areas.
Dates
Dates
January
05
19
February
02
16
March
16
23
April
06
20
May
04
25
June
01
08
15
29
July
06
13
August
10
17
24
September
07
21
October
19
26
November
02
16
December
07
14
January
18
25
February
01
15
March
01
15
April
05
19
May
03
17
24
June
07
14
28
July
05
12
August
09
23
September
06
20
October
04
18
November
08
22
December
06
Available
Filling Fast
Booked Out
Costs
Duration |
Program Fee
|
Choose your currency
|
---|---|---|
1 Week | $899 |
Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.
Included
- Comprehensive pre-departure guide
- Assistance from support staff and In-country program coordinator
- Airport pickup from Cusco airport
- Orientation and walking city tour
- Accommodation in a homestay ā shared bedroom
- Project placement in Cusco
- Meals at the accommodation from Monday to Saturday
- Transportation and tour guide for Sacred Valley tour
- Round trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Double room accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Pay an additional of 13USD for a private bedroom)
- Guide in Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Lunch in Aguas calientes
Not included
- International/Domestic Airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (available at nominal cost)
- Local transportation to and from the program location
- Vaccinations
- Meals on Sundays
- Private bedroom in Aguas Calientes
- Visitor Entrance Ticket for the Sacred Valley Tour (130 PEN)
- Maras (salt mine) entrance ticket (10 PEN)
- Drop off from home stay to Plaza de armas
- Drop off to home stay when you back from the tour
- Any other personal expenses
- Drop off to Cusco airport
FAQ's
Connect with Past Volunteers
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How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Peruvian alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?
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We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/">Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet">https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
Accommodation and Living
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Can vegetarians be accommodated?
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Yes ā please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can make sure to provide you with the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.
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Where can I change my money in Peru? Are there ATMs in Cusco and other Peruvian cities?
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You can change your money at any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATMs located all around the city. The market areas around the project location also have ample ATMs and money exchange counters.
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Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?
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Depending on your project placement, you may get free evenings and weekends. You can utilize this time to visit local markets and other places around your project location.
Places like Barrio de San Blas, Hatton Rumiyuq, Convent and Church of La Merced and Cathedral of Peru have been declared as a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO and must be visited by volunteers during free time and weekends. Of course, we also arrange for tours to Macchu Picchu.
Volunteers are also free to plan quick getaways and explore Peru. We also arrange programs for groups in Tambopata Rainforest areas and the country coordinator can be contacted for the same. -
How do I get to the program location?
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Your country coordinator will take you to your placement location and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program, city, culture etc. You will also be narrated about the directions to the project location from your accommodation and the modes of transport which you can use.
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Are there more expenses once I arrive in Peru?
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Your program fee covers mostly all the major expenses when you arrive in Peru except your personal expenses. You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, the internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. However, you should carry around $70-80 per week for your basic personal expenses. However, this amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on different weekend trips out of town.
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Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?
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Volunteering Solutions arranges accommodation for volunteers in homestays or with host families in Peru. The accommodations are simple and have basic amenities.
Three meals are provided in a day of which the lunch is the specialty of Peruvian families. The food is tasty, hygienic and nutritious, suited to all volunteers. The volunteers should note that the food is provided from Monday to Saturday of each week. On Sundays, volunteers can eat at nearby eateries or find out good restaurants as per choice.
Application and Program Details
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How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?
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After you complete your application, your personalized āMy Accountā will be activated.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 working days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking will be confirmed and booking confirmation will be updated in your āMy Accountā. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.
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Are there any particular requirements to join the programs in Peru?
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The minimum age requirement for the programs in Peru is 17 years. For the Medical program, volunteers must be 18 years and above.
He/she should have the flexibility to adjust to a new environment and culture.
Volunteers should have a basic/ intermediate knowledge of Spanish Language.
For Medical Program ā Pre-Medical , Medical and Nursing students as well as Medical Professionals are welcome to join. Participants with other qualifications in the medical field such as CAN, EMT can also join the program.
The participant should be in good health. -
Can I volunteer as part of a group?
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We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care for providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.
In our experience of more than 12+ years we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues. -
When do I need to arrive in Peru for my program? What will happen once I arrive in the country?
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All volunteers need to arrive in Cusco, Peru, for the Peru programs on the starting date of their project.
Volunteers are picked from the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco by the in-country coordinator or representative. Accommodation is provided in a homestay or with the host family.
A short orientation is given after arrival about the city, placement, safety precautions. The volunteers are also taken for a short tour of the city before the commencement of the program. However, the tour is dependent upon the arrival time of your flight. -
Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?
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Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
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How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?
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As we have limited spots available in our programs and we follow the first come first serve rule, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee of $225. You can pay your program fee later and also by installments. However, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior to the starting of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.
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How many hours will I volunteer every day?
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Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day, for 5 days a week, depending on their program. You will have the weekends to explore Peru. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can alter any time.
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Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?
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If you are planning to come for multiple programs during your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time (from the date of applying). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.
For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next Vol Sol program.
Health and Safety
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How safe is Peru in general?
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Peru attracts travelers from different parts of the world and is generally safe. However, we recommend all volunteers to take necessary precautions against thefts and robberies. Also, seek permission from your coordinator before venturing out alone in the evenings.
Volunteers can also look up resourceful sites like Lonely Planet to gather more information about Peru and its general atmosphere. You are also recommended to follow the safety guidelines provided by the in-country coordinator during Orientation Session.
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What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
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We recommend you to consult your physician or travel doctor before traveling to Peru. However, we recommend you take general vaccinations like
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Yellow Fever
Diarrhoea -
Do I need to buy a health insurance?
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Yes, for all volunteers it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
Flights and Visa
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Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?
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All participants joining the volunteer projects in Peru need to apply for Visa at the nearest Peruvian High Commission in their city. Along with the Visa application, you need to attach the required supporting documents. We provide volunteers with the necessary supporting documents for their Peruvian Visa application. More information shall be provided after you become a Volunteering Solutions enrolled participant.
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What are the recommended airlines to fly to Peru?
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The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco is well connected with all major airports across the globe and flights are easily available. American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, Emirates Flights are some of the popular airlines.