Summer Volunteer Program Peru 2020

Trip Highlights

Volunteer in Peru and work at rural nursery schools to teach kids
Opportunity to deeply explore Amazonian Rainforests and soak in the wilderness
Witness the everyday lives of the ethnic people living in the forests
Take nature walks to know more about the indigenous flora, and fauna of Peru
Get to visit the ethnic groups of the Yahuas and Kukamas to participate in their dances and knowing their customs and way of life
Hike along the trails of Machu Picchu and take a trip to the Ollantaytambo Ruins

Get More Information Click Here to Book Now

Overview

Be a part of the Summer Volunteer Program in Peru with Volunteering Solutions and make your Summer Break worth cherishing! Engage in some meaningful volunteer work to make a difference in the lives of the people and head out for weekend excursions with your fellow volunteers to Machu Picchu in Cusco and navigate the Amazon River in the Amazonia.

This program is particularly convenient for volunteers who do not have enough time to commit and are looking for 2 weeks volunteering opportunity that would comprise the best which Peru has in store! This program is perfect for college and university students, as well as solo travelers, backpackers, and families who are keen to experience something different.

Still, you have a query? Enquire now.

Volunteer Work Schedule

Itinerary

Day 1 Sunday: Cusco airport picks up and transfers to volunteer residence or host families to unpack and rest.

Day 2 Monday: Orientation and Walking City Tour

You will receive the walking city tour and program orientation in the morning to have the rest of the day to explore the city,

Day 3 Tuesday to Day 6 Friday: Intercultural projects

Our Social projects seek to contribute to the development of the poorest families in our population, principally in poor rural areas and marginalized urban areas in order for them to attain integral human development, which translates into better living conditions in harmony with nature. Volunteers will be working in rural nursery schools where there is just 1 teacher for 30 little kids aged between 3 and 5 years old. During those two weeks, you will be helping four hours daily from Monday to Friday. You will provide care, love, and attention for these children as well as assisting the Peruvian staff at the projects.

Day 7 Saturday: Sacred Valley tour connection to Aguas Calientes

Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas - go on a guided tour to visit the beauty of Pisaq, Ollantaytambo ruins, and small towns around followed a lunch in a traditional Inca restaurant. Then take the Train at Ollantaytambo to overnight in Aguas Calientes town to visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary the next day.

Day 8 Sunday: Machu Picchu Tour

Machu Picchu is a trip to the serenity of the soul, to the eternal fusion with the cosmos; where we feel our fragility. It is one of the greatest marvels of South America. A resting place of butterflies in the epicenter of the great circle of life.

Early in the morning, you will depart from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu sanctuary by 15 minutes bus up; the guided tour will guide you for 2 hours at the Sanctuary. Then you will be free to explore Machu Picchu with you. You will back in Cusco around midnight.

Day 9 Monday: Iquitos airport pick up, transfer to accommodation, orientation, rest and Night walk in the jungle. Accommodation is located 45 minutes away from Iquitos downtown, navigating through the Nanay river. Volunteers are hosted in a beautiful and safe Riverside community,

Day 10 Tuesday to day 12 Thursday: After breakfast you and a local guide from an ethnic group will depart to the jungle to identify the diversity of medicinal plants used in each community and to take photos to the research on internet; our aim is to preserve this native plants and research the way it is used between native and mestizo communities. After taking pictures, volunteers make interviews to locals to get more info of the uses of those plants. In the afternoons, volunteers work in the office from 03:00 to 05:00 p.m and one afternoon is to learn how to weave bracelets and necklaces with fibers and seeds.

Day 13 Friday: Amazon, Momon Nanay rivers and Ethnic groups

It's one of the most fascinating boat journeys on earth, you will love to see the real life of families doing their daily life on the shore, kids swimming, fishermen working, farmers sailing with bananas, yucca, fruits, etc. The most beautiful time is the sunset. It is absolutely amazing. You will visit one of the best-known ethnics of the Amazon jungle, the ethnics of the Boras. Also, will visit the ethnics of the Yahuas and kukamas to participate in their dances and knowing their customs and way of life.

Day 14 Saturday: Goodbye Iquitos

You can spend your last day saying goodbye to your new Friends or visiting the city of Iquitos and shopping or continues traveling around Peru. This is your last morning at your accommodation.

Important note

Cusco is a Catholic city, so there will be local festivals during the months of May till July.
All participants for the Summer program must send us by e-mail their passport copies and ID students card to [email protected] as soon as the booking confirmation is received.
The visitors' entrance tickets for the Sacred Valley tour is not included in the program fee. This visitor entrance ticket you will need to buy at the Local Government office to visit museums, cultural centers, and archaeological sites.

Living

A 2-week long summer volunteering and travel project that blends meaningful volunteer work along with exciting weekend excursions to the marvel that is Mach Picchu, Andean Mountains, and Amazonian Jungles.

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 Iquitos Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are already in Iquitos will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand. The only way to arrive to Iquitos is by airplane or boat. There are direct flights from Cusco to Iquitos.

The Schedule for the airport pick up in Iquitos is from 06:30 a.m until 16:00 hrs. Please consider this timetable to book your flight.

Once you arrive at the Iquitos airport look for the logo of Volunteering Solutions and approach that person. Both of you will take a bus for 30 minutes to then take a boat for 10 minutes to arrive at the volunteer residence.

Accommodation

The volunteer residence is given as an accommodation to volunteers. Volunteers are hosted in shared bedrooms with other volunteers. Usually, there are 2 bathrooms in and cold showers in the accommodation. Accommodations are clean, airy and comfortable.

The Projects are located in a quiet town 10 minutes by boat from Iquitos.

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- Friday) at the Volunteer residence. Meals in the rainforest consist of beans, boiled bananas, local vegetable and fruits, natural juices according to the season, etc. Principle meals are breakfast and lunch, dinner is pretty light.

During your Free Time

Volunteers are free to visit and see places or do shopping during their free time. In the afternoons' volunteers can visit the animal rescue center “Pilpintuwasi” which is 3 minutes by tuk-tuk, visit the houses of the ethnic groups, go fishing, take a walk around the town or visit the houses of the artisans. On the weekends most of the volunteers plan a trip to Pacaya Samiria, Zoo, go to the city to hang out with friends or shopping.

Dates & Cost

Week	Cost
2 Weeks	£761

Please Note: -An application fee of £179 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. (A 4% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment)

Months	2019	2020
May	-	031731
June	091623	07142128
July	0714	051219
August	0411	020916

Available Filling Fast Not Available Past Date

What are you Paying for?

Cusco:

Airport, bus station or hotel pick up
Orientation and walking city tour
Accommodation in shared rooms in a homestay
Childcare project
Meals Monday to Saturday
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour: (Guide and touristic bus for the Sacred Valley tour, train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and return, accommodation in a hostel, one bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu sanctuary, entrance ticket to Machu Pichu sanctuary and guiding for 2 hrs at the sanctuary)

Iquitos:

24/7 support from local coordinators in Iquitos
Airport pick- up and transfer by boat to the jungle.
Orientation and night walk in the jungle.
Ecological projects
Local guide for 3 days to explore the jungle to take pictures
Weaving with a member of the kukama ethnic
Wifi
Meals
Shared room in a volunteer residence (ceiling fan, hammocks, 24/7 water, dining room)
Navigating the Amazon, Nanay, and Momon rivers
Visit three ethnic communities (boras, Yahuas, kukamas) alongside the Nanay, Momon, and Amazon rivers)
Boat and driver to navigate the rivers and visit the ethnic groups
Lifejackets and first aid kit
24/7 support

What's NOT included?

Cusco

Meals on Sundays and during tours
Accommodation on Sunday night when you back from Machu Pichu
Bus ticket from Machu Pichu to Aguas Calientes
General Entrance Ticket to visit the archaeological sites at the sacred valley
Drop off to airport

Iquitos

Professional camera, boats, lamp, rain jackets, repellent, nylon or appropriate clothes to walk in the jungle.
Entrance tickets to visit ethnic groups and meals during the tour (lunch), materials for weaving.
Entrance tickets and land transportation for sightseeing tower of independence community for better observation of the Amazon River and its tributaries.
Transportation to go to the sightseeing tower of independence community
Drop off to airport and meals on day 14

Program Requirements

Reviews

FAQs

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Peruvian alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?

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 Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.

Accommodation and Living

How do I get to the program location?

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.

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?

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.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes – 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.

Where can I change my money in Peru? Are there ATMs in Cusco and other Peruvian cities?

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.

Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?

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.

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Peru?

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.

Flights and Visa

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

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.

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Peru?

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.

Health and Safety

How safe is Peru in general?

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.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

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?

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.

FAQ's Application and Program Details

How long does it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?

After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ 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 ‘My Account’. 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.

Can I volunteer as part of a group?

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.

Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?

Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.

Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?

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.

How many hours will I volunteer every day?

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.

Are there any particular requirements to join the programs in Peru?

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 – 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.

When do I need to arrive in Peru for my program? What will happen once I arrive in the country?

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.

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Is There Something More That You'd Like To Know ?

Just in case you've more things to ask us, or probably you're looking for a customized program - you can simply get in touch with us !
Drop us a mail at [email protected]
Call us at: 0-800-014-8160 (UK)
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