Volunteer and Travel in Peru

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year round

Description: We ask that each volunteer contributes around 25-30 hours per week at their designated placement. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy.

In the mornings you can assist with teaching, sport and art classes or with development work such as building, renovating, plumbing, painting, cleaning and gardening.

We also work on hygiene with the children by completing hand washing, face cleaning and teeth brushing. After hygiene we provide the children with fruit for recess.

In the afternoons, volunteers have a choice of activities: building and development work, conducting house visits through our House Challenge program with our social worker, organising extra curricular activities, or having some free time to explore Cusco.

On Monday and Thursday afternoons Volunteers can attend the craft workshops that we run for the mothers of the communities. Volunteers can help instruct with weaving, sewing, jewelry making, pottery etc. and also organise classes for their children in English, sport, art & craft, dance, music and drama.

Highlights:
Depending on how long you volunteer with us, you will experience the following:

- Working in the mountain communities surrounding Cusco
- Spanish language course
- Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
- Lake Titicaca tour
- Arequipa tour
- Sacred Valley of the Incas tour
- Horse riding trek through Inca ruins
- Cusco city tour and tourist ticket
- City tour and accommodation in Lima
- Flight from Lima to Cusco
- Accommodation in the volunteer house

Qualifications: Anyone can become a Peru's Challenge volunteer. You don't have to have ever spoken a word of Spanish, worked with children or even thought about volunteering.

Our programs suit all age groups and cater for all needs. Our youngest volunteer was 7 years old and our oldest has been 72 years old.

Peru's Challenge volunteers must be mindful of the country they are volunteering in. Sometimes volunteers find it difficult adjusting to the Peruvian culture. You must always remember that we are not here to introduce our cultural ways, rather we are here to learn from the Peruvian people and assist where ever possible.

You must also have the ability to understand where your help is needed and also respect the culture of the Peruvian people - things will be different to what you are used to at home. You must not force your cultural ideals onto the Peruvian people even if you think it will be better for them. They have lived like they do for thousands of years. We are not here in Peru to change their way of living but rather to improve it - little by little.

Cost in US$: Prices start at US$1800

We believe that you will not find a better option. By joining the Peru's Challenge volunteer team you will travel and experience the best that Peru offers, while also directly living and helping the communities in which you visit.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our volunteers will have an interest in any of the following: working with children, construction and renovation, health and nutrition, travel, gardening, meeting people, learning to speak Spanish, living and working with the indigenous people of Peru, organising events, teaching or helping with: reading, writing, art and craft, drama, dance & music, and sport.

Age Range: 7-75 (under 18 to be accompanied by parent or legal gardian)

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8-14

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Peru's Challenge's Mission Statement: Peru's Challenge is a not-for-profit organisation working with volunteer travellers to improve child education, health and hygiene standards in indigenous mountain villages of the Andes in Peru, South America. Our Aims 1. To create basic opportunities for the children of Peru; Education, health and a happy and safe environment. 2. To provide an exceptional travel and volunteer experience. Peru's Challenge is also very committed to providing and exceptional volunteer travel experience to all of our participating volunteers. Our volunteers are the life-blood of the organization. It is their invaluable assistance that makes our job of assisting local Peruvian communities possible.

Year Founded: 2003