Quick Facts
Program code
PE-VOL110
Category
Volunteer Work, Child Care, Health Care
Country
Peru
Location
Cusco
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year-round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
A trip to Peru is on almost everyone’s bucket list – and with good reason, since few countries can compete with Peru when it comes to cultural, historical, and natural beauty. Every year, many tourists visit Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, from where they can reach the famous Machu Picchu ruins and other amazing sites within just a few hours.
Unfortunately, Peru also has its downsides, and one of them is a big difference between poor and rich and insufficient public health care. Many people with health problems and little income are left on their own. This is also true for families with disabled children. In comparison to the support that families in this situation receive in developed countries, there are hardly any therapeutic or educational options for the disabled in Peru.
The volunteer project takes place in a home for infants, children, young people and elderly in a state of neglect, who have disabilities of a physical or mental nature.
Here they get shelter, assistance, stimulation, therapies and the opportunity to live in the best environment possible.
If you would like to give back to people in need, this is your chance to show your social commitment while volunteering abroad.
Tasks
It is important that you have a proficient level of Spanish so that you and your co-workers, as well as the residents of the shelter, can benefit from your volunteer work. If you would like to improve your Spanish skills prior to the start of the program, book your Spanish course in Cusco with us.
As a volunteer you will support the team with the following tasks:
- Activities of stimulation, play / recreation with the smallest can be done given their special state
- Helping in laundry, cooking, cleaning the premises
- Helping to change clothes
- To help feed the sheltered, whether children or adults
- Support in kitchen and laundry and store clothes
- Help minors and adults to walk inside the home's facilities
Volunteers with relevant work experience may help with therapy sessions as well.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
It is very important for the success of your volunteer work that you feel comfortable during your stay in Peru. We therefore offer you two different accommodation options to choose from. All our accommodations are carefully selected.
Homestay
Accommodation in a single room in a Peruvian homestay with breakfast & dinner allowing you to get to know the local cuisine and immerse yourself in everyday life. In addition, living together with the hosts gives you the opportunity to get to know the warmth of the Peruvian people, their habits and their culture. You can also share your experiences with them and continuously improve your language skills.
Residence
For volunteers who prefer to live with other volunteers or Spanish students all over the world, we offer single rooms in a residence. The bathrooms are always shared. No meals are included, but there is a kitchen for self-catering. Internet is available.
Location
The city is known worldwide as a starting point for adventurous hikes on the Inca Trail and for the trip to the famous Inca city and World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu.
As the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is itself a World Heritage Site and in the 13th century it had already reached a size much larger than all other Inca settlements. The history of the city is very eventful and legendary - traces of it can be found everywhere in the streets and alleys.
Today's very pretty cityscape is shaped by the colonial architecture, but there also are impressive remains from the Inca period, such as the legendary seamless walls that can be found everywhere. You can get a deep insight into the city's history in several museums.
Cusco is a lot in one: tourist magnet, starting point for adventures to Machu Picchu and surroundings, as well as a beautiful modern city in a spectacular scenery - you will be amazed!
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Peru, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Peru directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Peru!)
- Minimum age 17 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Please submit a police certificate of good conduct
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Peru located in Cusco.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project with People with Disabilities in Peru includes:
- Single room in Homestay with breakfast & dinner*
- Single room in Homestay/Residence (no meals)**
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
There is a US$ 30/week surcharge for special food requirements (vegan, celiac, gluten free).
Costs when living in a homestay*
(single room, breakfast & dinner)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 800 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 200
Costs when living in homestay/residence**
(single room, no meals)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 740 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 170
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Cusco US$ 30
- Spanish course in Peru
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
Is it difficult for you to decide between the many great projects? You want to see and experience as much as possible during your stay in Latin America? Then build your own itinerary - experience more & see more! Our program combination makes it possible!
All our stay abroad programs can be combined with each other: So, you can combine different volunteer projects in the same country or in different countries, or you mix Working Holiday with volunteer work or Farm Stay with Working Holiday ...and so on …
Your creativity knows no limits. The longer your stay abroad in Latin America, the greater the discount you get from South America Inside. Below you can see how much you can save:
If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!
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