It would be hard to find an international volunteer in Peru who hasn’t fallen in love with their host country. From the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Basin to Machu Picchu, Peru never ceases to amaze travelers. Home of the world’s oldest, most breath-taking ancient Incan ruins and remnants from the Spanish conquistadors, Peru is a land filled with history and passion.

Despite all of these wonders, Peru is a developing country that has the need for many volunteers. A high poverty level, economic disparities, gender inequalities and violence, lack of basic health and education, and other abuses of basic human rights are prevalent issues Peruvians face every day.

Types of Volunteering Opportunities in Peru

While you could find virtually any type of volunteer project in Peru, here are some of the most common ones:

• Health: Problems affecting health in Peru include water sanitation, air pollution, HIV/AIDS, lack of education, funding and technological resources to health care. Volunteers with a career in the health professions are sorely needed in Peru.

The historic Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
• Gender equality: Women in Peru must face machismo (an attitude common in Spanish and Latin American cultures that displays aggressive and excessive masculinity) and gender discrimination regularly. Domestic and sexual abuse is fairly common. A long history of social prejudice causes women to face higher unemployment and poverty levels than men. Any volunteer project that helps empower women will also benefit the general population of Peru.
• Youth development and education: Many children don’t receive the support and care they need. Education is lacking and underfunded. Volunteering in schools or orphanages is a great way to help secure a better future for the youth of Peru.
• Community development: According to a 2010 report, Peru’s poverty level has been cited as high as 49% and was most recently recorded at 30%. Indigenous people in rural areas receive little to no support from governments and can use help from volunteers to improve their quality of life.
• Environmental conservation: With a general migration of Peru’s population from rural to urban areas, there has been a strain on the agricultural industry. There is much work for volunteers in improving sustainable farming techniques, air and water quality, and waste disposal.

Health and Safety of Volunteers in Peru

No vaccinations are required to go to Peru but an immunization against Yellow Fever is suggested by the Embassy of Peru and U.S. Department of State. Other recommended vaccinations for volunteers traveling to Peru include typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. If you are going to a more rural region, including the Amazon, yellow fever and malaria vaccinations may be necessary. A simple pain reliever and diarrhea/stomach medicine are also suggested. It’s important to be cautious about new foods and let your body adjust. Don’t drink tap water! Check out MD Travel Health for more information.

Peru isn’t any more safe or dangerous for volunteers than most South American countries. Protests, theft, and reckless driving are the worst you will encounter. Always have your belongings secured and be aware of your surroundings. Foreigners always have a way of standing out to thieves.

Background of Peru


Volunteers trying on the traditional garments on an island on Lake Titicaca, Peru.

The Inca Empire, the largest civilization in the Pre-Colombian Americas, has left cultural remnants in Peru, from the indigenous Quechua language to ruins to cultural traditions of food and dress. The sixteenth century marked the beginning of the reign of the Spanish Empire in Peru. Peru gained independence from Spain in 1821 and is now a multiparty, presidential, democratic republic.

Visas in Peru

A tourist visa is not necessary for U.S., U.K., Canadian, or Australian citizens for a visit up to 183 days. Tourist visas for most visitors can be obtained at airport immigration or any Peruvian border. More information on business and other visas can be found at VISA HQ.

Life, Culture and Customs

Peru is a multiethnic country with citizens from diverse backgrounds. Indigenous peoples have lived and mixed with immigrants from Africa, Europe and Asia for many years. While volunteering in Peru, don’t be surprised to run into a China or Japan-town in this South American country.

As for food, mealtime is family time. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day while breakfast and dinner are small, unlike some Western cultures. Potatoes and rice have been huge staples of the Peruvian diet since the Inca Empire, with more potato varieties than almost anywhere in the world. Cuy, or guinea pig, is a local delicacy for the adventurous palates. Ceviche, a seafood dish, is another famous Peruvian entree. Don’t forget to try Pisco, the national liquor! Just remember, it’s all a part of your volunteer adventure in Peru!

Family is the center of most Peruvian lives. Families usually live with or nearby each other for their whole lives. Children don’t move out of their parents’ house until they get married. Unsurprisingly, soccer, known as fútbol in Peru, is extremely popular, especially among youth. Don’t be surprised to run into a llama or alpaca on the street!

Other aspects of volunteer culture in Peru include:

• Volunteer Support: If you volunteer in Peru through an organization, they should have a support system in place. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions and get all the help you need. Your home country’s embassy or consulate can be reached in Lima for information and support as well. Getting involved in new things and meeting new people will help you make the best of your experience. Check out groups like Expats in Peru for support from other foreigners in Peru.
• NGO/Nonprofit/Volunteer History in Peru: Peru has a long history of aid development and NGO support. The country has even been called the Kingdom of the NGO. From research-based organizations to NGOs advocating for indigenous peoples’ rights to development-focused groups, you’re sure to find any type of nonprofit organization you’re interested in. Here’s a complete list of NGOs in Peru.
• Requirements and Things to Know before You Go: A basic level of Spanish is suggested but many organizations cater to English-speaking visitors. Volunteers in Peru should always keep an open mind when visiting a new, diverse place like Peru.
• How Volunteering in Peru Will Help Your Future: Networking and volunteering with a well-established Peruvian organization will give you experience like no other experience could. Your Spanish skills will improve considerably. Living in such a diverse culture will also give you valuable insight into working with new and different people. Document your experience and continue to learn from it the rest of your life.
• How to Save Money While Volunteering: Consider all of your options when on a budget. Walk or take a bus versus a taxi. Learn to cook some authentic meals instead of going out. Shop at locally-owned stores and markets. Know where your money is going. Find out which banks have ATMs fees for your bank and which don’t.
• Best Places to Volunteer: Lima (the capital), Cusco, Urubamba, the Amazon, Puno/Lake Titicaca, the Andean Mountains, and many rural areas.
• Questions to Ask: What amenities will be available? What type of transportation will I need to rely on daily? What will the weather be like when I’m there? How much Spanish do I need to know? Are there other foreign volunteers where I’m going?

This official volunteer guide was brought to you by Katie Boyer

Katie studied public relations at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA and is now working with Go Overseas in the Bay Area. Her experiences with traveling abroad combined with her passion for Latin American culture and community service fuel her writing and creativity. Follow Katie on Twitter: @VolunteeReviews and her Blog.