Peru Volunteer Quests

Volunteer in Peru

"My volunteer work in Peru changed my life. I learned so much about Peruvian culture, the friendly Peruvian people, the stunningly beautiful land, the Spanish language, and I learned a lot about myself. It was such a gift for me to be there, it meant so much to me to be able to help and give back."

--Jennifer Roy, United Planet volunteer in Peru

Read about the experiences of volunteers in Cusco, Peru:
a nurse on a Healthcare Quest
a broker on a Childcare Quest
See photos of United Planet's donations at work in a Peruvian orphanage.

Volunteer Stories

Hear directly from United Planet Volunteers about their experiences.

Facts

2500 people visit Machu Picchu daily
Spanish & Quechua are the official languages
78^th on the UN Human Development index

What makes a United Planet Short-term Quest unique?

United Planet’s Quest volunteer abroad programs are 100% cultural immersion experiences. United Planet Quest programs run year-round and are available to individuals and groups of all ages, skill levels and nationalities. We have no doubt it will be life-changing and provide lasting memories.

All Quests include:

Flexible start dates and lengths of stay (1-12 weeks)
Personalized attention from Coordinators
Local home stays or on-site lodging options
Exciting excursions, cultural activities and/or language lessons
Optional: Add on a great new excursion to Lake Titicaca, the Tambopata Jungle, the Inca Trail, or the remote ruined Inca city of Choquekirao

Country Information

Explore Peru’s living past in the city of Cusco, ancient seat of the Inca Empire. Peru is an archaeologist’s dream: the ruins of several ancient civilizations can be found within the country’s borders. But, while 300, 000 tourists visit Machu Picchu every year, all of them stopping through Cusco, poverty levels in the Sacred Valley remain high. Volunteers in Peru can help to alleviate poverty at wide range of community centers in Cuzco. All Quests include home stays, four hours of Spanish or Quechua classes, and a trip to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Volunteer Opportunities in Peru: 1 - 12 Weeks

United Planet currently offers volunteering opportunities in partnership with local organizations in and around Cusco, Peru.

What's Included and Program Details

Peru Prices and Details

Sample Peru Itinerary

Highlights

4 hours of Spanish or Quechua classes per week
Salsa or Peruvian cooking classes
Machu Picchu and Cusco City Tour
Optional excursions

Quest Program Briefs

	Community Development Quests United Planet offers many different volunteer projects in Peru. Volunteers can work with street children at an After School Program (full in July), or empower women and children at a local orphanage or shelter. Other projects offered include working with the disabled or elderly, as well as disadvantaged youth. A special project in Cai Cay, an indigenous village outside of Cusco, is also available for volunteers who stay in Cusco for four weeks or more. Spanish language skills are required for all Quests in Peru. Read More...
	Healthcare Quests United Planet works closely with several health clinics in Cusco. Volunteer healthcare projects include psychiatric clinics, state and private hospitals, a clinic for mentally and physically disabled children, and two rural clinics. Not all placements require previous experience; healthcare professionals can help with vaccinations or bloodwork, depending on their level of experience. Spanish language skills are required for all Quests in Peru. Read More...
	Wild Animal Care Quest Minimum Stay: 1 week Volunteers Needed: Year Round Requirements: At least 16 years old, Basic Spanish You can work in an animal sanctuary where the animals have endured severe trauma during their lives. Animals include pumas, parrots, condors, wild cats, llamas, alpacas, boa constrictors, turtles, and monkeys. Tasks may include cleaning, feeding, gardening, and caring for animals.
	Optional Excursions After Your Quest Visit: Lake Titicaca and the floating islands of Uros, Taquile, Amantani Explore South America’s largest (and highest) lake, bordering Peru and Bolivia, and island-hop between its three floating islands! For more information click here! Inca Trail: Experience one of the seven man-made wonders of the world! Escape to the mysterious past of the Pre-Columbian Incas of South America, and experience history firsthand as you make the trek to Machu Picchu, the center of the Great Inca Empire. For more information click here! Alternative to the Inca Trail: Trek off the beaten track! Want to stray from the road most traveled? Salcantay, the highest peak of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a part of the Peruvian Andes, and Choquekirao, a remote ruined Inca city, is a new and exciting alternative to hiking the Inca Trail. For more information click here! Tambopata Jungle up close and personal! For more information click here! Choquekirao Trek Called “the other Machu Picchu” Choquekirao is a remote ruined Inca city, although its discovery was before the famous Inca Citadel. One day it will draw hordes of tourists, but for now it is still considered to be one of Peru’s best kept secrets. For more information click here !

Three Easy Steps to Apply

Questions about applying? 1-800-292-2316

Call one of our friendly regional Quest coordinators today. We will walk you step-by-step through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Step 1: Choose your Quest. Contact us at any time for help! We'd love to talk to you. Email or call 1-800-292-2316.

Step 2: Enroll online. Please fill in the enrollment form. Then reserve your spot with a deposit (which will be credited toward your program fee).

Step 3: Meet your Quest coordinator and iron out the details. Once you've applied, your United Planet coordinator will contact you, and arrange a phone session to talk about your Quest of interest. THANKS!

Fundraising

Cost Savings Guide with tips on finding an affordable program, fundraising and more.
Scholarships and Grants page for current opportunities and resources.
Fundraising page
Special Discounts

More Info

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