Volunteer in Peru

Anyone looking to volunteer in Peru will experience the warmth and kindness of the local people and a rich history filled with tales of the Incas. Projects Abroad Pro’s specialist voluntary projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including professionals on a career break, recent graduates or retired seniors.

A vast South American paradise, Peru is located on the Pacific coast, bordering Brazil and Chile amongst others. The world famous site of Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley was shaped by the Incas and stands at over 2,400m above sea level, attracting vast numbers of tourists each year. Despite high levels of tourism, Peru’s economy is struggling, affected in part by the size of the country and its many virtually inaccessible towns and communities. Skilled volunteers looking for jobs abroad can make a huge difference to these remote and impoverished areas by sharing their knowledge and skills with local professionals. As well as working to help in village communities, you can look forward to the various sights and sounds of the vast tracts of Amazonian rainforest, packed with flora and fauna. There are plenty of Inca trails for you to trek, each containing fascinating glimpses into Peru’s history and traditions. Closer to home, volunteers stay with Peruvian host families who will be happy to share their culture and take you to festivals and local markets.

Volunteer skills required in Peru

Projects Abroad Pro are looking for confident, friendly and well-organised people who have an open-minded approach to working in a developing country. We offer numerous opportunities for qualified individuals interested in taking part in skilled voluntary work in Peru. Each project has specific requirements regarding qualifications, but any related experience you may have will also be taken into consideration when you apply. Given that communication is a key aspect of building a strong relationship with your project partner, being able to speak Spanish to a good level is a prerequisite for most volunteers in Peru.

Our skilled volunteer projects in Peru are based in Urubamba in the Sacred Valley; the archaeological site of Husco; Puerto Maldonado, deep in the rainforest; and the tourist capital of Peru, Cusco. These projects involve teaching in schools practicing medicine in hospitals, conservation work in the rainforest and archaeology on Inca trails. Each of these projects can be viewed in more detail, along with an in-depth description of the specific qualifications required, by following the links at the top of the page.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for these specialist roles, you can still help on the same projects. Please visit our website for more information about volunteering in Peru.

Peru at a glance

• Full name: Republic of Peru
• Population: 28.2 million
• Capital: Lima
• Area: 1.28 million sq km (496,225 sq miles)
• Major languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 nuevo sol = 100 centimos
• Main exports: Fish and fish products, copper, zinc, gold, crude petroleum and by-products, lead, coffee, sugar, cotton
• GNI per capita: US $3,450
• Internet domain: .pe