HQ Volunteering

Cusco, located in the southeast of Peru, is famous for its rich historical and cultural heritage. It was the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and today is one of the main tourist centers of the country, thanks to its colonial and pre-Columbian architecture. The city is located at about 3,400 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Andes, and is the starting point for visiting the famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu.

Cusco combines a vibrant, modern atmosphere with a deep connection to its historical roots. It is a city full of life, with local markets, restaurants, museums and traditional festivals, but it also offers a strong spirituality and connection to the Andean culture. 

Volunteers are accommodated in a large, dormitory-style volunteer house. You can expect to share a room with up to 8 other volunteers of the same gender.

Living is comfortable with electricity, running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers should be expected and the water is not always heated. Please note, homes in Peru are not typically heated but your hosts can provide you with additional blankets upon request. We also advise wearing layered clothing as the temperature tends to drop at night, due to the altitude.

WiFi is available at the volunteer houses. However, the connection may not be as reliable as what you are used to at home. You will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in Cusco.

Volunteers are provided breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. We recommend budgeting between $3 and $10 per day to buy lunch at local restaurants recommended by staff.

Volunteers on the Amazon Jungle Conservation and Archaeology projects are accommodated by host families in smaller, remote villages. Living is rustic but comfortable. There is cold running water, electricity, and no internet. Included are 3 meals per day.

The costs vary depending on the duration of the volunteer project.

• Application fee: €35 (non-refundable) - required during the program application phase.
• Deposit fee: €200 - required after the close of applications to confirm the intention to proceed with the enrollment.
• Programme fee (requested directly from HQ after eligibility confirmation):

*Important: The 2025 programme fees are still being finalized and will be updated as needed) by the end of November.

For destinations in partnership with World Endeavors, 20 scholarships of €300 each are available

Assist in either a dog shelter, alpaca farm, or rescue zoo for exotic animals. Help to care for and play with animals, in settings where your input makes a significant difference to their hopes for adoption.

An immersive experience off the beaten track in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Volunteers support projects to conserve the natural environment and the animals that live there.

Projects aimed at safeguarding the architecture of the Inca Empire. Volunteers, alongside expert archaeologists, will be able to 

• assist in the conservation and maintenance of national heritage sites through mapping, cleaning and maintenance works
• explore areas for new excavation sites
• classify artifacts
• attend classes to deepen your knowledge of the Inca civilization

NB: A high level of fitness is required for this project, as activities include hiking and climbing, as well as long periods of standing.

Assist in-demand childcare providers and enable them to give better care and attention to children from low-income communities.

Volunteer to help under-funded community building projects through to completion. Help with projects in schools, clinics and centers that can go on to host their own worthy causes.

Assist local dentists, hygienists, orthodontists, and their patients in dental and health clinics within low income communities.

Immersed in a cloud forest in the highlands, volunteers help the livelihoods of local farmers by maximizing their harvests. Assist with seasonal tasks and help to implement sustainable practices.

Assist local professionals in a wide range of specialist departments in clinics within low income communities. This program is open to volunteers from pre-medical/pre-nursing to fully qualified.

Suitable for students at all academic levels. Level of hands-on care will depend on the student’s credentials and experience.

Assist in centers for disabled children or the elderly, providing care to alleviate the workload of local staff and their families.

Help to teach English to local children and adults, equipping them with vital language skills that help them to find employment in the booming local tourism sector.