Teaching
Peru5(2)
Teaching project in Peru
- Duration
- 3 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
from €910 for 3 weeks
Peru
Volunteer opportunities in Peru
From Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu, volunteer in Peru with Freepackers and help give disadvantaged children in Cusco access to education.
2 programmes in this country
Peru is a country in western South America. It features many famous sites such as the Lake Titicaca basin in the southeast and Machu Picchu, the home of ancient Incan ruins. Peru also has very diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal deserts to mountain ranges, rainforests and high-altitude plateaus. Though it is considered a tropical country, it has a variety of climates due to the Andes and the southwest winds.
The portion of the Amazon rainforest that lies in Peru also includes much of the Amazon Basin, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Peru contains approximately 13% of the Amazon rainforest. This area boasts many endemic plant and animal species. Some of the most iconic animal species in Peru are jaguars, macaws, toucans, anacondas and the Peruvian poison dart frog.
However, Peru’s biodiversity faces many challenges such as deforestation, habitat degradation, illegal wildlife trading, and climate change.
Good to know before you go
- Visa
- French and other EU citizens do not need a tourist visa in order to stay in Peru for under 90 days. You will receive an official stamp on your passport and on your tourist card which you will have to return once you leave. If you lose it, go to the immigration office (oficina de migraciones) to get it replaced.
- Health
- Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.
Our programmes in Peru
Animals
Peru, Cusco5(2)
Animal volunteering in Peru: 3 projects in Cusco
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
from €850 for 2 weeks
About the destination
About Peru
The official languages of Peru are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. Spanish is the most widely spoken, though many indigenous and rural communities speak Quechua and Aymara.
Peru is actually the birthplace of the potato so you can definitely expect to see that reflected in the local food. There are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes grown in Peru. Peruvian cuisine also includes guinea pigs, also known as “cuy” in Peru.
Advice before volunteering in Peru
Although English is spoken in more urban and tourist areas, learning some Spanish will definitely help you to communicate with the community. Going a step further and learning some Quechua or Aymara will help you connect with the locals even more.
Before you leave, make sure you prioritize your health and safety. Check with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute that you have all the necessary vaccinations. If you plan on traveling to high altitudes, take precautions against altitude sickness too.
With Peru’s diverse ecosystems, the weather can also vary widely, so keep that in mind when packing. Research the weather at the location and time you are planning to go on your trip.
Keep in mind that Peru faces issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Remember that you will also experience cultural differences and keep an open mind, embracing being outside your comfort zone.
Is it safe to volunteer in Peru?
The projects are very safe and you will have support and guidance 24/7. Nevertheless, you should always exercise general caution when in an unfamiliar place. Peru does have petty theft and tourist scams so keep an eye on your belongings when in crowded areas. Also make sure to take proper health precautions against mosquito-borne diseases and altitude sickness.
Requirements to volunteer in Peru
In order to volunteer in Peru, you must be 18+, be proficient in English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.
Volunteer opportunities in Peru
Volunteer opportunities in Peru by Freepackers are humanitarian projects. Freepackers works with a partner organization in Peru. The organization is dedicated to providing disadvantaged children in Cusco with access to education. This NGO has set up many projects since its creation. The participation of volunteers is essential to the sustainability of this association.
