Alpaca volunteer program. Courtesy of Maximo Nivel.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work at a private farm thirty minutes from Cusco to care for alpacas and llamas. Additionally, volunteers will work with the cleaning and maintenance of the animals and will get to see the farm’s process of turning the alpaca and llama wool into traditional Peruvian textiles.
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Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Frank Plamann CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Spend an unforgettable day hiking Peru’s awe-inspiring Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, a natural marvel painted with vivid hues of red, gold, and turquoise by mineral deposits. Towering at over 16,500 feet above sea level in the Andes, this trek is perfect for adventurers eager to experience one of the world’s most surreal landscapes. This hike is moderately to highly challenging due to the altitude rather than the terrain. While the trail is not technically difficult, a good level of fitness and prior acclimatization to high altitudes is strongly recommended to enjoy the experience safely and comfortably. On the journey, the traveler will pass through remote Andean villages, herds of Alpacas, and breathtaking vistas of snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, a sacred peak in Incan mythology and the highest in the Cusco region. The colors of Rainbow Mountain itself–believed to represent the energy of the Pachamama (Mother of Earth)--are a rare geologic wonder and the ultimate reward at the summit. If seeking dramatic scenery, cultural richness, and a true high-altitude adventure, the Rainbow Mountain day hike is the perfect Andean escape.
This 1-day trip costs $270 per person. The trip is led by Follow Alice, an adventure travel company known for its ethical, community-centered approach to tourism. Founded in 2014 after cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with local Tanzanian guide Chris, Follow Alice was born out of a shared passion for exploration and cultural connection. Today, all of their guides are local, and 70% of each trip’s cost remains within the local economy, supporting sustainable travel as well as empowering communities.
Machu Picchu. Matthew Paulson. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Beginning in Cusco, the oldest city in the country, travelers will have the chance to explore the city before departing for Machu Picchu. Here, they can enjoy the old capital of the Inca Empire with a morning tour and enjoy the city’s gorgeous architecture. The next day, travelers will venture to the historic Sacred Valley, which is full of farmland, Inca ruins, and Spanish towns. Travelers will also visit the Maras Salt Flats before they start on the Classic Inca Trail for Machu Picchu the next day. During this trek, travelers will first climb up into alpine grassland and cross Dead Woman’s Pass, where they will see more Inca ruins and gorgeous views. The most challenging day of hiking will also provide a chance to see wildlife such as Himalayan deer, Andean condors, and more. Travelers will reach Machu Picchu at the historic Sun Gate by day seven of this trip. Travelers will then be driven back to Cusco before departing the next day.
Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local, and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder, Reto, climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.
Macaws in the Tambopata National Reserve. Image courtesy of Follow Alice.
This trip is a great add-on to a Peru trip! Travelers will enjoy a two-night getaway to the gorgeous and diverse Amazon rainforest. Start this trip with an hour-long boat ride to the Refugio Amazonas eco-hostel for the night, located in a chestnut forest near the Tambopata National Reserve. The next day, travelers will explore the Tambopata River, which is full of parrots and macaws. Then travelers will get to walk around Lake Condenado to see more wildlife (even capybaras and alligators)! There is also time to visit neighboring organic farms to see locally grown fruits before departing the next day.
Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.
The Rainforest along the Tambopata River in Peru. Image courtesy of Follow Alice.
The Peruvian Amazon is home to approximately ten percent of the world’s biodiversity and is the second-largest expanse of the Amazon rainforest. On this trip, travelers will spend four days enjoying the rainforest, beginning with a climb to the high lookout tower in the Refugio Amazonas lodge. The next day, travelers will explore the Tambopata River, known for its colorful scenery, where they will get the chance to bird watch. Then, travelers will head to Condenado Lake to see more wildlife, such as otters and capybaras. There will also be time for the option to visit an organic farm. Then, travelers will visit a Brazilian nut farm to see the large chestnut trees before going on a guided walk into the rainforest to learn about the medicinal properties of the local vegetation. Travelers will then head back to Puerto Maldonado via boat ride before departure.
Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder, Reto, climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.
Aerial view of Lima, Peru. Courtesy of FollowAlice
Bring yourself on a three-day journey through Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, where colonial charm meets culinary excellence. This low-intensity adventure is perfect for travelers of all ages who love food, culture, and storytelling. Explore the bohemian Barranco district, famous for its colorful street art and the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Wander through Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre to discover grand colonial landmarks like the cathedral, government palace, and the San Francisco Monastery with its fascinating catacombs. Dive into Peru’s rich food culture with a guided market tour and hands-on cooking class, where travelers will prepare classics such as ceviche, a traditional Latin-American dish made from raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice–and lomo saltado, a Peruvian stir-fry with strips of beef sauteed alongside red onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, vinegar, a type of yellow chili pepper native to the land (Aji Amarillo), garlic, and other spices. Additionally, travelers will learn the secrets of Peru’s national drink in a Pisco Sour workshop. Whether sampling exotic fruits, admiring Spanish architecture, or learning local legends, this immersive experience offers a delicious as well as insightful taste of Peru’s past and present–all in the coastal heart of the country.
This 3-day trip costs $485 per person. The trip is led by Follow Alice–an adventure travel company known for its ethical, community-centered approach to tourism. Founded in 2014 after cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with local Tanzanian guide Chris, Follow Alice was born out of a shared passion for exploration and cultural connection. Today, all of their guides are local, and 70% of each trip’s cost remains within the local economy, supporting sustainable travel as well as empowering communities.
Brazil nut camp and medicinal walking trail. Image courtesy of Follow Alice.
This trip is perfect for the curious and outdoorsy adventurer, as travelers will spend five days in the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, travelers will have the chance to climb the high lookout tower at Refugio Amazonas lodge (where they will be staying) to see various birds such as macaws and toucans. The next day, travelers will head down to the Tambopata River to see hundreds of parrots come together to create a colorful display. Then, travelers will walk around Lake Condendado to see other wildlife such as otters and capybaras. There is also an opportunity to visit a local organic farm. Travelers will then visit a nearby mammal clay lick to spot even more wildlife, such as white-lipped peccaries, before having the chance to go on a mountain bike ride through the jungle. The next day, travelers will visit a Brazil nut camp to see and learn about how chestnut trees are the region’s most sustainable economic activity. Then, they will venture on a guided walk into the rainforest to learn about the medicinal uses of local plants and trees before departing.
Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local, and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder, Reto, climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.
Amazon volunteer program. Courtesy of Maximo Nivel.
Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and has a stunning variety of landscapes, from mountains to beaches and rainforests. The country is home to the source of the Amazon River and the historical Incan settlement of Machu Picchu. In fact, the Peruvian Amazon is the second-largest stretch of the Amazon and includes thousands of different animal species. The forest’s tropical climate also has lots of the country’s natural resources. However, construction and commercial mining have led to the deforestation of the Peruvian Amazon, which threatens the unique and endangered species that live there. Volunteers will work to plant trees, monitor animals and remove non-native species to combat deforestation. Additionally, volunteers will get to learn about the tree species of the Peruvian Amazon and its inhabitants.
This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and costs $685 for one week and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, four-to-six hours per day (Sunday to Thursday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.
Machu Picchu. Matthew Paulson. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
The travel group meets and enjoys a group night out on the town. Together, they visit local bars and restaurants before taking a bus the next day to Nazca. They can experience a traditional Pachamanca dinner before catching another overnight bus to Arequipa, the “White City.”
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Machu Picchu. Pedro Szekely. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Travelers will start their journey in Lima, where they can get to know each other. Feel free to travel to the bars and restaurants in the capital's happening Barranco neighborhood. Further south in Nazca, there will be free time to explore this historical city. Everyone can see the titular Nazca lines, tour the Nazca Desert Cemetery, and later enjoy a “Pachamanca dinner.”
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Eco-Agriculture in Peru. Courtesy of Maximo Nivel.
Volunteers can visit many Inca ruins including Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the New World and a UNESCO Heritage Site.
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Volunteer project in Peru. Courtesy of IVHQ.
Peru is a land of contrasts. The country is home to mountain systems, arid deserts and coastal plains, and its three prominent topographical bands are Costa, Sierra and Amazonia. The Amazon Rainforest covers almost two-thirds of Peru, about 60% of the nation's territory! The Peruvian Amazon is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 700 kinds of fish, 500 types of mammals, and over 300 reptile species. Ecotourism has become an essential industry in Peru; the nation has a higher percentage of protected land than any other country in South America. Specifically, there are fifty-three protected areas throughout the country. This includes national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and reserved zones. Volunteers can help with a wide range of conservation activities that add to preserving Peru’s climate and animals. Participants will be based in the heart of the jungle, where they will receive a different kind of insight into Peru’s rich biodiversity. Tasks include (but are not limited to) reforestation, home-based maintenance, research projects, trail conservation and animal inventories. Volunteers will immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and gain conservation and research experience, all while making a difference in the nation's ecosystem.
This is a minimum two-week and maximum 24-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $105 for two weeks and $1,510 for 4 weeks.
Healthcare volunteer project in Peru. Courtesy of Maximo Nivel.
There are two different volunteer placements for this project. Licensed medical professionals and medical students in their third and fourth years can apply to be medical volunteers, while those who are unlicensed and/or are completing their medical training have access to Healthcare placements.
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Volunteering in a dog rescue shelter. Courtesy of Maximo Nivel.
Volunteers can help take these dogs off the street and provide them with much-needed love, attention and care. Volunteers help the project by cleaning the animals and cages, feeding the dogs, helping with basic obedience training, interacting with visitors, playing with the animals, taking photos, helping with administration and assisting with fundraising and educational programs.
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Courtesy of G Adventures
Peru, located in western South America, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with habitats ranging from the barren plains in the west to the lush Amazon rainforest in the east. On this experience, travelers will journey along the Peruvian coast, discovering small coastal towns, desert oases, islands and bustling bohemian neighborhoods along the way. Starting off in Lima, the capital city, the group will then head south along the coast to a small fishing town to experience a fresh seafood lunch and learn how Peruvian ceviche is prepared. Then, travelers will head inland and zoom around the sand dunes on dune buggies before trying out sand boarding and taking a swim in the desert oasis at sunset. The next day will be spent in Huacachina, another desert oasis, where activities like kiteboarding classes and pisco distillery visits are all on offer. To conclude this adventure, travelers will hop on a bus to the nearby town of Paracas for a boat excursion out to the Ballestas Islands, which are home to penguins, sea lions and all kinds of seabirds.
This 5-day experience starts at $450 per person and includes accommodation, transportation, 4 breakfasts and 1 lunch. This trip is part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection: a series of immersive small-group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travelers.
The trip begins with an arrival in Cusco and a short hike to start acclimating to the high altitude. The following day the hike begins in Chinchero and includes some farm work. Chinchero, while a small village, has many Incan ruins and is home to Peruvian weavers.
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Participants are placed in small communities, where they live with an Indigenous Andean family.
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this trip exposes volunteers to the Peruvian healthcare system and is a great opportunity for learning, giving back, and taking part in positive cultural exchange. The healthcare placement is for students of health science, nursing, and pre-med.
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The idea for WAVES originated in 2004 on the beaches of northern Peru, when a group of international surfers shared a desire to help local youth with little resources enjoy surfing.
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