Volunteer to Teach English in Peru

Peru is a nation famed for its archaeological sites, ancient history, and culinary traditions, with Cusco being the beating heart of cultural experiences and heritage. Yet many people in the country still struggle to learn English, which is essential for academic and professional development - particularly in the tourism and business industries. As volunteers, travelers will teach English to kids, teens, and adults who are unable to pay for lessons, elevating communities out of poverty by providing them with more diverse opportunities. Travelers will teach in after-school programs, community centers, and local military facilities, assisting with lesson planning, teaching, and tutoring. To assist volunteers in their work, they will receive basic training in teaching English as a Second Language. 

In their free time, volunteers can explore Cusco’s markets, cobblestoned streets, and visit the archaeological ruins in the Sacred Valley. Additionally, on weekends, they can visit the ruins of Machu Picchu, the capital city of Lima, or the Amazon rainforest in the north of the country. 

This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 4-week trip (with the option to add additional weeks) that costs $735 for one week, led by Maximo Nivel, a Latin America-based travel company that offers volunteer travel opportunities, Spanish immersion, study abroad and gap year programs in Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

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Walk the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Day Hike

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, travelers 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.

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Hike Peru’s Machu Picchu

On the Classic Inca Trail trip, travelers will follow a centuries-old path through the Andes before arriving at the region’s most iconic archaeological site, Machu Picchu. The trail winds through high-altitude grasslands, Incan ruins, and cloud forests. This trip contains two distinct parts: cultural exploration in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and hiking the Inca Trail. While in Cusco, travelers can enjoy the old capital of the Inca Empire with a morning tour and immerse themselves in Peruvian culture. In the Sacred Valley, travelers visit traditional weaving cooperatives, explore the agricultural terraces, and walk amongst the landscapes of the Maras Salt Flats. The hiking portion of the trip follows the Inca Trail for several days, passing through alpine grasslands, stone stairways, and remote archaeological sites. Each day, participants hike uphill, with evenings spent at camp sites. Along the way, travelers may spot Andean condors, llamas, and alpacas grazing the highlands, while learning about Inca history and Peruvian culture. Highlights of the Inca Trail hike include the Dead Woman’s Pass and entering the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu on the last day. Hidden high in the Andes, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century and sits dramatically atop a ridge, surrounded by jagged, rainforest-covered mountains and archaeological wonders. Travelers can explore the ancient city, walking through its temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces. Participants should be in moderate to high physical condition, as the Inca Trail hike is strenuous and steep. 

This is an 8-day trip that costs $2,090 led by Follow Alice, a sustainable travel company offering adventurous small group tours that offer hiking, safari and cultural exploration across Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. The company was founded when cofounder Reno and his lead guide Chris climbed Kilimanjaro and made their dream a reality. All trips are led by local guides and 70% of all trip costs go back to the local community. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Explore Lima’s Cuisine and Peruvian History

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.

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Immerse Yourself in Peru’s Nature and Culture

During this immersive experience deep in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, travelers will explore diverse ecosystems, encounter extraordinary wildlife, and gain firsthand insight into one of the most biologically rich regions on the planet. This trip takes place in Puerto Maldonado, where travelers will stay in the Refugio Amazonas, an eco-lodge located next to the Tambopata Nature Reserve. This lodge is home to the Wired Amazon Project, a conservation and research initiative focused on protecting the rainforests and advancing scientific understanding of the region. Guided excursions will take participants through jungle trails and river systems, offering the chance to spot river otters, capybara, alligators, and an array of birds. Additionally, travelers will explore a renowned clay lick famed for macaw birdwatching. This trip also offers the chance to connect with the local cultures through nearby farm visits and rainforest walks, where they will learn about native fruits and medicinal plants. A visit to a Brazil nut farm will give insight into the sustainable harvesting methods that support local livelihoods. Participants can also listen to researchers from the Wired Amazon Project at the lodge and learn about ongoing conservation efforts and scientific research in the region. This trip is ideal for wildlife and nature lovers seeking an Amazon experience based on conservation and wildlife protection. Travelers can expect to be on their feet for most of the day and be in humid, wet environments in the forest. 

This is a 5-day trip that costs $1,640 led by Follow Alice, a sustainable travel company offering adventurous small group tours that offer hiking, safari and cultural exploration across Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. The company was founded when cofounder Reno and his lead guide Chris climbed Kilimanjaro and made their dream a reality. All trips are led by local guides and 70% of all trip costs go back to the local community. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Volunteer to Help Conserve Peru’s Rainforests

Peru is a land of contrasts. The country is home to mountain systems, arid deserts, and coastal plains. 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 contribute 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 that costs $905 for two weeks. This trip is led by IVHQ,  a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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Dune Buggies to Sandboarding on the Coast of Peru

On this trip, the group will journey along the Peruvian coast, discovering small coastal towns, desert oases, islands and bustling bohemian neighborhoods along the way. Starting off in Lima, a capital city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site at its center and a vibrant nightlife, travelers will get the chance to explore independently and roam the romantic plazas of this coastal center.  In a small fishing town, travelers will experience a fresh seafood lunch and learn how Peruvian ceviche is prepared. Heading into the Peruvian desert, the group will have the chance to zoom around the sand dunes on dune buggies, try out sandboarding, take a sunset swim in an oasis,  take a kiteboarding class, and visit a pisco distillery. In the Ballestas Islands, see a unique pantheon of fauna from penguins to flamingos, to sea turtles on a boat excursion.

This is a 5-day trip and costs $439. This trip is a G Adventures Roamie trip, a hostel-based trip style geared towards 18-35 year olds looking to explore iconic destinations through an immersive and wallet-friendly experience. G Adventures is a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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