Climb the Inca Trail and Experience Machu Picchu

The Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyu, Quechua for ‘Realm of Four Parts’) was a powerful ancient civilization. Most of its history is shrouded in legend, but it is thought that the Incas were originally a pastoral tribe who may have arrived in Peru and built their capital, Cusco, around 1100 AD. From there they grew in power, and invaded and seized control of the surrounding areas. Their power was eventually crushed by civil war, disease, and invasion by Spanish explorers and conquistadors in the 16th century. This award-winning 14-day Inca Trail Tour begins in Lima and finishes in Cusco. After arriving, 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.” Travelers can enjoy its history and architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and enjoy the local cuisine, including alpaca, shrimp, pork and soup. The next day includes a full-day tour and an overnight excursion to the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world and an excellent venue to see Andean condors flying. From here, travelers journey by overnight bus to Cusco before heading to the Sacred Valley, the site of the Ccaccaccollo community center, and the women’s weaving cooperative, where travelers can see local garment weaving and dying techniques. Travelers stay overnight in local community homestays before journeying through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Here, they can take a Sacred Valley tour to visit the Pisac ruins, a local market and the Ollantaytambo ruins. The next three days are spent hiking the Inca Trail. It passes through Warmiwanusca, known as Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail and named for its notable rock-formed silhouette of a woman lying down. The trail traverses two more passes to the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds," an archaeological site so named due to its high altitude. The final day begins before dawn with a hike to Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel and UNESCO Heritage site and an impressive testament to the Inca Empire’s power. The tour concludes with a bus journey to Aguas Calientes and a train ride back to Cusco.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1,519 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 14 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, the Inca Trail hike with local guides, cooks, and porters, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and accommodation will be included.

Explore Peru’s Cities and Andes

Peru, known among other treasures for the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, is home to much of the Andes Mountain range. Created over 50 million years ago, the Andes are a collection of several mountain chains joined in orographic knots. It is so big that cities like La Paz, Quito, Cuenca, Arequipa and Medellin are only some of the most famous cities on its mesas. In addition, the region is a haven of biodiversity; it combines three different climatic zones: the Tropical Andes, Dry Andes and Wet Andes. These areas are home to an outstanding array of wildlife, including under 600 species of mammals, an equal number of reptile species, 1,700 types of birds, and over 30,000 plant species. 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.” In Arequipa, the “White City,” architecture buffs will enjoy the Santa Catalina Monastery. For the next two days, travelers will see much of Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Everyone will have a chance to explore Cusco before heading to Ccaccaccollo, the sacred valley of the Incas. The next three days consist of exploring the Inca Trail. Home to sites such as Llactapata, Warmiwanusca, Runquraqay and more. At Machu Picchu, everyone can join up for a guided tour of the sights. Return to Cusco that evening for night activities. Depart at any time the next day.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1539 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 14 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals and accommodation will be included.

Practice Sustainable Farming in Peru

Peru is a tropical country, with more than half of its territory covered by the Amazon, the largest rainforest in the world. It is also home to the Andes, the planet’s second-highest mountain range. It was here that the Inca Empire was established 600 years ago, which thrived until its conquest by the Spanish in 1532. Today’s Peruvian economy has a strong reliance on agriculture. Several NGOs and farming cooperatives are currently trying to incorporate organic, sustainable and traditional practices into their farming operations. On this trip, volunteers are sent to the Sacred Valley and the Huyro Region in the highlands of the Amazonian rainforest. They will help local tea, coffee and cacao growers in a collective farming project. The famously fertile Sacred Valley is rich in Inca history and has been an agricultural site for hundreds of years. Volunteers can visit many Inca ruins including Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the New World and a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is thought to have been built around 1450 and remains an impressive testament to the Inca Empire’s power and architectural prowess. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks , and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day of practical work (Monday–Friday), letters of recommendation, an emergency contact number and accommodation will be included.

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, 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 $805 for two weeks and $6,750 for 24 weeks.

Volunteer to Help in Cusco’s Healthcare

Peru is a country rich in cultural heritage and of great historical significance. This volunteer program is an on-site project in Cusco, Peru’s capital. Cusco was first established as the center of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though Peru’s government provides free healthcare, many areas have limited and unequal access to it. 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. Medical volunteers are typically placed at a national clinic, helping with primary and emergency care, or at assisted living facilities. They have the opportunity to shadow or work alongside local medical professionals. Healthcare volunteers are usually placed within assisted living facilities and help with the day-to-day care work while providing companionship to the patients. Volunteers in both programs can access in-country support, learn local therapy methods often unavailable in their home countries, and make a difference to people in underfunded facilities.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number, and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Help Rescue Dogs in Peru

Cusco is an ancient Inca city known for its hospitality. This city likes its fiestas and celebrates its exciting blend of Inca folklore, native influences and Hispanic colonial traditions through the architecture of its main square, cobbled streets, and terracotta tile roof houses. Unfortunately, an overwhelming number of stray dogs spend their lives on Peru’s streets. These animals live in unsanitary conditions, risking illness and starvation, and are considered a public health issue by the local government. 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. These projects are heavily reliant on the help of volunteers who are needed to work both within a team and independently as leaders. In-country coordinators support all volunteers.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation will be included.

Explore the Coast of Peru

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.

Eat Your Way Through Peru

There are many factors contributing to Peru’s unique and widely admired culinary culture. The country's land is subject to extreme biodiversity, allowing for access to a large selection of ingredients. This selection, coupled with Peru’s ethnic diversity and long, rich history, have created a food scene like no other. Peru’s capital city, Lima, is home to four of the world’s top 50 restaurants. Three of them have made the list multiple years in a row. 

Travel to Lima, Nazca and Ica to explore the cultural and historical sites of Peru while enjoying authentic food along the way. On the trip, you will pass through small towns and metropolitan cities, visiting ancient burial grounds and pre-Incan historical sites like the mysterious Nazca lines. The lines are massive geoglyphs of animals, plants and other figures, etched into the sand around 500 BC. End your days with dinner at some of Peru’s most well-known wineries, enjoying the world-renowned food and wine. The tour will last six days and costs $2,495 USD per person. 

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Travel in the Footsteps of the Incas in Peru

Peru, found in the northwestern corner of South America, is home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and the famous Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city found in the Andean highlands. Peru is rich in archaeological sites, especially in the region near Machu Picchu which contains the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and the colonial city of Cusco. One way to explore Peru is by hiking the Inca Trail. However, this trip is not for the faint of heart since it requires nearly six to eight hours of physical activity per day. 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. Following a stop in Chinchero, the trip moves to Ollantaytambo where the Inca Trail hike will begin. The following few days of the trip include hiking and camping as well as exploring archaeological sites along the way. The trip ends with a stunning arrival at Machu Picchu and a tour of the ancient ruins before returning to Cusco.This six-night trip is run by Under30Experiences, a travel company that is geared toward creating sustainable travel options for young travelers. The trip itself costs $1,495 with early sign-up and $1,695 with regular sign-up. 

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Under30Experiences

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Volunteer to Teach in Peru with Vulnerable Populations

The Latin American Foundation for the Future (LAFF) is a United Kingdom-based organization that works with partner organizations in Peru to help disadvantaged children and young adults build a better future. LAFF has various volunteer opportunities available in Peru. To learn more about these opportunities, you can visit LAFF and check out volunteer positions such as communications coordinator, program coordinator, fundraising coordinator and more. If you have experience with Spanish, there is the opportunity to work directly with partner organizations in Peru to make a difference in the lives of the children they work with. These educational projects are located throughout Peru’s Cusco department including in the city of Cusco, surrounding Quechua communities, the Sacred Valley and the town of Oropesa. 

Cusco is a city in southeastern Peru located in the Andean highlands. It was once the capital of the Incan empire. Cusco is known for its ancient ruins, but the city faces many educational problems that LAFF aims to conquer. The Sacred Valley is a region of Peru’s Andean highlands near Cusco that encompasses the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. The Quechua people are a group of Indigenous people in Peru and Bolivia who speak Quechua. LAFF works with these communities to strengthen their education systems. Finally, Oropesa is one of 12 districts in Peru’s Quispicanchi province.  This district is located southeast of Cusco and is surrounded by many Incan ruins. In order to volunteer with LAFF, you must fill out an application. This volunteer opportunity is variable in terms of length with a minimum of three months but a recommended stay of six to 12 months. The cost of these volunteer opportunities is only flights, accommodations and food which volunteers are responsible for covering themselves. 

To learn more about Peru and LAFF, check out CATALYST’s Travel and Purpose Podcast in which Steph Dyson, a travel writer and educator, is interviewed about her experience volunteering with the organization. 

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LAFF

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Support Young Peruvian Mothers

This project is located in Cusco, Peru and aims to support young mothers and their children. Due to social conditions, there has been a rise in teen pregnancies in the country. Therefore, this project offers the opportunity to work within the community with NGOS that provide accomodation, support and work opportunities for mothers. In addition, it is the goal to create a family environment for these mother-child pairs by giving them access to basic nutrition, hygiene, childcare and household lessons to the mothers. Additionally, there is the responsibility to teaching women valuable skills that can be used in the workforce or possible business ventures. Furthermore, this project focuses on helping these women raise their children in a healthy and safe environment. Some tasks include baby care, teaching basic English and running exercise classes. The duration of the trip is 2 - 26 weeks, it costs $1587 for two weeks, and you must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Kaya

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Volunteer in Peru with Indigenous Communities

Peru is known for Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city in the Andes Mountains, and the nearby colonial city of Cusco. Maximo Nivel’s “Volunteer with Indigenous Communities” trip gives enrollees the opportunity to experience local culture and traditions as they serve. Participants are placed in small communities, where they live with an Indigenous Andean family. Volunteer work includes caring for animals and livestock, helping with agricultural work, weaving, creating textiles, learning to prepare traditional dishes, assisting with local construction projects and working with children at the local school. The program’s duration has a one-week minimum and participants must be at least 18 years old. One week of volunteering costs $665. 

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Assist Cuzco Health and Medical Care

This trip gives you the opportunity to volunteer in Cuzco, Peru at a medical center. The program offers both medical and healthcare placements, allowing students of all science-related majors to gain real experience in their field while living abroad. Additionally, 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. Volunteers also have the option to add on additional activities for a small fee to practice or learn Spanish. The project length is minimum one week and maximum one year with costs that range up to $1,000.

GoEco

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Surf and Volunteer in Peru

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. Today it is an established nonprofit and international network offering volunteer learning opportunities for surfers beginning the first and third weekend of every month in Lobitos. Based on your skills, you will contribute in one of the program areas: English and Arts, Environmental Responsibility, Life Skills, Swimming or Surfing and Social Entrepreneurship. If you stay three weeks or more, you will do an additional community service project. Costs are $495 volunteer contribution, plus $295/week.

WAVES FOR DEVELOPMENT

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Bring a Better Education to Peruvian Students

During the 1980s, political terrorism was rife through Peru’s countryside, causing the rural people to flock to urban areas for protection. Though the terrorism has since ended, Peru is suffering from the damage done to both its people and infrastructure, leaving the cities’ resources strained by the influx of people. As a volunteer on this trip, you can help bring better education to Peruvians living on the outskirts of the urban centers by encouraging school attendance, helping in the classroom and teaching the students. Based in Lima, Peru, this trip includes opportunities to become immersed in Peruvian culture, take Spanish classes, sample the food and enjoy living like a local. During free time, volunteers can shop the historic streets of Cuzco, hike the Colca Canyon and explore the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The minimum length for this trip is 1 week for $2,654, with a maximum stay of 3 months for $9,574.   

CROSS-CULTURAL SOLUTIONS

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