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PERU

Volunteer in Peru, the vibrant Land of the Incas, and immerse yourself in Andean culture, delve into rich Latin American traditions, discover Machu Picchu and observe diverse wildlife. 

panoramic view of machu picchu
group of people on the street in traditional cusco clothing
stone walls at machu picchu
traditional dancers in square in peru
group of alpacas at machu picchu
horse back riding through the mountain valley

Intern & Volunteer in Peru

In Peru, many indigenous descendants live in poverty. By volunteering in Peru, you’ll be helping local organisations contribute to local communities driving change and sustainable innovations to their environment. Work together with communities through marketing internships, public health and wellbeing, social work or environmental agriculture. 

Peru boasts incredible natural landscapes, in addition to the iconic Machu Picchu. The Manu Biosphere Nature Reserve is one of the largest natural, protected areas in the world, boasting more than 1,000 species of birds. Join one of our conservation projects in the heart of the rainforest that aims to help preserve nature and support action against climate change.

When you volunteer in Peru you can spend your weekends exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Consider adding extra time to your trip and journey to Trujillo, near the coast. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the archaeological site of Chan Chan and get a glimpse into the way of life during the Chimú culture.

As a volunteer in Peru, you may be based in Cusco which was once the capital of the Inca empire. Here you can visit the 16th-century cathedral, find yourself caught up in the many local fiestas and get a taste of local cuisine. Though Cusco is a tourist hub, you will get the chance to practice Spanish and hear a range of dialects spoken by local people while volunteering in Peru.

Join Kaya on an internship in Peru, or volunteer and contribute to vital, ongoing projects that make a real difference to communities and the environment. 

WHY INTERN OR VOLUNTEER IN PERU WITH KAYA? 

  • You can become an intern or volunteer in Peru on one of our projects for anywhere from 2-12 weeks.
  • Kaya’s volunteer projects and internships in Peru are available to start throughout the year. 
  • All of our projects work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Kaya provides all volunteers and interns with accommodation for the duration of their trip.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Population: Approximately 30 million people (2021)
  • Languages spoken: Spanish is the official language of Peru. Indigenous languages such as Quechua and Aymara are also spoken, especially in rural areas.
  • Religion: The predominant religion in Peru is Roman Catholicism. However, there is also a significant influence of indigenous beliefs and practices, blending with Catholicism in many cases.
  • Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
  • Climate: Peru’s climate varies greatly due to its diverse geography. There are three main climate zones: coastal, highland, and rainforest. The coastal region has a desert climate with mild temperatures, the highland region experiences a temperate climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, and the rainforest region has a tropical climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year.

FUN FACT ABOUT PERU

Three-quarters of the world’s alpacas live in Peru! With a global population of alpacas estimated at 10 million, 7.5 million of that is estimated to be in Peru. Don’t be surprised if you run into a few on your way to Machu Picchu!

Gallery

Young mother working at desk support for young mothers Peru
Textiles support for yTextiles support for young girls Peruoung mothers Peru
Lady in the market support for young mothers Peru
Coricancha ruins Cusco support for young mothers Peru
Donkeys in mountains Microfinance vounteer placement Peru
panoramic view of machu picchu
Craftsman Inca jewellery making cooperative Peru
peruvian woman and girl dressed in cultural outfits with a goat wrapped in cloth
Happy volunteer healthy kitchens Peru
Dancers in the square healthy kitchens Peru
Vegetable garden global health and nutrition Peru
Food prep global health and nutrition Peru
Small bird resting on fingers environmental conservation Peru
Tree frog environmental conservation Peru
Volunteers eating together environmental conservation Peru
Volunteers making notes environmental conservation Peru
Monkey environmental conservation Peru
Misty scenery environmental conservation Peru
Hummingbird environmental conservation Peru
Drinking from vine environmental conservation Peru
Backstreets agriculture for improved nutrition Peru

Our Peru Projects

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Media & Marketing Internship in Peru

Intern in for a local social enterprise promoting financial independence through indigenous traditions in Peru

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Education Internship in Peru

Intern in a local school and gain some teaching experience in Peru

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Special Needs Therapy Internship in Peru

Intern in a special education centre in Peru that supports children age 3 to 20 by providing them special education geared to their specific needs

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At-Risk Youth Social Work Internship in Peru

Intern in a social centre that supports children and adolescents considered at-risk and help the NGO provide a safe and comfortable environment.

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Multimedia Internship in Peru

Multimedia internship in Peru to develop your CV/resume and help while supporting biodiversity conservation

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Environmental Conservation Internship in Peru

Environmental conservation internship in Peru to develop your CV/resume and help with scientific research

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Supporting Young Mothers Volunteering in Peru

Volunteer in Cusco and support young mothers and their children in Peru.

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Healthy Kitchens Project in Peru

Join us in supporting local families by addressing hygiene and sanitation issues by working on our healthy kitchens volunteering in Peru project.

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Environmental Conservation Volunteer Program: Peruvian Rainforest

Be part of a leading research programme and help with sustainable community and environmental conservation initiatives in the Peruvian rainforest.

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Inca Jewellery-Making Marketing in Peru

Volunteer in Peru on this Inca Jewellery-making cooperative marketing project and assist with promoting traditional cultural techniques and products.

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Microfinance Internship in Peru

If you are interested in banking, accountancy or economics why not support poorer local people by joining this Microfinance volunteer placement in Peru.

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Global Health & Nutrition in the Andes

Come to Peru and participate in global health and nutrition volunteering in the Andes.

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Peru Travel FAQs

Do you need to know Spanish to volunteer in Peru?

If you are not a Spanish speaker, don’t worry! You can take an intensive Spanish language course before you start, or alongside your volunteering project or internship in Peru with us. Find out more information through the Spanish language project page, or speak to one of our advisors!

What are the benefits of volunteering in Peru?

There are plenty of benefits to volunteering abroad in general! But the advantages of our internships and volunteer projects in Peru are overflowing too. Here are just a few:

  • Improve access to education for children from disadvantaged communities
  • Provide sustainable support to young women through microfinance projects
  • Increase awareness about environmental conservation to schools in local communities
What do I need to consider before I volunteer in Peru?

Before you join a volunteer project in Peru, you should ask yourself the following questions;

  • What skills or strengths do you think would be used best whilst volunteering?
  • Do you have a specific interest or qualification in any field?
  • Do you think you will be able to adapt to another culture, become fully immersed and remain open minded?
  • Do you think you will be able to have a successful time coping with the volunteer work demands and any feelings of homesickness?
  • What do you want to get out of the volunteer project and what are your expectations? If you have a specific project in mind that you feel would contribute to your long term aspirations or career goals?
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?

You don’t need to have a visa to enter Peru for stays up to 183 days. However, all visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and proof of a flight exiting the country. If you’re in any doubt, you can reach out to one of our advisors through requesting a call back, and they are more than happy to help you preparing any documentation.

Is it safe to volunteer in Peru?

Volunteering in Peru generally offers safe experiences, but it’s vital to exercise caution and follow local guidelines. Kaya have helped hundreds of volunteers embark on a journey in Peru and have had nothing but great feedback! So there is no need to worry. However if you still feel a little anxious, take a look at our general safety blog!

Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.