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Peru is located in South America. It borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, and Chile and Bolivia to the southeast. The capital is Lima, and the population is 30 million. The official language is Spanish.
Peru has a unique topography with great variations, which gives it a different climate from other equatorial countries. It is a country that is generally located at a high altitude above sea level, although it has great differences in altitude in different zones. Its territory is made up of large flat areas but also of high peaks of the Andes mountain range.
We could differentiate three main climates in Peru. On the one hand, the arid subtropical climate of the coast, characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall. In the Andean zone, the temperatures are very low and there is a lot of rainfall in summer. Finally, the eastern zone, the Amazonian zone, is characterized by having a very humid climate and high temperatures typical of the Amazon.
Peru uses Peru Time (PET), the same as Eastern Standard Time (EST) but 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). Unlike some regions, Peru does not switch to daylight saving time, keeping a consistent time zone year-round.
The sol is the country’s official currency, with 1 Peruvian sol equating to approximately 0.27 euros.
The project is located in Huanchaco, a coastal town 20 minutes from the city of Trujillo.
The stay begins as soon as the volunteer is picked up at the destination.
Meals will be provided at a location chosen by the local NGO, typically a local business (supporting the local economy of Huanchaco). In case a volunteer decides to take an excursion or trip, they will be responsible for their own meals on those days.
Participants arriving outside of the designated pickup time or day will incur an additional cost, the amount of which will vary depending on the destination.
The project is located in Huanchaco, a coastal town 20 minutes from the city of Trujillo, the third largest city in Peru, and the capital of the La Libertad region.
The town of Huanchaco has about 5,000 inhabitants, and in its surroundings there are several young towns mostly populated by migrants from the highlands. Many of the migrants came to the coast in 1997/1998 when the El Niño phenomenon caused severe flooding in their lands, destroying their homes. For this reason, there is a substantial socioeconomic difference between the Huanchaco resort and its young towns.
During your volunteer work, you will live in Huanchaco, and our main project is located in the Cerrito de la Virgen community, although we also work in other surrounding communities.
Speaking of culture, Huanchaco is famous for its thousand-year-old fishing traditions, with the “reed” boats called Caballitos de Totora. Local fishermen have been using the Caballitos de Totora for 3000 years, and it is a common sight to see fishermen surfing a wave with their boat to shore after collecting the day’s catch. This is how the surfing tradition was born in Huanchaco, and here you can enjoy surfing waves all year round.
The weather in Huanchaco varies a bit depending on the season. The hottest months (summer) are from December to April, but it doesn’t get too cold in winter either. From June to October it is cloudy more often, and it may rain a little some days. If you come during the winter months, it would be good to have a mix of long pants and shirts, as well as options for days when it is warmer.
The Cusco projects are located near the main tourist destination in Peru and one of the most important in the world, offering visitors, in a unique and spectacular way, a rich historical and monumental legacy, located in a territory of mountains and multicolored valleys of lush forests and forests, of beautiful lagoons and rushing rivers. The department of Cusco is considered a World Cultural Heritage and its main attraction is the Machu Picchu Natural Sanctuary and Citadel, declared one of the new seven wonders of humanity.
Volunteers assigned to Huanchaco must arrive at either Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (airport code TRU) or in Lima at Jorge Chávez International Airport (airport code LIM). Local staff will meet you upon arrival at either airport and transport you to your accommodation in Huanchaco.
If you apply for the Huanchaco program and choose to arrive at the Lima airport, the local team can provide guidance and assistance with reaching your final destination in Huanchaco.
Volunteers assigned to Cusco must arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Pick-up days in Cusco are Sundays.
Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its rich diversity and delectable flavors, making it a highlight of any visit to the country. Among the most celebrated dishes is ceviche, a refreshing seafood preparation marinated in citrus juices and seasoned with aromatic spices. Another popular staple is pollo a la brasa, a rotisserie-roasted chicken dish that tantalizes taste buds with its smoky and savory notes.
Beyond these well-known favorites, Peruvian cuisine offers a fascinating array of regional specialties that showcase the country’s diverse culinary heritage. One unique ingredient that has captured attention is the guinea pig, locally known as “cuy.” This Andean rodent features in traditional dishes, often roasted or stewed, and is considered a delicacy by many Peruvians.
To move around within Peruvian territory, the most common way is to use the road network. Buses are affordable and connect virtually all parts of the country.
Additionally, Peru is well connected internally through air transportation, which is the easiest and fastest way to reach destinations, although it is much more expensive than buses.
In Huanchaco, you can use tuk-tuks to reach some of the projects; the distances between the house and the projects are short.
In some cases, transportation to the project in Huanchaco will be included, and it will vary depending on the project.
During volunteering in Cusco, it’s generally possible to walk from the accommodation to the project, as all projects are located near the volunteer residence or host family.
In Huanchaco, you will find an abundance of tourist attractions, such as the largest pre-Inca city in all of South America.
Peruvian tourism is primarily renowned for its archaeological interest. As the cradle of Inca civilization, Peru offers visits to iconic places such as Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Arequipa. The historic center of the Peruvian capital is also a point of tourist interest for visitors.
Tourism is very important for Peru. The natural landscapes and their diversity are other attractions of the country. Both the area located in the Andes mountain range and the Amazon rainforest zone are natural areas worthy of admiration.
The objective of the project is to train young people to become social leaders. Volunteers reside in a multicultural environment, collaborate as a team to execute tasks or institutional projects, accompany beneficiaries in their daily lives or during workshops, and assist with the needs of the centers and homes.
Social Inclusion of children, young people and grandparents in situations of social risk.
Attention to Centers and Homes for the protection and restitution of rights of socially vulnerable children, adolescents and older adults.
Project participants will work alongside community members, engaging with various social actors to ensure that the project benefits everyone and respects the rights of all individuals.
This educational program aims to provide more equitable educational opportunities for those facing exclusion and marginalization. It achieves this by actively integrating families and communities into the learning process. The program offers support for working parents by providing childcare in a social daycare setting. It includes:
For older children:
For younger children (ages 2-3 to 5-6):
Important: Closed on national holidays and from December 23 to January 12.
Our Medical Volunteer Program focuses on providing support to medical outposts and social health projects in Cusco. These healthcare centers often face challenges due to a lack of infrastructure, resources, or basic health information, leading to a saturation of services.
With the help of volunteers, we aim to reach a wider population and strengthen our connection with the community through outreach efforts and public health campaigns. Volunteers will be involved in promoting and maintaining the effective, compassionate, and efficient services provided by the health centers.
For certified medical professionals (doctors, nurses), we can develop specific roles and tasks based on each volunteer’s skills, experience, and the needs of the clinics, health centers, and local communities.
The Medical Program requires proactive individuals who can bring fresh ideas and develop new workshops and campaigns.
Important: The Medical Volunteer Program, carried out by volunteers from the health sector who have not completed their training and/or are not members of the corresponding professional association and/or do not have Professional Civil Liability Insurance that provides coverage for the activities to be carried out in the destination, will consist of providing care and assistance under the supervision and direction of a qualified healthcare professional who meets the aforementioned requirements. Their work in the Medical Volunteer Program will involve assisting and accompanying qualified healthcare professionals.
Minimum Stay: 2 weeks.
Addressing Child Exploitation and Empowering Women
In Peru, child exploitation is a prevalent issue, with many young girls being taken from their communities to work as domestic servants. This program aims to provide a safe haven for these girls and adolescents, offering them accommodation, education, and protection from abuse. Additionally, the program collaborates with women in the communities, assisting them in finding employment opportunities and providing mentorship and guidance in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Activities:
Logistics:
Schedule:
This program is exclusively for women.
This educational program is primarily conducted at the community recreational center where we offer workshops in English, environmental science, literacy, and more.
The program is designed to provide a safe space for the children and adolescents of the community who come to the center, offering them support with their homework and activities to learn and enjoy after school.
It is a wonderful project and offers an unforgettable experience with all its participants.
Additionally, English classes are also taught in other educational institutions, such as local public schools, if the volunteer prefers.
Taks to develop:
Availability/Work schedule: The program is closed during public holidays, but volunteers can join in local celebrations or rest.
Normally, the work is Monday through Friday. However, there are activities/events outside of these hours. During weekends and public holidays, charity events for the community are sometimes held at the center, with the support of volunteers.
Minimum stay: 2 weeks
5 class dynamics to educate in an alternative way but within the educational system for 60 children from babies to 5 years old using Peruvian-European active methodology. It revalues Peruvian functional educational methodologies and incorporates the European cradle model in which the infant is the constructor of their own learning through early stimulation, routines, and play. Children between 3 to 5 years old.
Tasks to develop:
The project closes during school holidays and from December 15 to March 15.
Minimum stay: 1 week.
Logistics: 15 minutes walking (July and August 1 minute walking).
Program schedule: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.
This project aims to provide educational reinforcement to primary and secondary school students in the community. Activities:
Please note that the project is closed Closed on national holidays and from December 23rd to January 12th. Logistics: The project location is a 15-minute walk from the accommodation. (Please note that this will change to a 2-minute walk in July and August 2024.)
Program Schedule: Mondays to Fridays, 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (subject to change).
Minimum Stay: 1 week.
Social project at the San Sebastián medical post, serving around 20,000 beneficiaries from the surrounding population. It is a medical establishment where primary care and routine check-ups for community members are carried out. It is also known as a clinic or family health center. The location may vary to another similar medical post in terms of distance and features.
Activities to be carried out:
Open all year round except on national holidays.
Important: a criminal or sexual offense certificate is required, and a printed copy of the university degree must be brought to participate in the program.
Logistics: 15 minutes by bus (1 sol per trip).
Program schedule: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Important: The Medical Volunteer Program, carried out by volunteers from the health sector who have not completed their training and/or are not members of the corresponding professional association and/or do not have Professional Civil Liability Insurance that provides coverage for the activities to be carried out in the destination, will consist of providing care and assistance under the supervision and direction of a qualified healthcare professional who meets the aforementioned requirements. Their work in the Medical Volunteer Program will involve assisting and accompanying qualified healthcare professionals.
Minimum Stay in Cusco: 2 weeks.
Note: the medical program has an extra charge of 30 euros per volunteer.
This project provides support and guidance to mothers in preparing lunches for the peri-urban community. These meals are offered to the surrounding population at low cost and, in some cases, free of charge (for social cases).
Beneficiaries amount to approximately 90 people, including pregnant mothers, children, elderly adults, abandoned mothers, and people with disabilities.
The project operates through a combination of funding sources. The local municipality provides a monthly supply of legumes, while an NGO occasionally donates non-perishable food items. Additionally, the project relies on the minimal income generated from the daily sale of lunches to help cover operational costs.
Activities to carry out:
The project is open all year round, except national holidays.
Logistics: Bus (€0.30 per trip), 20-minute ride.
Program Schedule: Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM (lunch distribution from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM)
Minimum stay: 1 week.
In this program you will work in a local shelter, which houses around 40 dogs previously living on the streets of Huanchaco and its surroundings.
The project aims to give a new opportunity to the dogs in the area, that’s why veterinarians and volunteers with previous experience in animal shelters are of great help, even though it is not necessary to have previous experience in order to help in this project.
Activities to develop:
Environmental project that helps protect the native wildlife of the country and other areas of Peru. These animals have suffered mistreatment, kidnappings, habitat destruction, and have ended up in this center to attempt their reintroduction to their natural habitat, if possible. Unfortunately, not all of them can be reintegrated, and there will be permanent care at the sanctuary.
Activities to develop:
Animals at the Sanctuary:
Logistics:
Additional Notes:
In Huanchaco (Trujillo), volunteers will be accommodated in a volunteer house or a local lodging. Please inquire about the accommodation beforehand as it depends on availability.
Volunteers will have access to hot water, electricity, a living room, and a garden, among other amenities. It is a very comfortable space where we hope you will feel at home.
Additionally, they will enjoy 3 meals daily. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be the meals provided. Vegetables, fruits, meats, legumes, among others, make up typical Peruvian cuisine.
In Cusco, volunteers will stay in a volunteer house. The volunteer house is located in the city of Cusco, about a 10-minute walk from the center. In the coordinator’s house, there are volunteer rooms with beds and bunk beds (we also have a second house in a neighborhood near Cusco with the same conditions that may be used depending on the number of volunteers or logistics). You will share a room with volunteers of different ages, nationalities, and genders. Occasionally, we also have host homes and hostels available depending on the season.
In Cusco, three meals a day are included from Monday to Friday. On weekends, only breakfast is included, but volunteers usually have lunch and dinner out due to the many excursions available.
The total cost of the volunteering program is divided into 2 parts: The registration fee that is paid to book your placement (210€), and separately, the program cost that is paid later (in euros).
| PERIOD OF THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM | PROGRAM FEE (EUROS, €) | PROGRAM FEE (USD, $)* |
|---|---|---|
| 2 WEEKS | 575€ | 632$ |
| 3 WEEKS | 730€ | 803$ |
| 1 MONTH (4 WEEKS) | 885€ | 973$ |
| 5 WEEKS | 1040€ | 1144$ |
| 2 MONTHS (8 WEEKS) | 1505€ | 1655$ |
| 3 MONTHS (12 WEEKS) | 2125€ | 2337$ |
| 6 MONTHS (24 WEEKS) | 3985€ | 4383$ |
* The costs that are given in dollars are estimates, owing to constant fluctuations in conversion rates
The cost in Trujillo for one week is €315.
1 week: €345
2 weeks: €535
Additional week: €180
* The costs that are given in dollars are estimates, owing to constant fluctuations in conversion rates.
The Medical Program has an additional cost of 30 euros per volunteer.
If your currency is not specified in the table, you can convert your costs here.
Visa, flights, travel insurance (obligatory), vaccines, return to the airport, transport from the volunteer house to the project (€3 a week) and other personal expenses.
(*** Volunteers in Peru will generally find that €18 (approx. 25 USD) is enough to cover basic weekly expenses.) In Cusco, volunteers will usually spend around €25 a week on lunch and dinner.
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Our volunteers will be able to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.
What does volunteering focused on university practices involve?
At Cooperating Volunteers, we make agreements with different universities to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.
The specialties we work with are extensive: medical volunteering, nursing, education, social work, psychology, physiotherapy, engineering, architecture…
The practices can be carried out in our designated destinations for this purpose, as well as in Spain.
If you choose an international destination, it’s a unique way to live an unforgettable and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to continue your education in another country, with a completely different culture.
Stepping out of our comfort zone and being part of the various projects at the destination will allow us to grow both personally and professionally, creating a more extensive curriculum.
And we are fully convinced that this experience will accompany you throughout your life.
You will be able to visit hospitals, schools, centers, orphanages, and participate directly and actively in the daily lives of all those people at the destination, always accompanied by other professionals willing to collaborate hand in hand with you and guide you in daily tasks.
If your university is not part of the agreement with Cooperating Volunteers, you can contact cristina@cooperatingvolunteers.com so that we can get in touch and make this experience a reality.
Corporate volunteering consists of tailored programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills.
It is proven that teamwork directly impacts productivity.
Collective effort surpasses individual capabilities, promotes diversity of skills, stimulates creativity, and facilitates problem-solving in the face of various challenges.
Therefore, it not only maximizes efficiency but also enriches the work environment.
We conduct corporate volunteering programs that consist of customized programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills, improve performance, and foster unity among employees.
We tailor projects to the corporate identity and size of the company, and we can adjust them to any destination and time of the year.
The advantages of corporate volunteering include:
The future is aligned with a more responsible society, and participating in social projects positions our company among the list of revolutionary businesses that want to be part of the change.
If you resonate with this message, corporate volunteering is a unique experience both individually and collectively, and at Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the process to make it a unique journey.
Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members.
Spending quality time with family and being able to disconnect from our hectic routines is not only enriching but also necessary.
Sometimes we forget to communicate, connect, and dedicate time to each other. Each one of us lives focused on our jobs, schools… And it’s necessary to find the opportunity to pause and take care of ourselves.
Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. And of course, it creates lifelong positive memories.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we suggest moving away from those ‘more superficial’ trips (which can also be fantastic), but we invite you to live this experience to bring out our most empathetic and humanitarian side.
Family volunteering gives us the opportunity to be part of a positive impact, promoting values of solidarity and social responsibility.
There are many families who choose to experience these trips focused on cooperation and direct involvement with different communities around the world, where living conditions are very different and sometimes entirely precarious.
Projects are tailored to different ages, allowing us to work together.
An incredible way to fill our suitcase with memories, learning, and knowledge.
And although stepping out of our comfort zone often feels daunting, we assure you firsthand that it’s worth it.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the entire experience, from start to finish, to make it unforgettable.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we believe it’s never too late for anything, especially for volunteering and living a unique and unforgettable experience.
There are many people, increasingly so, who opt for responsible travel that involves social work.
Accustomed to organized and mostly touristic trips, at Cooperating Volunteers, we want to advocate for a more enriching experience, one that transforms us from within and allows us to be part of the change the world needs to see.
We can adapt both the destination and the duration of our projects to fit your needs.
It’s an opportunity full of emotions that allows us to significantly contribute to different communities and their evolution. And you can participate in different areas such as education, social support, or assistance in different centers.
Some of the benefits include:
Living this experience will undoubtedly be a before and after.
A volunteering initiative with leadership and impact through the educational action program.
When we talk about social volunteering, we refer to all those actions and activities carried out altruistically, selflessly, and with the aim of addressing multiple problems and needs of different communities, always focused on education and self-sufficiency.
Education is essential because it provides the tools and knowledge necessary for personal, social, and economic development.
Our goal is to create self-sufficient communities and provide opportunities for the future personal development of each member. The message is not to ‘give’, but to accompany in the process of training for self-managed provision.
At Cooperating Volunteers, many of our destinations and projects embrace this type of volunteering. Some of our projects include: community programs, education, women’s empowerment…
And although they are completely different from each other, they share a single objective: progress towards a society that can embrace us all in the same way.
If you are someone who is restless, who needs to see a change in the future, volunteering is an experience tailor-made for you.