VOLUNTEERING IN Peru

SOUTH AMERICA

Peru is a truly diverse South American country which is rich in must see sights. Whilst most people will immediately think of the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu or the tropical Amazon rainforest, there’s something for everyone and it’s easy to understand why more and more people are looking to volunteer in Peru.

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Whether you are a thrill-seeker looking for your next adventure, a history buff interested in ancient civilisations or budding conservationist eager to learn more, there are plenty of traveller’s treasures to discover whilst volunteering in Peru! From exploring the snow-capped Andes Mountains, visiting giant sand dunes in Huacachina, taking in dramatic landscapes whilst trekking through the Colca Canyon, to absorbing local culture whilst wandering the cobbled streets of beautiful Cusco.

Alongside the array of activities available for travellers in Peru, there is also a great need for volunteers to work on conservation initiatives. Pod Volunteer is an award-winning non-profit organisation helping people to volunteer in Peru for as little as 2 weeks or as long as 3 months.

You can get involved in our Amazon conservation project based in the heart of the jungle, helping to research ecosystems and conserve the rainforest through sustainable community projects.

Climate wise, Peru is a huge country and the weather varies considerably depending on whether you are based on the coast, in the highlands or in the amazon rainforest. Cities such as Arequipa and Huaraz both have fairly consistent climates with highs of around 23°C and lows of 9°C each month and are typically dry throughout the year. In contrast, the Manu rainforest region has a tropical climate with daily temperatures around 20-30°C, with wet season from October to March. Volunteers are needed all year round in Peru.

At Pod Volunteer we love to travel and have visited the projects in Peru. Here is our insider’s view of our experiences travelling and volunteering in Peru…

Things we loved: Machu Picchu! It is included on many bucket lists and it is clear to see why, it is a truly impressive and breath-taking ancient site. Improving your Spanish skills – the lovely locals are happy to help you expand on your Spanish vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Great buys at local craft markets – ideal for alpaca wool Christmas jumpers! There are lots of trekking options, from the deserts near Colca Canyon, to snow topped mountains in the north and jungle treks in the Amazon.

Things we weren’t so sure about! The altitude in some of the cities takes a day or two to get used to. Outside of main tourist areas there are not that many options for vegetarians

Below you’ll find a summary of our volunteering projects in Peru which you can click through to and find out about the volunteer role, location, accommodation and costs, see lots of pictures and read volunteer reviews!

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Amazon Conservation

Amazon Conservation

Peru

  • Work alongside scientific researchers to document the ecosystem to help conserve the rainforest
  • Study local wildlife including rare Blue-headed macaw, jaguars and monkeys
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Duration: 2 – 12 weeks

Cost from: £1595 / €1850 / $1995

Top 5 reasons to visit and volunteer in Peru

  • Machu Picchu - the most famous Inca site in Peru, and a trip to this country would not be complete without a mountain trek on the Inca trail. Sunrise over these ancient ruins is a sight that will stay with you forever.

  • Adrenaline rush - if you like your extreme sports, Peru will not disappoint. Try out some sand boarding down the giant dunes near Huacachina, surf some extreme waves on Peru’s coast, paraglide from the coastal cliffs of Lima, ride dune buggies and go river running in the Amazon - awesome!

  • Arequipa and Colca Canyon - Arequipa is known as the ‘white city’ It is a beautiful colonial city which has been declared a UNESCO Human Heritage site. It is an ideal starting point for an overnight homestay near the volcanic Colca Canyon which is an area of astounding scenic beauty.

  • Amazon - the Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and is home to many incredible animals including cougars, jaguars, tapirs, giant otters, llamas and over 1200 species of birds. Peru is an ideal starting point for your jungle adventures.

  • Shamans - if you are a spiritual person or interested in learning about the traditions of healers and spiritual advisors, Peru offers some interesting options from Amazonian shamans to Andean curanderos or even have a guinea pig rubbed over your body to remove impurities!

Peru boat on Amazon

Peru boat on Amazon

Peru mountain and airstrip

Peru mountain and airstrip

Peru city square

Peru city square

Peru condor in flight

Peru condor in flight

Peru trekking

Peru trekking

Peru city architecture

Peru city architecture

Peru monkey in jungle

Peru monkey in jungle

Peru Amazon river crossing

Peru Amazon river crossing

Perus traditional ladies in dress

Perus traditional ladies in dress

Peru amazon jungle

Peru amazon jungle

Peru canyon and lake

Peru canyon and lake

We have long term relationships with hand-picked projects that have lasting and positive impact. We are a highly experienced and passionate team, here to support you!

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AWARDS AND ACCREDITATIONS