Peru – Cuzco Health and Medical Care – Images

The city of Cuzco lies in the southeastern Andes Mountains and was the capital city of the Inca Empire of Peru. Today, it is a bustling city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts more than one million tourists each year and is the gateway to the famous, ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Placements for this program are located in and around Cuzco. Certain placements may be as far as one hour away from the city.

This program offers three volunteer placement options: medical, healthcare and dental. See Requirements below for each placement.

Medical Placement 
Medical volunteers are placed in national clinics or assisted living facilities, depending on seasonal needs and project availability. Roles vary and may not always include direct patient care. Volunteers contribute based on their skills, training, and the project’s requirements, which may involve administrative tasks, patient interaction, or assisting medical professionals. Flexibility and realistic expectations are key.

Example of volunteer Tasks:

• Shadow medical professionals during consultations
• Assist with triage, wound care, blood samples, sutures, and injections
• Provide companionship and basic care, including feeding and bathing patients
• Distribute or organize medication and educate patients on its use
• Clean and prepare medical equipment and change beds
• Support with administrative tasks, such as data recording and filing

Healthcare Placement
Healthcare volunteers are typically placed in assisted living facilities for the elderly or schools for children with disabilities, with specific placements available for those with Physical Therapy training. While preferences are considered, placements are subject to seasonal needs and availability. Volunteers focus on providing general care and companionship, directly supporting project staff in daily tasks.

Volunteer task examples at Adult Assisted Living Facilities:

• Organize arts and crafts, engage in conversation, or conduct talk therapy
• Accompany patients on walks
• Sort and distribute medication
• Change beds and assist with feeding and bathing patients
• Monitor patients’ well-being
• Support with administrative tasks, such as filing

Dental Placement
Dental volunteers are typically placed in dental or general health clinics offering dental services in Cusco. Volunteers assist with daily clinic operations while gaining exposure to dental practices and the Peruvian healthcare system. Tasks and responsibilities vary based on the needs of the project and the volunteer’s qualifications.

Example of volunteer Tasks:

• Assist with reception duties, including appointments and paperwork
• Support teeth cleaning and check-ups
• Shadow dentists or hygienists
• Educate patients on basic dental hygiene and healthy habits
• Clean and prepare dental materials

Important Note: Volunteer independence and roles depend on their training, Spanish proficiency, program duration, and initiative. While direct patient care may not always be possible, the experience provides meaningful opportunities to contribute. Volunteers should be prepared to collaborate with Spanish-speaking staff and work independently, with ongoing support from in-country coordinators when needed.

Typical Schedule: Volunteers will work 3-4 hours per day, either a morning or afternoon shift, Monday-Friday. Schedules are subject to change depending on the current needs of the program.

Holidays: The project operates year-round, but volunteer schedules may vary during holidays. Please consult with our placement coordinators following registration for specific holiday dates. Note that our institutes are closed on December 25th and January 1st, with no project placements available on these days. Volunteer programs during these weeks will run for four days instead of the usual five.

Internet: Internet is available at some host families for an additional fee and at the institute in Cuzco for free.

Laundry: Laundry is available for an additional fee at host families or at local laundromats.

Accommodations: During your program and optional Spanish Immersion Week, you will stay with a warm and welcoming middle-class Peruvian host family. You will share a comfortable room with 1–3 same-gender volunteers. You’ll receive your own house key, allowing you flexibility to come and go while respecting the household’s routines and rules. Host families are conveniently located 10-25 minutes from the Spanish Institute, accessible by foot or public bus, and will accompany you to the institute on your first day.

Food: Your host family will provide breakfast and dinner daily, with special dietary needs accommodated if notified in advance. Peruvian cuisine, renowned as one of the best in South America, offers a delightful fusion of African, European, and Asian influences. Volunteers can enjoy home-cooked meals featuring staples like rice, beans, and corn, alongside root vegetables such as cassava, taro, and sweet potatoes—Peru boasts nearly 4,000 potato varieties, including vibrant purple ones! Fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful, with avocados and spicy aji salsa making frequent appearances on the menu.

To apply for one of these programs, you must meet at least one of the following qualifications:

Healthcare Program Requirements 

• Medical School Years 1 and 2
• Paramedic
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Pre-Med
• Pre-Nursing
• Biology Major
• Volunteers with no healthcare experience or coursework

Medical Program Requirements

• Doctor
• Physician Assistant (PA)
• Nurse Practitioner
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• Physical Therapist
• Medical School Years 3 and 4

Dental Program Requirements

• Dentist
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental School Years 1 and 2

General requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• Police clearance
• Must be flexible and open-minded
• Volunteering in medical and healthcare can be emotionally demanding, especially when working closely with terminally ill patients. Mental and emotional preparedness are essential for this role.

Spanish Immersion Week—Highly Recommended Add-On
Enhance your volunteer experience in Peru by starting with a Spanish Immersion Week! This optional program offers small-group Spanish classes from Monday to Thursday, four hours per day. Evenings are filled with cultural activities and the chance to connect with other international volunteers. See the “Additional Options” section for pricing details.

What’s Included in the Spanish Immersion Week:

• Spanish Classes: 4 hours of group lessons per day (Monday–Thursday).
• Accommodation: Stay with a host family in a shared room.
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided daily.
• Extra Night Stay: Accommodation provided between the immersion week and your volunteer program.

Important Note: If a suitable group at your language level cannot be formed, you will receive one hour of private tutoring for every two hours of group classes. This ensures a customized and effective learning experience.

Mini Adventure Week—Explore the Best of Peru
Experience the top highlights of Peru on this exciting week-long tour! The Mini Adventure includes:

• Cusco City Tour: Discover the vibrant history and culture of this iconic city.
• Sacred Valley Tour: Explore the breathtaking landscapes and ancient sites.
• Moray Ruins: Visit the mysterious circular terraces of this archaeological wonder.
• Machu Picchu Tour: Marvel at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Lake Titicaca: Relax at the world’s highest navigable lake and immerse yourself in its beauty.
• See the “Additional Options” section for pricing details.

Other Activities and Tours
Experience the vibrant blend of Inca and Catholic traditions in Cusco and its neighboring towns. Local staff provide a monthly calendar of cultural events to help you plan. During your free time, explore Peru’s iconic landmarks and natural beauty:

Historical & Cultural Sites:

• Discover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and hike the legendary Inca Trail.
• Visit Ollantaytambo’s terraces, the Moray agricultural site, and the ancient city of Chinchero.
• Immerse yourself in local festivals, Andean music performances, and artisanal markets.

Adventure & Nature:

Trek through the Andes, go river rafting, or zip-line across the mountains.

• Relax at Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.
• Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley.

Culinary Experiences:

• Sample Peruvian delicacies like ceviche, alpaca meat, and authentic empanadas.