Join a meaningful volunteer program in Cusco, Peru, and contribute to healthcare and medical initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in your field. Whether you’re assisting in medical clinics, healthcare facilities, or dental clinics, you’ll have the chance to support local staff, engage with patients, and learn about the healthcare system in Peru. Volunteers can choose a placement relevant to their skills and studies, including general medicine, healthcare, dentistry, or physical therapy. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cusco, make a positive impact on the community, and enhance your professional development in a supportive and rewarding environment.
Program Highlights:
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). You will be picked up from the airport and taken to your homestay in Cuzco. Spend the day settling in and enjoy the young and vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Day 1, Monday: Your host family will accompany you to the project site on your first day of volunteering, where you will receive additional project orientation. After completing this, you will begin your volunteer tasks, which will depend on your experience and qualifications, level of Spanish, as well as the needs of the project.
Days 2-5, Tuesday-Friday: Volunteers will work three to four hours per day, on either a morning or afternoon shift, depending on the needs of the program. Specific tasks vary depending upon placement, previous experience, and language skills.
Days 6-7, Saturday-Sunday: Weekends are free for relaxing or exploring.
Remaining Weeks: The remaining weeks will follow a similar schedule of volunteering Monday-Friday and having Saturday-Sunday free. Departure is on a Saturday.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunches, daily transport to and from project (approx. $5 per day), personal expenses
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.
Volunteer Tasks:
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:
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.
Volunteer Tasks:
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.
Healthcare Program Requirements
Medical Program Requirements
Dental Program Requirements
General requirements:
On the weekends, you can travel to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley, the Amazon Jungle, and many more great destinations! There are several activities offered by the local team as well, which are listed below.
Spanish Language Immersion—1 to 24 weeks of Spanish in small group or private classes
Mini Adventure—Catch the best highlights of Peru on this week-long tour including a Cusco city tour, Sacred Valley tour, Moray Ruins, tour of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. programs. Prices available upon request.
Please note that there is an additional fee for these programs. Prices available upon request.
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