When you volunteer in Peru, you'll discover a truly unique country. As you explore its ancient ruins, canopied jungles, and epic coastline, you'll understand, Peru is quite literally the stuff of legend. Once you've climbed Machu Picchu, descended into the Amazon Basin, and had every adventure in-between, you'll come to see that it's the Peruvian people that make these places so special. Peruvian culture is a melting pot, claiming Japanese, African, Chinese, and European influences, not to mention roots tracing back to the centuries-old, Pre-Columbian Incan culture. As a volunteer in Peru you'll be making a real and sustainable impact as you become immersed in a fascinating culture.
...Peru is quite literally the stuff of legend...
In the 1980s, the political terrorism of the Sendero Luminoso, or “Shining Path” which originated in the Andes, caused significant numbers of rural residents to seek refuge in Peru's more urban areas. Although the movement saw its end in 1993, millions of Peruvians continue to live in urban shantytowns just outside of Lima's limits. This influx of migrants over the last several decades has resulted in a serious strain on social resources leaving Individuals with disabilities, children, and the elderly especially vulnerable. But their national pride and ambition is relentless, and as a volunteer in Peru, you'll witness this energy firsthand. Work alongside local people as they develop grassroots efforts to provide necessary services to community members in need.
When you volunteer in Peru, you'll work to improve education for children, assist with the care of infants and children, improve health and the sense of dignity among the elderly, or improve the quality of care for people with disabilities. As a CCS Peru volunteer, you'll become part of a diverse community and find yourself participating in easy and open cultural exchange with local people. Volunteer in Peru for a chance to explore the wonders of an ancient culture, and the wonders in yourself.
Each volunteer does their part in small and large ways working side-by-side with community members to contribute to effecting change in the following areas of work…
First, you'll check out the oldest district of the city, characterized by colonial Spanish buildings and baroque churches. Visit the Iglesia de San Francisco known for its underground tunnels and serving as Lima’s first cemetery. On another Peruvian jaunt, you’ll take a neighborhood tour of all the local gems with a chance to visit Peru’s stunning Afro-Peruvian and Chinese-Peruvian neighborhoods, showcasing rich Peruvian culture that most tourists never get a chance to see.
Our Spanish lessons will help you communicate with ease during your volunteer experience, and out in the community while you're exploring. Courses are held twice a week at the CCS Home-Base, and are tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced speakers. Whether you want the know-how to find "el baño" at a restaurant, or are hoping to put your Peruvian slang to the test, your CCS language instructor will help you get there.
Biweekly cooking classes will introduce you to a variety of tasty Peruvian dishes, and provide an opportunity to practice your español. Our CCS cooks will describe the history of each dish and its ingredients in Spanish while demonstrating how they are prepared. Don't forget to snag some of the recipes to share with friends and family. After all, they'll probably enjoy checking out your hundreds of photos from Peru with a plate full of humitas -- fresh corn tamales -- to snack on.
Weekly guest speakers will capture important aspects of Peruvian culture and history, including the story of Villa El Salvador, a community in which a number of CCSers volunteer. A prominent member of the community will recount how the residents of Villa El Salvador fought to transform their community from a temporary shantytown to a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. You’ll learn about the community's current challenges and how these challenges directly impact the beneficiaries of your volunteer work.
Learn a sampling of traditional Peruvian dances essential to the culture, but rarely studied by tourists. We’ll bring a professional dance teacher to your Home-Base to instruct you and your fellow volunteers in Afro-Peruvian dances originated by slaves during the colonial period, as well as Criollo, a form of dance that incorporates African, Spanish, and Andean influences.
Lace up your hiking boots and hike the four-day Inca Trail from Cusco to reach Machu Picchu’s sun gate just in time for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the nearly 600 year-old Incan ruins. You can also choose the one-day hike or take the train, but be sure to allow yourself a couple of days to explore the entire complex. Wander through the ruins of the temples and see for yourself why Machu Picchu is one of the new wonders of the world.
Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu and a convenient stop on the way to the Amazon; it’s also an incredible historical and archaeological treasure. Visit Choquequirao to explore the ruins of this small Incan City, then head back to town to check out Spanish cathedrals and chow down on some of the amazing cuy -- guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy. Take a photo or two of the “White Christ” statue watching over the city with arms outstretched.
Visit South America's largest lake and boat around to each of the man-made inhabited islands, made entirely of reeds. After a day on the lake, visit Puno, the folklore capital of Peru, to share a story and a cup of tea with some local residents.
Arequipa is Peru's second largest city and also one of its most beautiful, with ethereal white stone buildings nestled in the foothills of Peru’s southern volcanic belt. Hit the markets to purchase some of the aromatic spices you've been tasting in local cuisine, and visit the Santa Catalina Monastery for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Climb volcanoes, or if you've got time for a longer jaunt, hike the Colca Canyon, for some serious bragging rights.
Fill your lungs with desert air on the bumpy buggy ride through the dunes in Huacachina. If you're a snowboarder, you’ll love riding the steep sandy dunes. Then, hop on a short flight for a bird's eye view of the ancient and awe-inspiring Nazca lines; these intricate designs were created on such an expansive scale that they're only visible from the air. Don't miss a chance to visit the beautiful black sand beaches and sea lion colonies at nearby Paracas National Park.
Peru’s largest city is the perfect place to practice your Spanish. Sing a duet with new friends at a karaoke bar downtown, or join in with the local kids as they splash around in the fountains of the Parque de la Reserva. Once you've toweled off, be sure to hang around for the nightly light and water show that starts after dark.
Reserve your spot today with a deposit of just $275!
