Volunteer programs to work in Peru: Hostels, home stays, NGOs, farms, ecovillages and more

What is it Like to Volunteer and Work in Peru?

Looking to immerse yourself in Peru’s tropical jungles, sun-kissed beaches, captivating culture, or its bustling major cities? You should consider volunteering in Peru as a new and exciting way to explore this amazing country. Its capital city of Lima is one of the largest food capitals of the world, where you can eat dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado to your heart’s content. We can’t forget that Peru is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Hiking the infamous Inca Trail to overlook the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu is on any world traveler’s must-do list.

If you want to travel long-term and try your hand at living in Peru, there is volunteer work available to keep your skills sharp, your accommodation free, and your connection with the area authentic. You can easily find volunteer work in Lima that will keep you busy throughout the week as you help a local resident with housework, gardening, clean up a hostel, or try pet-sitting. During your free time, you can explore iconic sites like the Plaza de Armas, see the historic cathedrals or go windsurfing at the Miraflores beach. It’s a very artsy city with a lot to offer in terms of delicious culinary dishes and beautiful local art galleries and museums.

Peru has every landscape you can imagine and each is packed with unique experiences to enjoy. The weather is generally warm all year and is perfect for sipping a Pisco Sour around the lively coastal nightlife you’ll find along Peru’s western border. There are a wide variety of excellent work exchange opportunities in Peru that will encourage you to stay a little longer, travel slowly, and soak up the rich culture Peru is so proud of.

Why You Should do Volunteer Work in Peru

Working in exchange for free housing is a great way to see the country from the eyes of a local. Whether you want to solo travel in Peru or see it with friends, you can choose to lend a helping hand in a hostel on the beach or get your hands dirty on a farm. There are over 5,000 species of potatoes in Peru, so finding an exchange program on a farm would be perfect if you’re looking to try a mouth-watering new potato dish to get your palette better acquainted with Peru’s staple food.

Travel around Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Paracas, or Aguas Calientes easily by bus to discover the myriad of volunteer programs you can be a part of. Large cities like Lima and Cusco have a big influx of tourists that provide great opportunities to find work. You can volunteer to:

•  Teach English in Peru
• Meet people from all walks of life as a bartender
• Wait tables in a cafe to help out

The people of Peru are genuine, kind and are willing to open their homes to you in exchange for your skills and talents. Volunteering abroad will help you connect with the country and its people in a very hands-on way that you simply can’t get by any other means.

The best cities and places to visit and work in Peru

Volunteering in Lima will give you access to not only the city but more relaxing venues like beaches and calm outskirts around the city. There are plenty of free museums, galleries, and affordable experiences that are perfect for the budget traveler. 

You do not need a visa to enter Peru and can stay there for a total of 183 days. With your passport in hand, you can hop from city to city to immerse yourself in the many different hot-spots throughout Peru. You never know what authentic, free Peruvian meals your host will cook for you, so be sure to bring your appetite.

Lima and Cuzco are the best places to volunteer in Peru, and you’ll discover many eco hosts, ecovillages, and social impact programs where you can help out. You’ll be amazed at the new skills, knowledge, and perspective you’ll pick up along the way.

If you’re an outdoor fanatic, you can volunteer in Cusco to be closer to the mountains. Be sure to spend some time acclimating to the high altitude before doing anything too strenuous in Cusco. 

• Ride horseback through the sweeping Sacred Valley
• Trek through the striking Rainbow Mountains
• Try Cusco’s popular cuy dish

The currency is the Peruvian sol, and it’s relatively cheap to get around the city once you’ve settled in.

How to Connect with the Local Culture While Volunteering in Peru

Immersing yourself in a new culture is an eye-opening experience that shifts your perspective for the better. It teaches you new things, not only about the country you’re visiting but about yourself. It can shape your perspective and change you for the better. Once you find a work exchange program in Peru that matches your set of skills, explore the countryside and don’t be afraid to try new things. Hop on a bus headed to Nazca to take a short flight above the mysterious Nazca Lines to learn about their ancient culture. In Lima, take a salsa dancing class, a Spanish class to connect with people better, or learn how to make your own chocolate at a workshop.

Your host will likely have rare insider knowledge on all the hidden gems your city has to offer. Ask them what the best methods of transportation are, where to find the best cup of coffee in the city and explore some off-the-beaten-path spots that you won’t find in your typical travel brochure. An exchange program with Worldpackers is a valuable experience to have, as you will connect with people in surprising ways that will help you cultivate a deep-seated love for Peru.

What Does it Take to be a Great Volunteer in Peru?

Volunteering in Peru requires you to have an open mind, dedication to world travel, and a willingness to devote your time and efforts to a kind stranger. The hosts will welcome you with open arms into their culture and home, eager to listen to your travel stories and tell you about their experiences living in Peru. You’ll find it easy to connect with the locals and make friends in Peru that share your love of travel.

Free accommodation in exchange for work is a fantastic way to save money while you travel. It allows you to focus on the enriching experiences you want to have in Peru that will change your life and teach you skills that will benefit you at home and abroad. Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking that initial leap into world travel will spark a deep love for the people of the world that will inspire you to help out even more. Become a member of Worldpackers to be involved in an experience that will trigger a change in your life that will help you discover a renewed sense of purpose in the world.