Peru
Here at Workaway you will find 239 hosts and
organisations for volunteer work
in Peru.
Low cost travel without having to pay expensive agency fees.
Chachapoyas, Sechura
Chimbote, Huaraz, Casma, Huarmey
Abancay
Arequipa, Mollendo, Camana
Ayacucho, Huanta, Puquio, Coracora
Cajamarca, Jaen, Chota, Cajabamba
Juliaca, Puno, Ilave, Ayaviri, Putina, Desaguadero
Cusco, Sicuani, Urubamba, Santo Tomas
Huancavelica
Huanuco, Tingo Maria, Tournavista
Ica, Chincha Alta, Pisco, Nasca, Santiago
Huancayo, La Oroya, Tarma, Jauja, Satipo, Junin, San Ramon
Trujillo, Pacasmayo, Huamachuco, Otuzco, Salaverry
Chiclayo, Ferrenafe, Pimentel, Motupe, Olmos
Lima, Callao, Huacho, Chosica, Huaura, Pativilca, Chancay, Chilca
Iquitos, Requena, Contamana, Caballococha, Nauta, Nuevo Rocafuerte, Andoas, Puca Urco, Soldado Bartra, Gueppi
Puerto Maldonado
Cerro de Pasco
Piura, Sullana, Talara, Chulucanas, Paita, Sechura
Moyobamba, Juanjui, Tocache, Lamas, Tarapoto
Tacna
Tumbes
Pucallpa
Here you will find 9 last minute opportunities for volunteering in Peru from Hosts that have indicated that they require help immediately.
There are 2858 reviews for 186 Hosts and organizations in Peru.
186 Hosts in Peru were rated at least 4.8/5!
Registering as a Host
Registering as a host with workaway.info is completely free of charge.
Workaway.info has been set up to promote and encourage exchange and learning. Hosts on Workaway should be interested in cultural exchange and sharing experiences. They should be able to provide a welcoming friendly environment for visitors as well as offering accommodation and food.
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Whether you're a history fan eager to explore the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, an adventure seeker ready to
hike the Inca Trail, or a nature lover yearning to discover the wonders of the Amazon rainforest - Peru has it all!
But beyond these awesome attractions, Peru offers a unique opportunity for volunteering. Through Workaway, you
can immerse yourself in local communities, make a meaningful impact, and create unforgettable memories. If you crave
an adventure like no other, here’s everything you need to know about Peru.
As the third largest country in South America, Peru borders Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Chile to the south, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Some would argue there are two main reasons nearly four million people flock to Peru each year – to hike and to eat! As a bonus it also happens to be one of the cheapest countries in South America !
It is a country of contrasts; from the towering Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest. The capital city, Lima , is home to over 10 million people and is known for its stunning colonial architecture and incredible foodie scene. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences.
If there’s one thing you’ve heard about Peru, it’s likely the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In addition to Machu Picchu, Peru is also home to many other fascinating archaeological sites, such as the Nazca Lines and the Chan Chan ruins.
If you're looking for an adventure, Peru is the place to go. It is also home to Lake Titicaca, one of South America's largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. As well as the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on the planet. You can hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, go white-water rafting on the Urubamba River, or trek through the Amazon jungle.
Then when you're ready to relax, indulge in the country’s famous food, which is a fusion of indigenous and European flavours. You cannot leave the country without trying ceviche, a delicious blend of fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices and spices. Another must-try delicacy is roasted guinea pig (yup, guinea pig!) known as cuy, which is deeply rooted in Peruvian tradition.
Although Peru is a country full of natural wonders, fascinating history, and adventure, that's still not the best part. The best part is with nearly 300 Workaway hosts in Peru , it could not be easier to live like a local and explore this epic destination first hand!
When it comes to safety, Peru is generally considered a safe country for travellers. Popular tourist areas like Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, and the Sacred Valley have a strong security presence, ensuring the well-being of visitors.
However, as with any travel destination, it's important to exercise caution and be mindful of your surroundings.
Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas or public transport, so always keep your
belongings secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash. To stay safe, it’s also recommended to only use
registered taxis (especially for
women travelling solo
) and avoid walking alone at night.
Follow our
safety tips
, especially if
travelling solo
and always stay vigilant. By using common-sense and staying informed about local conditions, you can have a safe
and enjoyable experience exploring the wonders of Peru. Finally, as always, don't forget
travel insurance
! Not only will it cover you from lost or stolen belongings, but it can also cover medical costs, cancelled flights
and more.
As a tip, altitude sickness will probably be your biggest safety concern when travelling in Peru. If you plan on hiking, you will need to make sure your travel insurance will cover you. Many cheaper policies exclude coverage for hiking above 2,500m - 3,000m so double check you’ve found a good policy before you sign up!
Now you’re armed with reasons to visit and our top safety tips, it’s time to plan where to go. Peru is divided politically into 24 departments but geographically into three regions. These regions are known as Costa (coast), Sierra (highlands) and Selva (jungle).
The Costa region is located to the west and is mainly arid. This is where you’ll find the capital city of Lima.
The Sierra region is home to Andes and includes the Altiplano plateau as well as the highest peak in the country,
Huascarán at 6,768 m (22,205 ft.) Selva, the third region is mainly flat terrain covered by the Amazon
rainforest. In fact, almost 60 percent of the country’s area is located within this region!
Each region
has its own unique characteristics, which we’ve summarised to help inspire your perfect Peruvian adventure…
As the smallest of the three regions, Costa covers only 12 percent of the country’s land but contains around 53
percent of the population. This is where you’ll find the capital city Lima which is considered the gateway to
Peru for many travellers. While most of the region is desert, there is still so much to see and do. A few highlights
include:
Regional Highlights of Costa
This region is home to the Andes mountains, one of the most iconic features of Peru as they offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Some of the world's highest mountains can be found here, like the Huascaran (6768 m) and the Yerupaja (6634 m). This region is also where you can learn about the ancient Inca heritage through landmarks such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Regional Highlights of La Sierra
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, and it's home to a staggering array of wildlife and plant life. Whether you’re an eco-warrior wanting to spread the word on sustainability, or fancy trialling an off grid lifestyle with a remote community, the selva region offers a unique destination to volunteer in Peru.
Volunteering in Peru is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while immersing yourself in the country's culture and world famous natural beauty. Such diverse regions means a vast range of volunteering opportunities, from the arid coastline to the Andes mountains, we have hosts dotted all over the country.
By volunteering in Peru with Workaway, you can gain valuable skills and make lifelong friendships all while having an unforgettable adventure! As the world’s leading community for volunteering and cultural exchange, Workaway is the perfect platform to connect with locals and discover their way of life while making a difference.
Whether you are a solo backpacker trying to find a travel buddy , recently retired or setting off on a grown up gap year – your perfect host is only a few clicks away. Best of all, you can join as a solo traveller, as a couple, or even as a family. For a small membership fee, you’ll have access to over hundreds of hosts in Peru as well as 50,000 volunteer opportunities in 170 countries worldwide - all for less than the price of a night in a hotel.
In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your host will usually provide free accommodation, meals and a cultural exchange you’ll never find from the guide books. Whether you want to care for alpacas along the Inca Trail, live (and eat!) like a local in Lima or escape to the depths of the jungle in Iquitos, with Workaway you can turn your Peruvian dreams into reality!
Volunteering in Peru is the best way to give back while experiencing the country's rich culture, diverse
landscape, and warm hospitality. Thanks to the country’s diverse regions there are many ways you can make a
difference in the lives of people, the environment, and the wildlife.
By contributing your time and skills you will help create lasting change and make a positive difference in communities across the country. All while living like a local, devouring delicious Peruvian treats and making friendships for life.
Unsure where to start? Check out our guide to the different types of volunteering which includes a fun quiz to match your personality with your dream project!
Here are some of the ways you can make a difference in Peru:
Amazon Rainforest: As one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, the Amazon is under threat from deforestation and environmental degradation. Volunteers can support wildlife conservation, permaculture projects or eco-tourism initiatives as well as help to educate local communities on sustainable practices.
Andean Communities: Many communities in the Andes Mountains struggle with poverty and lack access to basic resources like clean water and healthcare. This means there is a demand for volunteers to help with construction projects, teaching English, and preserving traditional culture.
Coastal Communities: Peru has more than 2500km of coastline dotted with impressive beaches. However, coastal communities have been impacted by climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Volunteers can help by working on beach clean-up projects, marine conservation and educating local communities on sustainable fishing practices. It’s also an epic destination for those interested in surfing. There are many ways surf fans can volunteer with Workaway all over the world, or use surf as a keyword to find hosts in Peru .
Urban Centers: In locations such as Lima, Cusco, Arequipa there is a demand for volunteers to support education programs for disadvantaged children, support social welfare initiatives, engage in community outreach projects and promote sustainable urban development. For those looking to volunteer as a teacher or build up experience working with children, Workaway is a great way to get your CV top of the pile .
Wildlife Conservation & Animal Rescue: Peru is home to a variety of unique and endangered species, including llamas, alpacas, condors, and jaguars. Animal rescue centres provide care and rehabilitation for animals that have been injured, abandoned, or mistreated. Volunteers can help by providing care for the animals, building enclosures, and assisting with educational programs. Check out our guide to workawaying with animalsl for everything you need to know!
Firstly, you can use the destinations above as a guide or you can use your skills and interests as keywords in the
search box
. This will help you to find your perfect Workaway host in Peru. For example, do you want to teach English in Iquitos?
Promote eco-tourism in Cusco? Or learn to surf in the surfing Mecca of
Mancora
?
Struggling to pick a project? Don’t panic! When you
join Workaway
you are not limited to just one Workaway experience or host. Your membership allows you to access over 50,000
volunteer opportunities across 170 countries. As mentioned Peru shares its borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Chile,
Brazil and Bolivia. Best of all, we have hosts in each of those countries too!
Whether you're drawn to the vibrant communities, the inspiring natural wonders, or the fascinating wildlife, Peru has something for everyone who seeks adventure with a purpose. It is the perfect place to step out of your comfort zone, immerse yourself in a new culture, and leave a positive impact on the lives of others. With Workaway you can join thousands of others who are helping to create a brighter future while exploring the wonders of this extraordinary country!