Cusco is known as “the archaeological capital of the Americas”, “the historical capital of Peru”, the capital of the Inca Empire, the cultural and political heart of the Andean people, and the home of the famous Cusco School of Art during colonial times. The city is clearly the result of a cultural clash between Andean and Spanish worlds. These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to spend a good amount of time here doing an internship and/or volunteering in a variety of fields such as teaching English in schools, working in tourist hostels, hospitality, healthcare, social projects in high-Andean communities, orphanages, travel agencies, and more.
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Why volunteer and/or intern?
The people of Cusco are friendly, welcoming, and highly respectful. By supporting local communities, you will gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, and economic context behind many of the region’s challenges—where nearly 26% of the population lives in poverty.
Engaging in social work allows you to connect with vulnerable communities, who will be deeply grateful for your help. Travelling solely as a tourist often doesn’t offer the chance to witness the everyday reality of those most in need.
Additionally, while volunteering you’ll meet other kind-hearted individuals. In short, taking part in a volunteer programme can be a powerful experience for your personal growth.
It’s important to understand that volunteering aims to support a social or humanitarian cause, while an internship is designed to complement your academic training with practical experience in a professional setting. Whether you choose a volunteer placement or an internship, these roles are generally unpaid. However, in some cases, your university, host organisation, or company may cover accommodation, meals, or travel expenses.
Where can I volunteer/intern?
1. Cuso International
Cuso Internacional is an organisation that offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including educational support for children in high-Andean communities, animal care, and environmental protection. You’ll also have the chance to combine your volunteer work with Spanish language courses, allowing you to contribute to the local community while improving your language skills.
Accommodation is typically with local host families. The organisation provides full orientation and induction to the project, as well as 24/7 support throughout your stay.
Requirements include being over 18, open-minded, respectful, empathetic, energetic, and creative. If you wish to volunteer with children, you will be required to submit a criminal background check.
2. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
This organisation offers volunteer programmes specifically focused on agricultural work, animal care, construction, and environmental protection. If you enjoy being outdoors, working closely with nature, and experiencing rural life, then this is the ideal option for discovering the countryside around Cusco.
3. Free Walking Tours Perú
The FWTP project was founded in 2015 with the aim of showcasing the history of Cusco and Peru through free walking tours. At the end of each tour, participants are invited to leave a donation based on the quality of the experience. Over the years, our organisation has grown, and today we offer much more than just free tours in the tourism sector.
We currently offer an internship in the city of Cusco, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet our team at our office located in the historic city centre. The internship focuses mainly on digital marketing tasks, such as creating content for tourism products, blogs, photos, videos, and managing social media.
To join our team, the requirements are: a minimum stay in Cusco of 15 days, basic Spanish, strong grammar in your native language (English, French, German, or Portuguese), and knowledge of digital marketing. If Spanish is your native language, you are also welcome to apply.
As part of the FWTP internship, we cover your accommodation costs. You’ll be provided with a private single room that includes a private bathroom, cable TV, 24/7 Wi-Fi, hot shower, and warm hospitality. The hostel is located in Cusco’s historic centre, just a 15-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.
If you’re interested, please send us your proposal or CV.
4. Exploor Peru
The social project of Exploor Peru is primarily dedicated to supporting the indigenous community of Palccoyo, located high in the mountains, with no access to internet or electricity. The aim of the organisation is to preserve and revitalise the ancestral traditions of this community, while also working to improve their economic and educational conditions for future generations.
Currently, the Palccoyo community relies mainly on alpaca herding and agriculture, particularly the cultivation of potatoes and quinoa. By joining this project, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the community, learn about their way of life, and contribute to the sustainable development of the area.
5. Volunteering in Perú
Volunteering in Peru, based in Cusco, offers a variety of programmes including educational support for children from rural areas, work with local NGOs, animal care, construction, and assistance for farming communities.
6. Aldea Yanapay
The Aldea Yanapay volunteer programme in Cusco focuses on supporting indigenous communities in the region, especially children. Volunteers can take part in a range of projects, including running workshops for children aged 5 to 15 in the village schools. Currently, there are two active projects—one in the city of Cusco and the other in Lamay, a small town located in the Sacred Valley.
7. Human Actions
Human Actions is dedicated to helping abandoned dogs and other domestic animals. The organisation works to improve their quality of life by caring for them in a warm, safe, and welcoming shelter located in the district of Saylla, south of the city of Cusco.
The main goal of the Human Actions Dog Sanctuary and Shelter in Cusco is to protect rescued dogs, ensure their well-being, and promote their adoption into loving homes.
Free Walking Tours Peru
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