{"id":8850,"date":"2020-12-08T10:45:37","date_gmt":"2020-12-08T15:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/?p=8850"},"modified":"2026-09-27T09:16:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T14:16:06","slug":"volunteering-in-cusco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/volunteering-in-cusco\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteering and internships in Cusco"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cusco is known as \u201cthe archaeological capital of the Americas<\/strong>\u201d, \u201cthe historical capital of Peru<\/strong>\u201d, 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why volunteer and\/or intern?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\u2019s challenges\u2014where nearly 26% of the population lives in poverty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, while volunteering you\u2019ll meet other kind-hearted individuals. In short, taking part in a volunteer programme can be a powerful experience for your personal growth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to understand that volunteering <\/strong>aims to support a social or humanitarian cause<\/strong>, while an internship <\/strong>is designed to complement your academic training<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can I volunteer\/intern?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Cuso International <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cuso Internacional<\/a> is an organisation that offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including educational support for children in high-Andean communities, animal care, and environmental protection<\/strong>. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This organisation <\/a>offers volunteer programmes specifically focused on agricultural work, animal care, construction, and environmental protection<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Free Walking Tours Per\u00fa<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The FWTP<\/a> 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<\/a> in the tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We currently offer an internship in the city of Cusco,<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Como parte de la pasant\u00eda FWTP, cubrimos tus gastos de alojamiento. Te proporcionaremos una habitaci\u00f3n individual privada con ba\u00f1o privado, televisi\u00f3n por cable, wifi las 24 horas, ducha con agua caliente y una c\u00e1lida hospitalidad. El hostal est\u00e1 ubicado en el centro hist\u00f3rico de Cusco, a solo 15 minutos a pie de la <\/font><\/font>Plaza de Armas<\/font><\/font><\/a> .<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Exploor Peru<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, the Palccoyo<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Volunteering in Per\u00fa<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

El programa de voluntariado en Per\u00fa , con sede en Cusco, ofrece una variedad de programas que incluyen apoyo educativo para ni\u00f1os de zonas rurales, trabajo con ONG locales, cuidado de animales, construcci\u00f3n y asistencia a comunidades agr\u00edcolas.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Aldea Yanapay<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Aldea Yanapay<\/a> 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<\/strong>. Currently, there are two active projects\u2014one in the city of Cusco and the other in Lamay, a small town located in the Sacred Valley<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Human Actions<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Human Actions<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main goal of the Human Actions Dog Sanctuary and Shelter<\/strong> in Cusco is to protect rescued dogs, ensure their well-being, and promote their adoption into loving homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Free Walking Tours Peru<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Secure your spot on our free tours led by professional, authorized, and expert guides in Free tour Cusco<\/a>, Free tour Lima<\/a>, and Free tour Arequipa<\/a>. Booking is free!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n