No matter how long you spend volunteering in Peru, it’s sure to be life changing. Not a single person is left untouched by the remarkable beauty of this land, the originality of its culture, or the world-famous cuisine. Volunteering abroad allows participants to make a positive impact on the local communities while exploring all this amazing country has to offer. It’s certainly a win-win for anyone who decides to venture out.
If you’re considering a volunteer abroad program in Peru, you’re in luck. Peru has some of the most unique volunteer projects perfect for all interests. Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, animal welfare, or indigenous rights, there’s a project for you! Read on to find out more about the unique volunteer programs available in the home of a world wonder.
University Zoo
Want to get involved in a project that gives you direct access to helping exotic animals? The University Zoo in Cusco, Peru is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals that have been confiscated due to illegal ownership.
The University Zoo isn’t your standard zoo, by any means. Rather than keeping these animals caged for the enjoyment of onlookers, the zoo helps to rehabilitate animals so they can eventually be re-released into their natural habitat, if possible. If it’s deemed unsafe for the animals to return to the wild, the zoo will then care for them indefinitely.
As a volunteer, you’ll help with day to day maintenance, animal feeding, cleaning and grooming, light construction, conservation work, and any other duties, as assigned. You might also get involved with educational programs offered to visitors. You will work alongside university professors and students of zoology and biology who are passionate about their work.
Eco-Agriculture
Nestled within the picturesque Sacred Valley, just an hour’s journey from Maximo Nivel Cusco, and extending to the Huyro Region in the highlands of the Amazon rainforest, a mere three hours from Maximo Nivel in Cusco, lie the transformative eco-agriculture projects of Peru. These projects are not just about farming; they are a testament to the harmonious blend of traditional practices and modern sustainability efforts. International volunteers, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, converge here to collaborate with local farmers who are the proud cultivators of tea, coffee, and cacao. Together, they embark on a journey of collective farming, where the essence is not just on production but on the holistic development of the community and its environment.
The ripple effect of these projects is profound. They not only emphasize efficient and sustainable farming practices but also play a pivotal role in championing environmental sustainability. As a volunteer, you’re not just an observer; you’re an integral part of the story. You immerse yourself in every nuance of the production process, from sowing the seeds to the final harvest. Beyond the farms, you contribute to reforestation initiatives and partake in community activities, ensuring the land’s vitality. The reward is twofold: a first-hand experience in producing world-class tea, coffee, and chocolate, and the invaluable opportunity to immerse in traditional Peruvian life, forging bonds with local farming families that last a lifetime.
Amazon Conservation
The Amazon rainforest is one of the last primary forests left in the world. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been protected from the deforestation brought about by industrial agriculture. Amazon conservation projects work to help preserve and protect the land that remains, while helping to rebuild what was removed through reforestation efforts. The work is not easy, but it’s necessary and meaningful.
Volunteers help to plant new trees, remove non-native species, monitor animals, and assist with community outreach and education. You will work alongside eco-biologists and botanists who dedicate their life’s work to preserving the Amazon. Your contribution helps to bring natural life and abundance back into these areas. Get involved with the Amazon Conservation project and see how your work positively impacts a diverse ecosystem.
Indigenous Communities
Volunteering with indigenous communities brings about tremendous insight into an ancient culture and traditional ways of living. Emphasis is placed on social consciousness and how to live high quality lives with low impact on the natural environment.
Volunteers are placed with a traditional Andean family in modest dwellings. You’ll be disconnected from the modern world as you immerse yourself among the community. You’ll assist with tasks assigned to you, which are likely to be traditional gender-based roles. Women might be asked to help care for the children, prepare meals for the village, and learn and help with traditional weaving; men might be asked to help with construction projects, tending to the farm animals, and fishing.
The intention of the indigenous community volunteer project is to foster cultural understanding. As you live and work among the indigenous community, you will learn about the history and traditional customs and share your own experiences from your own country. Language exchange is another exciting learning opportunity during this project.
Alpaca Farm
When you think of Peru, you might picture the face of an alpaca. That’s no surprise seeing as how Peru is home to over 90% of the global alpaca population. With origins in the Andean mountains, these animals have been companions to the Peruvian people for almost 6,000 years. They’re social and pleasant pets that are easy to train and domesticate. They’re also valuable to the traditional Peruvian families that use their fur to weave original garments.
The Alpaca farm gives volunteers the opportunity to learn about the history of textile making in Peru. The owners use unique methods of shearing and worsting the animals, wool washing, and natural painting to create original textiles on weaving machines. Volunteers help to care for the alpacas, llamas, and various other herd animals, and some might even learn to weave.
The Alpaca Farm project provides a substantial learning opportunity for volunteers. You’ll leave your project with more insight on the value of alpacas to the Peruvian culture, the history of weaving and textiles, and knowledge of sustainable farming. Choose to get involved with this unique project and learn all there is to know about alpacas in Peru.
