We are aware of the political protests in Peru and continue to monitor the situation. Feel free to reach out to us about the current risk assessment.
Experience life in the Peruvian Andes and participate in cultural activities and excursions to sites of historical and archaeological importance, such as Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Volunteer Vacations
Care for Cuzco: Heart of the Inca Empire
Cuzco is known the world over as the enchanting heart of the Inca civilization and the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the great wonders of the world. With its narrow, cobblestone streets, colonial architecture atop Incan stonework, and locals in vibrant and traditional dress, you will forget you are living in the 21st century.
Service Vacations: Volunteer Work Projects in Cuzco
Globe Aware adventures in service offer many different opportunities in Cuzco, including working in a home for impoverished children from rural households. While some of the children have families, most are too poor to care for them. Without this home or "albergue," these children would have no educational opportunities.
Other service vacation projects include improvements and maintenance to facilities, such as painting classrooms, creating a garden, or constructing desks and beds. The children attend public school in Cuzco during the day, but you will have ample opportunities to work directly with them after classes and on the weekends. You may also visit a local family to construct a Lorena stove. Your hosts will arrange your volunteer projects prior to your trip based on the immediate needs of the children's home.
Meet some of Globe Aware's service vacation volunteer coordinators - click here.
Volunteer Holiday Food and Lodging
The children's home is just a few minutes' drive from the main square and all the major sites within Cuzco. Volunteer vacationers will stay in dormitory rooms (two to three per room) at the children's home. Modern plumbing, warm running water, flushing toilets, and electricity are all available. Traditional, delicious Andean meals are prepared fresh daily for you.
Leisure Activities During Your Service Vacation
Volunteer vacationers can make a scheduled excursion to Machu Picchu (at your cost, since your program fee cannot be used for this due to tax regulations), and to the other surrounding ancient sites - several of which are in very close walking proximity. You will also have free time to explore the charming pedestrian town of Cuzco with your fellow volunteer vacationers, to learn how to make Peruvian food, etc.
Previous volunteer vacation groups have met with traditional shaman to learn about their way of life. Others have gone on a Pisco sour tasting mission. Depending on your cultural interests, your volunteer coordinator will help organize these cultural explorations.
SAMPLE MACHU PICCHU PERU ITINERARY
Arranging Your Volunteer Vacation Airfare
You will need to be in Cuzco by 11:00 am on the Sunday your program begins. The program ends at about 10:00 am the following Saturday. It takes approximately five minutes for our driver to get you to the Cuzco airport. You can arrange any return time on Saturday, as long as it is before 4:00 pm as the driver will make trips based on your return trip time.
For more on flight tips, click here.
LIMA-To-Cuzco airfare: As of January 2010, the airlines flying from Lima to Cusco include: LAN, TACA, and StarPeru.
Safety and Security During Your Volunteer Vacation
Cuzco, and immediate surroundings are considered quite safe in terms of political stability and health risks, despite the political instability that arose in December 2022. Because of Machu Picchu's importance to bringing much needed revenues to the entire country, all sides have a vested interest to keep the area safe and open. Be aware that both Globe Aware Peru programs are at a high altitude, and if you have any sort of high blood pressure or respiratory condition, you should check with your doctor before deciding to go.
