Whatever the craving, from the desire for outdoor adventure to spiritual quest, Peru will more than satisfy. Peru captivates all possibilities, from gorgeous scenery to a rich valuable history. The beautiful Peruvian landscape fluctuates between extremes of arid deserts and undulating sand dunes to sultry Amazon Basin, alluring beaches, and lush jungles bursting with incredible bio-diversity. Home to one of the most extensive ecosystems in the world, Peru has more than 1,800 kinds of birds, hundreds of mammals, and many endangered species. The country is a heaven for nature- and animal-lovers. The coast is an abode for sea-lions, seabirds, deer, iguanas, skunks and giant turtles; Peru’s rarer animals include pumas, jaguars, river dolphins, and the spectacled bear. Aside from it's pure natural magnificence, Peru boasts a whopping ten World Heritage Sites. Visitors can’t help but contemplate the Nazca Lines, an ancient and unsolved feat of man, while the survival of the magnificent Machu Picchu is a true gift to modernity. Built in 1450, Machu Picchu embodies the peak of the Inca Empire and was fortuitously protected from Spanish invaders by its remote location and the surrounding jungles.

To volunteer in either Cusco or Lima presents huge opportunity. The former capital of the Incan Empire, Cusco was conquered by the Spaniards, but retains so much Incan art and such extensive Inca ruins that today it is called the “Archaeological Capital of America." One may explore the Q'enko amphitheatre, the Inca fortress at Sacsayhuaman, and the Koricancha Temple, to name just a few of Cusco’s many historical attractions, and excursions to the several Inca sites nearby are well worth one’s while. It is out of Cusco that one may journey to the magnificent Machu Picchu, either by the legendary Incan trail or by train. Peru’s current capital city, Lima, is quite different but just as alluring. The country’s economic and cultural heart, Lima was founded by Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizzaro in 1535 and became the capital and most important city of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru. Lima’s own downtown Historic centre was declared a World Heritage site due to its many colonial Spanish structures. Celebrated for its many remarkable museums, Lima also features a glowing Plaza Mayor, eerie catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco, and numerous small beaches. One cannot go wrong volunteering in either Peruvian city, where people are welcoming and affectionate, cuisine attests to a multitude of influences through time and space, and backdrops make a lasting impression, whether natural, historical or both.

To talk of Peruvian culture in general is to involve a range of art, music, crafts, a medley of cultures coming from across seas, architecture, food, literature and much more. The following is a quick overview of what, in reality, is much more rich and complicated experience: Peruvian art revolves around fine pottery, metalwork, stone craft and textiles. When the Spanish colonized Peru they imported Europe’s artistic influences, giving rise to a unique style known as Mestizo. The local music is mainly folk, and charming to listen to. Peruvian dishes vary regionally and will tickle anyone’s taste buds. Seafood is, understandably, best on the coast, while the Inca delicacy - roast guinea pig - can be sampled in the highlands. The people adore soccer, which is as touchy a topic as religion or politics is in America. But while the country is primarily catholic, Peruvian people are fairly tolerant of other faiths.

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Why Does Peru Need Volunteers?

Peru's recent economic growth has been among the best of Central and South America, but despite improvements, poverty continues and volunteers are needed for a wide range of reasons. Today, the streets of many of Peruvian cities are home to some of the world's most economically impoverished children and families, many living in "shanty towns", sprawling camps of houses constructed from whatever materials are at hand. Peru's poorest took another hit on August 15th 2007, when an earthquake rated 8.0 in magnitude devastated the Ica region south of Lima. Limited opportunity and education continues the vicious cycle of poverty. Currently approximately 50% of the population lives below the poverty level and 26% of school age children are not in school. Such statistics can be daunting and discouraging, but your contributions are part the larger picture and are immediately beneficial and greatly appreciated.

Work with Volunteer Visions in one of its many volunteer projects in Cusco or Lima. Assist in disaster relief efforts to help the earthquake victims and rebuild broken homes and lives. By teaching English you will help children develop the lifelong skills that will let them in a globally connected world. By putting your time into a day care, orphanage or street children project you will be connecting those children most at risk with the encouragement and support to continue their education. With Volunteer Visions you can be part of the difference.

Volunteer Projects in Peru