Compassionate, caring volunteers who want to help young and old people facing a wide range of physical and mental disabilities and challenges. You’ll be working closely with local staff so no experience in working with people with disabilities is necessary.

Project details

Interested in being a Special Needs Care volunteer in Peru - Cusco? International Volunteer HQ’s Special Needs Care project is a great opportunity for volunteers to support people with disabilities in the Andean city of Cusco. Volunteers gain experience assisting in homes for disabled children or the elderly and helping give them the kind of individual care, attention and social connection that makes a real difference to their lives.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

For those living with disabilities, getting access to individual care can make a world of difference. By volunteering on the Special Needs Care project in Cusco, volunteers can supplement the important work done by local staff and provide extra care, attention and connection for people with disabilities.

As a Special Needs Care volunteer you’ll assist in homes for disabled children or the elderly. There is a wide variety of physical and mental disabilities and challenges faced by the people you will be assisting so you should be prepared to help them in a range of different ways. This is likely to include providing specialised attention and helping with:

Basic care
Feeding and meals
Clothing and dressing
Bathing and personal care
Arranging crafts and games

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to join this project, due to placement requirements.

Why do Special Needs Care volunteering in Cusco with IVHQ?

When you volunteer with people with disabilities in Peru - Cusco you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Improving care for people with disabilities
Helping local staff and families support those with disabilities
Developing your communication skills
Gaining experience working with disabled people
Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
Exploring the stunning mountains and ancient ruins of Peru

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate on this project. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options.

Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Not sure which program to join?

Get personalized recommendations >

Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

Peru photo gallery

IVHQ volunteer on Medical and Healthcare project in Cusco

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ volunteers on Animal Care project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer on childcare project in Cusco

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer on Andean Immersion project in Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ Animal Care volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer on Archaeology project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer on Medical Campaign project in Peru

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

IVHQ volunteer on Construction and Renovation project in Cusco

IVHQ Construction and Renovation project

IVHQ volunteer on Medical and Healthcare projectproject in Cusco

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ volunteer on Teaching project in Cusco

IVHQ Teaching project

Archaeology volunteer project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ volunteer on Andean Immersion project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ volunteer on dentistry project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Dentistry project

IVHQ volunteer on the Holiday Experience project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ Cusco, Peru Animal Care volunteer project

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ Cusco, Peru Archaeology volunteer project

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ childcare volunteering abroad project in Peru

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Andean Immersion volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

Amazon Jungle Conservation volunteer project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project

IVHQ volunteers on childcare project in Cusco

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers on the childcare project in Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Archaeology volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ Cusco, Peru volunteer on the Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

Andean Immersion volunteer project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer on the Peru, Cusco Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ childcare volunteer abroad project in Peru

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer and animal pen on Andean Immersion project in Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ dentistry volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Dentistry project

IVHQ Peru Archaeology volunteer project in Cusco

IVHQ Archaeology project

IVHQ volunteers on Medical Campaign project in Peru

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

IVHQ childcare volunteer project in Peru

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers on the Holiday Experience project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

Volunteers on the Animal Care IVHQ project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ volunteer cooking traditional food on Andean Immersion project in Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ volunteer on Construction and Renovation project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Construction and Renovation project

IVHQ volunteer on Medical and Healthcare project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project

IVHQ volunteers on Amazon Jungle Conservation project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project

IVHQ volunteer working outside on Andean Immersion project in Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ volunteer on Teaching project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Teaching project

Volunteers on the Holiday Experience project with IVHQ in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Medical Campaign volunteer project in Peru

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

IVHQ volunteering on childcare project in Cusco

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteers on the Andean Immersion project in Peru, Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ volunteers on Animal Care project in Cusco

IVHQ Animal Care project

IVHQ Peru Cusco volunteer project in dentistry

IVHQ Dentistry project

IVHQ Peru, Cusco Medical Campaign volunteer project

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Holiday Experience IVHQ volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Volunteer on childcare project in Peru

IVHQ Childcare project

Andean Immersion IVHQ volunteer project in Peru, Cusco

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

Volunteering on Construction and Renovation project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Construction and Renovation project

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Holiday Experience volunteer project with IVHQ in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Animal Care project

Volunteering on Andean Immersion project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

Volunteer on childcare project in Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Volunteering on childcare project in Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

Volunteers on dentistry project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Dentistry project

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

Holiday Experience volunteer project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

IVHQ Medical Campaign volunteer project in Peru, Cusco

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Volunteering on Animal Care project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Animal Care project

Peru Cusco Amazon Jungle Conservation volunteer project with IVHQ

IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project

Volunteer on childcare project in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Peru, Cusco volunteers working on the Medical Campaign project

IVHQ Medical Campaign project

Andean Immersion volunteer project in Peru, Cusco with IVHQ

IVHQ Andean Immersion project

IVHQ Holiday Experience volunteer project in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ Holiday Experience project

Exploring central Cusco in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring an art gallery in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend

Train journey to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Train to Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

Group of IVHQ volunteers in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Cusco markets in Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Cusco markets during an IVHQ weekend

Machu Picchu tour in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Machu Picchu iduring an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers at Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in Peru, Cusco with IVHQ

Location

Cusco is one of the oldest cities in South America and situated in the stunning Peruvian Andes. The city is close to famous Inca trails, ruins and temples, such as Machu Picchu. It’s a hive of culture, adventure and culinary delights - all of which makes it a prime destination for visitors to Peru.

The IVHQ Peru - Cusco volunteer program has volunteer placements located in Cusco and surrounding valleys. Volunteers are important to Cusco because despite the thriving tourism industry and government investment in the region, many local people make little money and struggle to access food, water, shelter, healthcare and education. Volunteers can make a difference by supporting local initiatives that aim to help people improve their quality of life by making sure they have the basic necessities and opportunities to help them improve their futures.

Arrival and orientation

Volunteers need to arrive in Cusco on the Sunday before their start date.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the local team’s main office and then to your homestay. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Peru prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Cusco on the day before your program orientation.

The local team will aim to complete your general program orientation shortly after you arrive, no matter what day you arrive, in order to acclimatize you to your surroundings in Cusco as quickly as possible. Orientation lasts around 2 hours and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program – introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, language lesson details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Cusco, introduction to your project and placement. This is also followed by a walking tour. Orientation sessions are scheduled throughout the day, with the last being around 4:00 PM. If you arrive after this time, don’t worry; the local team will ensure this is completed first thing the following morning.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On your first day of volunteering, typically Tuesday, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays

Volunteers will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift which will last about 3 to 5 hours. Volunteer roles and hours are dependent on your project and placement. A typical morning schedule might be as follows:

8:00 AM	Breakfast with your host family.
9:00 AM	Leave the homestay and travel to your placement, where you will be given a structure sheet and a plan for your work.
12:00 PM	Lunch at a local restaurant.
1:00 - 6:00 PM	Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons.
7:00 PM	Dinner with your host family.

Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.

Weekends

On weekends volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Cusco and Peru. Sunday is a religious day of rest and most stores and restaurants are closed on Sundays, as most Peruvians devote the day to spending time with their families. If you like, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.

Cusco is a lively metropolitan city with a fascinating history and lots to see and do. There are places where you can learn about the Mayan and Incan culture and traditions, see ancient ruins, a beautiful central square bordered by restaurants and cafes, cooking classes, a chocolate museum offering all kinds of tasty delights or dance the night away in some of Peru’s best nightclubs. It is also an outdoor-lovers paradise with plenty of horseback riding, ziplining and hiking opportunities, including Rainbow Mountain.

Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to visit other parts of Peru, such as Lima.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers on Cusco based projects will be accommodated in either a dorm-style volunteer house or a homestay with a local host family, depending on their age. Volunteers who are between the ages of 18 and 27 are accommodated in a larger, dorm-style volunteer house. Whereas, those over the age of 27 are accommodated in a local home-stay, hosted by a local family. If you are travelling as a family, or a solo volunteer under the age of 18, the local team will place you in a separate home-stay.

You will find living conditions are comfortable in both types of accommodation, and all host families have been approved by our local staff. Bedrooms have single and bunk beds with bedding provided. In the volunteer house you can expect to share a room with up to 8 other volunteers, whereas in a homestay you may share a room with up to four other volunteers. All bedrooms are separated by gender. The volunteer house can accommodate up to 30 volunteers, whereas the homestays can host up to 6 volunteers at one time.

If you prefer a private room, these are available in our homestays and you will need to arrange this through your Program Manager once you’ve secured your spot on the program.

All accommodations have electricity, filtered water for drinking, running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers are common and the water is not always heated. Please note, homes in Peru are not typically heated but your hosts can provide you with additional blankets upon request. We also advise wearing layered clothing as the temperature tends to drop at night, due to the altitude.

WiFi is available in the majority of homestays and you will have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in Cusco.

Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are travelling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18, in a homestay. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.

Meals

In Cusco, volunteers are provided breakfast and dinner at their accommodation.

A typical Peruvian breakfast consists of bread, spreads and fruit or bread and an egg accompanied by tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of potatoes and rice, with some vegetables or protein (commonly chicken). You should not expect to have meat everyday.

We recommend budgeting between US$3 (approximately AU$4) and US$10 (approximately AU$14) per day to purchase lunch. Local staff will give recommendations on economical places to eat in Cusco as part of orientation.

Please let us know of any dietary requirements you have so we can make special arrangements for you.

Volunteer accommodation

IVHQ Volunteer living room in Cusco, Peru

Volunteer accommodation living room

Volunteer kitchen in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Volunteer accommodation kitchen

Volunteer dining room in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Volunteer accommodation dining room

Volunteer bedroom in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Typical volunteer bedroom

Volunteer bathroom in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Typical volunteer bathroom

Typical volunteer breakfast

Volunteer breakfast in Cusco, Peru with IVHQ

Typical volunteer breakfast

Typical volunteer breakfast

Typical volunteer dinner

Typical volunteer dinner

Typical volunteer dinner

IVHQ volunteer orientation

IVHQ volunteers orientation in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ volunteer orientation

IVHQ volunteer Spanish class in Cusco, Peru

IVHQ volunteer Spanish lesson

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
1 week	$548 Equivalent to $78/day
2 weeks	$905 Equivalent to $65/day
3 weeks	$1,210 Equivalent to $58/day
4 weeks	$1,510 Equivalent to $54/day
5 weeks	$1,810 Equivalent to $52/day
6 weeks	$2,110 Equivalent to $50/day
8 weeks	$2,710 Equivalent to $48/day
10 weeks	$3,310 Equivalent to $47/day
12 weeks	$3,910 Equivalent to $47/day
16 weeks	$5,110 Equivalent to $46/day
20 weeks	$6,310 Equivalent to $45/day
24 weeks	$7,510 Equivalent to $45/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$481) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.

Breakfast and dinner
Airport pick-up
Accommodation
24/7 in-country emergency support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
Discounts on language lessons
Discounts on travel, tours, and experiences
Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

Lunch
Transport to and from your placement each day
Return to the airport when your program finishes
Flights
Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular tours & experiences in Cusco

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Cusco program.

Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)

Prepare to be in awe of this unique landscape and surroundings on this overnight tour!

AU$222

Machu Picchu Full Day Explorer Tour

Discover the ancient “Lost City of the Incas” without the stress of planning. This budget-friendly, full-day tour is designed to get you from Cusco to the heart of the Andes and back, all while soaking in the history of Peru’s most iconic landmark.

AU$568

Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)

Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.

AU$720

View all tours & experiences

Affordable Spanish language lessons

Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Peru - Cusco program, however on certain projects volunteer work will be restricted with limited language ability. We recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our local team in Cusco. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.

Group Class: 2 hours a day - starting at AU$130 per week
Private Class: 1 hour a day - starting at AU$139 per week
Private Class: 2 hours a day - starting at AU$278 per week

How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: Once you’ve paid your registration fee, you will be able to select language lessons via your MyIVHQ profile.

Spanish language lessons are not available on the Andean Immersion, Eco-Agriculture or Amazon Jungle Conservation projects due to their remote nature. However volunteers will have plenty of opportunity to practice with locals.

Check what's required to visit Peru

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

Safety and support

A smiling volunteer traveller wearing a traditional Andean poncho stands in front of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and green hues across the mountains, with a small lake visible in the background.

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Lima
Population	32 million
Languages	Spanish
Currency	Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN)
Time zone	UTC-05:00

Weather and climate: Peru, unlike other equatorial countries, does not have an exclusively tropical climate; the influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. In the mountains, rain is frequent during summer and temperatures and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The jungle has heavy rainfall and high temperatures, with the exception of its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Jay Berry

From the experience I gained valuable life skills that I will keep with me forever. Working with the disadvantaged gave me a real life experience of what some people have to deal with everyday and see how they get through everyday with the assistance provided. After being there 3 weeks I have a new found respect and appreciation of what some people have to deal with everyday, and how even a small gesture can help someone achieve a task that means so much to them.

The guidance and preparation for the trip from IVHQ was a smooth process with all the information being provided and support available at any time. The local team was always checking up and seeing if I needed assistance. Anything anyone needed, they were more than happy to help. The accommodation with my host family was really good. The host made very one feel very welcome and provided a safe environment for everyone to live in.

...

David Avis

If you're thinking about volunteering then follow your intuition. If it feels like the right thing to do it probably is.

...

Paul Toner

Excellent experience overall! I encourage more people to do the special needs program. My only advice is to have basic Spanish if going into a school as it would have made life much easier.

...