My study abroad program in Peru was so awesome. I had the pleasure of interacting with so many different locals, and working with the local team to make a positive impact daily, no matter how small. My language and social skills were challenged, and I am so grateful to have been hosted by such a hospitable nation.
Women's Empowerment in Peru - Cusco
Purpose
Empower women to access education and financial independence
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Local homestay
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.
This program is ideal for:
Compassionate, open-minded individuals who are passionate about gender equality and community development. It suits volunteers who enjoy working closely with people and can share their experience within education, business, social work, or simply have a desire to help!
Project details
Looking to support Women’s Empowerment in Peru - Cusco? International Volunteer HQ’s Women’s Empowerment project invites volunteers to support indigenous and rural women as they build confidence, develop new skills, and access greater opportunities. Volunteers provide meaningful assistance to local initiatives that often have limited resources and value the extra support. Your involvement helps strengthen gender equality in Peru and empowers women in Cusco to create brighter, more independent futures for themselves and their communities.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Work alongside women and girls from rural Andean communities in Cusco, supporting their efforts to achieve equality and greater access to education and opportunity. As a volunteer, you’ll help promote learning, strengthen community initiatives, and empower women to make informed, independent decisions. Your role may include supporting education programs, designing awareness campaigns, managing digital media, or contributing to research that drives lasting change. Through your work, you’ll help create pathways for empowerment while gaining meaningful, hands-on experience in sustainable community development.
As a volunteer, you can expect to contribute across several key focus areas designed to advance gender equality, education, and empowerment. Every activity is practical, impactful, and rooted in community development.
Advocacy & Campaigns Focus: Public awareness and community engagement
- Plan and run local and international awareness campaigns
- Organize workshops and community outreach events
- Develop creative tools to support advocacy efforts
Media & Communications Focus: Storytelling and digital outreach
- Manage social media platforms for local NGOs and non-profits
- Produce multimedia content such as videos or podcasts
- Design print materials to support community education
Research Focus: Data-driven impact and informed decision-making
- Gather and analyze community data
- Research best practices in rural education and empowerment
- Draft reports and recommendations to measure progress
Education Focus: Expanding access to English and learning opportunities
- Teach English through interactive lessons and one-on-one tutoring
- Create self-study ESL materials
- Train women to use online and AI-based learning tools
Why do Women's Empowerment volunteering in Cusco with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with women in Cusco, you’ll be making a meaningful contribution to local communities while also growing personally and professionally by:
- Helping advance gender equality and expand opportunities for women and girls in rural Peru
- Supporting initiatives that promote education, empowerment, and social inclusion for indigenous women
- Assisting with workshops, awareness campaigns, and mentorship programs that strengthen community leadership
- Gaining insight into Andean culture and the unique challenges women face in rural development
- Building cross-cultural understanding while developing valuable communication, research, and advocacy skills
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 18 years to participate in this program. 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.
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IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
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Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend
Train to Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cusco markets during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Machu Picchu iduring an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend
Academic course credit
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 creditLocation
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 traveling 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 CA$4) and US$10 (approximately CA$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
Volunteer accommodation living room
Volunteer accommodation kitchen
Volunteer accommodation dining room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer Spanish lesson
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately CA$476), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately CA$476) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
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.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $453 Equivalent to $65/day |
| 2 weeks | $715 Equivalent to $51/day |
| 3 weeks | $925 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,130 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,335 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,540 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,950 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,360 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,770 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 16 weeks | $3,590 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,410 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 24 weeks | $5,230 Equivalent to $31/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$476) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cusco generally find US$100 - $150 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such lunches, public transportation, personal spending money, etc..
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized 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 and tour add-ons
- 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 add-ons & experiences in Cusco
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons 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!
CA$205
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)
Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.
CA$712
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)
Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!
CA$561
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 CA$128 per week
- Private Class: 1 hour a day - starting at CA$137 per week
- Private Class: 2 hours a day - starting at CA$275 per week
How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: Once you’ve paid your registration fee, you will be able to select language lessons as an “Add-on” 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
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.
Essential country information
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
JC
Jaime Cochran
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DM
Daniel McGuire
I can’t say enough good things about the program and their incredible team in Cusco. Today is my last day of teaching and tomorrow begins a series of day excursions including Machu Picchu on Monday. This has been a 15/10, absolutely recommend. Thanks again for everything!
...
NS
Natalie Sheehy
I feel like I gained a sense of how different cultures practiced health and medical care. I got to experience how it was to help people who didn’t speak the same language as me. I got to form friendships with people of all ages.
...
NC
Nadarra Collette
I did the Andean Immersion experience and it was such a unique way to join a family in a tiny Indigenous village. I got to go with them to the market which was very cool as it’s not a touristy town (I was the only western person there), to their family’s house on the weekend and they even drove me and another volunteer to see the salt flats on our last day. It was very overwhelming at first for me because I was the only volunteer for my first week and my Spanish is very basic. But they are all very kind and you’ll get to be fully immersed into their lifestyle and family right away. Even if your don’t know any Spanish I’m sure they could get by with them; they have hosted many people and are good caretakers. Lots of farm jobs but also some more chill jobs, helping with house chores, playing with their young son or knitting etc; also the location is stunning — surrounded by mountains.
I also did the Amazon Jungle Conservation project and it was so amazing! There was lots of other volunteers and Peruvians doing research projects there, so lots of kind people to hang out with, play cards with etc. It is really hot and buggy and the cold showers will be something you look forward to. But it’s all so worth it for getting to work in the jungle with your new friends each day. The food is great, accommodation is better than I expected for the location (basic bungalows) and the staff onsite are all amazing.
Go with an open mind to joining a completely different lifestyle but it is so cool and an amazing experience I’ll never forget! Highly recommend both projects for anyone wanting to try a bit of everything (work wise) in two very different climates that Peru has to offer.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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