Archaeology Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco

My host family was very caring and thoughtful. They made sure my stay was comfortable and they even took care of me when I was sick.

IVHQ was very organized and it helped me make my process so easy! I planned this trip only two weeks before my start date and they were able to accommodate us fast! I was checked up on through the program by IVHQ and the local team! I loved it and will do it again!

I have done two volunteer program with IVHQ, and most recently the Amazon Jungle Conservation program in Peru. I felt very prepared by the guidance and resources provided by IVHQ. They gave me all the information I needed but was happy I could also ask questions if needed. The jungle conservation changed my life, opened my eyes to a new way of living and provided me a new set of skills.

If you are hesitant, look at reviews on different sites, but I can fully say that I would 100% do a third program and have recommended several people to IVHQ as it is a safe and reliable company.

The preparation details from IVHQ were easy to follow and I was well prepared when I got to my destination. It was a good feeling renovating the recreation center everyday and knowing the space will be used to help members of the community. Do it! Its life changing!

I gained a strong sense of purpose, which had been lacking for me since I retired from teaching. Although I dislike having to rise early, I did so easily, had my breakfast (sometimes with freshly squeezed orange juice!), walked a mile to the zoo, where ultimately I took on the job of gardener. Then I walked another mile to the school, where I had daily, hour long Spanish lessons, one on one with a number of professors, all of them great. Then I took the Batman bus back to the apartment, where I did a lot of reading and interacting with mi familia.

I also enjoyed extra activities each weekend, including, visiting Machu Picchu, horseback riding in the mountains, zip lining (at age 70!) and also exploring an Alpaca farm and various archaeological sights. Lucky for me, the prices of these activities were most reasonable and the guides that I had were warm and wonderful. I am still in touch with my family and the women who run the zoo. I've shared dozens of photos with them.

I learned a lot from this experience especially I developed a greater passion for dentistry and now I am more clear that this is the job I want to do. I was able to see how much it helps change people’s lives and health. I also loved getting to learn more about myself by learning from a different culture and developing a new sense of confidence.

I would highly recommend this to someone and say that sometimes putting yourself in an uncomfortable or scary position is where you can develop the most and become the person that you want to become.