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Community Support Volunteering in Peru - Lima

Community Support Volunteering in Peru - Lima

Interested in being a Community Support volunteer in Peru - Lima? International Volunteer HQ’s Community Support project is a great way for volunteers to assist with a wide range of important community initiatives designed to help vulnerable people. Volunteers will gain experience in schools, childcare, community soup kitchens, a women’s refuge and any other community projects which have an urgent need for help and support.

Highlights:
  • Programs start the first and third Monday of the month
  • Affordable fees from $275 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Make a difference by helping with a variety of community initiatives

  • Discover Peru’s amazing scenery and ancient ruins

  • Stay with other volunteers or a local family near the coast in Lima

Key information

Support marginalized & low-income communities
Based at projects in and around Lima
Volunteer house or homestay accommodation
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Fully hosted experience from $275 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 12 weeks
Spanish language lessons available
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who want to try a variety of different kinds of volunteer projects and are willing to help out with a wide range of different tasks and activities according to local priorities.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

This is a wide-reaching project that allows volunteers to assist in a range of important community initiatives, with a particular focus on helping vulnerable people. The work on this project is varied as volunteers are placed wherever support is most urgently needed at the time.

As a Community Support volunteer you can help in schools, soup kitchens, childcare centers and a women’s refuge. Volunteer duties depend entirely on the needs of the community at the time but can include things like:

  • Preparing and serving meals
  • Small renovation projects and building maintenance
  • Gardening, landscaping and outdoor work
  • Charity and fundraising for disadvantaged communities
  • English, art and sports workshops

This is a great project for those who don’t have a strong preference for volunteering in a specific area as it can give you experience in a range of activities. Work will also be influenced by volunteer numbers at the time of your placement.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced Inequalities

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced Inequalities

Covid-19 has deepened existing inequalities, hitting disadvantaged and minority communities the hardest. To reduce inequalities, we must provide better services and support to refugees, migrants, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.

Why do Community Support volunteering in Lima with IVHQ?

As a Community Support volunteer in Peru - Lima you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving quality of life for vulnerable people
  • Supporting local community initiatives that need help
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining a wide range of volunteer experience
  • Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
  • Exploring the stunning mountains and ancient ruins of Peru

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

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

Apply For Free

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

TM
Tina Merino
17 Oct 2023

It was nerve-wracking to be pushed outside of my comfort zone and travel on my own at first, but once I got there and started the program it was so easy to connect with others and make friends. It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life and I would definitely do it again!

...
BP
Beatriz Pinto
09 Oct 2023

I gained a new perspective about life, 'problems', and how we stare at them. From this experience I do believe that there is always a way to do things and that everyone always has something to teach us. The advice that I would give is to give it a go as beautiful things can happen when step out of our comfort zone.

...
TC
Tinzie Conteh-Morgan
20 Jun 2023

Getting to know all the volunteers within the program and meeting the local people was such a great emotional connection. The relationships formed touched my heart and I will always remember the gratitude people had.

...
GG
Gina Gohil
09 Jun 2023

When I called IVHQ, every person I spoke to was kind, friendly and helpful which was nice as this was the first time I was volunteering abroad as a solo traveller. Overall, the local team were really great.

It’s a once in a lifetime experience and you learn so many things from volunteering abroad, not even just from volunteering, but from staying abroad too, and by picking up life skills.

...
LT
Lila Tauzin-Fox
19 Aug 2021

This experience is like no other. Go into it with an open mind and willingness to try. Try to speak the language. Try to immerse yourself in the culture. Try to make friends. Cast aside your preconceived notions and fears.

...
EM
Emily Mateo
22 Jul 2021

My volunteer experience in Lima, Peru changed my life forever. I was able to meet incredible people and learned things about myself that I would have not previously. Make sure to listen, have fun and put your best effort forward. The community that you become part of will definitely appreciate it! The time will go by faster than you think so make it worthwhile.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

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
Volunteer Abroad in Peru, Lima with IVHQ

Location

Lima, Peru’s capital city, is perched along the country’s Pacific coast. As the biggest city in Peru and one of the largest in South America, Lima is an important hub of culture, commerce, finance and politics. It’s also got a long history dating back to Pre-Columbian times as well as a strong Spanish influence and both of these can be explored in the many museums, art galleries, churches and ancient historical sites dotted around the city.

IVHQ’s Lima projects are set in and around the city, near the tourist hotspots of Barranco and Miraflores, wildly different in nature but both known for their beauty, great food and buzzing nightlife.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive into Lima on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). 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 volunteer accommodation in Lima. 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 Lima on the day before your program orientation, or you can make your own way to the program site.

Orientation is hosted by our local team at the volunteer house in Lima. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Lima – an introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Peru, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the project you will be working with.

Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:

6:00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer house or homestay.
7:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements.
12:30 - 1:00 PM Volunteers finish placement and return to their accommodation. You will be provided with a packed lunch to eat at your convenience.
2:00 - 6:00 PM Volunteers are free to prepare for the next day or do some shopping and sightseeing. If volunteers are taking Spanish language lessons, they will usually take these in the afternoon. Some placements may take place in the afternoon.
6:30 - 7:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer house or homestay.

Weekends

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Lima and Peru. Popular activities include paragliding from the cliffs of Miraflores, visiting the Pachacamac Ruins south of Lima, climbing to the top of the Huaca Pucllana Pyramid, surfing the coastal waters of Miraflores and Barranco, and sandboarding in Huacachina of Southwest Peru. Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to visit other parts of Peru such as Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Looking for more ideas of things to do in Peru - Lima? Check out our Lima Travel & Tours page!

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers will either be accommodated in the main volunteer house or a homestay experience. Typically, volunteers are housed in our main facility, unless capacity is reached or you express a preference for a homestay.

Our volunteer accommodation strikes a perfect balance between independence and camaraderie. Featuring shared bedrooms and a communal area, it fosters a sociable atmosphere while a dedicated local team member is available on-site for support. It’s important to mention that volunteers will be accommodated on the third floor, while a local family resides on the floors below. We’ve had a longstanding partnership with this family since 2015, and while their presence has been warmly received by volunteers, there is often minimal interaction between volunteers and the local family due to the separation.

Each room is equipped with single bunk beds, usually shared with up to 6 volunteers of the same gender. Amenities include Wi-Fi, hot water, bedding, a fridge, and a TV in the common area for your comfort. Additionally, you have the option to upgrade to a homestay experience (shared room) for a more immersive interaction with a local Peruvian family. Please note that this incurs an additional cost. During quieter seasons, you may be accommodated without other volunteers in the homestay. Conversely, during busy seasons, a small number of volunteers may share the homestay with you.

For those seeking a quieter retreat, private single or matrimonial rooms are available as an accommodation upgrade. This option places you either in the volunteer house or in a homestay with a local host family. While preferences can be noted, room allocation cannot be guaranteed. Reservations incurs an additional cost and is subject to availability.

To ensure the safety and respect of all volunteers, our local team enforces curfews. Sunday through Thursday, there is an 11:00 PM curfew. Exceptions may be granted for special occasions if requested in advance. The curfew is explained in detail during orientation.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with three hearty meals daily, consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is offered as a self-serve, located in the volunteer kitchen, offering a variety of options such as tea, coffee, toast, local breads, fresh fruits, cereal, condiments, ham, eggs, yogurt, and cheese.

Lunch is typically served upon your return to the accommodation after your placement. Peruvian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of international flavors, influenced by Spanish, Chinese, Italian, West African, and Japanese culinary traditions. Adapted to local produce, dishes often feature a carb-rich array including pasta, rice, bread, corn, potatoes, chili peppers, and chicken.

For those staying in homestay accommodations, expect to dine as the local host family does. In Peru, it’s customary for the main meal to be served at lunchtime, often repeated in the evening, featuring traditional meat or vegetarian stews complemented by vegetables and rice. Drinkable water will be readily available throughout your stay.

Should you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance, and we’ll make necessary arrangements. While we strive to accommodate your needs, we also recommend bringing extra spending money for any personal dietary snacks. As a volunteer, flexibility is key, so expect some variation from your usual dining habits.

Pricing

  • USD
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
1 week $275 Equivalent to $39/day
2 weeks $488 Equivalent to $35/day
3 weeks $700 Equivalent to $33/day
4 weeks $835 Equivalent to $30/day
5 weeks $974 Equivalent to $28/day
6 weeks $1,114 Equivalent to $27/day
8 weeks $1,404 Equivalent to $25/day
10 weeks $1,684 Equivalent to $24/day
12 weeks $1,964 Equivalent to $23/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • 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.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Lima generally find US$50 - $100 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as snacks, in-country tours, and Spanish language lessons.
  • Anyone volunteering during the week before Christmas will have a one-off surcharge of US$70 added to their file when registering, for Christmas activities within the community.

Free-time experiences & tours in Peru

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Peru! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Peru program.

Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)
Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)

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

$140
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour  - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)

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

$490
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)

Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!

$374
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)

See all of Peru’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.

$920
Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)
Lake Titicaca Tour (2 nights/1 day)

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

$140
Rainbow Mountain - Short Trek
Rainbow Mountain - Short Trek

Enjoy a short, mountainside trek to the top of Rainbow Mountain, part of Ausangate Mountain in the Andes.

$59

No experiences or tours for Lima, yet...

Spanish language lessons

Spanish language lessons are available for all volunteers regardless of their ability. IVHQ strongly recommends these for all volunteers, unless they are fluent in Spanish. If volunteers have little or no Spanish ability and are volunteering for a period longer than 2 weeks, they should strongly consider these courses, so they can work and communicate with all parties more effectively during their program. These language lessons can be pre-booked by the hour via your MyIVHQ profile and the class schedule confirmed on your arrival in Lima at your program orientation. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers at $20 (approximately $20) per hour for a private class.

Check what's required to visit Peru

Safety and support with IVHQ

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 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. The coast has moderate temperatures, low precipitation, and high humidity, except for its warmer, wetter northern reaches. In the sierra, rain is frequent during summer, and temperature and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The jungle is characterized by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, except for its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.

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How to get started

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