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.
Eco-Agriculture Conservation Volunteer Project in Peru - Cusco
Purpose
Promote sustainable farming practices
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 2-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+, and 16+ accompanied
Accommodation
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:
Fit and active volunteers who like working hard and getting their hands dirty. You’ll need to be comfortable staying in basic accommodation with few modern conveniences.
Project details
Love the outdoors and interested in being an Eco-Agriculture Conservation volunteer in Peru - Cusco? International Volunteer HQ’s immersive Eco-Agriculture Conservation project enables volunteers to assist Peruvian farmers in the Sacred Valley and the Amazon Jungle. Volunteers will gain farming experience and learn about efficient practices and environmental sustainability while helping farming families maximise their harvests which often include, but are not limited to vegetables, fruit, coffee, tea, and cacao. This in turn can help the locals to earn a decent living.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Peruvian farmers have operated in the Sacred Valley and highlands of the Amazon Jungle for centuries, and volunteers can now join them. This is an immersive experience where you’ll be based in a small farming community in the Sacred Valley or highlands of the Amazon Jungle, helping farming families to maximize their harvests.
As an Eco-Agriculture Conservation volunteer you’ll help with permaculture efforts on farms and learn about efficient practices and environmental sustainability. The money farmers earn depends on how much they can produce, so your efforts can directly impact their livelihood. You’ll help with seasonal tasks, including:
- Planting seeds
- Tilling fields
- Harvesting
- Weeding
- Clearing land for new crops
Volunteers will have the opportunity to not only assist in these farming efforts, but also to learn about the various fruits and vegetables native to Peru. There is also an opportunity to participate in informal language exchanges with the local hosts and in the nearby village.
The Eco-Agriculture Conservation placements are located in a variety of remote locations, anywhere from 2 - 4 hours outside of Cusco. You will spend your first night in Cusco and will attend orientation, and then the local team will transport you to the project location where you will stay for the duration of your program.
Why do Eco-Agriculture Conservation volunteering in Cusco with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on farms in Peru - Cusco you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Learning about sustainable and efficient farming practices
- Supporting local farming communities with permaculture efforts
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining farming and agriculture experience
- Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
- Exploring the stunning mountains of Peru
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
- All volunteers aged 18+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 16 and 17 will need to provide 2 character reference letters to participate
- 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.
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 Childcare project
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IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Dentistry project
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
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Cusco during an IVHQ weekend
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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
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Exploring Machu Picchu during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
PO
Pamela Ortiz
13 Dec 2024
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MR
Melissa Rodriguez
27 Nov 2024
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!
...
AH
Ashley Hammon
13 Sep 2023
Everyone at IVHQ was so so helpful through this whole process! I cannot thank you all enough for the wonderful experience.
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IA
Imogen Austin
01 Jun 2023
I enjoyed how engaged and supportive the local team was during my stay, and the host family was incredibly supportive and kind.
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BR
Ben Regan
18 Dec 2022
This was the best experience of my life, and the team couldn't have done a better job supporting me on my program. To other volunteers I say, DO IT!!! Get out of your comfort zone!!!
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LS
Lucas Smith
11 Mar 2022
The Eco-Agriculture project is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the small-holder agriculture that dominates across rural Peru. As someone from an agricultural background I was excited to apply my agricultural background but the farmers at the placement were very knowledgeable and I would highly encourage those without an agricultural background to consider this project to become more connected to our food systems and understand how many of the fruits and vegetables we cherish are grown.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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
Set in the tropical Amazon jungle, volunteers on the Eco-Agriculture project in Peru are based in a small rural farming community about four to five hours away from Cusco.
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
Weekdays - A typical schedule might be as follows:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at your accommodation with other volunteers. |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteer work begins. You may be planting seeds, tilling fields, collecting fruits, preparing fields for new plants or taking out invasive weeds. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch and a long break before continuing with volunteer work. |
| 5:00 PM | Start to wind down by doing less physically demanding volunteer work. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner at your accommodation with other volunteers. |
Weekends
Because of the remote location, volunteers tend to stay at the placement during the weekends and keep enjoying the immersive experience of living with a local family. We reccommend taking books, games or other activities. Volunteers are able return to Cusco at their own expense.
Accommodation and WiFi
Eco-Agriculture Conservation volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local families. You will sleep in dormitory style rooms, separated by gender. Living is rustic but comfortable, where you can expect flush toilets and cold showers. Bedding is provided but you will need to bring your own towel.
Private room upgrades are not available on this project, and because of its remote location, there is no WiFi access available.
Meals
While in Cusco (Sunday and Monday when you first arrive), volunteers receive breakfast and dinner, and are required to purchase their own lunch. Once you’ve transferred to the Eco-Agriculture project location you will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
A typical Peruvian breakfast consists of bread, spreads and fruit or bread and eggs 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.
Please note 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$299 (approximately $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) 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 FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 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$299 (approximately $299) 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 while in Cusco when you first arrive
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner while at your project site
- Airport pick-up
- Round-trip transfer from Cusco to project site
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country 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
- 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.
- 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!
$142
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)
Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.
$492
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)
Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!
$388
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 $89 per week
- Private Class: 1 hour a day - starting at $95 per week
- Private Class: 2 hours a day - starting at $190 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
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.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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