I'm blown away by this experience. Every single detail was well thought out and I can tell so much effort went into preparing this experience. As a volunteer, I felt valued, safe and cared for. This program is a gold standard with so much positive energy each day!
Christmas Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Peru - Cusco
Purpose
Support communities over the festive season
Start dates
Only available the weeks of Christmas and New Years
Duration
Choose from 1-2 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
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:
Volunteers who are available over the Christmas and New Year period and want to try a wide variety of volunteer activities that will have an impact on the local community and especially those in need at this time of year.
Project details
Want to spend Christmas making a difference in Peru - Cusco? International Volunteer HQ’s Christmas Holiday Experience project enables volunteers to participate in a variety of projects that benefit the local community during the festive season when other volunteer projects take a break. Volunteers can assist with activities like running holiday parties for disadvantaged children and the elderly, helping a rural village with cooking, weaving and farming, or renovating a local community center and helping bring the Christmas spirit to Cusco.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The holiday period in Peru is vibrant, colorful, and exciting. This special project is designed to help volunteers enjoy the festive season while pitching in with valuable community initiatives in underprivileged areas of the city. Many projects are closed at this time of year, but this provides an inspiring way to still do something meaningful and contribute to the local community.
Please note, the order of this work may be subject to change based on local requirements. In 2024, this project is only available to volunteers who begin the weeks of the 23rd and 30th of December - volunteers should arrive in the morning the day before your project starts.
See the Christmas Holiday Experience Schedule for 2024 to learn more about what to expect.
The Christmas Holiday Experience project requires an extra cost of $95 per week for supervision, materials and the logistics involved in this project which will be included in the Program Fee quoted to you by IVHQ when you apply.
Why do Christmas Holiday Experience volunteering in Cusco with IVHQ?
When you volunteer during the holidays in Peru - Cusco you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping disadvantaged communities celebrate the holidays
- Volunteering while many community initiatives are closed
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining a wide range of volunteer experiences
- Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
- Experiencing the vibrant festive season in 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 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document 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?
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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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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
JO
Jide Oke
24 Jan 2024
...
HK
Hyunjung Kim
24 Jan 2024
This was the most wonderful experience I've ever had - from the first day to the last day it was perfect! I fully recommend this program.
...
SY
Saini Ye
24 Jan 2024
The project and program was well organized and everything went super smooth! I enjoyed working with other volunteers and the local team - everyone was so sweet. This was a great experience and I will do more programs in the future - thanks for everything!
...
JO
Jennifer ODonnell
24 Jan 2024
Everything was amazing! This was the best experience I've every had, and I would recommend the Christmas Holiday Experience project to anyone.
...
KB
Kathryn Burguin
17 Jan 2024
I was really impressed with everything pre-departure that IVHQ provided. The local team was very professional, efficient and genuinely friendly. They were always willing to help or answer any question I had.
This program is a great way to get outside of your comfort zone. I was outside of the usual age bracket for volunteers. However, if you are willing to do the job and you get on well with people, then you will adapt. We were very lucky as we had a great group of volunteers and we got on well together.
...
SJ
Sara Jenis
13 Sep 2023
I traveled to a cool place and met some amazing people, all while being able to help people in need. The accommodation was AWESOME. I couldn't have asked for a better host.
...
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
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
The Peru - Cusco Christmas Holiday Experience project is held during the weeks of Christmas and New Years and provides the opportunity to participate in a variety of different projects and activities in the local community.
Start dates in 2024 are available on December 23rd (for 1 or 2 weeks) and December 30th (for 1 week). The 2024 Christmas Holiday Experience schedule is as follows:
WEEK 1: December 22nd - 28th, 2024
| Sunday, December 22nd | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing, Orientation. |
| Monday, December 23rd | Childcare project - Show the kids a great time for the holiday! Celebrate by bringing gifts and food to the project. Take part in games, songs, dancing and more! |
| Tuesday, December 24th | Animal Care project - Spend the day grooming, feeding, playing with Alpacas, Llamas, and other cute, fluffy animals. Work in a community that depends on and cares for these animals. |
| Wednesday, December 25th | Christmas Day - No placement work, but you’re welcome to join local holiday festivities independently, as there will be many! |
| Thursday, December 26tht | Elderly Care project - Spread the Holiday Spirit at an elderly home by playing games, preparing a special holiday snack, dancing, and providing much needed company and conversation. |
| Friday, December 27th | Eco-Agriculture Conservation project - Work to rehabilitate a part of Cusco with native foliage! Transplant, relocate, and plant organic and local vegetation in previously green areas. |
| Saturday, December 28th | Departure |
WEEK 2: December 29th 2024 - January 4th 2025
| Sunday, December 29th | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing, Orientation. |
| Monday, December 30th | Childcare project - Celebrate the holidays with underprivileged kids by bringing them food and gifts! |
| Tuesday, December 31st | Andean Immersion project - Work in a rural Andean community and learn about their daily lives–help with weaving, farming, cooking, or other tasks. |
| Wednesday, January 1st | New Year’s Day - No placement work, but you’re welcome to join local holiday festivities independently, as there will be many! |
| Thursday, January 2nd | Animal Care project - Assist at a local dog shelter with general care, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and more. |
| Friday, January 3rd | Construction and Renovation project - Community Development - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
| Saturday, January 4th | Departure |
Please note, itineraries are subject to change based on field conditions.
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. Private room upgrades cost $62 per week.
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 $3 (approximately $3) and $10 (approximately $10) 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$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.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $548 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 2 weeks | $905 Equivalent to $65/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
- Airport pick-up
- 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.
- 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!
$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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