I was able to improve my Spanish speaking abilities and start to understand it better. The people in Peru were really sweet. I loved volunteering at the zoo and enjoyed working with all the animals and people there. It was a new experience but I was able to make new friends along the way.
Medical Campaign in Peru - Cusco
Purpose
Improve access to quality healthcare
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-2 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Homestay
Program fees
From £486 for 1 week
What's included
Find out here
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:
Medical and nursing students at any level including pre-medical and pre-nursing, as well as qualified professionals. Campaigns can be tailored to particular specialties and the level of experience of your group.
Project details
Want to volunteer on a Medical Campaign with a group of friends or colleagues in Peru - Cusco? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical Campaign project is a great opportunity for groups of eight or more people to get together and provide roving healthcare services. This week-long campaign involves visiting remote or disadvantaged areas around Cusco to improve access to medical care and treatment for the people who live there.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In Cusco, people in low-income communities struggle to access regular medical care and other basic necessities of life.
Volunteer campaigns enable both children and adults to receive basic medical and health services in their own neighborhoods. Having this kind of care available can encourage local people to continue to seek medical treatment when they need it.
As a Medical Campaign volunteer you will visit up to five different communities throughout the week. While each campaign is different, past volunteers have: helped local professionals to provide health check ups; educated communities about nutrition and personal hygiene; and taught people about dental care and distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste in areas without clean drinking water.
Why do Medical Campaign volunteering in Cusco with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on a Medical Campaign in Peru - Cusco you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Bringing healthcare to people in underserved communities
- Volunteering with friends, colleagues or classmates
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining hands-on medical experience
- Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
- Exploring the stunning mountains and ancient ruins of Peru
Volunteer requirements
- To join this project volunteers need to be pre-medical, medical, pre-nursing or nursing students or qualified professionals.
- Volunteers must be part of a group of eight or more eligible volunteers.
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
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.
Peru photo gallery
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Archaeology project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Archaeology project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Archaeology project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Amazon Jungle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Archaeology project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Andean Immersion project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Archaeology project
IVHQ Medical Campaign project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
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
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
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
YV
Yazmin Velasquez
25 Jul 2024
...
RM
Rebecca Martin
19 Jul 2024
My whole family was able to experience a completely new way of living in the world. The surroundings were incredible and unspoiled by technology. My children gained even more insight than I did. We frequently discussed the things we take for granted and other ways we could help people on the project and at home. Our language lessons were impeccable and overall, we gained a greater appreciation for life as we know it.
...
GV
Gabriella Venables Kyrke
17 Jul 2024
Go in with an open mind and get stuck in the work, it might not all be glamorous but you definitely learn a lot!
...
ZS
Zoe Soto
15 Jul 2024
The local support team was amazing and they far exceeded my expectations!! They were professional, empathetic and enlightening.
I believe when working with the seniors at the nursing home I made an impact on their lives daily. I made them feel seen and important by giving them daily hand massages, painting nails and playing ball with them.
...
LM
Leonor Monteiro
15 Jul 2024
It was the first time I travelled so far by myself and I had never been away from home for so long. I was extremely nervous coming to Cusco, but that immediately changed once I met my housemates. They were all travelling solo and just as nervous as I was so we bonded very fast and formed lifelong friendships. The volunteering itself was also an incredible experience, the staff were very caring. The local team was exceptional, they were available to help with whatever we needed. I feel like I definitely made a difference, even if it was just for the 3 weeks I was here. I really loved my time in Cusco and I’m sad to see it come to an end. It was definitely a worthwhile experience that I’ll cherish forever.
...
MP
Matthew Palmer
23 Apr 2024
I think anyone thinking about volunteering in any project would do well to start with IVHQ. It is an easy process and you will enjoy your time abroad with this group!
...
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
The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Cusco on the Sunday before orientation. Orientation will be held within 24 hours of your arrival.
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 travelling 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.
Orientation is hosted by our local team at their offices in Cusco. Orientation begins on Monday morning and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Cusco – introduction to Peru, Peruvian customs, language lesson details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Cusco, 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 socialising.
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. |
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. Private room upgrades cost £50 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 US$3 (approximately £2) and US$10 (approximately £8) 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 £269), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately £269) 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.
The Medical Campaign program fee is £486 per person for the week, and includes 24/7 support, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, Medical Campaign, private transportation to placement daily, program orientation and discounts on language lessons. All programs attract a Registration Fee (from US$329) on top of the Program Fee. A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Free-time experiences & tours in Cusco
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Cusco! 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!
£114
Machu Picchu Overnight Tour - Upgrade (2 days, 1 night)
Explore Machu Picchu on an exhilarating 2-day & 1-night tour.
£400
Machu Picchu Tour (Full Day)
Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of Machu Picchu in just one day without stretching your budget!
£305
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 £72 per week
- Private Class: 1 hour a day - starting at £77 per week
- Private Class: 2 hours a day - starting at £155 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!
Latest blog posts
Other projects you may be interested in
Medical in Arusha, Tanzania
Medical in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Health Education in Ubud, Bali
Healthcare in San Jose, Costa Rica
Medical and Healthcare in Antigua, Guatemala
Medical and Healthcare in Cusco, Peru
Medical in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Medical in Delhi, India
Medical Campaign in San Jose, Costa Rica
Medical in Livingstone, Zambia
Medical Elective in Nepal
Dentistry in San Jose, Costa Rica
Medical in Ghana
Healthcare Outreach and Education in Ghana
Dentistry in Antigua, Guatemala
Healthcare in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dentistry in Cusco, Peru
Health Education in Lovina, Bali
Medical in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Medical Outreach in Lima, Peru
Medical in Kerala, India
Healthcare in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Medical Outreach in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Healthcare in Cordoba, Argentina
Health Education in Lombok
Physical Therapy in Kerala, India
Medical Campaign in Nepal
Medical Campaign in Delhi, India
Dentistry in Kerala, India
Medical Campaign in Antigua, Guatemala
