Family volunteering In Peru
Family volunteering in Peru is truly the adventure of a lifetime — a meaningful and enriching experience that brings parents and children together through genuine cultural exchange. Based in the historic city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, this family-friendly volunteer program allows you to make a real impact while immersing yourselves in Peru’s warm and welcoming culture.
While adults assist as teaching assistants or teachers (if qualified) in local primary schools, children participate in school activities, sports, and interactive sessions with local students — fostering cross-cultural friendships and lifelong memories. These programs prove that volunteering isn’t just for gap-year students or retirees; families, too, can contribute deeply and grow together through shared service and learning.
Cusco itself is an incredible classroom. Nestled high in the Andes, it’s surrounded by the majestic Machu Picchu, ancient Incan ruins, colorful markets, and vibrant Quechua traditions. When you’re not volunteering, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this fascinating city and the stunning landscapes that surround it — making your family trip both meaningful and adventurous.
As a volunteer, you’ll work with children aged 3 to 13, supporting local teachers to help improve students’ reading, writing, and English-speaking skills. If you or your family members have special talents — like art, music, or sports — we’ll happily integrate these into your placement, aligning with the school curriculum to create a fun and interactive environment.
For families with less time to volunteer, we also offer a shorter, hands-on option at our Dog Shelter Program in Cusco. This program is perfect for animal-loving families looking for a 1–2 week experience and does not require any Spanish language skills. You’ll help care for rescued street dogs — feeding, cleaning, socialising, and supporting the shelter’s daily operations — an incredibly rewarding way to give back together as a family.
Our experienced local team in Cusco will provide full orientation, guidance, and ongoing support to ensure your family’s experience is safe, rewarding, and impactful. A basic level of Spanish is preferred for the teaching program to help you communicate and connect more effectively with the children and teachers.
This program offers your family the chance to learn, give back, and discover the heart of Peru together — creating bonds that go far beyond the classroom and memories that will last a lifetime.
Family Volunteering in Peru | Teach English & Travel in Cusco with Kids
What You’ll Do as a Family Volunteer in Peru
Your family volunteering experience in Peru will center around supporting local schools and after-school programs in Cusco, helping children build confidence and develop essential life skills. Parents and older children can assist as English teaching volunteers, helping students improve their reading, writing, and speaking abilities, while younger children can participate in creative, educational, or sports-based activities alongside local kids.
As a volunteer, you’ll help with English lessons and homework support, assisting children aged 3 to 13 years old with subjects such as math, science, and language skills. You’ll also have the chance to design and lead art, music, or sports workshops, or even run health and hygiene awareness activities that benefit the entire community. Your work will play an important role in each child’s personal growth and self-confidence, while also helping the wider community thrive.
Your teaching schedule will be provided on arrival, but typically you’ll volunteer Monday to Friday, with afternoon sessions beginning around 4:00 PM, after the children finish their homework or snacks (around 5:30–6:00 PM). Mornings are free for your family to relax, explore Cusco’s historic charm, or enjoy local excursions.
There’s no rigid structure — flexibility and creativity are encouraged! You’re welcome to propose new activities, share your family’s talents, and bring fresh ideas to the classrooms or after-school clubs. This friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to engage meaningfully and feel part of the community.
A basic level of Spanish is preferred for this program, as it helps you connect more easily with children, teachers, and parents. However, your enthusiasm, creativity, and compassion are what truly make the biggest difference.
A Typical Day in Your Family Volunteering Program
Every day on your Family Volunteering Program in Peru is filled with new experiences, rewarding connections, and a balance of meaningful work and cultural discovery. Life in Cusco moves at a relaxed pace, giving your family time to enjoy both volunteering and exploring this incredible city.
Here’s what a typical day looks like:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast with your host family — freshly baked bread, fruit, and coffee — while planning your day ahead. |
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Free time to explore Cusco’s cobbled streets, visit colorful markets, or take a Spanish lesson to improve your language skills. |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch with your host family, sampling homemade Peruvian dishes such as rice, lentils, and local vegetables. |
| 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Prepare for your afternoon volunteering activities — organize lesson plans, gather materials, or brainstorm fun games for the children. |
| 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Volunteer at the school or after-school club! Help children with English, reading, and homework, or lead workshops in art, music, health, or sports. |
| 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Return home, unwind, and share stories from the day over dinner with your host family and fellow volunteers. |
| Evening | Free time to relax, stroll through Cusco’s lively Plaza de Armas, or plan weekend adventures such as visiting Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley. |
Weekends are completely free for your family to explore Peru’s incredible natural and cultural treasures — take a train to Machu Picchu, hike to Rainbow Mountain, visit Pisac’s artisan market, or simply relax and enjoy the warm hospitality of your Peruvian hosts.
Some details
Family Volunteering in Peru Programs Start Dates
Start Dates are suggested below. Our Family Programs run year round with no breaks.
Days
2025
- Jan 5, 12, 19, 26
- Feb 2, 9, 16, 23
- Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Apr 6, 13, 20, 27
- May 4, 11, 18, 25
- Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Jul 6, 13, 20, 27
- Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- Sep 7, 14, 21, 28
- Oct 5, 12, 19, 26
- Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Dec 7,14
Days
2026
- Jan 4, 11, 18, 25
- Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
- Mar 8, 15, 22, 29
- Apr 5, 12, 19, 26
- May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- Jun 7, 14, 21, 28
- Jul 5, 12, 19, 26
- Aug 2, 20
- Sep 6, 13, 20, 27
- Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
- Nov 8, 15, 22, 29
- Dec 6, 13, 20, 27
Days
2027
- Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
- Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
- Apr 3, 10, 17, 24
- May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Jun 5, 12, 19, 26
- Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- Aug 21, 28
- Sep 4, 11, 18, 25
- Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Nov 6, 13, 20, 27
- Dec 4
Family Volunteering in Peru Programs Cost
Below you can find all the program fees in USD $ per person. Minimum of 2 persons is required to join our family program.
1 -2. WEEK is only for the dog shelter program.
For the after school program the minimum duration is 3 weeks and upwards.
- 1 Week
- 2 Weeks
- 3 Weeks
- 4 Weeks
- $900
- $1150
- $1245
- $1395
Family Volunteering in Peru Program Fee Inclusions
Pickups are available from 8 am-10 pm on specified dates at designated airports or hotels near airports. Participants not arriving on these dates will have to meet with the local team independently or pay extra transportation fees.
- What’s Included
- Not Included
- Pre-departure guide to Peru
- Airport Pick-up from Cusco airport on arrival
- Home-Stay Accommodation in Cusco
- Home-cooked meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Location orientation
- Project training
- Project Placement and donation
- Weekly meeting with staff
- 24/7 Daily ground support as required
- Weekly Cultural meet
- Not Included
- Flights to the program destination
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Vaccinations
- Airport Drop
- Transport to Project Sites
- Spanish Language Courses
- Excursions
Family Volunteering in Peru Program Location
All our Peru programs are in Cusco
Cusco is a city with 420.000 people. Because of its location in a valley, the distances in Cusco are bigger. The school is located in the center of the city. The center is located in the north of the city. The center is very lively: there are lots of bars and restaurants. The majority of our home stays are located halfway the city, about 15-20 minutes by public bus to the center. The volunteer projects are located throughout the city.
Family Volunteering in Peru Nearest Airport
- The nearest airport for this program in Cusco is Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ)
- Most European and North American visitors with a valid passport are permitted to sta in Peru for 183 days without any visa requirements.
- Travel Insurance is compulsory on this program.
- Related links
Accommodation, Meals and Set Up
To make your experience truly immersive, you’ll stay with a local Peruvian host family in a carefully selected homestay. This provides an authentic cultural experience and a genuine connection to the local community.
🛏️ Comfortable Rooms: You’ll have a private bedroom (shared with your family members), equipped with clean bedding, storage space, and access to a shared bathroom with hot water.
🍽️ Home-Cooked Meals: Enjoy freshly prepared meals per day — breakfast, lunch and dinner — cooked by your host family. Meals are typically wholesome and traditional, featuring Peruvian favourites like rice, beans, vegetables, chicken, quinoa, and potatoes. Vegetarian and vegan options are easily available.
🧺 Facilities: Homestays include Wi-Fi, laundry service (for a small fee), and access to common living areas. Most are located within 15–30 minutes of your placement, easily reachable by public transport or taxi.
💬 Cultural Exchange: Living with a Peruvian family is one of the most rewarding parts of your program. You’ll practice your Spanish daily, participate in family meals, and learn about customs, traditions, and daily life in Peru.
Our local team visits every host family to ensure safety, comfort, and high standards of hospitality. You’ll be welcomed as part of the family — sharing stories, laughter, and memories that last long after you’ve left Cusco.
What your first week looks like
Arrival day
Weekdays
Weekend
Weekend activities
Macchu Picchu
Weekend activities
Rainbow Mountain
Weekend activities
Lake Titicaca
Weekend activities
Sacred Valley
Visit these stunning sites located in the Sacred Valley. Maras is an Inca amphitheater with a depth of 150 meters.
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