Volunteer Teaching In Peru

Discover the joy of teaching and cultural immersion through our Volunteer Teaching Program in Peru, set in the heart of Cusco — the former capital of the Inca Empire and one of South America’s most vibrant cultural hubs. This program gives volunteers the unique opportunity to work directly with children in local community schools, helping to improve their English, communication, and sports skills while making a lasting difference in their lives.

Whether you’re an aspiring teacher, a sports enthusiast, or simply someone passionate about empowering young minds, volunteering in Peru offers you the perfect balance of meaningful work, cultural learning, and personal growth.

Our Teaching English Program in Cusco takes place in local public elementary schools, where volunteers teach children aged 6 to 11 years old. Classes are divided by age and gender, with girls’ classes held in the mornings and mixed classes in the afternoons. Each class typically has 30 to 40 students — all from nearby communities — giving you the chance to make a tangible impact on local education.

You’ll assist local teachers by introducing fun, interactive lessons in English conversation, reading, and writing. Volunteers often bring creativity into the classroom through songs, storytelling, role play, and games to make learning enjoyable. You’ll also have the opportunity to plan your own lessons and lead small group sessions, helping students improve confidence and fluency.

In addition to teaching English, you can organize art, music, and cultural activities that encourage creativity and self-expression. You’ll be fully supported by our local coordinator and provided with materials and guidance to help you succeed — even if this is your first teaching experience abroad.

Working as a teaching volunteer in Peru not only allows you to contribute to the local community but also helps you build valuable professional skills, gain cross-cultural teaching experience, and form lifelong friendships with fellow volunteers and local students.

⚽ Sports Teaching in Peru

If you’re passionate about sports, our Sports Teaching Program in Cusco is an inspiring way to combine your love for physical activity with community empowerment. This project takes place at the same local schools and focuses on using sports as a tool for personal and social development.

You’ll help organize and lead sports lessons, introduce games that build teamwork, coordination, and discipline, and encourage healthy living through physical activity. A major focus of this project is to empower young girls through sports, giving them the confidence and leadership skills needed to overcome gender-based challenges and thrive in their communities.

Through teamwork, mentorship, and fun, you’ll not only help the children stay active but also teach them valuable life skills like communication, discipline, and self-belief.

Our Teaching Volunteer Programs in Peru require a minimum commitment of 3 to 4 weeks to ensure you can make a lasting impact and settle into your role. While a basic level of Spanish is preferred to enhance communication, it is not mandatory. Volunteers without Spanish knowledge can still contribute effectively, especially in after-school or sports-based activities where non-verbal interaction plays a big role.

You’ll receive full orientation and ongoing support from our local team to help you feel confident, comfortable, and prepared for your placement.


 

What You’ll Do as a Volunteer teacher in Peru

As a volunteer teacher in Peru, you’ll play an essential role in improving English education and supporting holistic child development in local schools across Cusco. Working alongside local teachers, you’ll help create interactive, engaging learning environments that make English fun and accessible for children aged 6 to 11 years old.

Your tasks may include:

  • Assisting teachers with English lessons, reading, writing, and conversational activities.

  • Supporting after-school programs, tutoring children individually or in small groups.

  • Helping with homework and classroom activities, and encouraging teamwork through play and creativity.

  • Organizing art, music, or cultural workshops to improve communication and confidence.

  • Leading sports and physical education sessions, especially focusing on teamwork and leadership for girls.

You’ll have the freedom to bring your own ideas, energy, and creativity to the classroom. Whether you’re leading a fun English game, teaching basic vocabulary, or helping children with pronunciation, your contribution will help them gain confidence and open doors to future opportunities.

In addition to teaching, you’ll become part of a supportive community of international volunteers, teachers, and students — learning as much as you give.


🕒 A Typical Day

Each day in Cusco is filled with meaningful work, cultural discovery, and opportunities to explore the city’s rich Incan heritage. While your exact schedule may vary depending on the school and local needs, a typical day might look like this:

TimeActivity
7:30 AM – 8:30 AMEnjoy breakfast with your host family and prepare materials for your day of teaching.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PMFree time to explore Cusco, take a Spanish lesson, or help with lesson planning.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PMLunch break — enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes like rice, lentils, and fresh vegetables.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PMPrepare for afternoon lessons or activities at your assigned school.
3:30 PM – 6:00 PMVolunteer in the classroom or after-school club: teach English, organize workshops, or lead sports and creative sessions.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PMReturn to your accommodation and enjoy dinner with your host family.
EveningRelax, reflect on your day, or join other volunteers for a walk around Cusco’s lively Plaza de Armas.

Weekends are free to travel and explore — visit Machu Picchu, trek through the Sacred Valley, or enjoy local markets and cultural events around Cusco.

Volunteers with children

Some details

Volunteer in Peru Program Start Dates

Start Dates are suggested below. We advise you to check with us about public holidays and festivals during

Days

2025

Days

2026

Days

2027

Volunteer in Peru Programs Cost

Below you can find all the program fees in USD $ per person.

3.Orientation

Pickups are available from 8am-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.

  1. Pre-departure guide to Peru
  2. Airport Pick-up from Cusco airport on arrival
  3. Home-Stay Accommodation in Cusco
  4. Home-cooked meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  5. Location orientation
  6. Project training
  7. Project Placement and donation
  8. Weekly meeting with staff
  9. 24/7 Daily ground support as required
  10. Weekly Cultural meet
  1. Flights to the program destination
  2. Medical and travel insurance
  3. Visa costs
  4. Vaccinations
  5. Airport Drop
  6. Transport to Project Sites
  7. Spanish Language Courses
  8. Excursions

Volunteer in Peru Program Location

All our Peru programs are in Cusco

Your volunteering adventure is based in Cusco, a breathtaking city nestled high in the Andes Mountains. It’s famous for its Incan ruins, colonial architecture, colorful markets, and warm, welcoming people.

When you’re not volunteering, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Peru’s cultural and natural wonders — from wandering through Sacred Valley villages to hiking up to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Cusco is also a hub for travelers and volunteers from around the world, so you’ll always have great company and unforgettable experiences.

Accommodation is provided in a safe and comfortable homestay with a local Peruvian family. You’ll share meals, practice your Spanish, and gain a firsthand understanding of Peruvian culture. Meals are freshly cooked, and you’ll be welcomed as part of the family.

Peru

Volunteer in Peru Program Nearest Airport

  1. The nearest airport for this program in Cusco is Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ)
  2. Most European and North American visitors with a valid passport are permitted to sta in Peru for 183 days without any visa requirements.
  3. Travel Insurance is compulsory on this program.

Accommodation, Meals and Set Up

During your volunteer teaching program in Cusco, you’ll stay in a local Peruvian homestay, giving you a truly authentic and immersive cultural experience. Our host families are carefully selected, safe, and welcoming — they’ll make you feel like part of the family from the moment you arrive.

Rooms are shared with other international volunteers (usually 2–4 per room) and include comfortable beds, clean shared bathrooms with hot showers, and Wi-Fi access. Laundry facilities are available, and your hosts will be happy to help you with any local arrangements.

Living in a homestay is one of the most rewarding parts of your experience — it allows you to practice your Spanish, learn about daily Peruvian life, and enjoy the warmth and hospitality that Cusco is known for.

You’ll enjoy three home-cooked meals a day, freshly prepared by your host family using local ingredients. Expect a delicious variety of traditional Peruvian dishes such as rice, lentils, quinoa, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions can be easily accommodated.

The homestay is conveniently located near the volunteer placement sites and local transport routes, making it easy to get to your school or after-school project each day.

Evenings are typically spent relaxing with your host family, planning the next day’s lessons, or exploring Cusco’s charming streets, cafés, and markets with fellow volunteers.

What your first week looks like

Volunteer in Peru Day

Arrival day

Your arrival weekend will be relaxed. Your host family will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your accommodation. The next day our team will meet you and give you a local orientation so you can get to know the area you are living in. You will also be taken to your project the next day.
Volunteer teaching in Peru

Weekdays

Your project coordinator or a member of the team will be taking you to the office and after introductions you can get started with the projects as well. Our team will take you to the project on your first day. In the evenings most volunteers spend it either exploring local sights, relaxing at the accommodation or preparing for projects.
Volunteer in Peru Excursions

Weekend

Our local team will suggest many activities for you to do! Your weekends will be free for you to explore Kerala or India. We highly recommend you to utilise your time so you can get to see more of the country that you are visiting. We usually make recommendations based on past volunteer experiences. Its always better to book excursions in country with other volunteers.

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