Orientation
You will have an orientation to help you get settled in and feel comfortable in your new surroundings.
Accommodation and Meals
Volunteers will be accommodation in one of three residences in Cusco. One is based at the language school and the other two are around 10 - 15 minutes walk from the language school and many volunteer projects. Please note that the accommodation is reasonably basic by western standards but all the facilities you will need are provided. Living here gives volunteers an opportunity to live independently and come and go from the project as you wish.
Volunteers will be allocated shared rooms, or can request a private room for an additional cost, but always share a bathroom, kitchen and living room with other volunteers. Please note that meals are not included during your stay. Many volunteers take it in turns to cook meals or simply eat in restaurants. Food is very cheap by Western standards. The bargain hunters amongst volunteers can find a two course meal for as little as 30p in Cusco, with a drink included! You will be given a key for your residence so you can come and go as you please.
Free Time
Free time is during the evenings and on the weekends. During this time you can take excursions to other parts of the country, or stay in Cusco to get to know the community more intimately. Our on-site co-ordinator, can organise any tours or excursions (football matches, Machu Picchu and Sacred valley visits, horse riding, trips to indigenous villages etc) for you very cheaply, or you can travel independently with other volunteers at this project and other projects in Cusco.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Cusco you will have the support and guidance of the co-ordinator. They will be able to provide you with any help or advice you may need during your stay. In addition to the in-country support, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number should you need to contact one of our UK staff at any time.
Project Age Limit
The minimum age for participants is 18 years and there is no maximum age.
Programme Requirements
All the volunteers need to have some knowledge of the Spanish language before starting their volunteer work, not only to get the most out of the project, but also to get around and integrate with the locals. If you do not already speak Spanish it is strongly recommended you take our language course prior to the start of the programme. These are available for two or four weeks, and are easily combined with the project.
