Best Volunteering Programs in Peru (2026)
Updated June 2026 · 19+ programs listed on Volentroop
Peru is one of South America's most rewarding volunteering destinations, combining Amazon rainforest wildlife rescue, ancient Incan heritage sites in the Sacred Valley, and communities in genuine need across Cusco, Lima, and Iquitos. Whether you want to care for rescued monkeys deep in the jungle or teach English in the shadow of Machu Picchu, Peru has a program for every type of volunteer. Not sure which type suits you? Ask an AI chatbot to describe your interests and it will match you to the right program in seconds.
This blog covers the best volunteer opportunities in Peru across four categories, all verified and bookable through Volentroop.
🐒 Wildlife Rescue & Animal Sanctuaries
Peru's Amazon basin is home to some of the world's most diverse wildlife, and several rescue centres welcome volunteers year-round.
Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary
📍 Puerto Maldonado
Assist in the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife including monkeys, parrots, and sloths in Peru's Amazon. Tasks include feeding, enclosure cleaning, and enrichment activities. Shared accommodation and three daily meals included. Minimum 2 weeks.
La Isla de los Monos, Monkey Island
📍 Iquitos
One of the Amazon's most unique volunteer experiences, a river island near Iquitos where you interact freely with, feed, and care for monkeys. Reached by speedboat about one hour from the city. Described by volunteers as one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Amazon.
Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
📍 Pisac Road, Cusco
Wildlife rescue facility rehabilitating bears, pumas, condors, monkeys, and alpacas from across South America, with the goal of releasing them back to their natural habitat. Located 22 km from Cusco near the famous Pisac market.
RAREC Wildlife Rescue
📍 Iquitos
Rescue centre for exotic animals seized from illegal trafficking near Iquitos. Volunteers bottle-feed young animals, clean cages, build enrichment structures, and assist with medical care. $50/day includes three meals, accommodation, and pickup from the city.
📚 Teaching & Education
English Teaching in Cusco
📍 Cusco
Assist local schools and community centres teaching English to children and adults from underprivileged families in Cusco. Work involves classroom instruction and cultural exchange in one of South America's most iconic cities, steps from Incan ruins.
Seeds of Hope, English & Math Teaching
📍 Huaraz
Teach English and mathematics to disadvantaged children in Huaraz, the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Volunteers work in morning and afternoon shifts by age group. Free evenings and weekends off. No Spanish required.
Peru Vivential, English Teaching & Dog Shelter
📍 Trujillo
A unique two-part program in Trujillo combining English teaching in public primary schools with work at a dog shelter tackling Peru's stray dog crisis. No prior experience needed, and Trujillo's beaches and Chan Chan ruins make it a great base.
🤝 Community & Childcare
Azul Wasi Orphanage
📍 Oropesa, Cusco
Orphanage housing 19 children from difficult backgrounds including parental loss and family violence. Volunteers help with schoolwork, play, and daily activities, providing attention and stability. Free accommodation and meals included.
Imfundo Kahle, Women & Children Empowerment
📍 Lima
Nonprofit in Lima empowering women and children through education. Volunteer roles span teaching, construction, organic farming, computer skills, music, and sports. An official volunteer certificate is provided on completion.
🏺 Archaeology & Environment
Archaeological Volunteering, Sacred Valley
📍 Sacred Valley
Work alongside experienced archaeologists preserving and restoring significant cultural heritage sites in Peru's Sacred Valley near Cusco. Tasks include site maintenance, artifact classification, and historical mapping, with the Andes as your backdrop.
Manu Amazon, Jungle Volunteering
📍 Manu National Park
Animal care volunteering deep inside Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Food, lodging, and an authentic jungle experience included. Contact the organization directly for specific tasks and availability.
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