Below are some of the most common questions that we receive from prospective volunteers. If you do not find an answer to your question here, send an email to [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Do I have to pay to volunteer?
We ask for a one-off fee of $150 to help cover administration costs so that we can function as an organization. We are strictly not for profit and try to keep this as low as possible. If it is difficult for you to pay the fee out of pocket, we advise fundraising through sponsorship. Our Project Coordinator can help and advise you on how to proceed with this.

What does the fee go towards?
The program fee covers the costs of our support to you. In volunteers Peru, you have 24/7 support and assistance in all of your needs while being here and personalized support before your arrival. You will also have an induction upon arrival and receive a certificate upon completion of your time commitment.
 
In addition, the fee goes towards your Volunteers Peru uniform shirt, administrative fees, and Volunteers Peru sustainability. The fee is due upon your arrival, or upon completion of your volunteering in dollars or soles.

What other costs might I have?
Volunteers are responsible for their own costs while volunteering. The cost of living in both Arequipa and Tomepampa is relatively low compared to Western prices.
 
Volunteers should budget around $50 - $70 per week for food and other essentials and another $50-$70 per week for accommodation. If you plan on taking trips, then you will need to budget more money for this.

Where can I live while volunteering?
We can offer good quality, value accommodation to those wishing to volunteer with us, although you are welcome to make your own arrangements if you wish. The accommodation that we offer starts from $6 per night. There is also the option of a homestay with a family for $9 per night. 

Is there a certain amount of time that I have to volunteer for?
Due to the nature of the project, we ask that volunteers wishing to work at the school in Tomepampa, Cotahuasi, dedicate a minimum of one month. The project at Casa Hogar Torre Fuerte is more flexible, with a minimum volunteer commitment of two weeks, but we strongly encourage volunteering longer.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
For those volunteering at Casa Hogar Torre Fuerte, we do not require any particular level of Spanish, but please note that the girls and staff at the Casa Hogar only speak Spanish. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you learn as much as possible before arriving so that both you and the girls in the home can get the most out of your volunteer experience. Apps such as Duolingo are helpful and free. 

For volunteers working at Colegio Honofre Benavides we ask for at least a lower intermediate level so that you are able to effectively communicate with staff and students.

If you wish to improve your Spanish during your stay, we work alongside experienced Spanish teachers and offer classes at low rates to our volunteers.  

You can also take Spanish classes online before you arrive, with our partner YOLA. Your Online Language Academy provides its students with the tools to learn Spanish from any location with a professional native Spanish speaking teacher, 24/7. All classes are set up according to the student's goals, interests, and schedule. All classes are taught 1 on 1, ensuring that each student receives the attention they need and at a pace that is best suited for them. For more information feel free to visit the YOLA website, at: www.youronlinelanuageacademy.com

Can I only work at one of the projects?
No, you are welcome to spend some time at both projects if you have the time. You would need a minimum of six weeks to be able to volunteer in both projects.

Is it possible to work in the office as well?
Yes, we always have ongoing projects to further develop Volunteers Peru. If you would like to apply as an intern and help in the office, please indicate this in an email and we will tell you about the tasks we are working on once you arrive. These can vary depending on your skills as well as what we are working on at the time, but we are always happy to have extra help in the office. Please note that this is only possible while volunteering in the Casa Hogar in Arequipa as the school is located very far from our offices. You would be expected to volunteer as normal in the Casa Hogar and work additional hours in the office.

How much am I expected to work?
We ask that volunteers work at least five hours per day Monday-Friday, including travel time to the project.

What else is there to do besides volunteering?
Both Arequipa and Tomepampa boast a huge variety of activities for volunteers to enjoy when not working.

Arequipa, whose skyline is dominated by snow-capped volcanoes is famous for its colonial architecture, great food and lively nightlife. The sun shines around 300 days of the year. International travelers are well catered for, but there are plenty of opportunities to integrate into local life. Arequipa is also great base for further exploration of Peru. The Colca Canyon and the floating islands of Los Uros on Lake Titicaca are within easy reach for weekend trips.

Around ten hours from Arequipa by bus, Cotahuasi is much less visited than its neighbor Colca. You will receive a warm welcome from the locals and there are various opportunities for trekking and hiking. There is a huge variety of landscapes and attractions, from huge waterfalls, to green valleys, to ancient rock forests. Cotahuasi is an area of outstanding natural beauty and is not to be missed!

More details of what you can do in Arequipa and Cotahuasi will be given upon Induction.

What if I want to travel to other areas of Peru? What options do I have?
Marita the President and Founder of Volunteers Peru offers several travel packages that may suit. If you want to plan a trip to Colca, Puno, Machu Picchu, or many other locations in Peru, then we can help you with that once you arrive by either giving advice or booking you a trip.

Where is Volunteers Peru located?
In the Plaza de Armas in the center of Arequipa is a small supermarket called 'El Super' opposite the cathedral. Standing next to El Super with the Cathedral on your right, walk out of the square and onto Calle Puente Bolognese. Walk two blocks, then turn left onto Calle Cruz Verde. Walk two blocks, and you will find the Volunteers Peru office on the ground floor of the Honey House for Travelers (300B Cruz Verde). This is on your left opposite the hostels Sol de Oro and Wayra River.

Is it safe in Peru?
Arequipa is a safe city and Tomepampa is a safe rural village.

As Arequipa is a large city, you need to take the normal precautions as in any city. In Arequipa there is petty crime, you should take care of your belongings in crowded areas like markets and buses. We also recommend taking safe taxis as there are many unregistered taxis in Arequipa.

Are there any significant safety concerns to be aware of in the community --e.g., dangerous flora or fauna; potentially harsh weather conditions, etc.?
Unless you are traveling to a tropical/jungle area, there are very few natural threats in Arequipa and Cotahuasi. Earthquakes do occur, although typically only tremors, but you should be aware of the risk.

How should I dress?
You should wear layers and other items to protect your skin from the hot sun in the day and the cool evenings. You will be provided with a Volunteers Peru T-shirt to wear when you are at the project. It is not appropriate at either project to wear revealing clothing like short shorts or low tops.

What is the weather like?
In the summer months (December to March) it is rainy season in Arequipa. It tends to be sunny in the morning with rain showers in the afternoon. There can be flooding in this time and transportation can be delayed. Every rainy season is a little different and can be very mild or quite extreme, so be prepared for both. The rest of the year (April to November) is sunny and warm in the day and can get cool or cold in the evenings. Winter months (June-August) can get very cold at night, so make sure to bring a warm jacket and layers if you plan to come in these months.

What is the best way to contact you? When would good times be to contact you at?
Our email [email protected] is the best point of contact. Typically the Project Manager is in the office from 9-5 Peruvian time Monday-Friday and responds to emails when in the office. Please note though, due to the nature of the job, spending time in the projects and away from the office occurs every week and therefore some days there may be a slight delay in response. Once in Peru, you will receive a contact card to be able to contact the Project Manager and President via telephone.