As a childcare volunteer in Peru, you’ll play a vital role in supporting childcare projects in the vibrant city of Cusco. PMGY’s Peru volunteer programs also offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your Spanish skills. By volunteering with children in Peru, you’ll be supporting local initiatives that aim to improve educational and social opportunities for young people in underserved communities. Your contribution will help create a more positive and engaging environment for the children involved.
Childcare Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 Through Education
- Build Practical Childcare Skills Supporting Children Across Projects In Cusco
- Engage Children Through Learning, Play, Creative Activities & Daily Care
- Explore More Of Peru With Weekend Trips To Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca
- Experience Peruvian Culture Through Salsa, Local Cuisine & Fruit Tasting
Background to the Childcare Program
The majestic city of Cusco, known as the heart of the Inca Empire, is a thriving tourist hub. Each year, millions of visitors come to explore its rich culture and venture to iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu. Despite the high levels of tourism and a growing economy, more than half of Cusco’s population lives in poverty. Many families struggle to make ends meet, leading to visible child poverty on the city’s cobblestone streets.
In this historic city, you’ll often see children begging or working to help support their families. They may be posing with llamas for tourist photos or pushing carts to sell goods at local markets. These children, with their striking features, are direct descendants of the Andes rulers, carrying the heritage of their ancestors while enduring challenging circumstances.
In indigenous communities, children frequently face difficult home environments due to poverty, addiction, violence, or neglect. PMGY partners with local organisations to help these children. Projects range from kindergartens and daycare centres to facilities supporting children with physical and mental disabilities.
Kindergarten and working children’s projects play a vital role in providing support for families. These initiatives help ensure children have access to food, education, and care, which ultimately enables them to grow into positive contributors to their communities. By completing volunteer work in Peru, you are directly contributing to these efforts.
Although some lower-income families receive minor government assistance, many still rely on their children to leave school and work on the streets. To address this, local groups including police, language schools, and NGOs provide crucial support. This includes free food, shelter, entertainment, and clothing to help alleviate their struggles.
There has also been an increased focus on aiding children with disabilities. In rural parts of Peru, access to specialised care is limited. However, in Cusco, the local government has developed education centres and specialist schools for children aged 4-17 with physical and mental disabilities. These facilities allow parents to work while ensuring their children receive proper care.
These centres cater to children with severe needs, including autism, bipolar disorder, Down syndrome, ADHD, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions. The support provided ensures that these children receive the necessary care and education to thrive.
PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Peru provide a platform to make a real difference. As a childcare volunteer abroad, your energy, enthusiasm, and creativity are essential in offering care and attention to these children. To maximise your impact as a childcare volunteer in Peru, it’s important to donate your time and skills effectively, ensuring your contributions positively influence the lives of the local people.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
The Pronoei Project - Designed a non-formal kindergarten, the Pronoei Project provides free early childhood education and care for low-income families. Funded by the Ministry of Education of Peru, each Pronoei centre is run by a local community member who takes on the role of teacher. Operating for four hours daily, this program offers care for minimal costs for families who need it most.
The Pronoei Project caters to children aged 3-5 in a combined class setting, with hours running from 9am to 12:30pm. As a volunteer in Peru, your role involves assisting local staff with lesson planning, playing with the children, and organising workshops that focus on culturally relevant childcare practices. Beyond the classroom, volunteers also contribute to efforts around nutrition and hygiene, such as preparing meals and teaching proper handwashing and tooth-brushing techniques.
Volunteers are encouraged to create their own routines and engage in activities that align with their unique skills and interests. Pronoei centres serve several underserved kindergartens in the Cusco region, with each hosting one volunteer at a time. These centres typically accommodate around 30 children under the guidance of a single community teacher, making the support of volunteers crucial. Despite being small, crowded, and under-resourced, the impact volunteers have on both children and staff is highly appreciated.
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Each classroom typically has one teacher for a maximum of 10 children, supported by a teacher-assistant who rotates across all courses. Volunteers play an essential role by providing individual attention, which is vital for most of the children. Younger children are grouped into smaller classes averaging six students, where the workload is higher due to their needs. Teachers focus on helping these children develop basic skills to prepare them for future education and life at home.
For older students, the curriculum includes practical skills like sewing, cooking, and art, which can be used for occupational jobs, at home, or in tourism-based sales such as artwork and crafts. This provides an opportunity for volunteers to engage with students on a personal level in a skill-based environment. Working with younger students involves informal, enjoyable activities such as singing songs, learning letters, and painting.
Volunteer tasks include classroom assistance, meal preparation, and leading creative activities like crafts and sensory stimulation for children with severe disabilities. Volunteers are welcome to rotate between groups to gain diverse experiences. Additionally, the school has a physiotherapist who provides therapy during school hours. Volunteers can assist with therapy sessions, gaining firsthand experience and offering much-needed support.
Participating as a childcare volunteer in Peru allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their communities while immersing yourself in a rewarding and culturally rich experience.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a volunteer with children in Peru, your role involves providing essential support to local staff with their daily responsibilities. This includes assisting during mealtimes and with cleaning tasks, as well as contributing creatively through arts and crafts, teaching English, and helping improve hygiene skills. Volunteers also play a vital role in supporting children with their homework and participating in planned activities organised by the local staff.
Your work schedule will be flexible and arranged in coordination with the centre and our volunteer coordinator in Cusco. The local team will send you detailed project information, tasks, and working hours before your arrival in Cusco, giving you time to prepare. You’ll typically work on the volunteering abroad programs from Monday to Friday, dedicating at least 3-5 hours per day to the project.
For those seeking adventure, a one-hour walk through the historic heart of Cusco is a scenic way to reach your childcare placement. Alternatively, you can opt for a 30-minute bus ride to your project site. Bus stops are conveniently located near the host family or the Spanish school. The local team will guide you in learning the routes to your project, ensuring you feel confident navigating to and from your placement.
Other Things to Consider as a Children in Peru
Return Airport Transfer - Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Alternatively, ridesharing apps are a common and cost-effective option. Many participants travel during their final days and may not return to the airport directly from the accommodation. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants.
Resources – At the childcare project in Peru, resources can be limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring materials each day to enhance their productivity and engagement. Preparing well in advance will help you make the most of your experience as a childcare volunteer in Peru.
Spanish Requirements - For the volunteer in Peru programs, we recommend having a reasonable level of Spanish before your trip. While there are no mandatory language requirements, and beginners are welcome, being able to communicate in Spanish will significantly enhance your experience. English is not widely spoken in Peru, so the program should also be seen as a language immersion opportunity. Limited Spanish skills may lead to communication challenges and a more frustrating experience.
PMGY also offers Online Spanish Lessons before your trip, providing one-on-one classes with trained Spanish teachers via Zoom.
Additionally, you can enrol in our learn Spanish in Peru program, which includes 20 hours per week of Spanish lessons. Both options can be added during the online application process and are highly recommended to help you make the most of your volunteer work in Peru.
Once in Peru, you can arrange additional lessons with the local team. However, volunteer feedback suggests that balancing language lessons with your Peru volunteer programs can be tiring. For this reason, we recommend only extending your Language Immersion Program if you wish to focus on improving your Spanish skills.
Project Commitment – We recommend a minimum commitment of four weeks for childcare and teaching projects to ensure both volunteers and the projects maximise the experience. Shorter placements of two or three weeks are also available but are typically limited to kindergarten and after-school teaching projects.
Placement Settings – PMGY does not offer volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any location. Studies have shown that volunteering in orphanages can inadvertently support an industry that separates children from their families, putting them at risk of neglect and abuse. As a result, PMGY does not work with or support such institutions.
Instead, our programs focus on alternative childcare opportunities where children come to and from the placement daily. Our local teams partner with safe, responsible, and vetted projects that do not provide residential care. These settings allow volunteers to offer meaningful support to local staff while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Embark on a breathtaking 2-day journey from Cusco to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Travel through the lush Sacred Valley by scenic train or choose a picturesque drive that lets you see more of local life. Spend the night in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, surrounded by mountains and rivers, before enjoying a guided tour of the ancient Incan citadel and its magnificent terraces and temples.
Getting There
• 2 hours from Cusco
• Scenic Train – 370 USD
• Car – 200 USD
Where to Stay
• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes – Included
Things to Do
• Explore Aguas Calientes – Included
• Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Included
The Salkantay Trek is a stunning five-day adventure through Peru’s most dramatic landscapes. You’ll journey from snow-capped peaks and alpine passes to cloud forests and subtropical valleys, reaching the 4,630m Salkantay Pass for breathtaking views of the glacier. Along the way, you’ll pass remote villages, waterfalls, and coffee farms before arriving at Machu Picchu for a guided tour and return to Cusco.
Getting There
• Start – 4 hours from Cusco
• End – 3 hours from Cusco
• Private Tour Bus
Where to Stay
• Glamping in the Andes – Included
Things to Do
• Hike Through Mountain Landscapes – Included
• Visit Scenic Viewpoints – Included
• Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Included
A full-day trip from Cusco takes you to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), where colourful mineral layers paint the Andean slopes. Enjoy a scenic drive through highland villages before hiking to the summit at over 5,000 metres. Alternatively, visit Palccoyo Mountain for a less crowded, easier hike with equally beautiful rainbow hues and sweeping views of the Andes.
Getting There
• 4 hours from Cusco
• Private Tour Bus
Where to Stay
• Day trip option from Cusco
Things to Do
• Hike Over Rainbow-Coloured Mountains – Included
• Take Photos With Alpacas – Small Donation
• Traditional Buffet Lunch and Dinner – Included
Experience Peru’s rich culture on a two-day trip from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Travel overnight to Puno before setting off by boat to explore the floating Uros Islands and Amantani Island, where you’ll stay with a local family. Enjoy home-cooked meals, stunning views, and a lively evening of traditional music and dance before returning to Cusco.
Getting There
• 8 hours from Cusco
• Tourist Night Coach
Where to Stay
• Local Homestay – Included
Things to Do
• Visit Reed Houses on the Uros Islands – Included
• Sunset Hike on Amantani Island – Included
• Assist With Traditional Cooking – Included
• Try on Traditional Dress – Included
• Enjoy Local Music and Dancing – Included
Discover the beauty and history of the Sacred Valley on this full-day trip from Cusco. Visit ancient Inca sites like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray, explore vibrant artisan markets, and see the stunning Maras Salt Mines carved into the mountainside. Learn about Andean culture, local weaving traditions, and Incan agricultural ingenuity on this immersive and scenic tour.
Getting There
• 2 hours from Cusco
• Private Tour Bus
Where to Stay
• Day trip option from Cusco
Things to Do
• Explore Chinchero, Moray, and Maras Salt Mines – Included
• Visit Local Weaving Communities and Markets – Included
• Leisurely Afternoon in Ollantaytambo – Included
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- A group of friends celebrating their mountain hike adventure amidst stunning views and lush Peruvian landscape.
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- Four friends enjoy stunning views of Cuscos cityscape, mountains, and vibrant culture during a joyful trip.
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- Three hikers celebrate their achievement atop Perus vibrant Rainbow Mountains, surrounded by colourful geological formations and stunning mountain views.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Host Family
During your time on our Peru volunteer programs, you will stay with a local host family in Cusco. Staying with a host family provides a comfortable base for your time in Peru while giving you the opportunity to experience everyday local life and become more immersed in Peruvian culture.
Host families have their own routines and living spaces, but volunteers are welcomed into the home and have the opportunity to interact with their hosts throughout their stay. It is a great way to learn more about life in Cusco and, for those learning Spanish, provides plenty of opportunities to practise the language in a natural setting.
Both shared and private room options are available across our host families. Rooms include single beds, bed linen and space for your clothes and personal belongings. You will also have access to the communal areas and facilities available within your individual host family home.
Our host families are located across central Cusco and the surrounding residential areas, with your accommodation arranged according to your volunteer project and local logistics. If you would like to stay with another PMGY participant, please mention this on your online application and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option is a great choice for volunteers who enjoy a more social living experience. Rooms are same sex and shared with other PMGY participants, giving you the opportunity to get to know other volunteers while also experiencing life with a local host family.
Bathroom facilities are shared within the host family home and include a shower and western style toilet. This is our standard accommodation option and works particularly well for volunteers who enjoy the social side of sharing their experience with others.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer more personal space, our Comfort Option provides a private bedroom within a local host family home. This gives you your own space to relax and unwind while still enjoying the interaction and cultural experience that comes with staying with a host family.
You should expect bathroom facilities to be shared within the host family home. As these are private family homes, facilities are generally comfortable and shared between a relatively small number of people. Some of our host families do have private or ensuite bathrooms available, and where possible we may be able to arrange one, but this is subject to availability and should be considered an added benefit rather than a standard feature of the Comfort Option.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 3 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
15 Minutes
Nearest ATM & Shops
10 Minute Walk
Meals
During your volunteer trip to Peru, international volunteers receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by your host family. Breakfast and dinner are served at the homestay, while lunch is provided as a packed meal or pre-cooked option that can be reheated at the Spanish school. Boiled and filtered water is also available at the homestay for volunteers.
Meals are typically traditional Peruvian dishes, which can be quite carb-heavy. Peruvian cuisine often features rice or quinoa as staples, with chicken being the primary meat. Due to the high altitude, you’ll notice smaller portions for breakfast and dinner, with lunch being the largest meal of the day. It may take a few days for your body to adjust to these changes, but this traditional eating style supports better digestion in Cusco’s altitude.
Common meats include chicken, fish, and alpaca, but there are also several vegan, vegetarian, and international dining options around Cusco. Restaurants and western-style food outlets are just a 10-minute drive from the homestay, offering some home comforts if you’d like to explore. Vegan and Indian cuisine are also available, and the local team will provide recommendations during your orientation.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Eggs, Bread, Porridge, Fruit, Coffee, Tea
Lunch
Chicken Sandwich, Rice, Vegetables, Salad
Dinner
Pasta, Vegetables, Chicken, Pork, Rice, Plantain
Program Location
FAQ's
As a Peru childcare volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the childcare projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation!
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Peru childcare program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Saturday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Peru, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Peru childcare volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Many of our Peru childcare volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Peru childcare volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Peru childcare volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
