Do I need a visa for Peru?
In general, citizens of the countries in the listing below do NOT have to apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate before entering Peru. A passport valid for more than six months, with at least 2 free pages in the visa section, is enough to get a Tourist Visa (actually it’s only an entry stamp) directly at the border or the airport. When you ask for it politely you can get a 183-day visa, but sometimes ‘only’ 90 days will be granted. Please check out the website of your embassy or consulate to be aware of the requirements for your country before traveling to Peru.
Is there a minimum availability?
Volunteering has a minimum availability of 2 weeks.
Our most popular package is 8 weeks (4 weeks of Spanish classes, 7 weeks of volunteer work). We also have a 2-week and 4-week package, and we can create a customized package just for you. If you already speak Spanish, you can directly start with volunteer work. Or follow an advanced language course.
For the projects involving young children, we do prefer a 4-week availability in the projects. The kids will get attached and too many goodbyes will not be beneficial for them at all. When the project urgently needs volunteers, shorter periods are possible.
When can I start?
You can start on the first Monday of every month. Other start dates are also possible sometimes. Notify us at least 6 weeks in advance to confirm your booking. You will also need at least 6 weeks for your vaccinations.
How do I apply?
After you fill out the application form, Maya will send you an email to answer any of your questions or doubts. When we finalize your customized package, you can fill out our enrollment form. Then, you will receive your volunteer contract to sign digitally. You will make a 30% reservation payment online to complete the reservation process. You can pay the remaining amount in cash once you arrive in Peru.
What does a day of a volunteer in Peru look like?
On our page about Volunteer work, you can check out what a day of a volunteer in Peru can look like.
Most volunteers start with a Spanish language course. Four hours per day, Monday to Friday, for a duration of 4 weeks. The weekends are free.
In the evening there are cultural activities like Salsa classes, cooking lessons, a Movie night, and a hike on Saturday. The activities are included in the program costs (except for the hike and the Boleto Turistico). Transportation to the activities will have to be paid by the volunteer.
Do I need vaccinations?
Yes, you will need vaccinations.
Everybody will need yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, DTP (diphtheria ,tetanus, and pertussis) vaccinations before entering Peru.
Optional: meningococcal and rabies.
Always check your local health clinic before leaving for Peru.
Do I need a return ticket?
Yes, you will need a return ticket. The Peruvian rules require you to have proof of an onward travel ticket (which can be a return ticket or an onward bus or flight ticket to another country).
When you travel with a one-way flight you take the risk of not being able to access the plane upon departure, or having trouble entering Peru.
What do I pack for my trip to Peru?
On our blog, you will find a packing list.
You do not need to bring bed sheets, but you will need to bring your own towels.
The items mentioned in the packing list are a general idea for you to pack. Of course, it depends on the items you regularly use yourself.
A good rain/wind coat, enough clothes layers (temperature differences between sun and shade and day- and nighttime are big!), a hat, and sun cream are always needed.
Check out our packing list here
What is the Boleto Turistico?
The Boleto Turistico is the Tourist ticket for Inca ruins and museums in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. During your Spanish course, your teacher will accompany you to some of the 16 sites.
Contact us with all your questions about the Boleto Turistico, but first, you can read all the details about the Boleto Turistico on our Blog.
