MEDLIFE Cusco, Peru | Nonprofit Charity | Cusco, Peru
1-844-633-5433
Cusco, Peru

Population  Population: 358,935

Land Area  Land Area: 385.1 km²

Languages  Languages: Spanish & Quechua

Currency   Currency: Peruvian Sol

About cusco

Volunteer in cusco for studentsOften cited as the most beautiful city in South America, Cusco is the meeting ground of old and new in Peru. The ancient pre-Inca and Inca cultures merge with the colonial heritage of the Spanish conquerors to create a one-of-a-kind city nestled into the Andes mountains of southern Peru. World-renowned as the ancient capital of the Incan Empire and the gateway to Macchu Picchu, Cusco is today home to a flourishing tourism industry. 

volunteer in cusco, peru

workaway machu picchu

Known as the most beautiful city in South America and the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco has become the home of a booming tourism industry. Unfortunately, the region’s economy was hit hard by COVID-19. As borders closed and businesses had no choice but to shut down, many locals were left unemployed and facing an uncertain future. The flow-on effects of the pandemic have been particularly severe for rural communities surrounding Cusco, where many families lived in poverty even before the pandemic. These Indigenous communities are isolated both geographically and linguistically, often only speaking their native tongue of Quechua. Our COVID-19 relief effort helped address the hunger crisis in these communities, but further support is needed to ensure the region’s recovery. Families have relied on agriculture to make a living but their income can be unstable due to heavy rains and earthquakes that can affect their crops. In the rural villages, the roads are often unpaved, schools are stocked with only the most basic teaching supplies, and the closest hospital may be hours away. 

A Service Learning Trip to Cusco with MEDLIFE will help you understand the history of the pre-Inca, Inca, and Spanish cultures, and how they have come together to create the current state of life for indigenous people in Peru.

How You Can Help

MEDLIFE addresses some of the most pressing issues in these communities through Mobile Clinics, patient follow-up, and community development projects. But our work would not be possible without motivated individuals like you choosing to volunteer in Service Learning Trips (SLT). To learn more about our volunteer opportunities in Peru, download our brochure!

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE SLT BROCHURE

Explore & Support: Enhance Your SLT Adventure

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A trip to Peru would be incomplete without witnessing the majesty of Machu Picchu and experiencing the spectacular rolling sand dunes of Ica. Our optional add-ons let you dive deeper into your SLT destination, supporting MEDLIFE communities sustainably along the way.

Click here to view extension options