Cusco, Peru
Population: 358,935
Land Area: 385.1 km²
Languages: Spanish & Quechua
Currency: Peruvian Sol
About cusco
Often cited as the most beautiful city in South America, Cusco, Peru is the meeting ground of old and new. 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, this iconic city is now home to a flourishing tourism industry. If you’re looking to volunteer abroad in Peru, MEDLIFE volunteers get to work alongside professionals in offering essential medicine, education, and development to underserved communities.
volunteer ABROAD in cusco, peru
Known as the most beautiful city in South America and the home of the Inca trail (a.k.a the gateway to Machu Picchu), Cusco has become a location with a booming tourism industry. Travelers from around the world visit to explore and experience the home of the Inca Empire. 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 the city, 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.
Highlights of the trip
- Explore various inspiring and impactful service learning trip options available year-round, including classic, nursing, dental, high school, physician assistants, engineering & architecture, and more!
- Cusco airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals (mon-fri), and 24/7 in-country support.
- Free medical insurance is included.
- Comfortable dormitory-style rooms during your stay.
- Enhance your adventure with exciting add-ons!
How You Can Help
Mobile Clinics
MEDLIFE tackles critical health issues in these communities through mobile clinics, preventative health education workshops, and patient follow-up. However, our efforts rely on dedicated individuals like you, who choose to volunteer on Service Learning Trips (SLT), making our work possible.
Development Projects
Discover the development projects you could participate in while volunteering in Cusco, Peru. These projects are collaboratively designed and developed with the community to address their needs, resulting in meaningful and sustainable impact and empowered communities.
- Greenhouses
- Corn Dryers
- Home Renovations
- School Renovations
- and more!
To learn more about our volunteer opportunities in Peru, download our brochure!
MEDLIFE Cusco SAFETY
When you sign up for a Service Learning Trip in Cusco, Peru, you are automatically registered for medical emergency insurance for the duration of your trip. Visit our travel safe page or email us at [email protected] to learn more.
Explore & Support: Enhance Your SLT Adventure
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.
Explore All Upcoming Trips
Ready to make a difference in Peru? Discover our upcoming Service Learning Trip dates and join us on an unforgettable journey with MEDLIFE!
EXPLORE OUR BLOGS
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- Top 10 Things To Do While Volunteering Abroad In Cusco, Peru
- How To Get The Best Out Of Volunteering Abroad in Cusco, Peru
- Architecture and Culture: Blending Traditions In Peru
- Integrating Indigenous Architecture: Blending Tradition and Modernity In Peru
- Exploring the Unique Educational Systems of Peru’s Indigenous Communities
- Understanding the Rise of Poverty in Peru and the Government’s Response