Volunteer with Children in Cusco, Peru – Picaflor House

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20+

Years of impact

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180+

Children supported

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4.9 ★

Volunteer rating

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UK & Peru

Registered charity

Volunteers at Picaflor House in Peru
01
Volunteering

Support children's education and after-school activities at Picaflor House, and help bring books and reading to rural villages with our mobile library, all in a structured, supervised environment.

02
Cultural activities

Take part in salsa classes, shared dinners, group outings and a traditional Pachamama ceremony honouring Mother Earth, alongside volunteers from around the world

03
Your Volunteer Family

From your first day, our international team and fellow volunteers are there to welcome you, support you and share every adventure

04
Free time

Explore Cusco's historic centre, hike to Cristo Blanco at sunset, wander San Pedro Market, or relax at a café at your own pace

Your Role
What you'll do at Picaflor House and the Mobile Library
You'll work alongside our permanent Peruvian and international staff, helping wherever you're needed most. Typical tasks include:
  • Supporting local teachers with teaching English, maths and reading
  • Helping children with their homework
  • Helping with arts & crafts, games and sports
  • Helping out with the daily lunch programme
  • Preparing materials and resources for classes
  • Supervising children on local outings
  • Reading with children on the mobile library
  • Helping keep classrooms and play areas tidy
  • You want a well-organised, meaningful placement, where the Globalteer team and permanent local staff guide your work and the children's progress doesn't depend on volunteers alone
  • You'd like your free time to explore Cusco and the Andes with fellow volunteers from around the world
  • You want to support a long-term community project, working alongside the international and local staff who run it all year round

Not sure it's right for you? Send us a message and we'll help you decide.

Impact & Ethics

Volunteer in a black T-shirt writing on a whiteboard under a sign reading Bienvenido a Picaflor House
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Picaflor House and our mobile library contribute to these global goals for children and families in Cusco:
1No Poverty
2Zero Hunger
3Good Health & Well-being
4Quality Education
5Gender Equality
10Reduced Inequalities
Volunteer hugging two children at Picaflor House
Volunteers and children holding a thank-you banner at Picaflor House in Cusco
Globalteer volunteer smiling in front of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) near Cusco
Volunteer doing crafts with a girl at Picaflor House
Volunteers sharing dinner at the Volunteer House in Cusco
Volunteer sitting on a rock at Humantay Lake below a snow-covered mountain near Cusco
Volunteer helping children with homework outdoors
Volunteers at Machu Picchu
Volunteer with children at Picaflor House in Peru
Volunteer teaching a lesson at the Picaflor House whiteboard
Volunteer looking over the circular Inca terraces of Moray in the Sacred Valley
Volunteer sorting storybooks for the mobile library
Terraced salt pools of the Maras salt mines in the Sacred Valley, Peru
Volunteer teaching a class at Picaflor House
Volunteer hugging two children at Picaflor House
Volunteers and children holding a thank-you banner at Picaflor House in Cusco
Globalteer volunteer smiling in front of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) near Cusco
Volunteer doing crafts with a girl at Picaflor House
Volunteers sharing dinner at the Volunteer House in Cusco
Volunteer sitting on a rock at Humantay Lake below a snow-covered mountain near Cusco
Volunteer helping children with homework outdoors
Volunteers at Machu Picchu
Volunteer with children at Picaflor House in Peru
Volunteer teaching a lesson at the Picaflor House whiteboard
Volunteer looking over the circular Inca terraces of Moray in the Sacred Valley
Volunteer sorting storybooks for the mobile library
Terraced salt pools of the Maras salt mines in the Sacred Valley, Peru
Volunteer teaching a class at Picaflor House
Volunteers with children at Picaflor House
Three volunteers under the Ausangate conservation area sign near Cusco
Four Globalteer volunteers at sunset above Lake Titicaca
Volunteers playing with children at Picaflor House
Two Globalteer volunteers at the Red Valley viewpoint on the Rainbow Mountain trip
Volunteer making crafts with children in Cusco
Volunteers cooking together in Cusco
Volunteers exploring Cusco
Volunteer doing arts and crafts with children in Cusco
Three volunteers in front of a turquoise mountain lake in the Ausangate area, Peru
Volunteer on a balcony overlooking the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
Alpaca looking out over the striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Volunteers with children at Picaflor House
Volunteer at a viewpoint over Cusco
Volunteers with children at Picaflor House
Three volunteers under the Ausangate conservation area sign near Cusco
Four Globalteer volunteers at sunset above Lake Titicaca
Volunteers playing with children at Picaflor House
Two Globalteer volunteers at the Red Valley viewpoint on the Rainbow Mountain trip
Volunteer making crafts with children in Cusco
Volunteers cooking together in Cusco
Volunteers exploring Cusco
Volunteer doing arts and crafts with children in Cusco
Three volunteers in front of a turquoise mountain lake in the Ausangate area, Peru
Volunteer on a balcony overlooking the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
Alpaca looking out over the striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Volunteers with children at Picaflor House
Volunteer at a viewpoint over Cusco

Included Cultural Experiences

Two volunteers exploring the streets of Cusco
Orientation Walk

Your neighbourhood, the historic centre and the hidden streets of San Blas, with our local team.

Traditional Andean dancers in Cusco
Pachamama Ceremony

Join a local Andean Shaman for a traditional offering of thanks to Mother Earth, a living tradition older than the Incas.

View over Cusco
Cristo Blanco at Sunset

Watch the city turn golden from above, a moment you'll remember long after you leave.

Globalteer volunteers dancing at a salsa class in Cusco
Salsa Classes

Learn to move like a local in fun, social classes that are perfect for complete beginners.

Volunteers sharing food they cooked together in Cusco
Cooking Classes

Discover the flavours of Peru as you learn to prepare classic dishes, then sit down together to enjoy what you've made.

Volunteers in Spanish class
Spanish Classes

Build your confidence with weekly lessons that make it easier to chat with locals, find your way and feel at home.

Included in your programme
One trip or activity every week, plus regular classes and social events. Every trip is accompanied by a Globalteer team member.
One included trip each week
  • Week 1: Pachamama Ceremony
    A traditional Andean offering to Mother Earth, led by a pampa paqo (Andean priest), to welcome you and give thanks for your time in Peru.
  • Week 2: Peruvian Cooking Class
    Learn to cook classic Peruvian dishes with a professional chef, then sit down and enjoy what you've made.
  • Week 3: Rainbow Mountain
    A full-day trip to Vinicunca's famous striped peaks at over 5,000 m – one of Peru's most spectacular hikes.
  • Week 4: City Tour by Car
    Discover Inca Cusco with a local guide: the Qorikancha sun temple, Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
  • Week 5: Sacred Valley
    A full day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting Chinchero, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
Every week
  • Salsa Classes
    Social, inclusive and fun – no experience needed.
  • Spanish Classes
    Weekly lessons from week 2, so you can chat with the children and get around the city with confidence.
Also included
  • Cristo Blanco Walk
    Sweeping views over Cusco from the white Christ statue above the city.
  • Pisco Cocktail Class
    Learn to mix a pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, in a fun evening class in your third week.
  • Farewell Dinner
    Celebrate together with the team and fellow volunteers before you leave.

Explore Further

Volunteers at Machu Picchu

Wonder of the World

Machu Picchu

Explore the iconic Inca citadel on a day trip by train or a multi-day trek.

Volunteers on a wooden raft in the Peruvian Amazon, play button for the Volunteer in the Peru Amazon video

Rainforest Adventure

Amazon Rainforest

Swap the mountains for the jungle, or join our Amazon conservation project. Watch the video

Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca

Visit the floating reed islands on the world's highest navigable lake.

Choose Your Duration

1 WEEK

Perfect Introduction

A powerful first experience. You’ll hit the ground running: orientation, project, cultural experiences, and a weekend free to explore.

3 WEEKS

Best Balance

Go deeper. Three weeks gives you time to grow into a trusted presence at the project, explore more of Peru, and truly feel at home.

4 WEEKS

Deep Immersion

A month in Cusco. Transformative. You’ll leave fluent in the rhythms of the city, close friends with your cohort, and with a story you’ll tell for life.

Volunteer Schedule

VolunteeringCulture & activitiesFree time & restEach bar shows morning, afternoon and evening.

Mon
  • Arrive in Cusco
  • Airport Pickup
  • Settle In
Tue
  • Orientation Walk
  • First Visit to Picaflor House
  • Free Evening
Wed
  • Rest & Acclimatise
  • Picaflor House
  • Free Evening
Thu
  • Pachamama Ceremony
  • Mobile Library
  • Salsa Night
Fri
  • Explore Cusco
  • Picaflor House
  • Free Evening
Sat
  • Your Day, Your Way
  • Optional Tours
  • Night in Town
Sun
  • Rest & Recharge
  • Explore Cusco
  • Farewell Dinner (if leaving)

Standard - Included

Volunteer House

Our most popular option. Share a home with volunteers from around the world and never explore alone.

  • Shared room with fellow volunteers
  • Hot showers & shared bathrooms
  • Shared bedrooms & Communal area
  • Free WiFi throughout
  • All food provided – a fully stocked shared kitchen where you cook with your housemates
  • Near the mall, cafés and supermarkets
Siete Ventanas Hotel Cusco

Comfort Upgrade

Hotel - Private Room

Prefer to have your own space? Enjoy a private hotel room in the heart of Cusco's historic centre.

  • Private ensuite room
  • Breakfast only included
  • In-room heating
  • Free WiFi & cable TV
  • Regular housekeeping & hot showers
  • Close to the main plaza
Volunteers smiling around the dinner table in Cusco

Local Family Stay

Host Family

Prefer deeper immersion? Live with a local family, share home-cooked meals and practise Spanish.

  • Private room in a local family home
  • All home-cooked meals included
  • Daily Spanish practice at home
  • Carefully selected host families
  • Full support from our Cusco team
  • Close to the Volunteer House

Cost to volunteer with children in Cusco

From
US$820 / £685
per person for 1 week, staying at the Volunteer House
Hotel and host family upgrades are available at an extra cost. Prices for every length of stay are shown when you apply.
Apply Now & View Fees
Family discounts: US$200 off for ages 13–17 and US$400 off for ages 12 and under, when volunteering with a parent or guardian.
What's included at the Volunteer House
Airport pickup
Volunteer House accommodation
Food for three meals a day – you cook in the shared kitchen
Daily transport to the project
Orientation & city walking tour
A trip or activity every week, with a Globalteer team member
Local coordinator & 24/7 support
Pre-departure guides & certificate
A donation to Picaflor House
Choosing an upgrade? Host family stays include all home-cooked meals. The hotel includes breakfast only, so other meals are at your own cost.
Not included
  • Flights and visas
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Background check
  • Optional tours such as Machu Picchu
  • Accommodation upgrades
  • Personal spending money
We're transparent about where your money goes. As a registered UK & Peruvian charity, your fee supports Picaflor House and our mobile library, not shareholders. In our last financial year, 60% of our spending went on donations and grants to projects, 29% on volunteer support and just 11% on running costs. See where your money goes
4.9
★★★★★
Based on verified Google and Facebook reviews

Personal Growth

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Cultural Understanding

Living and working alongside a Peruvian community, not just visiting one, helps you build lasting cross-cultural communication skills.

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Spanish Language

Practical, real-world Spanish immersion. Combine weekly Spanish classes with everyday conversations at the project, at the market and around town.

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Confidence & Independence

Finding your way around a new city, adapting to new situations and working as part of a team build skills that employers value.

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Friends Around the World

Share the experience with volunteers and staff from around the world. Friendships can last long after the trip.

Volunteer requirements

01

Minimum age of 18 unless you volunteer with an adult

02

Good English or Spanish is needed. No teaching qualification is required; full briefing and supervision are provided

03

A background check is required for all volunteers

04

Valid travel insurance covering your full stay is highly recommended

05

Volunteers should be comfortable working with children in a structured, supervised setting

Before You Arrive

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What to Pack

Cusco sits at 3,400m; layers are essential. We send a detailed packing guide covering climate, project dress code, and what to bring for evenings out. Light trekking shoes, a waterproof layer, and a good attitude are the essentials.

Wi-Fi icon

Staying Connected

We recommend picking up a local SIM or an eSIM (Holafly or Airalo work well in Peru) for affordable data. Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, but having your own data gives you freedom to explore independently.

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Arrival & Transfers

Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Globalteer's coordinator will meet you at arrivals; just share your flight details during your pre arrival call.

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Safety & Support

Cusco is a well-established tourist city and very safe for volunteers. Our coordinator is on call throughout your stay, and the volunteer house is in a safe neighbourhood next to the city's main mall.

  • Volunteers should arrive in Cusco on a Monday for their programme start date

  • Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) — share your flight details during your pre-arrival call and we'll handle the rest

  • You'll be greeted at arrivals by our local Cusco team and transferred directly to your accommodation

  • On your first full day, our team shows you around in two parts:

    Your neighbourhood

    Supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies and laundries near the house, our recommended cafés and restaurants, the bus stops for the centre and your project, and how Cusco's public transport works.

    The historic centre

    Plaza de ArmasMercado San PedroPlaza San FranciscoPlaza RegocijoSan Blas & Plaza San BlasCalle Siete BorreguitosAcueducto de SapantianaMuseo Máximo LauraAvenida El Sol

    You'll also get our tips for restaurants, bars and museums worth visiting.

  • Your first project day is typically the Tuesday following arrival

Your safety and support
Your safety is built into every part of the programme.
24/7 Local Support

Your coordinator is on call throughout your stay for any issue, big or small.

Safe Neighbourhood

The volunteer house is in a safe neighbourhood next to the city's main mall.

Vetted Local Team

All Picaflor House staff are long-standing, local, and known to our team.

Structured Supervision

You're never left to run activities unsupervised.

Travel Insurance

Highly recommended. We can advise on suitable policies if you don't already have one.

Prepared Before You Go

Pre-departure guides, packing lists and a check-in call with your coordinator, so you arrive knowing what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to volunteer with children in Cusco?
One week at our volunteer house costs US$820 (£685). That includes your accommodation, all your food (we stock the kitchen and you cook your own meals), transport to the project, weekly activities and trips (accompanied by a Globalteer team member), your coordinator's support and a donation to Picaflor House. There are no registration or bank fees. See our pricing for longer stays and accommodation upgrades.
Why volunteer directly with a charity rather than a volunteer agency?
When you book through a large volunteer agency, your placement is usually run by a local partner organisation, and your fee is shared between them. With Globalteer, you join the charity that runs the project. Our team lives in Cusco and runs Picaflor House and our mobile library every day, so the team who answer your first email are the team who welcome you, support you and work alongside you. You get one organisation responsible for you from start to finish, advice from people who know Cusco well, a placement based on what the children need, and the chance to keep supporting the same children after you go home.
Why volunteer in Cusco rather than elsewhere in Latin America?
Cusco offers a rare mix: the former Inca capital, surrounded by the Andes and the Sacred Valley, with Machu Picchu within reach for a weekend trip. It's a great place to learn Spanish through everyday life, and unlike many programmes in Latin America, Picaflor House is run directly by Globalteer – so you'll work with our own long-term local team, not through an agency. Interested in wildlife too? See all the ways to volunteer in Peru, including projects in the Amazon.
Can I volunteer as a family or group?
Yes. We welcome families, friends and groups such as schools, universities and companies, including service-learning trips. Under-18s can volunteer alongside a parent or guardian, with family discounts of US$200 off for ages 13–17 and US$400 off for ages 12 and under. We can tailor activities, accommodation and dates to suit your group – just tell us when you apply or send Jim a message.
Can I combine this with the Dog Rescue project?
Yes, but you'll need to stay for at least two weeks, as there isn't enough time to do the children's project and the Dog Rescue project on the same day alongside all your organised activities. The price is the same, and you'll have the same accommodation, food and cultural programme. Just let us know when you apply, or compare both Cusco programmes.
Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer at Picaflor House?
No. English is the common language for our staff and volunteers. Some Spanish is helpful but not required, and you'll have weekly Spanish classes from your second week. Many of the children speak Quechua at home, but they all speak Spanish too.
Do I need teaching experience to volunteer in Cusco?
No. Teaching English at Picaflor House is about helping, not lecturing – you'll always work alongside our full-time Peruvian staff. English classes are basic, taught in small groups, and follow teaching books with extra resources such as educational games.
Will I get training and an orientation?
Yes. When you arrive, our coordinator gives you an orientation with local information and advice, plus basic training so you feel confident at the project.
Is it safe to volunteer in Cusco?
Cusco has a low crime rate, and thousands of visitors enjoy trouble-free trips every year. As anywhere, petty theft can happen, so keep valuables out of sight in crowded places like markets and bus stations. See our travel advice for more.
What about altitude, health and vaccinations in Cusco?
Speak to your health professional about vaccinations and mention that you'll be working with children. Cusco sits at 3,400m, so take it easy for your first few days while you acclimatise. Our travel advice page has more information.
Do I need a visa to volunteer in Cusco?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Please see our visa information page.
When is the best time to volunteer in Cusco?
Cusco is sunny and warm by day and cold at night, averaging around 15°C. From June to September nights can drop to around 6°C. The rainy season runs from November to March, but it usually only rains for a couple of hours a day. June is also festival season in Cusco.
Can I fundraise for my placement?
Yes. Many volunteers fundraise for their trip, and we have tips to help you get started.

 How to apply

1

Ask us anything

Have questions first? Send Jim a message ↓ or email info@globalteer.org

When you’re ready, tell us your preferred dates and duration. Apply now →

3

We review your application

Our team will review your application and get back to you.

4

Secure your place

Once accepted, arrange a call with our team or pay a deposit to secure your placement.

5

Get ready to go

You’ll receive orientation guides and packing lists from us.

6

Final check-in call

A few weeks before your start date, our volunteer coordinator will call to answer any last-minute questions.

Jim Elliott, Globalteer
Talk to a real person
Have a question before you apply? I'm Jim, founder and General Manager of Globalteer and Picaflor House, and I live here in Cusco. Send me a message and I'll reply personally, usually within one working day – or tick the box if you'd prefer to arrange a call.
Prefer email? info@globalteer.org

Ready to Make Your Move?