Volunteer with Horses in Peru and help care for rescued horses at the Peru Horse Sanctuary!
Do you love Horses? Want to give back and make a difference? Why not volunteer with Horses in the amazing city of Cusco!
1 to 12 weeks from £375 / US$450
Volunteer at the Peru Horse Sanctuary in the UNESCO world heritage-listed city and help care for rescued horses. Have the experience of a lifetime while saving a species!
Questions? Candice is happy to help! E-mail me at [email protected]
Peru Horse Sanctuary Project Overview
Volunteer with Horses and experience the rich Peruvian culture while volunteering in the incredible city of Cusco. Volunteer with horses alongside the dedicated team at a beautiful ranch in the heart of the Andean Mountains.
Help care for rescued horses at the Peru Horse Sanctuary! This programme provides an unforgettable experience for volunteers who wish to help rescued horses; and help save a species! The Peruvian Andes Highlander Horse is at risk of extinction due to such high numbers being killed for meat.
Horses at the sanctuary have been rescued from being over-worked in bad conditions or a fate of being slaughtered for meat.
Meet the Horses
There are currently 8 horses and 1 donkey at the Peru Horse Sanctuary. Each of the rescued horses has their own sad history of mistreatment, abuse and overwork. Some have been forced to work in terrible conditions, including while injured. Others have been generally mistreated as the Peruvian Andes Highlander species is considered an unfavorable breed as they are not as 'attractive' as other equestrian breeds.
You will have the opportunity to learn a new language and visit amazing sites that Cusco has to offer; including the incredible Machu Picchu!
Bring your love of horses and equestrian experience to help care for these beautiful creatures while on the trip of a lifetime!
Apply now at the horse sanctuary and help us save the wonderful Peruvian Andes Highlander Horse species from extinction!
Summary of the Peru Horse Sanctuary
The Horse Sanctuary: The horse sanctuary is set up to be an equestrian refuge for horses rescued from bad working conditions or a fate of being slaughtered for meat. The Peruvian Andes Highlander Horse is smaller and not considered as 'attractive' as Peru's national horse (the Peruvian Paso). Due to this they are not popular among horse owners & riders and large numbers of them are slaughtered for meat.
Project Location: The horse sanctuary is located in Peru’s breath-taking Andes Mountains; in a small village just outside of Cusco. You will Volunteer with horses while surrounded by beautiful countryside and mountains.
Main Volunteer Activities: Volunteers work with local Peruvian staff assisting them to feed and prepare food for the horses. Additionally volunteers will assist with washing and grooming the horses and with cleaning the shelters and paddocks. Volunteers will also help with other general tasks and animals at the shelter.
Hours: Volunteers work around 4 hours per day at the horse sanctuary. Volunteers work Monday - Friday with weekends free. Volunteers normally start at 9am and finish around 1pm; although exact times can vary.
Duration: Volunteer placements are year-round, from 1 to 12 weeks.
Volunteer Accommodation: Choose either a private ensuite room in a 2* Hotel, shared dorm in a hostel, or private room in a family homestay.
Requirements to volunteer at the Horse Shelter: The minimum age for volunteers is 18. Project volunteers must have experience with horses and a passion for animal welfare.
The Peru Horse Shelter History
The project began with a great passion for equestrians and one horse rescued from the slaughterhouse. The Peruvian Andes Highlander Horse is a small breed of horse, but they have developed great balance, strength and stamina due to the conditions high in the Andes where they are found. However, despite their strength and stamina their small size is seen as unattractive and therefore not as desired as the Peruvian Paso (Peru's national horse). Due to their low popularity among horse owners and businesses, they are mostly slaughtered for meat, or used in unfavorable working conditions.
The project now currently has 8 horses all rescued from either being turn into meat, from terrible working conditions or general mistreatment from former owners. Some of the rescued horses were forced to work in harsh conditions while injured; one of the horses at the sanctuary was even previously used in Bull Fights. Another of the horses was badly mistreated by it's previous owners due simple to the fact it had an 'odd look' as it is an albino. In addition to the horses the project has rescued several other animals including a donkey; who loves playing with the horses!
How the Peru Horse Sanctuary is helping
All of the horses at the project have suffered in their previous lives before being rescued by the horse sanctuary; from abuse or mistreatment, bad working conditions or a fate as meat. The horses have now been able to recover from their various injuries & problems and live a peaceful life in much better conditions; grazing in the paddocks free from work.
The horses are well feed and groomed daily. Each day each individual horses has one on one time with one of the staff at the project to help further calm their temperaments and build their trust for humans again.
In addition to caring for the horses that are currently at the sanctuary, the sanctuary also aims to promote better treatment of the Peruvian Andes Higherlander breeds! And in order to save the Peruvian Andes Highlander species the sanctuary is also aims to create a viable breeding population. With the rate they are currently being killed, the species may no longer exist in 10 years; unless more people are educated and more viable breeding populations are created.
Why the Horse Sanctuary needs volunteers
The project receives no state funding. Without funding from the government, the Horse Sanctuary relies on volunteer support, private donations and grants in order to carry out their important work. Additionally, looking after several horses is no easy task; the staff at the project work very long, hard days. The help of volunteers also makes the horse shelter's work that little bit easier.
Learn more about the Peru Horse Sanctuary
Globalteer has been working in Peru since 2007. We have a wealth of experience in this amazing country. If you want to Volunteer with Horses, come and join our amazing team in Cusco.
Find out about what it was like for volunteers visiting Cusco during Inti Raymi; the biggest festival of the year.
Get to know the Best Time to go to Peru and experience it's wonderful and ancient culture.
See more posts about the Peru Volunteer Programme.
Typical Volunteer Duties at the Horse Shelter
Volunteers work from Monday - Friday with weekends free. Work hours at the horse shelter are around 4 hours per day. Volunteers normally start at 9:00am and finish around 1pm; although exact timetables can vary. Volunteer roles can vary depending upon the needs of the shelter and your relevant skills and experience.
Tasks when you volunteer at the Horse Shelter
When volunteering with Horses your main duties may include some or all of the following:
- Collecting food for the horses and feeding them
- Cleaning the horse shelters and paddocks
- Washing and grooming the horses
- Training the horses (including riding the horses for experienced volunteers)
- Assisting with care of other animals at the shelter
- General maintenance of the shelter
The first couple days at the project will be a bit slower to allow you and the horses to get used to one another. After orientation and training on your first day you will get to know the horses and begin work. Some of the horses at the shelter are more comfortable around people; however some of the horses are still a bit nervous around humans which is why the 'meeting' the horses phases is very important to ensure a smooth relationship is formed.
Accommodation when your Volunteer in Peru with Globalteer
Volunteers at the Cusco Projects can choose from a range of accommodation options including our very own Volunteer House, a hostel dorm, private room in a hotel, and a family homestay. All accommodation has been carefully selected by us to offer the best value for all our volunteers regardless of budget. So if you are looking for somewhere quiet to lay your head at the end of a busy day, somewhere lively where you can socialise with other travellers or a family home where you can brush up your Spanish, we have what you are looking for. All of our accommodations are clean, comfortable and safe and well located for transport to the project as well as all the attractions that Cusco has to offer. When you volunteer in Peru you can choose one of these great accommodation options:
Globalteer's Volunteer House
A popular option for volunteers wanting to share their experience in Cusco with like minded people from around the world is the volunteer house. Globalteer's own volunteer house is located in a safe neighbourhood with easy access to all the projects, our offices and the historical centre of Cusco.
The volunteers stay in shared rooms and have access to a large kitchen where you can cook the food provided as part of this accommodation.
With social areas as well as covered sun patios, the volunteer house is a great option for volunteers wanting to share their time in Peru with fellow volunteers.
Hostel - Shared Dormitory
For volunteers who are looking to meet lots of fellow travellers and have easy access to the great social life that Cusco has to offer, there is probably no better option than a shared dorm in one of Cusco's best hostels.
The hostel that Globalteer has teamed up with is very central, but in a peaceful location near one of Cusco' s most beautiful smaller squares. The hostel is just two blocks from Cusco's world famous Plaza de Armas.
As well as comfortable beds in shared dorm with all your bed linens, the hostel offers 24 hour hot water, towel rental and lockers (bring your own padlock). There are a bar and restaurant on site, pool table, satellite TV, free Wi-fi zones and computers with high speed internet. Continental breakfast is also included.
Hotel - private ensuite room
Volunteers can also stay in a comfortable close to the city centre hotel. The hotel is well situated about a 10 minute walk from the main square of Cusco and just a few minutes walk from San Blas Plaza and market.
All rooms are single occupancy or can be shared if volunteers are travelling together. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, each with a private bathroom. The facilities include hot water, free basic breakfast and Wi-Fi.
Family Homestay
If you choose to stay at a homestay, you will live with and be part of a Peruvian family. The homestays are in safe areas with middle class families that are screened by Globalteer. Your room will be private with a shared bathroom. This is a wonderful experience to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and a great way to practice your Spanish skills. Volunteers eat with the family when not volunteering at the project.
Upgrade accommodation
Upgrade volunteer accommodation is available in a hotel located in the centre of historical Cusco and around a 10 minute walk to the Globalteer office. These rooms offer a higher standard of comfort and more facilities for volunteers who don’t mind paying a little bit extra!
Free Time in Cusco and Peru
Whether you plan your entire trip in advance or decide to wait until you get to Peru, our team in Cusco are all very well travelled and can offer advice and help in planning the perfect itinerary for your weekends or for travel before or after your placement. Combine your volunteer opportunities with many of the wonders Peru has to offer!
Cusco
Cusco is a beautiful city that has something for everyone; from Inca ruins and splendid Spanish colonial architecture to elegant squares and outstanding mountain scenery. The historic city centre is a lively hub of cafes, restaurants and bars with dozens of boutiques and markets, such as the thriving San Pedro Market. Many shops offer an astonishing range of unique locally made goods to take home as souvenirs of your trip to Peru. There are museums, galleries, churches and monasteries to visit and every Sunday sees a magnificent civil parade in the City’s stunning main square, the Plaza de Armas.
Cusco’s Indian and Catholic traditions are frequently celebrated with street parades, live music and food stalls springing up across the city at any excuse. There are also some wonderful walks and hikes in and around the city centre. You can stroll amongst whitewashed houses and along the cobbled lanes in the Bohemian quarter of San Blas. Maybe climb high above the city to the Inca fortress at Sacsayhuaman and take in the unrivalled views of the city and the surrounding Andes.
Machu Picchu
Surely the number one reason that many visitors come to Peru is to visit the incomparable wonder of the Inca Empire; Machu Picchu. Whatever you read and no matter how many photos you have seen, nothing can quite prepare you for the first time you see the Inca citadel rising high above a bend in the river.
Machu Picchu is easily accessible from Cusco. You can go there by luxury train, trek the amazing Inca Trail high in the Andes or take any other number of routes all ending with lost city itself. Built, but never completed by the Incas around 1450 the Inca capital was only re-discovered in 1911. The breath-taking lost city of the Incas is now discovered by hundreds of enthralled visitors every day.
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see on anyone’s Peru itinerary. Barely half an hour’s drive from Cusco and you will find a magical, steep-sided valley where fresh mountain rivers and streams tumble between ancient mountains and majestic glaciers.
The Sacred Valley’s centuries-old towns and villages are home to remarkably preserved Inca fortsand citadels. Markets with traditional textiles and souvenirs draw visitors to lovely towns like Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. The amazing salt terraces and pre-Inca agricultural terraces at Maras are also an easy day trip from Cusco.
More great things to do in Cusco
Cusco has a rich culture as the ancient capital of the Incas.
From many museums, incredible Inca and Spanish architecture, religious festivals to the biggest festival of the year, Inti Raymi.
For more detail on events in Cusco, you can read our blog on the Best Time to go to Peru.
You could be there for the Chocolatada in December or the amazing Inti Raymi Festival in June.
Volunteer in Peru and the Globalteer team will make sure you have an amazing cultural experience!
Lake Titicaca
For long weekends or those travelling before or after their placement with us, Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world is under 5 hours from Cusco by car or 7-8 hours by bus. Here you can take a cruise on the lake, visit the famous floating Uros Islands or do a spot of star gazing in one of the least light-polluted skies on the planet.
Lima
You are almost certain to travel through Lima on your way to Cusco. Peru’s capital is worth a stop before or after your placement with us. There is excellent shopping in the ocean-side district of Miraflores, wonderful galleries and museums in trendy Barranco, some truly impressive Spanish colonial buildings in the historic centre and amazing restaurants throughout the city.
Arequipa
Less than a day’s drive from Cusco, the city of Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city. It is known as the white city due to the colour of the historic buildings constructed using local white stone called sillar. Like Cusco, Arequipa is located in the Andes mountains bit at a lower altitude so enjoys almost year-round warm and sunny weather. The city is overlooked by the magnificent dormant volcano, El Misti.
Arequipa is also the staging post for trips to the Famous Colca Canyon.
Volunteer in Peru with Globalteer to get specially negotiated generous discounts for our volunteers with a well-respected agency in Cusco. The responsible agency can arrange services such as visits to Machu Picchu, Amazon trips, Lake Titicaca as well as many other amazing trips in Peru and South America.
What’s Included
√ In-country support from Globalteer staff in Cusco.
√ Peru orientation guide and induction on arrival.
√ Free Cusco town tour.
√ All necessary project equipment and materials.
√ All necessary project training by experienced staff.
√ Globalteer tote bag and welcome pack.
√ Project donation.
√ Daily local bus transport to and from your project.
With the Accommodation Packages
√ Free airport pick up from Cusco international airport.
√ Accommodation in the Volunteer House, a hostel or hotel, or a family homestay. The Volunteer House and Homestay include food.
Upgrade your package!
As a UK charity, Globalteer only works with ethical and responsible partners. These value add-ons are part of our social enterprise efforts to support our projects and charitable objectives.
Tailor-made Spanish classes suitable for beginners or people with advanced language skills. Globalteer can also organise your trip to Machu Picchu or other tours in Peru. Please let us know your requirements.
Volunteers can also choose to upgrade their accomodation to a hotel which includes more facilities and larger rooms. Accommodations are carefully selected by our team in Peru for their great locations, suitability for volunteers and value for money.
Family and Group pricing
We can arrange family and group volunteering at our projects in Cusco. If you are interested in this then please contact us and we can tailor the placement to your requirements!
Financial Transparency
As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is completely financially transparent to you, our donors. You can therefore see a full breakdown of where your money goes and our independently audited accounts by clicking below:
To discover why you should consider choosing Globalteer, please visit the following page:
Why do we charge a fee for volunteering?
Globalteer requests a donation from volunteers to allow us to achieve our charitable objectives and support our partner programmes. In return, Globalteer provides volunteers with an amazing, responsible and ethical volunteer experience and in-country support from the Globalteer team in Cambodia. Ensuring that your placement is responsible as well as rewarding, safe and enjoyable takes a good deal of work.
A summary of Globalteer’s total expenditure for the last financial year is shown below:
Donations and Grants 60% – This includes a share of volunteer placement fees, grants we have secured for our projects and donations managed by Globalteer that are made by individuals and groups to our projects and partner projects.
Support Costs 29% – This includes volunteer accommodation, volunteer transport, support staff costs, travel costs and some volunteer meals.
Operational Costs 11% – Costs of running Globalteer.

What’s not included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Vaccinations and inoculations
- Onward travel after your placement
- Police or background check (where necessary)
What do everyday items cost?
The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol, and there are approximately 4.20 Soles to the pound and 3.20 Soles to the US dollar. The cost of living in Peru is low compared to most countries in the developed world. The costs of some typical items are:
- Bus ride up to half an hour - 1 Sol
- Taxi journey up to 10 minutes - 4 Soles
- Meal in a market - 6 Soles
- Bottle of soft drink - 1.5 Soles
- Coffee - 5 Soles
- Meal in a restaurant - 10Soles to 40 Soles
Quick Summary of the Peru Horse Sanctuary
The horse sanctuary is set up to be an equestrian refuge for horses rescued from bad working conditions or a fate of being slaughtered for meat.
The Peruvian Andes Highlander Horse is smaller and not considered as 'attractive' as Peru's national horse (the Peruvian Paso). Due to this they are not popular among horse owners & riders.
The UNESCO world heritage-listed city of Cusco in Peru’s breath-taking Andes Mountains. The city is home to countless museums, restaurants, Inca ruins and fabulous Spanish colonial architecture.
Volunteers work with local Peruvian staff assisting them to feed and prepare food for the horses. Additionally volunteers will assist with washing and grooming the horses and with cleaning the shelters and paddocks. Volunteers will also help with other general tasks and animals at the shelter.
Volunteers work around 4 hours per day from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday with weekends free.
Volunteers at the Cusco Projects can choose from a range of accommodation options including our very own Volunteer House, a hostel dorm, private room in a hotel, and a family homestay.
All accommodation has been carefully selected by us to offer the best value for all our volunteers regardless of budget. So if you are looking for somewhere quiet to lay your head at the end of a busy day, somewhere lively where you can socialise with other travellers or a family home where you can brush up your Spanish, we have what you are looking for. All of our accommodations are clean, comfortable and safe and well located for transport to the project as well as all the attractions that Cusco has to offer
Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+ and have fluent English or Spanish.
Volunteers must have experience with horses and a passion for animal welfare.
What’s Included in the base package:
√ In-country support from Globalteer staff in Cusco. √ Peru orientation guide and induction on arrival. √ Free Cusco town tour. √ All necessary project equipment and materials. √ All necessary project training by experienced staff. √ Globalteer welcome pack. √ Project donation. √ Daily local bus transport to and from your project.
With the Accommodation Packages
√ Free airport pick up from Cusco international airport. √ Accommodation in the Volunteer House, a hostel or hotel, or a family homestay. The Volunteer House and Homestay include food.
We have a list of answers to questions frequently asked about the project.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYou can come to the project and help!
To apply click here: Apply nowYou can also donate to support the animals projects!
Donate Now!Real Reviews of Globalteer on Volunteer's Social Media
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Globalteer employ members of staff who themselves have a passion for travelling. Having chosen to spend three-weeks volunteering on a Cambodia Community... read more Project in Siem Reap, a perfect school placement was found, which allowed me to gain one of my most memorable life experiences to date. The regional Globalteer team in Asia managed to find an excellent placement school, which not only allowed me to gain new skills, but also share my teacher training experiences with others. From the moment I landed in Siem Reap, the local Globalteer helped me to settle in, and remained available as a support network, as well as my fellow volunteers. Regular catch-up nights meant that a shared social life was available. Such events facilitated wide-ranging conversations between volunteers who were working on a range of different projects whilst in town. At the same time, space was afforded for each volunteer to shape their own experiences. Globalteer employ members of staff who themselves have a passion for travelling and volunteering, and it’s this methodology that helps create a great experience for their volunteers. It’s therefore my pleasure to highly recommend Globalteer projects to future volunteers. read less
Nathan Crook
1/25/2018 -
It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. Late last year I was able to spend a month... read more in Peru to volunteer at two of the Globalteer programs- The Dog Shelter in Cusco and The Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. I was picked up from the airport and the staff made me feel so welcome and at home. Being a young girl in a country like Peru, my family and friends were quite worried at first, as was I, however, I felt safe the entire time. I didn't have to worry one bit about the organisation of both volunteer groups, even though they were on the opposite sides of the country, it was an easy process with the staff being so quick and prompt in replies and helpful when I arrived in Cusco. I genuinely had an incredible time with so many life lessons and learning experiences taught throughout the trip. Would definitely recommend even if this is your first time overseas alone - as it was mine. read less
Tiarne Biviano
2/02/2019 -
I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who is interested in volunteering. My experience with Globalteer was amazing and I've volunteered with... read more them two years in a row now in Siem Reap. The staff are incredible and very accommodating which definitely made the idea of travelling to a new country alone a lot less daunting. The projects they have really immerse you into Cambodian culture as you're working with locals so you get the opportunity to really see how the Khmer live. Siem Reap itself is a wonderful town with plenty of restaurants, local and western, and an endless list of things to do. I would most definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone who's interested in volunteering. read less
A.N. Barry
1/14/2018 -
Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work! This experience was one of the most rewarding things I... read more have done - it opened my eyes to how other cultures in different countries cope without luxuries that we take for granted each day. I began volunteering with Globalteer on the Clean Water project in Cambodia for 2 weeks. Each week consisted of 3 days of building the water filters and 2 days going to the different villages and giving the water filters to those who needed them. All of the stages were important and I felt like I was really making a real difference. Each morning I woke up excited and full of energy to meet the other amazing volunteers and start our work for the day! I loved going into the villages the most, as you could see how grateful the locals were to receive such an important gift into their lives! After my two weeks of volunteering I managed to get a job with globalteer running the sports project ... yes that is how