Peru Dog & Horse Rescue FAQs
Cusco is sunny and warm during the day but cold at night, with a mean temperature of 15°C (59°F). The temperature drops at night in winter (June to September) to around 6°C (43°F) . The rainy season is from November to March, however, it usually rains for only a couple of hours during the day.
For more information on when to visit Peru please see When is the best time of year to volunteer in Peru?
You can also read about the festivals that happen every June in Cusco here.
Globalteer's main office for Latin America is in Cusco.
You can see who you will meet there on our meet the team page.
Yes, in fact we actively encourage it! Peru is a beautiful country and we wish you to experience its culture, history and people. You will have two days free per week as well as afternoons which can be spent in the city or away at another location in Peru. Long term volunteers can arrange extra time off with the volunteer coordinator. People visiting Cusco do so to see Machu Picchu. Although your motivation is different we encourage you to take a look at one of the wonders of the world.
You will be volunteering every morning and have afternoons free whether it is at the Dog Shelter or at the Horse Sanctuary.
We can be flexible with your time as required - for example you may want to spend four consecutive days trekking the Inca trail or to explore another city in Peru. Volunteers who are also here to study can work less hours. All this can be arranged with your volunteer coordinator in Peru.
The common language for Globalteer staff and volunteers at this project is a mix of English and Spanish; however since you will be working with animals, much of your work will be with the animals and the language will be less important. Peru is a Spanish speaking country so it is beneficial, but not required, to be able to speak some Spanish.
The majority of volunteers are from the UK, United States, Canada and Australia. We also work with volunteers from Holland, Germany, Ireland, Japan and New Zealand although all nationalities are welcome. The majority of volunteers travel alone to the projects, although we also accommodate couples and groups.
Yes of course, here is a sample of stories from our volunteer blogs.
If you are staying at the Volunteer House, hotels or hostel, they have Wi-Fi internet access. Some of the homestay families have Wi-Fi but not all. There are many internet cafes in Cusco. Telephone services are cheapest in the internet cafes for international calls. The main post office is only a short walk from your hotel and is centrally located downtown.
Yes of course, in fact we have a page all about how you can fund raise for your trip here.
Volunteers at the Cusco Projects can choose from a range of accommodation options including our very own Volunteer House, 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 fun 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.
Basic food supplies are included at the Volunteer House. Food provided is perfect for vegetarians although you're welcome to buy your own meat, if desired. You can choose to prepare your own meals or plan group dinner nights with other house members.
Of course, but we request that you use common sense. Alcohol is not permitted whilst with the children and smoking must be done out of their sight as you are role models and influential to the children. There are many bars and clubs in Cusco for you to indulge when away from the children.
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Peruvian Sole although US dollars are widely accepted and there are many money changing shops. Many ATMs are available in Cusco for all major credit cards. US dollars have to be in good condition to use in Peru, no ripped notes! Credit cards are accepted in higher end businesses.
Cusco has a low crime rate, but as is in all countries, there is a chance of petty theft, so always be vigilant. Violent robberies are rare and the most common problem is pickpockets. Thieves look for easy targets, so don't have your wallet visible and be careful in crowded areas such as markets, bus terminals and on public transport.
Thousands of tourists visit Cusco and Peru every year and have no problems whatsoever, so don't be paranoid. Just take the basic precautions and you will have an amazing and trouble free trip.
For more information, visit our International Travel Advice Page
We recommend that you let your health professional know that you will be volunteering with dogs and discuss the various vaccination options. Cusco is at an altitude of 3,400 metres so altitude sickness may be a problem for some visitors.
For more information, visit our International Travel Advice Page
Finding the right insurance to cover your travels can be daunting, confusing and time-consuming, however – travel insurance is a must. You never know what could happen, and if you are unlucky enough to get ill or find yourself in a sticky situation, being uninsured can be really expensive and downright dangerous. This is why we strongly recommend that all our volunteers take out suitable travel insurance. We also recommend that your purchase your insurance and soon as you book your trip to cover you for all up-front costs in the event of cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances. Globalteer has formed a partnership with a leading travel insurance provider to help you through this process.
Please visit our page about visas for information about entry visas.
Peruvians dress similarly to people in the US or Europe so your normal clothing will be suitable for this project.
Peruvians are very friendly and often interested in you as someone from a different country. In Cusco, the people are very used to tourists. During your arrival orientation, we will let you know those small differences that will help you interact with Peruvians.
No, a love of animals (especially dogs or horses depending on the project) is the main qualification. You will be given guidance and training, and will be supervised by the project staff. A certain amount of independence is required to be a volunteer.
Yes, on arrival you will receive orientation from our project coordinator, giving local information and advice. Basic training will be given to ensure you achieve the project objectives.
Volunteer opting for the accommodation package will receive airport pick-up as well as daily transportation to and from the site each day. For volunteers arranging your own accommodations, simply let us know where you will be staying and we'll meet with you for orientation and to show you how to travel to the project via public transportation.
Globalteer is fully committed to ensuring that your volunteer placement is responsible. More information can be found on our Responsible Volunteering Page.
As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is financially transparent, our accounts are independently audited and posted online. You can read a full report on where your money goes here.
We understand what motivates volunteers and what makes a memorable volunteer experience. We have been placing volunteers at our projects since 2006 and have built up a wealth of knowledge in those years about what makes volunteering rewarding for volunteers as well as impactful for the fantastic projects we work with.
You can read here why we think you should choose Globalteer.
You can read more about this project on our blogs page.