Volunteer to care for rescued wildlife at the Peru Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary!
Volunteer at an ethical rescue & release Sanctuary to help us care for rescued wildlife from the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest.
1 to 12 weeks from £577 / US$635
This rescue, rehabilitation and release centre promotes and protects the welfare of rainforest animals and the conservation of their habitat. There you will work with sloths, monkeys and birds.
Questions? Candice is happy to help! E-mail me at info@globalteer.org
Project Overview
Volunteer with Wildlife in Peru for an unforgettable adventure! Experience life in the amazing Peruvian Amazon Rainforest while helping care for wonderful rescued animals.
Animals rescued by the sanctuary include sloths, howler monkeys, birds and more. Volunteers stay at the animal sanctuary for a life changing experience!
The Peru Wildlife Sanctuary provides an unforgettable amazon jungle experience for those wanting to help rescued wildlife. Help care for, rehabilitate and hopefully release these wonderful animals back to the wild when possible.
If you are looking to volunteer with monkeys or volunteer with sloths and a range of birds and other mammals; this project is for you! Volunteers assist with animal rehabilitation and care at this unique project in Peru's amazon rainforest!
Venture to the Amazon Jungle and join us at this adventurous & important wildlife sanctuary!
Summary
The Project: This one-of-a-kind project is a lifeline for abused and endangered animals in the Southern Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Many of the animals at the centre are rescued from the illegal trafficking and pet trade or abusive homes; the animals often arrive injured or stressed. Animals are also brought in sick or dying by local people because of hunting accidents.
Project Location: The Peru Wildlife Sanctuary is in the southern Peruvian Amazon near the city of Puerto Maldonado; less than 1 hour by plane or 10 hours by bus from Cusco.
Main Volunteer Activities: Caring for rescued animals, preparing their food and feeding the animals. Maintaining the upkeep of the sanctuary; including repairing enclosures, cutting leaves & trees and improving enclosure enrichment for the animals.
Hours: Volunteers work for 6 to 7 hours per day, 6 days per week.
Duration: Volunteer placements are year-round and for 1 to 12 weeks.
Accommodation: Shared rooms in simple rustic accommdoation blocks in a clearing in the jungle.
Volunteer Requirements: The minimum age for this project is 18 unless accompanied by an adult & a passion for animal welfare.
Volunteer Placement Fee: From UK£435 / US$565
Project History
The project location
The sanctuary is on 10 hectares of land, approximately 11 kilometres outside of the city of Puerto Maldonado. The sanctuary is surrounded by nature; but also still close enough to the city where you can find internet cafes, restaurants and other stores. If you need to go into town for any reason a taxi ride is roughly 35 Soles (about US$10.50 or £8.25) each way.
Why the project need volunteers
The Amazon rainforest, which is the biggest and most diverse rainforest in the world, covers more than half of Peru. It is home to thousands of unique and endangered animals, plants and ecosystems; some of which are only found locally.
Without a sustainable rescue centre, there would be nowhere in the area for rescued animals to be taken for rehabilitation; and where feasible, release back into the wild. Volunteers play a vital role in helping the day to day running of the sanctuary. As well as supporting the physical and psychological wellbeing of the animals being rehabilitated at the shelter.
Volunteers assist local qualified staff with the care of the animals and maintenance of the wildlife rescue centre. Volunteers contribute to the protection of endangered animals and preserving the unique biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest.
Typical Volunteer Duties
Volunteers at the project work approximately 6-8 hours a day, 6 days a week. Volunteers assist project staff with a wide variety of duties including food preparation and feeding the rescued wildlife. Additionally volunteers help to exercise the animals and with construction, repair and cleaning of animal enclosures.
Typical Volunteer Day
An example of a typical working day is:
- 7:30 – Breakfast. After breakfast, wash and prepare breakfast for animals and deliver dishes to enclosures. Rinse water dishes in the enclosure and fill with fresh water. Collect the food dishes and wash them at the washing station next to the house. Collect leaves for the monkeys and food for other animals.
- 12 – Lunch. After lunch, wash and prepare last meal for the animals and deliver it. Do special projects, such as building enclosures.
- 6:30 – Dinner.
Please be aware that this is a dynamic project and this is just an example of a typical day. Volunteer duties may change during your placement.
The work can be hard in the tropical climate, but the project staff are warm, welcoming and enthusiastic and will make sure you feel part of the team. They are sensitive to the capabilities of each volunteer. Of course the more you put in, the more you will get out of this unique and rewarding experience.
No matter what you are capable of you can be sure that you will have made a contribution to protecting and conserving the animals of the Amazon rainforest.
Volunteer Accommodation
All our volunteers receive three nutritious meals per day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are prepared and served by local staff in the lovely airy communal area. Please inform us if you have any allergies or food restrictions.
Depending on availability at the Wildlife Sanctuary Project, you may also stay at a nearby guest house.
There is no internet at the project but there is a mobile signal which will allow you to go online should you need to. There are plenty of internet cafes in nearby Puerto Maldonado if you go into town. Electricity is available at the project.
Free Time
Whether you plan your entire trip in advance or decide to wait until you get to Peru our well-travelled team can offer advice and help in planning the perfect itinerary; for your weekends or for travel before or after your placement. Staff at the project can give you lots of tips for where to visit locally. Here are just a few of the rest of Peru’s treasures to whet your appetite.
Cusco
Cusco is a beautiful city that has something to offer 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, markets and shops offering an astonishing range of unique locally made goods. There are museums, galleries, churches and monasteries to visit. 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. Climb high above the city to the Inca fortress at Sacsayhuaman and take in the unrivalled views of the city and the surrounding Andes.
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, where you will find a magical, steep-sided valley. 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 reserved Inca forts and 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.
Machu Picchu
Surely the number one reason that many visitors come to Peru is to visit the wonder of 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 other alternative treks; 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 charmed visitors daily.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is around 6-8 hours from Cusco. Perfect for long weekends or those travelling before or after their volunteer placement. Here you can take a cruise on the lake or visit the famous floating Uros Islands. 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 Puerto Maldonado. Peru’s capital is worth a stop before or after your volunteer placement. 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
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. Arequipa is located in the Andes mountains bit at a lower altitude so enjoys almost year-round warm, 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.
Globalteer has negotiated generous discounts for our volunteers with a well-respected agency in Cusco. They can arrange trips such as Machu Picchu, Amazon tours, Lake Titicaca; as well as many other amazing trips in Peru and South America.
What’s Included:
Included in your volunteering package are all accommodation on site at the sanctuary. All main meals and free airport collection and transfer to the sanctuary are also included.
√ Free airport pick up from Puerto Maldonado.
√ Transfer to the project.
√ Accommodation for the duration of your stay.
√ Three meals a day at the project.
√ Peru orientation guide and induction on arrival.
√ In-country support from local staff.
√ All necessary project equipment and materials.
√ All project training by experienced staff.
√ Project donation.
Peru Wildlife Fees Questions
Financial Transparency
As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is required to be financially transparent to 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. 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
- Onward transport at the end of your placement
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 - 4 to 5 Soles
- Bottle of soft drink - 1.5 Soles
- Coffee - 3 to 5 Soles
- Meal in a restaurant - 6 Soles to 40 Soles
Quick Summary of the Peru Wildlife Sanctuary
This one-of-a-kind project is a lifeline for abused and endangered animals in the Southern Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
Many of the animals at the centre are rescued from the illegal trafficking and pet trade or abusive homes; the animals often arrive injured or stressed. Animals are also brought in sick or dying by local people because of hunting accidents.
The Peru Wildlife Sanctuary is in the southern Peruvian Amazon near the city of Puerto Maldonado; less than 1 hour by plane or 10 hours by bus from Cusco.
Caring for rescued animals, preparing their food and feeding the animals. Maintaining the upkeep of the sanctuary; including repairing enclosures, cutting leaves & trees and improving enclosure enrichment for the animals.
Volunteers work for 6 to 7 hours per day, 6 days per week.
The accommodation is simple, but comfortable with shared rooms for 2-3 people each and shared bathrooms on site.
The accommodation is comfortable, clean and well ventilated with screens and mosquito nets.
What’s Included:
√ Free airport pick up from Puerto Maldonado. √ Transfer to the project. √ Accommodation for the duration of your stay. √ Three meals a day at the project. √ Peru orientation guide and induction on arrival. √ In-country support from local staff. √ All necessary project equipment and materials. √ All project training by experienced staff. √ Project donation.
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 Wildlife Projects! Donate Now!
Real Reviews of Globalteer on Volunteer's Social Media
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Would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. A wonderful organisation that's truly dedicated to helping the communities... read more they work with. They ensure the volunteers are contributing as much as possible and putting their skills to the best possible use. I had an incredible experience with Globalteer and would highly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad. read less
Anna Hilbert
9/30/2019 -
Accommodation was perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Learnt so much in an authentic and safe environment. Accomdation... read more was also perfectly chosen and I made friends for life during my month working there. Working hours flexible for a passionate explorer like myself read less
Crystal
2/13/2018 -
Globalteer were there every step of the way to help facilitate everything. Such a rewarding experience. Candice and Globalteer were there every... read more step of the way to help facilitate everything. Spent 2 weeks at a dog rescue in Cusco, Peru. I highly recommend them! read less
Peter DiFrancesca
7/10/2017 -
Globalteer in Cusco was one of the best summers of my life. This was one of the most life changing experiences i... read more have had. the people i worked with became some of my best friends. the children that i worked with were so amazing and fun that they made it so hard to leave. globalteer cusco was one of the best summers of my life. if you have doubts about what to do with your life or just want to do something meaningful, I cannot recommend globalteer enough. i promise you will not regret it. read less
Paxton Perry
10/09/2023 -
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 a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. I absolutely loved my time volunteering in Cambodia with Globalteer!... read more I worked at Helping Hands School in a rural village outside of Siem Reap--very different from my native New York City. Globalteer representatives Jillian and Theavy worked with me to find a placement that allowed me to use my skill set. I am a School Librarian, and I was able to start a lending library with books that had been donated by students at my school in New York. I also assisted with English classes. The Globalteer staff was supportive, and the students and teachers were absolutely amazing. It was a life-changing experience for me, one that I will never forget. read less
Ann Quinlivan
5/31/2018 -
Great organisation making a real difference. Great organisation making a real difference in Peru.
Nick James
12/20/2017 -
The most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I have had. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer... read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Volunteering in local schools allowed me to see parts of the area that I wouldn't have been able to as a tourist, and coaching sports to the school children offered me a chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture. Communication with Globalteer leading up to and during my trip was easy and constant. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! read less
Colin Elkington
1/14/2018 -
All the Globalteer staff I have worked with have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. I have volunteered with the Globalteer Cambodia Community Project in... read more 2014 and twice in 2017 and will be returning this year, 2018. It is my home away from home. All the GT staff I've worked with in that time have become friends and I value their support and encouragement. The project itself is amazing and I highly recommend it to anybody who loves kids, is keen to be involved in a sustainable education project and who wants to see and learn about Cambodia village life. The work that Globalteer does will go on to benefit Cambodia and Cambodians for many years to come. read less
Sally Bateman
1/17/2018 -
If you’re considering getting involved, just do it! I guarantee you won’t regret it. I had an AMAZING experience volunteering on two different projects... read more with Globalteer. You really get to experience life in a completely different culture, whilst making a significant difference to the projects and local communities. The Globalteer staff are all so helpful and welcoming, and the little things like being picked up from the airport and being shown around the local area made my trip so much easier, and meant I settled in straight away. If you’re considering getting involved, just do it! I guarantee you won’t regret it. read less
Jess Robinson
1/12/2018 -
I had the privilege of working as an Intern in Peru with Globalteer I had the privilege of working as an NGO Assistant... read more Intern in Peru with Globalteer for 6 months. I did this as part of university placement year and truly had such an enriching and valuable experience. The team of people you work with are all passionate about the mission of the charity and never fail to make you feel supported and at home. Picaflor House and the children that attend it everyday were by far the highlight. My time in Peru with Globalteer came to an end a few short months ago and I have not stopped thinking about it since. I have undoubtedly grown as a person and learnt such more from Lena and Jim and the lovely interns I lived with who are know life long friends. I am so grateful to Globalteer for all that you do and for allowing me to be part of this team. Do not hesitate to intern at Globalteer it is an experience unlike any other. Thank you for everything, I miss you all so much. ❤ read less
Milly O'Connell
10/04/2023 -
I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! I had the best time volunteering, especially with a background... read more in childcare I found this an amazing experience and highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about doing it. I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! The people who support you from Globalteer keep you informed and are always there through-out your trip and I hope to come back in the near future! read less
Hope Wilson
1/16/2018 -
This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Globalteer at... read more the Northern Thailand Elephant Sanctuary! It was amazing being at this sanctuary and if you love being outdoors with animals then I highly recommend this one. One of the best things about this sanctuary is that you can stay overnight! It is incredible to see the elephants before you turn in for the night and then watch them get bathed in the morning as you eat your breakfast. This trip was very well organized by Globalteer. The sanctuary is small but it gives you the chance to really see the animals in their natural habitat. You can participate in feedings and sit in bungalows out in the jungle and just watch these magnificent creatures. Meals are filling and delicious and I highly recommend staying for a few nights. read less
Kayla Lynne Kiteley
1/25/2018 -
Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend Globalteer!!!! I had the pleasure of volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor... read more House. From the Moment I arrived I was collected by staff and shown around Cusco. I also got to enjoy the weekly quiz nights with staff from globalteer. The staff went out of there way to make me feel welcome. I had an amazing time at picaflor house. The children were beautiful. Anyone wanting to volunteer I would 100 percent recommend globalteer!!!! read less
Katrina Baxter
7/04/2017 -
Had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. Having done lots of research on volunteer projects, I decided... read more that this program was the best for me. Globalteer was different to the other organisations, they are a registered charity so I felt straight away that I had some trust in them. They did not disappoint, I had a great time and was happy to support such a worthwhile project. read less
Diego Alonso
11/13/2017 -
The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome. I spent a couple of weeks volunteering at the Helping... read more Hands School just outside Siem Reap. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. All the Globalteer staff made me feel really welcome and were always on hand to answer any questions. The school itself was really well run and the kids were brilliant to work with. It felt like such a worthwhile way to spend my holiday. Will definitely be going back! read less
Holly Bygrave
7/26/2018 -
They are great in every way. I have worked with them twice and I am counting down the days until I return next. Working with Globalteer and Picaflor house is amazing. They're great... read more in every way. I've worked with them during two extended stays in Peru and I'm counting down the days until I return next. read less
Jeff Bartlett
6/30/2017 -
The staff working there are dedicated but also good fun. What an amazing experience! We spent a week with this... read more incredible sanctuary in August 2018. The passion for the animals in the care of this rescue sanctuary is genuine and heartfelt. The staff working there dedicated but also good fun. Loved the interactions with the monkeys, deer, and birds and building the monkey house for the howlers, I hope they enjoy it for many years to come. I strongly recommend anyone who is visiting Peru and wants to genuinely help wild animals to be returned back to their natural habitat to spend time here. read less
Hercules Moriarty
9/22/2018 -
Everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. Volunteering with Globalteer at Picaflor House was an incredible experience... read more - everything was well organised from day one and any special requirements were met with ease. I can fully recommend volunteering with them to anyone who wishes to spend their time and energy on a worthwhile charity project! read less
Hannah Verity Stone
6/30/2017 -
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 -
The Globalteer staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. One of the best experiences I've ever had! The Globalteer... read more staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and made me feel right at home. Whenever there was an event going on, they always made me feel included. Such an amazing experience helping animals and being in such a great city. read less
Anna Von Foerster
6/30/2017 -
It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I volunteered with Globalteer in Cambodia last year and I... read more had an amazing experience. Every member of the team there were so hospitable and friendly, that it made it feel like a home from home. I worked on two projects, building waterfilters and the women's empowerment program, where we made intricate products with the locals from plastic bags! It was a huge eye opener and I would do it again in a heartbeat! read less
Fiona Mehmet
1/16/2018 -
Could not fault the hard work these people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. Great experience in Peru, couldn't fault the hard work these... read more people put in to support people less fortunate than myself. No ones perfect but all you can do is your best. Thanks guys read less
Mark Catling
6/30/2017 -
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 much I fell in love with Cambodia, the people, the culture and their way of thinking! Globalteer is brilliant and were so hands on with any problem or issue that arose! I have had nothing but positive experiences and will always follow the amazing things they do daily! read less
Robert Bisson
1/12/2018 -
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 -
I felt very much taken care of and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects. Coming from a country with very few organisations that offer... read more international volunteering jobs (Austria), I had to trust online reviews from other volunteers when I tried to find a suitable project for my sabbatical. And in my research, Globalteer was described as a very reliable organisation which offers an authentic insight into the countries where it operates. As a volunteer of the Cambodia Community Project for 4 weeks where I worked as a teacher in the rural Helping Hands Cambodia School outside of Siem Reap, I can only say that I had made the best choice. Everyting worked out perfectly - all my questions were answered promptly before my stay, I felt very much taken care of during the project and I met amazing people who worked on other Globalteer projects and they have all become an important part of my life. I think my teaching job out there in the country couldn't have given me a better insight into the life of this young country. I feel very much connected with the teachers and especially these fantastic kids that I met and since my return I have been following all their projects very closely. Should you want to know more about my volunteering experience with Globalteer, you can visit my blog, which you find if you google for: evaoff4abit.wordpress read less
Eva Deix
1/14/2018 -
Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff. I had an amazing experience volunteering with Globalteer earlier this... read more year. Well organised, really helpful and welcoming staff and a great range of really worthwhile and sustainable projects! Definitely recommend!!! read less
Jessica Robinson
1/12/2018 -
The benefits of doing this work through Globalteer were many. I worked on the clean water project in Siem Reap... read more in October 2018 and it was one of the most satisfying experiences I've ever had. Although the water project was with another NGO (with who Globalteer is a partner), the benefits of doing this work through Globalteer were many. As a woman doing this adventure on my own I was part of the Globalteer family and very well looked after. Having that security mattered. The accommodation was terrific, the Globalteer volunteer co-ordinator who was my go-to person (the wonderful Theavy) was amazing, meeting and socialising with other volunteers was huge fun and spending some time with Chris, the country manager, was educational and insightful. I'm going back this year to do it all again. Can't wait to see old friends and meet new ones while making a tangible difference to the lives of many. read less
Justine Auton
1/14/2018 -
All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive. My time spent volunteering in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Globalteer... read more was one of the most eye-opening and inspiring experiences I've had. Volunteering in local schools allowed me to see parts of the area that I wouldn't have been able to as a tourist, and coaching sports to the school children offered me a chance to interact with locals and engage in their culture. Communication with Globalteer leading up to and during my trip was easy and constant. All the staff and volunteers I worked with were very friendly and supportive, always eager to help me out with any issues or concerns I had. Free time during the evenings and weekends allowed me to explore and enjoy what Siem Reap has to offer. I would definitely recommend Globalteer to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a new culture, step out their comfort zone and make a difference to the local area! read less
Colin Elkington
1/13/2018 -
The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! Mid-life crisis? Mid-life adventure? It could have been either.....or even... read more a break from the husband! Following retirement from a demanding career in 2014 I had the luxury and freedom to enjoy being a lady that could wine and dine to her heart’s content but deep down I still yearned for a challenge. Then I came across the amazing opportunity, along with a friend, to work with underprivileged children in Cusco, Peru. This was for a month under Globalteer. I was able to be part of an inspirational and holistic after-school project for 70 children aged from 3-14 in a mountain village near Cusco. The project gives free classes and help with homework to underprivileged children, plus a safe place to play, to learn traditional music and dance, to enjoy free fruit, clean drinking water and a nutritious lunch. Once our applications had been accepted and the relevant checks completed I embarked on a fundraising campaign. Individual Just Giving pages were set up and I approached various companies to donate much needed items for the children such as educational books, art supplies, toys and clothing. My local M&S were very supportive and donated underwear and socks. Anxiety, apprehension and anticipation were just some of the feelings experienced but the time to embark on the adventure soon came round and we flew from Heathrow to Cusco via Bogota. The accommodation was in a family ‘homestay’ as we wanted to embrace and immerse ourselves in the culture and be part of a Peruvian family and also to practice the little Spanish I had learnt. In fact there were 11 people in the house in Wanchaq on the outskirts of Cusco. The family were very friendly and welcoming but you soon began to appreciate what you had left behind and not to take anything for granted. Altitude sickness was the first issue that had to be dealt with. Cusco is around 3400m above the sea level which can present a problem because the human body starts to react at around 2500m. Thankfully after taking the local remedy of Coca Tea and being given oxygen we were up and about after 36 hours. Meeting the children for the first time at Picaflor House was a very emotional experience and brought on the first of many tears. At the end of the first day with them I felt so privileged and humbled to have met them. They had nothing but were always smiling and wanting to hold your hand. I assisted with English classes, Mathematics and activities such as music, crafts and games on a Friday. They delighted in playing the simplest of games such as ‘Piggy In The Middle’ which started off with 3 and then everyone wanted to participate! The older girls made makeshift swings one day from cardboard and ropes! We were advised not to have favourites but I have to own up to having a soft spot for the Kindergarten class! The ongoing project focuses on the young and vulnerable to assist them in finding a way out of the trap of poverty and is aimed at keeping the children in a secure environment off the streets, and providing them with a safe place to learn and enjoy being children. I did witness in various parts of the area young children on their own begging in the streets or trying to sell sweets to motorists whilst waiting at the traffic lights. Sadly despite the wealth of tourist money that enters the country, very little of the money filters down to the average Peruvian and millions live in extreme poverty. This means a lack of education, healthcare and nutrition effects the poorest the hardest. Many homes have no running water or proper sanitation and heating is unheard of. With volunteers Globalteer hope to help the least fortunate live healthily, with dignity and with a future. We caught a local bus to and from the project. The journey was just under 1 hour each way and cost 3.50 soles return – approx £1! On one of our weekends off we visited Machu Picchu – an incomparable wonder and despite having seen so many pictures nothing prepares you for the first time you see the Inca citadel rising high above a bend in the river. It was well worth the 3.45 am alarm call to see the sunrise which was absolutely breath-taking. Another challenge we took on was to eat the local dish ‘Cuy’ – otherwise known as guinea pig! A Peruvian delicacy it is either fried or roasted and cooked whole. We ate it with our hands and although the meat looked like the dark meat of chicken it tasted more like duck. I also celebrated my birthday whilst out there and I gave the children a small bag of ‘Haribo’ sweets as a treat. They were absolutely delighted and so happy to have in their eyes such a luxury. I didn’t need to translate in to Spanish on this occasion – I think ‘sweets’ is a universal language! The trip was an incredible experience not only because of the gratifying sensation of helping in a foreign and vulnerable country, but also learning more about ourselves and appreciating what we have. The children made a lasting impression and I do have intentions to one day return. Volunteering at Piclafor House has taught me to never take things for granted and to realise how we can manage with far less than we think we need – I have a wardrobe of clothes so why do I think I need more? I left a case of clothes and toiletries for a lady I met and she actually filled with tears when she saw the bottle of shampoo I had donated. The trip has changed my outlook on life and I believe that this is only the start of my volunteering career! I would recommend volunteering with Globalteer to anyone who wants to have a memorable life experience. read less
Geraldine Parkin
2/06/2018 -
If you go there, you would definitely love it. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and... read more a half. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. If you go there, you would definitely love it. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. You would not regret it. read less
PICKLE SMART
8/31/2019 -
I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! I volunteered with the Peru Community Project out of Cuzco... read more for 5 weeks. I was so impressed with the amazing work they are doing at Picaflor and how well the kids and the community responded to the project. Furthermore, I was grateful for how helpful and welcoming the staff was. I had an amazing time and look forward to volunteering with Globalteer again in the future! read less
Lauren Franklin
6/30/2017 -
I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip! I first volunteered at Picaflor House Children's Community Project in... read more Peru in 2014, as a solo traveller, staying in Cusco for two months. I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip at the end of last year - this time for just two weeks, but with my husband, as part of a wider trip through South America. Two very different visits, but both equally rewarding and life-changing. During my first trip, I met with a wide variety of lovely volunteers from all over the world, some of whom I am still in touch with today. In contrast, on our recent trip, we were the only volunteers. However, this allowed us to sample a broad range of experience at the project, and the opportunity to take more responsibility - we got to run two days worth of Art lessons which was great fun, and a real eye-opener, especially for my husband, who had no previous classroom experience. The volunteering at Picaflor is very flexible - our individual skills were used to their best advantage. I focussed on the English classes, using my language and communication training to the full, and my husband worked in the Nursery class, supporting the children to develop their social and practical skills (and honing his fledgling Spanish). In addition, on my first much longer trip, I was able to take the odd day off, enabling me to take in the local art and culture by visiting places of interest further afield. Picaflor House is a really valuable resource for Oropesa. It provides occupation and fun for the children in the afternoon after their school day finishes, allowing parents to work full days, and provides extra academic support, especially with English - particularly important as it enables the children to get better jobs when they leave school. The children at Picaflor are extremely lively (expect more noise, and less formal seated activity than in your average British school), but on both trips we particularly enjoyed the sporting days (as did the children!) on Fridays when everybody came together to play volleyball, football, and to skip, play on the swings and slide, and to dig in the sandpit - Chris enjoyed a particularly muscle-building day breaking up and raking the sand for the children, and I enjoyed a spot of gardening - as I said the experience was very varied! The regular, permanent staff at Picaflor are particularly supportive. We were prepared well in advance - I particularly needed this reassurance on my first trip alone, and even though on my second trip, I knew where everything was, we were confident that we could still access any extra help if needed. As a couple, we received an especially warm welcome on my return, and would definitely consider a third visit in the future. I would highly recommend Picaflor to future volunteers 🙂 read less
Katharine Hughes
2/28/2018 -
Wish others would also be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience... read more I had! I volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you don’t have anything to worry about. Wish others would also find the opportunity and be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! Thanks much for this great experience read less
burcu eren
1/10/2019