from 837€

Brilliant 4.7rating (201)

Indigenous Community Immersion

location
1 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Totally unique learning experience that brings volunteers up-close to an ancient way of life
  • Incredible Local Team with Outstanding Reviews
  • Excellent project for volunteers interested in anthropology, gender-roles, and indigenous culture
  • Cusco, Peru – easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers in the world, is also home to immense scenic beauty, bio-diversity and incredible culture.
  • In this project, you’ll be situated approx 1 hour from Cuzco, high in the Andes mountains.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

The Andean Cultural Immersion Project is an incredible inter-cultural learning opportunity to help develop new ways of thinking and opportunities among rural Peruvian

The Indigenous Community Immersion project provides a totally unique learning experience that brings volunteers up-close to an ancient way of life. Volunteers are placed in an indigenous, Quechua-speaking community high in the Andes mountains, approximately 1 hour from Cuzco. This volunteer project ...

About the program

The Indigenous Community Immersion project provides a totally unique learning experience that brings volunteers up-close to an ancient way of life. Volunteers are placed in an indigenous, Quechua-speaking community high in the Andes mountains, approximately 1 hour from Cuzco. This volunteer project is an off-the-grid full-immersion. An excellent project for volunteers interested in anthropology, gender-roles, and indigenous cultures.   

As you’ll be sharing in everyday life with an Indigenous family, the standard of living is quite basic and the pace is slow.  Schedules can vary greatly depending on weather, harvest seasons, family and social events. As a volunteer you’ll need to be self-driven with a capacity to see tasks that can add value to the local community.

Volunteers at Indigenous Culture projects may be asked to:

• Plant, harvest, store and transport crops like potatoes, corn, and quinoa

• Care for animals, including herding, pasturing, feeding, cleaning pens, and collecting food

• Learn about and assist with traditional weaving and using natural dyes

• Mix and form adobe bricks to construct homes and communities buildings

• Assist with local education, sometimes including English classes

Why we need you in Peru

  • Approx 40% living in Cusco, Peru are living below the poverty line.
  • The average monthly wage in this region is only approx 338 Solas (USD $101)
  • We can learn a great deal from their holistic cultures and their high-quality, low-impact ways of living.
  • These are often socially conscious communities using participatory ways to enhance their spiritual, social, ecological, and economic aspects of life.

  • How can you help?

  • IVI’s Andean Immersion project provides a totally unique service learning experience that brings volunteers up-close to an ancient way of life.
  • Volunteers are placed in an indigenous, Quechua-speaking community high in the Andes mountains, approximately 1 hour from Cusco.
  • An excellent project for volunteers interested in anthropology, gender-roles, and indigenous cultures.
  • This volunteer project is an “off-the-grid” placement and is true full-immersion.

  • Typical day

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but you can expect to work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday. That said, the goal of this project is to participate in the everyday life of your host family and their community. This means that schedules can vary greatly.

    Sunday – Arrival
    Mo

    Typical day

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but you can expect to work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday. That said, the goal of this project is to participate in the everyday life of your host family and their community. This means that schedules can vary greatly.

    Sunday – Arrival
    Monday – Orientation in Cuzco & Travel to Home Stay
    Tuesday to Friday

    This is a varied project and dependent on the time of year and various factors. Here is a very rough guide on what to expect;

    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 4-6 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at the accommodation


    Free-time activities

    Machu Picchu Baby!

    Built somewhere in the 1400's, this is the site of massive significance spiritually & historically to the Incan people .  Tourists from around the world travel to Peru just to see it, and Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu.   We can help you book your tour in advance or when ...

    Free-time activities

    Machu Picchu Baby!

    Built somewhere in the 1400's, this is the site of massive significance spiritually & historically to the Incan people .  Tourists from around the world travel to Peru just to see it, and Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu.   We can help you book your tour in advance or when you arrive in Cuzco.   There are various options including train ride + hike or a 4 day hike.   Book in advance to ensure you get a spot though!


    Cuzco
    The historic capital of the Inca Empire, rests at very high altitude in the Andes Mountains.   It's really one of the most sought after travel destinations in the world.   Besides just soaking up the atmosphere of Cuzco, some sights to visit include; Cristo Blanco monument offers amazing views of the city, the Planetarium provides Incan history, the ruins of Qorikancha, in the heart of the city or for the foodies, check out the Choco Museo for everything chocolate!

    Moray, Maras And Salinas
    These are incredible Incan ruins with many levels of concentric circles like an ancient amphitheater.   This is located only a short bus ride from Cuzco with a nice 4km hike to get to the Maras village and a further 9km hike or taxi to the Moray ruins.   A brilliant day out. 

    Amazon Jungle
    Peru has managed to do a great job in protecting the Amazon, and has many well protected very large forest areas where you can explore with a guide.   Take a boat down the Rio Tambopata river, experience jungle lodges from Peurto Maldonado and experience one of the most bio diverse regions in the entire world!  

    Lake Titicaca
    The largest lake in South America, is the birthplace of the sun according to Andean legend.  The town of Puno is a great base with cool local culture and nightlife also with various ruins sights scattered around the islands. 

    Huacahina
    An overnight bus from Cuzco will take approx 20 hours, alternatively you can fly to Lima and take a 5 hour bus.   This area is best known for dune buggy rides, sandboarding and cool bars, cheap cocktails and heaps of fun!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

    What's included?


    • Accommodation
    • Breakfast & Dinner daily 
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Ground transportation to/from the home stay
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion
    • Amazing in country support and loads of international volunteers to meet!

    Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    Complimentary Arrival TransferYou’ll arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ).   When clearing immigration it’s best to simply state ‘tourism’.    When you arrive you will be greeted by a member of our local team and taken to the homestay or the volunteer center for orientation.    

    In-Country Transportation
    Most volunteers will use in-expensive bus transport to get around and to travel to the project placements.  Our coordinators will assist you with all the details while in country.   
     

    A one-way trip rarely costs more than US $0.50 in Cusco or nearby neighborhoods and maybe US $2 for longer distances.  

    Taxis are also readily available in and around Cusco. Taxis cost approximately US $3 – $10 depending on duration.  We recommend using formal taxis that use a meter to calculate the fare based on time and distance.

    Accommodation

    The houses are basic and heating is traditional wood or gas stoves with no central heating.   The nights can be very cold as you are high in the mountains so volunteers are encouraged to pack warm clothes.   We’ll help you with exactly what to bring as part of the application process, so don’t worry.   There may be limited electricity in the homes and no internet and likely no hot showers.  Bed linen, western style toilets & fresh clean drinking water are provided.   The volunteer guest rooms usually sleeps 2 volunteers per room with 1 shared bathroom per household.  

    Food & Beverages

    Peruvian cuisine is yum.    Your meals are included in the volunteer fee.    Rice, beans, and corn are popular ingredients, and fresh root vegetables like cassava, taro, and sweet potato are extremely important.  You can also expect some fruits and vegetables, such as avocados (palta) accompanied by spicy aji salsa.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    All year round - arrivals on weekends. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 837€
    2 weeks 1,174€
    3 weeks 1,427€
    4 weeks 1,666€
    8 weeks (max. stay) 2,660€
    Average fees 585€/week

    Program fees

    585€ per week 1 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 8 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (201 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Lauren

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


    WHO WE ARE

    Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

    We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

    SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
    All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

    Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

    AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
    As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

    We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

    The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

    In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

    SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
    With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

    All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

    Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

    Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

    SUPPORT

    From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

    On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

    FUN!
    Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

    GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

    201 reviews · rating4.7

    What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked ...
    The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
    What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...
    I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
    There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
    hannah rupp rating5

    2024 at Primary Teaching Support

    I had such a great time in Zanzibar. The accommodation is really good, it’s clean, you have a very sweet balcony and the bedrooms are good. Also the roommates and coordinators are were really nice 🥰 I really enjoyed my time at the school and I loved to work with the kids 🥰 I made so many ...

    Location


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    Contact Lauren
      Excellent response rate
    English

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