Explore Lima’s Cuisine and Peruvian History

Lima, the capital of Peru, is the fifth-largest city in South America and the second-largest desert city in the world. On this short trip, travelers will enjoy some of Lima’s best sites and world-renowned cuisine. Beginning with a cliff walking tour, travelers will see the Malecon Walkway along the ocean and enjoy some great views and modern sculptures. Lima is home to four of the world’s best restaurants so that travelers can plan a great dinner. The next day, travelers will visit a local market and have the opportunity to learn about Limeno cuisine and its ingredients (including peanuts, which originated in Peru). Travelers will also attend a cooking class to learn how to make famous Peruvian dishes and even pisco sour (a famous cocktail). The last of this trip will be spent on a historical Lima tour where travelers will see the pre-Inca Huaca Pucllana pyramid and the Spanish colonial Plaza de Armas before being driven to the airport for departure.

Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.

Adventure in Southern Africa

This trip, a tour of three countries in Southern Africa, begins in Zimbabwe, a trading hub known for its gold and iron exports. Here, travelers will see Victoria Falls, part of the Zambezi River and one of the world's seven natural wonders. They will have the opportunity to go whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, or go on a helicopter ride. Next, travelers will cross into Botswana to the town of Kasane. They can go on a wildlife safari along the Chobe River or visit Chobe National Park. Then, the group will visit the village of Gweta and camp out in hopes of seeing wildlife. The next stop on this trip is Maun, the tourism capital of Botswana for its safaris. Travelers can ride in a Mokoro, a traditional canoe for shoreline views. Travelers will then see the western part of Botswana, the town of Ghanzi in the Kalahari Desert, before ending the trip in Namibia. Travelers will spend the last part of this trip in the city of Windhoek, Namibia’s cultural hub.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This is an 8 day trip and costs $918. 

Explore Central America

Guatemala with its tropical climate, giant mountains and vast lakes, is known for its natural wonders. This trip begins in Antigua, home to the Santa Catalina Arch and the Hill of the Cross. This Guatemalan city is famous for being one of the best places to study Spanish and has gorgeous scenery, including views of volcanoes. From there, travelers will head East to Honduras, a country full of Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches. Travelers' first stop in Honduras are the ruins of Copan, a historic Mayan town. Here, they can visit the Luna Jaguar hot springs or go on a tour of the ruins. Travelers will then cross into El Salvador, visit Suchitoto, and then head to La Libertad Region, an area full of beach towns where the group can relax or take a surf lesson. After this, travelers will venture into Leon, Nicaragua’s commercial and agricultural center. The next stop in Nicaragua is Granada, a city full of colorful buildings and one of the oldest occupied colonial cities. Here, travelers can hike and explore, go on a day excursion to Masaya Volcano, visit Mi Museo Cultural Museum, or visit Laguna de Apoyo. Travelers will then enter Costa Rica, a country known for its biodiversity with features such as beaches, volcanoes and rainforests. They will visit Isla de Ometepe here, which is known for its petroglyphs and stone idols. Travelers can go to Ojo de Agua swimming hole, visit beaches or go hiking. Next, travelers will visit Monteverde and its cloud forests. The mountainous Monteverde is home to the highest concentration of orchids on Earth. While here, travelers can go zip lining, visit a butterfly garden, go horseback riding or take a coffee plantation tour. Before the trip concludes, travelers will see La Fortuna. They can participate in a Venado Caves Exploration, go on a wildlife refuge tour, or swim in La Fortuna waterfalls. This trip ends in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, where travelers can explore the city and even go rafting on the Sarapiqui River before departure.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This is a 17 day trip and costs $1,679.

Volunteer to help in the Peruvian Amazon

Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and has a stunning variety of landscapes, from mountains to beaches and rainforests. The country is home to the source of the Amazon River and the historical Incan settlement of Machu Picchu. In fact, the Peruvian Amazon is the second-largest stretch of the Amazon and includes thousands of different animal species. The forest’s tropical climate also has lots of the country’s natural resources. However, construction and commercial mining have led to the deforestation of the Peruvian Amazon, which threatens the unique and endangered species that live there. Volunteers will work to plant trees, monitor animals and remove non-native species to combat deforestation. Additionally, volunteers will get to learn about the tree species of the Peruvian Amazon and its inhabitants. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and  costs $685 for one week and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, four-to-six hours per day (Sunday to Thursday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Dental Care Volunteering in Costa Rica

Dental work in Costa Rica is much cheaper than in the US or Canada. Low dental treatment costs in the country allow one to save up to seventy percent! Costa Rica prides itself on having well-educated dentists, with a minimum of five years' training before graduation. It’s also worth noting that many dental surgeons speak English. Despite Costa Rica’s developed healthcare system there is still a large inconsistency between patients’ needs and the care they receive. International volunteers can become a tremendous benefit to local dental professionals that work with limited resources, funding and support staff. Participants can assist dentists and dental hygienists during consultations, cleanings and treatments. They will help prepare materials, sanitize tools and manage patient care. In addition, volunteers can educate low-income communities about dental hygiene.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are backed by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one to four weeks and costs $745 for one week, and $1565 for four weeks. Airport transfers, meals, three to four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Create Impact in Croatia

Split is a city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia and is known for being a gorgeous coastal town with numerous historical sites. Lots of people visit the city to see the ruins of the Palace of Diocletian along with other historical residences and churches, with the city’s old architecture beautifully set against the coast. On this trip, volunteers will work with the Content Creator For Impact project to run campaigns and create awareness about important social issues. They will also help local NGOs work to take action on a number of issues such as women’s rights, marine conservation, and environmental issues. Additionally, volunteers will work with design software to conduct tasks such as creating infographics, designing brochures, editing videos, and building animations.

This is a minimum 2 week and maximum 12 weeks trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $1100 for two weeks and $5,200 for 12 weeks.

Visit Sri Lanka’s Spice Gardens and Seasides

Sri Lanka, located off of the southern coast of India, has been nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the Teardrop of India, the latter due to its unique shape. The country is known for its tea and tropical climate with beautiful beaches, rainforests, and mountains. Travelers will begin the trip in the city of Negombo, a historic fishing city with sandy beaches. Then, travelers will visit Sigiriya, a historical palace ruins on top of a two-hundred-meter-high rock surrounded by a network of gardens. Travelers will also get to go on a Dambulla Cave visit before visiting the village of Digana, where they will have the chance to visit a spice garden and the royal botanical gardens. After this, travelers will visit Kandy, the largest city in the country. Here, travelers will visit tea plantations and take in the city's biodiverse rainforest and Buddhist sites. Travelers will also see Nuwara Eliya and go on a Horton Plains Trek before visiting Ella to see Little Adam’s Peak for more hiking and countryside views. The last stop on the trip is the town of Hikkaduwa, where travelers can surf, go on a dolphin-watching tour, explore the coral reef and spend three days relaxing.

All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1,049 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 12 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included.

HELP GROW ORGANIC COSTA RICAN COFFEE

With a tropical climate and gorgeous scenery, Costa Rica, Spanish for “rich coast,” lives up to its name. The Central American country is filled with National Parks that provide activities such as hiking, river rafting, zip lining and cave tubing. Aside from its National Parks, Costa Rica is known for its varying landscapes as the country has beaches, volcanos, rainforests and mangrove wetlands. In addition to its gorgeous scenery and the rich soil it provides, Costa Rica is famous for its shade-grown coffee plantations. Coffee is one of the country's most vital agricultural exports and generates much of its revenue. With this program, volunteers will help to keep such farming sustainable and will get to work with local coffee growers. Volunteers will experience each step of the coffee farming and production process and help with weeding, planting shade trees, and roasting and packaging the coffee while working to educate communities about responsible farming and reforestation.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. For this program, volunteers will be located in either the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the Brunca region of the Talamanca mountains. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and costs $745 for one week and $1565 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, three-to-four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number, and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Work on an Alpaca Farm in Peru

Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and has a stunning variety of landscapes, from mountains to beaches to rainforests. The country is home to the source of the Amazon River, as well as the historical Machu Picchu and over seventy percent of the world’s alpaca population. In fact, Peru’s alpacas provide the country’s residents with food and clothing, and even have a religious significance to Peruvians. Cusco, an ancient city closely associated with the Incas, is famous for its grand main square with buildings that have terracotta-tile roofs and cobbled streets. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work at a private farm thirty minutes from Cusco to care for alpacas and llamas. Additionally, volunteers will work with the cleaning and maintenance of the animals and will get to see the farm’s process of turning the alpaca and llama wool into traditional Peruvian textiles.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and costs $685 for one week and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, three-to-four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Climb the Inca Trail and Experience Machu Picchu

The Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyu, Quechua for ‘Realm of Four Parts’) was a powerful ancient civilization. Most of its history is shrouded in legend, but it is thought that the Incas were originally a pastoral tribe who may have arrived in Peru and built their capital, Cusco, around 1100 AD. From there they grew in power, and invaded and seized control of the surrounding areas. Their power was eventually crushed by civil war, disease, and invasion by Spanish explorers and conquistadors in the 16th century. This award-winning 14-day Inca Trail Tour begins in Lima and finishes in Cusco. After arriving, the travel group meets and enjoys a group night out on the town. Together, they visit local bars and restaurants before taking a bus the next day to Nazca. They can experience a traditional Pachamanca dinner before catching another overnight bus to Arequipa, the “White City.” Travelers can enjoy its history and architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and enjoy the local cuisine, including alpaca, shrimp, pork and soup. The next day includes a full-day tour and an overnight excursion to the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world and an excellent venue to see Andean condors flying. From here, travelers journey by overnight bus to Cusco before heading to the Sacred Valley, the site of the Ccaccaccollo community center, and the women’s weaving cooperative, where travelers can see local garment weaving and dying techniques. Travelers stay overnight in local community homestays before journeying through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Here, they can take a Sacred Valley tour to visit the Pisac ruins, a local market and the Ollantaytambo ruins. The next three days are spent hiking the Inca Trail. It passes through Warmiwanusca, known as Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail and named for its notable rock-formed silhouette of a woman lying down. The trail traverses two more passes to the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds," an archaeological site so named due to its high altitude. The final day begins before dawn with a hike to Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel and UNESCO Heritage site and an impressive testament to the Inca Empire’s power. The tour concludes with a bus journey to Aguas Calientes and a train ride back to Cusco.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1,519 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 14 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, the Inca Trail hike with local guides, cooks, and porters, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and accommodation will be included.

Explore Peru’s Cities and Andes

Peru, known among other treasures for the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, is home to much of the Andes Mountain range. Created over 50 million years ago, the Andes are a collection of several mountain chains joined in orographic knots. It is so big that cities like La Paz, Quito, Cuenca, Arequipa and Medellin are only some of the most famous cities on its mesas. In addition, the region is a haven of biodiversity; it combines three different climatic zones: the Tropical Andes, Dry Andes and Wet Andes. These areas are home to an outstanding array of wildlife, including under 600 species of mammals, an equal number of reptile species, 1,700 types of birds, and over 30,000 plant species. Travelers will start their journey in Lima, where they can get to know each other. Feel free to travel to the bars and restaurants in the capital's happening Barranco neighborhood. Further south in Nazca, there will be free time to explore this historical city. Everyone can see the titular Nazca lines, tour the Nazca Desert Cemetery, and later enjoy a “Pachamanca dinner.” In Arequipa, the “White City,” architecture buffs will enjoy the Santa Catalina Monastery. For the next two days, travelers will see much of Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Everyone will have a chance to explore Cusco before heading to Ccaccaccollo, the sacred valley of the Incas. The next three days consist of exploring the Inca Trail. Home to sites such as Llactapata, Warmiwanusca, Runquraqay and more. At Machu Picchu, everyone can join up for a guided tour of the sights. Return to Cusco that evening for night activities. Depart at any time the next day.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1539 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 14 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals and accommodation will be included.

Practice Sustainable Farming in Peru

Peru is a tropical country, with more than half of its territory covered by the Amazon, the largest rainforest in the world. It is also home to the Andes, the planet’s second-highest mountain range. It was here that the Inca Empire was established 600 years ago, which thrived until its conquest by the Spanish in 1532. Today’s Peruvian economy has a strong reliance on agriculture. Several NGOs and farming cooperatives are currently trying to incorporate organic, sustainable and traditional practices into their farming operations. On this trip, volunteers are sent to the Sacred Valley and the Huyro Region in the highlands of the Amazonian rainforest. They will help local tea, coffee and cacao growers in a collective farming project. The famously fertile Sacred Valley is rich in Inca history and has been an agricultural site for hundreds of years. Volunteers can visit many Inca ruins including Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the New World and a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is thought to have been built around 1450 and remains an impressive testament to the Inca Empire’s power and architectural prowess. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks , and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day of practical work (Monday–Friday), letters of recommendation, an emergency contact number and accommodation will be included.

Experience the Ruins and Mayan Riviera in Mexico

The Maya built one of the most advanced civilizations in history; they had their own written language, calendar, rubber, architectural design and agriculture. Their rich history dates back to over 3000 years ago. Among other notable accomplishments, these peoples of southern Mexico and the Yucatan were sophisticated mathematicians, discovering the concept of zero a thousand years before the Europeans. They also had creative freedom; their artistic depictions consisted of warriors and kings with curved features. Today, many ruins in southern Mexico are open for travelers, including Coba, Becan, Calakmul, Palenque, Tulum, and Altun Ha. These sites are in Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo. Many of these ruins have been designated as World Heritage sites. Travelers will start their adventure in Mexico City and can arrive anytime. Everyone will have a chance to get acquainted with each other and explore the local bars and restaurants. In Oaxaca, everyone can check out local taverns, sample food and learn about indigenous culture in the area. After this the group will arrive in the Sumidero Canyon, where travelers can join in for an included boat ride down by the river. Up next is an opportunity to visit nearby indigenous Mayan villages in San Cristobal to learn about their culture. On the way to Palenque, people can stop at the Roberto Barrios waterfall for a swim. The fun continues at Bacalar, where everyone can enjoy the three cenotes and a picnic lunch. The group can expect a guided tour and memorable sights at Chichen Itza. Arrive at Tulum, home to trendy beach clubs. Depart at any time.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1,329 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 14 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included.

Experience the Coastlines and Cloud Forests of Costa Rica

Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida, is considered the home of ecotourism. The country boasts 28 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas, 11 forest reserves and eight biological reserves. Among these landmarks are three reserves known as cloud forests. Cloud forests take their name from very real natural phenomena, the fog and low-hanging clouds hovering just above a forest's upper canopy which rain down onto the leaves and trees below. The three most well-known cloud forests are Children’s Eternal Rainforest, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Monteverde is home to a natural phenomenon known as the Great Divide, which is between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The same cloud forest is home to three thousand of nine thousand species of plants in all of Costa Rica. Travelers will start their journey in San Jose and arrive at any time. On the way to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, everyone can enjoy the scenery and tropical seascape. Then, everyone will travel north to San Juan for a local homestay, which includes meals. At La Fortuna, the group will have a chance to see the Arenal Volcano; hot springs, whitewater rafting, and waterfall rappelling are all optional. At Monteverde, everyone can stop at Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative, for coffee tastings. The group can engage in a tour of the farm to learn about continuous agriculture. The group can surf the waves at Santa Teresa and Montezuma and spend time at the beach towns. Arrive back in San Jose and depart at any time.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1,162??? per person, this experience lasts over the course of 14 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included.

Volunteer to Assist Namibia’s Wildlife Program

Namibia, located in Southern Africa, is full of wildlife, ranging from desert elephants to the world’s largest population of free-roaming cheetahs. The country is also known for its scenery, having the highest sand dunes in the world, made famous by the film “Mad Max: Fury Road.” While here, volunteers will help and support wildlife preservation efforts and care for injured and abandoned animals. This includes assisting with the animals’ food preparation and aiding with small animal feedings. Additionally, volunteers will have the chance to learn more about wildlife by watching cheetahs run and conducting focused research such as analyzing GPS data and monitoring animals.

This is a minimum two-week trip and a maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $1,260 for two weeks and $6145 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Assist with the Galapagos Islands' Conservation, Marketing and Media

The Galapagos Islands was one of the first designated UNESCO World Heritage sites, gaining the title in 1978. The Islands are renowned for their diverse plant and animal life, which includes more than 400 species of fish, 800 species of mollusks and some of the most unique birds on the planet. The archipelago group comprises 7,880 kilometers of land spread over 17,000 miles of ocean. It’s worth noting that these islands are welcome to tourists all year round due to their two primary seasons: a hot season from December to May and a dry season from June to November. Volunteers have a chance to raise essential initiatives while volunteering in the archipelago. Participants can promote the conservation and sustainability of the Galapagos while gaining digital marketing and social media experience. They will have the opportunity to work with eco-tourism agencies, restaurants, farms and small family businesses. Participants will share their products and messages within Ecuador and beyond through content creation. Duties may include supporting the local team with social media content, taking photos and videos of activities, creating informative social media content, and implementing communication plans in social networks. Volunteers will need to bring their own gear to use on this project.

This is a minimum two-week and maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $1,420 for two weeks and $6,620 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Help in Cusco’s Healthcare

Peru is a country rich in cultural heritage and of great historical significance. This volunteer program is an on-site project in Cusco, Peru’s capital. Cusco was first established as the center of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though Peru’s government provides free healthcare, many areas have limited and unequal access to it. There are two different volunteer placements for this project. Licensed medical professionals and medical students in their third and fourth years can apply to be medical volunteers, while those who are unlicensed and/or are completing their medical training have access to Healthcare placements. Medical volunteers are typically placed at a national clinic, helping with primary and emergency care, or at assisted living facilities. They have the opportunity to shadow or work alongside local medical professionals. Healthcare volunteers are usually placed within assisted living facilities and help with the day-to-day care work while providing companionship to the patients. Volunteers in both programs can access in-country support, learn local therapy methods often unavailable in their home countries, and make a difference to people in underfunded facilities.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number, and accommodation are included.

Help Construct Community Buildings in Guatemala

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant example of Guatemala's culture and history. The city’s architecture is a fascinating mix of Spanish and Mayan heritage, and humor and gracious hospitality characterize its people. However, Guatemala’s popularity as a tourist hot-spot has resulted in the growing pressure on infrastructure and resources. This volunteer construction project has a significant positive impact on local communities and helps residents gain better access to education and healthcare. The project is on-site and close to the city center. Volunteers help construct public buildings like healthcare clinics, community centers, and schools. While on-site, volunteers are assisted by local Spanish-speaking project managers, experienced in guiding and training international volunteers. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number, and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Help Rescue Dogs in Peru

Cusco is an ancient Inca city known for its hospitality. This city likes its fiestas and celebrates its exciting blend of Inca folklore, native influences and Hispanic colonial traditions through the architecture of its main square, cobbled streets, and terracotta tile roof houses. Unfortunately, an overwhelming number of stray dogs spend their lives on Peru’s streets. These animals live in unsanitary conditions, risking illness and starvation, and are considered a public health issue by the local government. Volunteers can help take these dogs off the street and provide them with much-needed love, attention and care. Volunteers help the project by cleaning the animals and cages, feeding the dogs, helping with basic obedience training, interacting with visitors, playing with the animals, taking photos, helping with administration and assisting with fundraising and educational programs. These projects are heavily reliant on the help of volunteers who are needed to work both within a team and independently as leaders. In-country coordinators support all volunteers.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks, and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation will be included.

Research Whale Sharks in Mozambique

The largest extant species of fish on the planet is now endangered, in large part due to the devastating effects of industrial fishing and pollution on the global whale shark population. The coast of Mozambique, known for its breathtaking turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, has recently become a haven for divers eager to witness these docile giants and experience the region’s abundance of marine life. While volunteering at the Marine Research and Conservation Project, volunteers will have the opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks and collect valuable data that will help conserve Mozambique's diverse marine ecosystem. Included in the program is a four-day open water diving course that will prepare volunteers to monitor the coral reefs and safely use diving equipment. Volunteers will carry out essential functions in marine research and conservation, participating in beach walks, boat surveys and dives alongside coordinating scientists. Aside from conducting research, volunteers will also learn about whale sharks and the effects of human activity on their ecosystem, and help spread awareness about the importance of conservation efforts in the area. During the project volunteers will reside in Tofo, a coastal town in southeastern Mozambique known for its snorkeling, which offers a wide array of activities for volunteers to spend their free time on — including sailing, fishing and eating at local seafood restaurants.

This 3-12 week experience costs $3,619 for 3 weeks and $9,643 for 12 weeks, and includes accommodations, meals, a scuba diving certification training program, 24/7 on-site support and some activities. Volunteers with diving experience may be eligible for discounts and may stay for a minimum of 2 weeks if they do not wish to participate in the diving certification program.

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