Who are we?

We are a non profit organization created in 2006 that works to improve the lives of under privileged Peruvian people who live in the Central Andeans in Peru through action concerned with the general welfare of human being and their natural surrounding

When can I start?

The volunteers may start at any moment, but we recommend filling out the application one month in advance.

Do you accept couples?

Yes, we have double rooms in our home for couples, and we can arrange for couples to volunteer together.

What is the weather like in Huancayo , Peru?

Generally, the weather is the same temperature year round, fluctuating based on rainy or dry season. The rainy season is December to April, and temperatures are generally 15°-25°C (59°-77°F), but there is less sun, and the city is very muddy. During the dry season, May to November, temperatures are 5°-20°C (41°-68°F) with very sunny days and the city is dry and dusty. As a guideline, nights and mornings and rainy days are cool and sunny days can be hot.

What should I pack?

It is best to bring a mix clothes. Cooler clothes for daytime wear and warmer clothes for the chillier nights. We advise bringing long trousers and tops that layer well (eg. t-shirts and sweaters) to adjust to the changing temperatures. Also, be sure to bring a medium weight jacket, rain jacket, warm clothes for sleeping (the house is not heated), a hat and sun block.

What vaccinations should I get and what medications should I bring?

We recommend that you have your current tetanus shot as well as Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Yellow Fever vaccinations are not necessary unless you are planning on traveling into the jungle. It is possible to get a Yellow Fever vaccination here, and it is safe and widely available. The most common problem that our volunteers have is traveller's diarrhea, or food poisoning from food from street vendors. It is well advised to bring a prescription such as Cipro with you, which you can get from your doctor, and will combat diarrhea with fever. Most all other medicines can be found in Huancayo.

How do I pay the fees? Should I bring money with me?

All fees can be paid in US Dollars or Peruvian Soles. There are a number of ATMs in the city centre where you can withdraw US Dollars or Peruvian Soles. Traveller's cheques are difficult to cash and require waiting in long lines at the banks. It is better to bring a bank card and use the ATMs. There is no need to bring a large amount of money with you, and is recommended to come with just the money you need to travel to Huancayo.

What can I bring for the children?

>We especially need books that will aid in the teaching of the English language, and story books that we can add to our library. Posters and classroom teaching materials are also greatly appreciated because English material is virtually non-existent in Huancayo. Items such as clothing, school supplies and toys can be purchased here for much less than in your home country.

How much money will I spend?

All meals and accommodation are included. The price of your homestay does not include personal toiletries, such as toothpaste and shampoo. Transport costs around Huancayo are not included. Any extra trips that you wish to take will need to be paid for by yourself. Peru is a very cheap country, and your Peruvian soles will go a long way. For example, a local bus journey ride around Huancayo costs 0.5 soles, a three-course meal at a local restaurant is about 4 soles and an hour on the Internet costs 1 soles.

How do I get to Huancayo from Lima?

There are many bus companies in Lima with regular service to Huancayo. The trip is seven hours and costs between S/. 25 - S/. 40 (US$10 - US$15). We recommend Cruz del Sur, the only company with which you can purchase tickets online (www.cruzdelsur.com.pe) or Ormeño as reliable companies. Once an applicant is accepted into the programme, we will send detailed info on how to get to Huancayo, and recommendations of where to stay in Lima.

For how much time do I need to commit to the program?

The minimum time is ONE WEEK.

What is the contribution?

The contribution is the paymen that the person do according the time that he/she works as a volunteer

Where will I live?

You can choose between a middle class Peruvian family in Huancayo or a family from the village itself. The family will provide a comfortable bed in a private room, whit hot showers and tree meals a day.

Is the food included in the housing cost?

Full board is included in the family housing in Huancayo and in the villages, but the volunteer residency includes only breakfast.

What types of programs are available? ESPERANZA-PERU acts in the following areas: social work, community work, education.

Where are the programs located?

The social programs are located in a district of Huancayo called Iscos, it is 22km from the city.

Will I be able to apply my professional training in the projects?

Yes, it’s possible but it is not required to have a specific profession in order to participate in the programs. It’s important that the volunteers send their Resume or CV ( Curriculum Vitae) so that we can determine in which area of activities the volunteer may best use his/her professional training.

Do I need to register in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to register at least one month in advance since the organization needs to make specific arrangements for each volunteer.

Why do I need to pay to volunteer?

Our organization is non-profit and does not receive any financial help from any international, governmental or private organizations. Thus, Esperanza Peru is not able to cover the costs of living of its volunteers. Our only income is your own contributions, which serves to cover the costs described in the Costs as well as the administrative and project development costs.