About the Community Projects in Peru
Volunteers are currently able to participate in the following type of projects in and around the city of Cusco:
- Dog Shelter project in Cusco
- Andean Forest Hummingbird Sanctuary project
Not all of the projects run throughout the day, which means that you can do Spanish courses in the morning, or in some cases in the afternoon after you have been on the project.
Dog Shelter Volunteer project in Cusco
The dog shelter is located in the district of San Sebastian in
the city of Cusco and has been running for over 26 years which rescues, cares for and treats animals that have been physically and morally abandoned. They house about 100 dogs of different breeds, sizes and origins. Some of them with special needs because they are blind, use prosthetics or require physical therapy etc. They also take care of cats, pigs, rabbits and ducks. The owner, Mayte, is a real animal lover, and has very little support, so all help from volunteers is invaluable. The property is very basic, but she does her best to take care of the animals. As there are many dogs and some of them are alphas, they need to be separated into different cubicles. So you may find more than 20 cubicles where between 2 and 4 dogs live. The dogs go out twice a day to run and play a bit on the property, but it is not possible for all of them to go out together and at the same time. When the dogs leave their cubicles, it is when their little homes are cleaned, their drinking bowls are filled with water and they are given food. Despite the fact that the conditions are precarious, it is amazing that the dogs and other animals can have food every day and be sheltered.
Volunteer activities are related to the daily needs regarding animal care:
- Bathing, deworming, feeding and brushing of shelters
- Cleaning and organisation of animal housing
- Walking the dogs in the property
- Perform therapies according to the needs of recovering animals
- Meal preparation for the animals
Other activities:
- Construction and repair: Construction, painting, repair and/or maintenance of dog houses, area set aside for cats and recreation area.
- Agriculture: Cultivation and planting of pasture, corn and vegetables for the animals at the lodge. Maintenance of the shelter’s bio-garden.
- Office work: Keeping a diary of the day to day altercations and incidences of the animals in the shelter. Update the records of the animals in the shelter (vaccinations, diseases, veterinary visits, etc.). Maintain documentation.
- Marketing: Help with the social media, photos, graphic design
No Spanish skills are required. It is recommended that volunteers bring clothes that they do not mind getting dirty.
Andean Forest Hummingbird Sanctuary Project
The project offers a unique volunteering opportunity at the Andean Forest Hummingbird Sanctuary, where participants can explore local biodiversity through workshops on identifying, caring for, and conserving native plants and birds. Volunteers will not only expand their knowledge but also deepen their connection with the land, learning about the interdependence between human actions and ecosystem health.
The programme aims to plant 100,000 nectar plants to provide refuge for birds and pollinators. Volunteers will also learn how to create nurseries, a key aspect of native plant conservation. Guided by passionate experts, they will gain practical skills that can be applied globally. By joining the programme, volunteers become part of a community dedicated to the planet’s well-being, enjoying a fulfilling experience that fosters a deep connection with nature.
Volunteer activities:
- Forest maintenance: watering, weeding, plant care, creating nurseries, cleaning hummingbird feeders, cleaning bird feeders.
- Construction of retaining walls and general construction tasks.
- Trail maintenance (weeding, painting, cleaning).
- Guiding visitors in English (and other languages).
- Expert initiatives in the areas of forest management, birds, conservation, etc.
- Field trips to nurseries and other hummingbird parks.
A basic level of Spanish is required for this project. Note – the sanctuary is located 45-60 mins from Cusco by local bus. It is common for most volunteer programmes around Cusco to have to travel there by local bus, we will of course show you how to get there on your start date, so that everything is clear from there onwards.
