Lima Peru to Cusco Peru

For those seeking to spend some time volunteering abroad, Peru provides many different possibilities for pupils, grownups, partners, or friends. Interestingly, the country has become the size of Alaska, but there are two main main locations by which to volunteer: Lima, the nation's capital, and Cusco, the portal on famous citadel of Machu Picchu.

Recently, Peru has become an extremely desirable destination both for tourism and volunteerism. This can be partly thanks to the nation's quick and easy procedure of acquiring a tourist visa. Practically all people from Americas, Europe, in addition to South Pacific, are not needed to get a visa just before going into the country and will rather get a stamp upon arrival in Lima's airport terminal. This stamp is good for 180 days and enables foreign people to volunteer and travel within Peru for about 6 months.

One of many toughest parts of volunteering in Peru is determining where town to devote your time and effort. Lima boasts over 7.5 million residents, a beautiful coast, and world-famous food; while Cusco is full of Incan history, breathtaking landscapes, and charming design. By the end of reading these comparisons, you'll have a significantly better idea of which town is best for your volunteer trip in Peru!

Demographics and Geography

Lima and Cusco are extremely different in terms of landscape, weather condition, and populace.

Lima is a large city regarding the coast of Pacific Ocean with a populace simply a little significantly less than compared to Chicago. (are you aware that it will be the second biggest wilderness city after Cairo, Egypt?) Due to the fact money of Peru, its one of the greatest urban centers in South America and is a hub for business, travel, and great food. Although its metropolitan look is unlike an average desert, the environment is extremely dry, and it also rarely rains.

Situated at an elevation of over 11, 000 foot, the town of Cusco is nestled inside the Andean hill range and its own height usually needs being employed to. Cusco is more similar to a city how big New Orleans. As a result of height, the current weather is less foreseeable; the dry season lasts from May to August, whilst rainy season is from October to March. One of the main aspects of Cusco's economic climate is tourism.

Types of Volunteer Possibilities

Volunteer from the shore in Lima, Peru

Due to the differences in climate and demographics, each town has its own unique number of needs.

Lima - the big populace encourages increased desire for volunteers in businesses particularly orphanages, schools, centers, and hospitals. Numerous people in Lima is almost certainly not capable spend the money for costs of childcare, training, or medical. This is where you can make a positive change; based your talent, abilities, and passions, you might elect to assistance with the next requirements:

Cusco - Although tourism greatly benefits your local economy, many families are residing in poverty. Because of the diverse landscape, there are lots of projects that cope with conservation, farming, and ecological education. Cusco also provides a distinctive knowledge to work with native households just who however talk the native language of Quechua. Some opportunities feature:

That is simply an instant overview of volunteer programs, for complete range of programs noted on Go international and evaluated by volunteers, please click here: Volunteer overseas in Peru.

Cost-of-living

Aerial view of Cusco

Even when your volunteer system includes meals and housing, its good to know how much to cover your spare time. The existing exchange price is $1 USD = 2.5 Peruvian Nuevo Soles. The great thing about this is the fact that a good dinner in the US could cost $15, during Peru it only costs 15 Soles ($6). Due to the change price, your money will double as well as triple whenever residing in Peru.

Lima's prices are affordable, depending on the location in which you volunteer. It's not difficult to get a hearty lunch of chicken, rice, salad, and soup for 10 soles (~$4). In case your program cannot include residing plans, there are numerous apartments available and lease can range from $100-$300/month.

The costs in Cusco can be notably inflated as a result of the high level of tourists driving through the city. Steer clear of the main plaza whenever grocery shopping or interested in dinner, since this is when many tourists stay. To aid cost management, a homestay arrangement which includes dishes is recommended.

Decision Time...Lima versus Cusco

• Such as the hubbub that accompany living in the major town
• Enjoy becoming almost liquid (in cases like this, the Pacific Ocean)
• Want to work in education, child care, or community development
• Need the coziness of familiar string restaurants (KFC, Chili's, McDonald's, Papa John's, Pinkberry, etc.)
• Choose cozy, dried out, and sunny weather condition to periodic rain

• Like residing in a smaller sized city, high in tradition and record
• Enjoy being in mountains (the Andes)
• Want to use the surroundings, health care, or native men and women
• Are ready to completely submerge your self when you look at the neighborhood customs, as well as perhaps even attempt the delicacy of cuy (guinea pig)
• Anticipate a change in months in which some days tend to be sunny and others have actually non-stop rainfall