Construction and renovation in Cusco

Maintaining a school or public building involves different stages, often spread over time. The programme supports work requested by the community, with guidance from an experienced local supervisor who knows the job and is used to working with international volunteers.

One week may involve preparing surfaces and painting; another may include mixing cement, repairing a wall or moving materials. Tiling, masonry and other work depend on the current site and your abilities. You are not expected to take on a technical trade without training. Tasks are agreed locally, and specialist work stays with appropriately skilled people.

The work can be physical, outdoors and at a different pace from what you are used to. Long trousers and closed shoes are required. Pack work gloves, sturdy footwear and safety glasses according to the programme list. Ask for a demonstration before using unfamiliar tools or starting a new task, and discuss any limits or difficulties.

Your contribution comes through daily teamwork and care in your work. The work may continue across several groups, so your stay contributes to one stage rather than necessarily completing a building. Shifts are around three to four hours, Monday to Friday, in the morning or afternoon. Free hours leave space for host-family life, the centre’s calendar and discovering the area.

Beyond the project, walk through Cusco’s neighbourhoods, browse a market or meet fellow participants. On arrival, discover the local activities calendar: free salsa, cooking and Tandem when scheduled, with different events each week. Optional tours and excursions are arranged separately.

🏡 You’ll stay with a Peruvian family selected by the local team, possibly alongside other international participants. Standard rooms are shared; pairings and guest numbers depend on availability. Bathrooms are normally shared too.

Breakfast and dinner are included every day, including weekends. Shared meals and conversations when you get home offer a chance to get to know the family’s routines. Bedding, blankets, a towel, drinking water and hot water are provided. Wi-Fi isn’t always guaranteed.

If you have allergies or dietary needs, let us know before you travel so we can check the options with your host family. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available by prior arrangement. Laundry has a separate cost. You can use a local service or ask whether your host family offers it.

Prefer a different arrangement? The following can be requested, subject to availability and a separate quote:

• A private room with a host family, including breakfast and dinner. A private bathroom must be requested and confirmed separately.

• A participant residence for ages 18–26, with breakfast and dinner. Room and bathroom arrangements are confirmed in the quote.

• A three-star hotel, with a private room and bathroom and breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are separate.

• A furnished apartment, without meals, normally offered for four-week stays. Shorter stays need checking.

• A hostel, with a shared or private room and breakfast as specified in the quote. A private room doesn’t automatically include a private bathroom.

What about free time? The local team offers a monthly calendar with several free activities, giving you ways to try something new and meet fellow international participants. Events vary with the period.

For Spanish practice, join Tandem, a free exchange with a local person. You practise Spanish while they practise a language you know, according to available matches. Structured small-group or individual Spanish classes, from beginner to advanced, can be requested outside project hours with a separate quote.

There’s also time to explore Cusco’s museums, craft markets and historic places. For trips further afield, the team can advise on the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu or other parts of Peru, allowing for travel time and the days available.

🛡️ A local team representative welcomes you in Cusco. After booking confirmation, you receive the meeting point, how to recognise them and useful contacts, including emergency support.

Your host family is selected by the local team to welcome international participants. Learn the house rules and get to know your contacts as you settle in. Other guests depend on the dates.

During orientation, the team introduces the local context and practical guidance for getting around. You can ask for support during your stay and receive a 24-hour emergency contact. Follow the advice, use reliable transport and look after your phone, money and belongings, especially in busy places. Ask when something is unclear; support does not mean someone accompanies you continuously.

At the work site, follow the supervisor and use the specified protective equipment. Bring long trousers, sturdy closed shoes, work gloves and safety glasses as listed in your departure guidance. Only use tools or take on work after receiving appropriate instructions.

🧭 You’ll meet the team and get the information you need to settle in, understand your role and organise your days. Your welcome materials explain arrival and orientation arrangements.

Orientation covers:

• Your programme and assigned project.

• Activities, rules and your role.

• Practical guidance on safety, transport and available services.

• Activities for your free time.

• A Spanish-level assessment to help arrange any optional lessons.

On your first project visit, a team representative accompanies you, introduces staff and explains your activities. They show you the route between your accommodation and the project so you can travel independently on later days. Depending on distance, you may walk or use local transport. Daily transport costs are separate.

✈️ Your arrival airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, code CUZ. Arrival is normally on Sunday, with the programme starting on Monday.

Pickup at Cusco airport is included. Once your travel is booked, send us the date, time, airline and number of your final flight into Cusco so the team can arrange your welcome.

After booking, you’ll receive the meeting point and operational contacts. If you can’t find your representative, stay at the agreed point and contact the team. Report flight changes or delays as soon as possible.

If you travel through Lima, arrange your connection to Cusco too: the domestic flight isn’t included. Check connections and baggage transfer with your airline, leaving enough time between flights.

Arrivals on other days and extra nights must be agreed beforehand. Additional nights and services depend on availability and cost extra.

📱 A practical tip: for internet from arrival, consider setting up an eSIM before travelling. You can explore Airalo options here.

Your return journey

The standard homestay ends on Saturday, with check-out by 11:00 and breakfast included. Other accommodation arrangements have their own confirmed check-out time.

For your return to the airport, allow for a separate travel cost. The team can help you arrange the journey. If you continue travelling in Peru, tell us in advance so we can coordinate your departure from the accommodation.