Peru Volunteer Vacation FAQs
Global Volunteers began caring for vulnerable children at the PPA in Lima, Peru in 2004. Our commitment is to support comprehensive community development under the direction of local leaders - ensuring that volunteer teams serve the community-at-large. Working in partnership with local people on long-term service projects is foundational to our sustained relationship with host organizations worldwide. Our investments of volunteer service, program support and international recognition are hallmarks of our commitment to this partnership.
GETTING THERE
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
Plan your flight to arrive at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, Peru (airport code LIM), anytime on the first day of your service program. Plan your departure from Lima for after anytime on the final day of your service program (or after 6:00 PM on the Friday before). This coordinated schedule will assist in assembling the team for transportation to the host community. Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Saturday of your service program with the evening meal. Any expenses that occur before the evening meal, other than airport pick-up within the window of arrival, are that of the volunteer.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date. A Global Volunteers staff person or representative holding a Global Volunteers sign will meet you in the public area outside Customs. You'll travel with your teammates to your lodging.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the host community. If you make last-minute changes to your itinerary, or if you don't inform us of your flight plans, you must arrange your own transportation to the hotel or host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the opening day of the program, we require that you arrive no later than 9:00 AM on the following day so you can join your team for these sessions.
What if I arrive before the program start date?
If you choose to spend time in-country before the service program begins, please meet your team at the international airport within the specified arrival window on the first day of the program to be transported to the hotel.
FOOD AND LODGING
What type of lodging is provided?
You will stay in Lima's popular Miraflores district in a comfortable, tourist-class hotel with a lovely dining room and bar, and internet access. Each room is double-occupancy, with a private bath with hot and cold running water, telephone, refrigerator, and TV. Single rooms are available for an extra fee.
What are the laundry arrangements?
Laundry service is available at the hotel for a small fee.
What is the electrical power?
The current in Peru varies. In some places, it's the same as in the United States - 110V, but you'll need a converter to 220 at the hotel. You may also need an adapter for equal-prong outlets.
What is the local cuisine?
A Meal in Peru:Peruvian food is flavorful, colorful, and always plentiful. You'll eat breakfast at the hotel and lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
Can special diets be accommodated?
It is difficult to accommodate a strict vegetarian diet in Peru, however, more expensive vegetarian restaurants are available to you apart from the standard team meals. If you have a very restrictive diet, you'll need to bring along your own food to supplement your meals.
Will potable drinking water be provided?
Bottled water will be provided both at the hotel and at the work site for drinking and brushing your teeth.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
What are the principal health risks?
We strongly recommend you consult your own physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information. The principal health risk is outside Lima in the higher elevations where you must take care to avoid altitude sickness indicated by headaches, dizzyness and low energy, which can become life-threatening if not treated.
What health precautions should I take?
For general recommendations, consult the following sources:
Centers for Disease Control
Health Canada Online
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Travel Health Online
Is the water safe to drink?
We recommend that you bring a water bottle with you, and keep it filled with bottled water that will be provided to you by the team leader.
Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
We strongly recommend that you do not purchase food from street vendors.
What type of insurance do you recommend?
We strongly recommend medical insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Global Volunteers will provide you with emergency medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY MATTERS
What is the local currency?
The currency in Peru is the nuevo sol (PEN).
What is the current exchange rate?
For currency conversion information, refer to the following website: FXConverter
Where do I exchange money?
At the Airport: There is a bank and ATM at the airport. In Lima: There are a number of banks located throughout Lima. Some facilities are open on Saturday. In addition, there are many ATMs in the area where Global Volunteers teams are lodged.
Can I use cash, credit cards or checks?
Most major credit cards are accepted in first class restaurants, hotels, gift shops and travel agencies, however not every establishment accepts all of them. Traveler checks are not easily accepted in shops, restaurants, hostels, etc., and exchanging them can be a problem. Cash, especially US dollars are most convenient. In general, small denominations of currency (US$20 bills) are easier to break than larger denominations. Old or torn currency is not accepted, so please bring new bills
How much money should I bring with me?
The amount of money you bring depends on your personal spending and shopping habits. Global Volunteers service program fee covers all meals, lodging, transportation and work project expenses during the service program except free-time expenses (including meals while on excursions) and alcoholic beverages. Many souvenir items can be purchased for less than US$20. Weekend excursions can range from $US70 to over $US400.
COMMUNICATIONS
How can my family contact me while I am in Peru?
You'll receive an Emergency Contact Sheet about a month prior to your departure which includes all the directions for getting in contact with you should the need arise. Please leave a copy with anyone who may need to reach you.
Can I make international phone calls?
Yes. While there are phones in the hotel guest rooms, using locally purchased phone cards at public phones is generally cheaper than calling directly through the hotel.
Is internet service available?
Yes, the hotel has internet service, and internet cafes are available throughout the city.