I had a wonderful time volunteering on the Lima medical project. All of the local staff were amazing and helped with everyones needs, making sure we were all happy, safe, and comfortable. The medical project has a clear impact on the community and it was incredibly eye-opening and interesting to be immersed in another country's culture and learn about their healthcare system. I would highly recommend the program to anyone in healthcare, including students, as it provides such hands on experience and a range of different opportunities. It was incredibly rewarding working with the children in schools who were excited and grateful to learn from us and have their health checks completed, and working in the local market meant that we were able to reach people who otherwise may not have access to healthcare - and on some occasions I was even able to develop continuity of care and build rapport with people who would visit regularly. I especially enjoyed practicing my Spanish speaking skills and confidence as this is something that I wanted to develop on my trip, and the full immersion in an area with limited access to English speaking meant I was able to do this! Starting the program with an open mind and a sound foundation in Spanish would be very helpful for anyone who is volunteering on this project, but otherwise there's no reason to hesitate!
Medical Outreach Volunteer Program in Peru - Lima
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Project details
Inspired to be a medical volunteer in Peru - Lima? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical Outreach project empowers volunteers to assist with regular medical campaigns that aim to widen the reach of public health in Lima. Volunteers will gain hands-on medical experience while learning about healthcare systems in vulnerable communities and bringing vital services to people who would otherwise struggle to access quality care.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Many people in Peru struggle to access healthcare and other basic services. However, regular medical campaigns aim to widen the reach of public health in Lima, and volunteers play an important role in making that happen.
As a Medical Outreach volunteer you can help local schools with children’s health evaluations, health prevention talks, basic preventive checkups in local markets and supporting local government health campaigns. Some of these are provided by mobile services so you will move around to different neighbourhoods and see different parts of Lima. You can expect to carry out tasks such as taking:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Glucose levels
- Weight
- Height
- BMI
- General checkups
Why do Medical Outreach volunteering in Lima with IVHQ?
As a medical volunteer in Peru - Lima you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to healthcare for vulnerable communities
- Increasing health literacy in Lima
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining medical experience
- Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
- Exploring the stunning mountains and ancient ruins of Peru
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers who want to join the Medical Outreach project in Lima need to be either qualified professionals or students at any level of medical or nursing study.
- You’ll need an intermediate level of Spanish, as well as a basic knowledge of preventative healthcare and experience with basic medical tasks like taking blood pressure and testing glucose levels.
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Peru photo gallery
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I was born in Lima but then moved to the United States. Participating in this project allowed me to engage and immerse myself into the culture that I was born into and give back to the community that makes up part of who I am today. Participating in this program is fulfilling in more ways than one, and the local people truly appreciate our efforts to help them.
I feel like I gained a new perspective and it made me have a new profound love for being a nursing student. I loved helping others while volunteering and I would definitely do it again. If someone is hesitant about joining this program I would tell them to look at it as a new adventure and it is definitely worth everything. I met so many new people and got to see so many cool things.
I really liked that my IVHQ Program Manager was very accessible whenever we had questions. We would often call her to address any concerns or clarify details about the program. She also guided us to resources where we could find more information and sent reminder emails for tasks we had yet to complete. In terms of the placement work, my passion for preventive medicine and community health (even at a global level) crystalized as I was able to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families living in vulnerable conditions with little access to medical care and guidance. The volunteer house we stayed at was very comfortable. I especially appreciated that our host had each meal ready on time and cooked according to our preferences. This was an amazing experience where you don't just get to make a difference at an international level, but also immerse yourself in new cultures and see the world.
There aren’t enough words to describe my experience in Lima. I was able to using my Spanish language, being a hands on volunteer, and making friends. I have definitely grown as a person and am not the same person I was before coming. I have made lifelong friends with the other volunteers. We had so many great experiences and I look forward to seeing them again. My host family was amazing and made the best vegan Peruvian food. I was able to see Peruvian values and this experience has made me want to travel to Peru/ other countries in the future. I am beyond grateful for the volunteer experience and the friends I have made.
This was my first trip with IVHQ. Since I am Spanish speaker, I chose a Latin country for my first trip. The trip and people were great. I felt welcomed and appreciated by the people that we helped. I really loved doing this kind of trip and immersing myself in another culture. I feel lucky that I have skills that I can use to help others as registered nurse and I cannot wait to go in another trip.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Medical specialties
On the Medical Outreach project in Peru - Lima, suitably qualified volunteers may be able to assist in the following specialties, but this is not guaranteed:
- Dietetics/Nutrition
- General medicine
- Public health
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Lima, Peru’s capital city, is perched along the country’s Pacific coast. As the biggest city in Peru and one of the largest in South America, Lima is an important hub of culture, commerce, finance and politics. It’s also got a long history dating back to Pre-Columbian times as well as a strong Spanish influence and both of these can be explored in the many museums, art galleries, churches and ancient historical sites dotted around the city.
IVHQ’s Lima projects are set in and around the city, near the tourist hotspots of Barranco and Miraflores, wildly different in nature but both known for their beauty, great food and buzzing nightlife.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers will need to arrive in Lima on the day before orientation in preparation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Lima.
Your accommodation, and airport pick up is covered by your Program Fee and is provided the night before your program orientation. If you are traveling in Peru - Lima prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in central Lima the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by the local team at the volunteer house in Lima and begins on the morning of your chosen start date. It will cover everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Lima, including:
- An introduction to Peru and Peruvian customs
- Program rules and expectations
- Safety guidelines
- Transportation options
- Travel opportunities within Peru
- Local tour to explore the area, obtain a SIM card, and withdraw cash
- Details about your specific project and placement
The orientation also provides an opportunity to meet other volunteers and exchange contact details for weekend travel and socialising!
Volunteer schedule example
First Day You’ll kick-start your program with a warm welcome from our local staff, who will provide you with an orientation and a local city tour to prepare you for the week ahead!
Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:
| 6:00 AM | Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast that is provided at the volunteer house and homestay, fueling up for the day ahead. |
| 7:00 AM | Departure: At this time, volunteers, accompanied by local coordinators, embark to their placements to commence their day of volunteering. |
| 12:30 - 1:00 PM | Volunteer day concludes: Volunteers will now journey back to the volunteer accommodation, where you can prepare your lunch in the communal kitchen or enjoy the flavors of the local cuisine at a nearby food cart or restaurant. |
| 2:00 - 6:00 PM | Free Time: With your volunteering duties complete, the afternoon is yours to explore! Whether you’re immersing yourself in Spanish lessons, discovering hidden gems in Lima, or simply soaking up the vibrant culture. |
| 6:30 - 7:00 PM | Dinner: This is when typically when volunteers unwind, enjoy their dinner, and make any necessary preparations for the following day. |
Weekends
During the weekends, explore the wonders of Lima and beyond! From paragliding over the cliffs of Miraflores to surfing the coastal waters of Barranco, the possibilities are endless. Venture further afield to discover the ancient ruins of Pachacamac or the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Peru - Lima? Check out our Lima Travel & Tours page!
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers will either be accommodated in the volunteer house or a homestay experience. Typically, volunteers are housed in our main housing facility, unless capacity is reached.
Volunteer house: The volunteer house offers shared bedrooms, a communal area and kitchen, creating a sociable environment for meeting and connecting with other volunteers. Each room is equipped with single bunk beds, usually shared with up to 4 - 8 volunteers of the same gender. Amenities include Wi-Fi, hot water, bedding, a fridge, and a TV in the common area for your comfort.
Homestay: Alternatively you will be placed in a homestay hosted by a local Peruvian family who has been approved by our local team in Lima. This offers an immersive experience with a local family to learn about the Peruvian way of life, meet local people, try traditional food and speak the local language - especially when host families in Lima tend to have limited English.
Living is often basic but comfortable and all homesteads have electricity, hot water and western style bathrooms. You can expect to be accommodated with up to 6 volunteers of the same gender, with bedding provided. WiFi is typically available in our homestay accommodation but please expect that some homesteads do not have WiFi. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an eSIM or an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Lima.
Accommodation Upgrades: For those seeking a quieter retreat, we do offer private rooms for individuals, couples and families. This option places you either in the volunteer house or in a homestay with a local host family. While preferences can be noted, room allocation cannot be guaranteed. Reservations incurs an additional cost and is subject to availability.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with both breakfast and dinner throughout their stay on the program. Breakfast is conveniently available as a self-service offering in the volunteer kitchen. It features a selection including tea, coffee, toast, breads, fresh fruits, cereals, assorted condiments, savory options like ham and eggs, and yogurt and cheese.
Although lunch is not provided, you have the flexibility to explore the diverse flavors of Peru. You can either use the fully equipped kitchen in your volunteer accommodation to prepare your meals or explore the nearby food stalls and restaurants for a taste of local cuisine.
Dinner offers a fusion of Peruvian and Western-style dishes. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, our menu provides pasta, rice, bread, corn, potatoes, vegetables, and flavorful chicken dishes.
Should you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. While we strive to accommodate your needs, we also recommend bringing extra spending money for any personal dietary snacks. As a volunteer, flexibility is key, so expect some variation from your usual dining habits.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$483) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $325 Equivalent to $46/day |
| 2 weeks | $578 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 3 weeks | $830 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,005 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,184 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,364 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,734 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,094 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,454 Equivalent to $29/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$483) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Lima generally find US$50 - $100 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as snacks, lunches, in-country tours, and Spanish language lessons.
- Anyone volunteering during the week before Christmas will have a one-off surcharge of US$70 added to their file when registering, for Christmas activities within the community.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- US$40 per week to cover the additional supervision, materials and logistics involved in your project.
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Lunch
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Lima
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Lima program.
Discover the stunning beauty of Paracas and Huacachina from sailing the waters to exploring towering sand dunes and thrilling sandboarding adventures!
Elevate your volunteer experience in Lima with personalized Spanish lessons!
Upgrade to private room for you and your travel partner!
Spanish language lessons
Spanish language lessons are available for all volunteers regardless of their ability. IVHQ strongly recommends these for all volunteers, unless they are fluent in Spanish. If volunteers have little or no Spanish ability and are volunteering for a period longer than 2 weeks, they should strongly consider these courses, so they can work and communicate with all parties more effectively during their program. These language lessons can be pre-booked by the hour via your MyIVHQ profile and the class schedule confirmed on your arrival in Lima at your program orientation. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers at US$20 (approximately AU$32) per hour for a private class.
Check what's required to visit Peru
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lima |
| Population | 32 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Nuevo Sol (PEN) |
| Time zone | UTC-05:00 |
Weather and climate: Peru, unlike other equatorial countries, does not have an exclusively tropical climate; the influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. The coast has moderate temperatures, low precipitation, and high humidity, except for its warmer, wetter northern reaches. In the sierra, rain is frequent during summer, and temperature and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The jungle is characterised by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, except for its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.
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