Volunteer Hub
Cusco Ecosystem Restoration & Community Entrepreneurship Volunteering - Peru (Summer 2027)
Organisation Details
EcoSwell
Sub theme: Environment, International, Science and Technology
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: EcoSwell is a multiple award winning non-profit located in Lobitos, the surfing paradise of northern Peru. Students who have participated in EcoSwell's volunteering programme have described their experience as life altering and transformational. The organization focuses on helping vulnerable communities in Peru develop sustainably by carrying out infrastructure projects, socio-environmental and educational initiatives, thus implementing the United Nations SDGs.
Students can choose to volunteer at EcoSwell in the following disciplines:
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- NGO Management
- Ecosystem restoration & reforestation
- Water and Sanitation
- Research
- Marketing and social media
- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Through their work EcoSwell have impacted over +99,000 people, working hand in hand with local communities, with local government, private sector entities and with some of the best universities in the world.
Students can choose to volunteer at EcoSwell in the following disciplines:
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- NGO Management
- Ecosystem restoration & reforestation
- Water and Sanitation
- Research
- Marketing and social media
- Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Through their work EcoSwell have impacted over +99,000 people, working hand in hand with local communities, with local government, private sector entities and with some of the best universities in the world.
Description of role: Through our partnership with a local organisation in Cusco, volunteers support ecosystem restoration and community entrepreneurship in the Peruvian Andes. This programme combines practical conservation, applied research and business development to help restore degraded land and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Overgrazing, poor land management and erosion damage farmland, reduce incomes and contribute to migration from rural communities. Our partner organisation works with local families on reforestation and sustainable productive activities, connecting environmental recovery with lasting sources of income.
Working alongside the partner organisation's team and local families, your activities may include:
• Seedling and tree nursery care: tend and protect seedlings until they are ready for planting.
• Reforestation: support planting campaigns involving pine and native species, source seedlings, map planting locations and monitor survival.
• Data collection: record water infiltration and plant species to support assessments of soil erosion and biodiversity.
• Applied research: investigate practical innovations such as bird nesting structures and improvements to irrigation systems.
• Market research and development: help families strengthen small businesses and identify markets for products such as edible mushrooms, guinea pigs and cattle.
• Community engagement: participate in rural community life, including seasonal celebrations, offerings and ceremonies.
Tasks vary according to the season, project stage and local needs. The placement combines outdoor manual work with research and office-based support. Community visits are arranged according to project requirements.
REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS
Undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD students and professionals aged 18 or over are welcome. Applicants should have relevant academic or professional experience, or personal motivation, in business, environmental science, forestry, agriculture, rural development or related fields.
We ask for willingness to work in a team, reasonable physical fitness and readiness to undertake outdoor manual work. An open mind, positive attitude and willingness to learn are particularly important.
You will gain practical experience in ecosystem restoration and community development, learn from local farmers and develop an understanding of the relationship between environmental recovery and rural livelihoods.
ACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL
EcoSwell arranges accommodation with a local host family in Cusco and food during the placement. Pickup from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco and transfer to your host family's accommodation are included. Arrival arrangements should be coordinated with EcoSwell in advance.
Cusco and the partner communities are at high altitude. We recommend allowing a few days to acclimatise and bringing warm clothing for cold nights.
DURATION AND SUPERVISION
Placements last from two weeks to six months. Dates must be confirmed with EcoSwell before booking travel.
Volunteers usually work from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. The partner organisation provides tasks, guidance and supervision during office hours. Evenings and most weekends are free, although community field visits may occasionally take place on weekends.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION
Total contributions per participant in USD:
2 weeks: $1,989
3 weeks: $2,640
4 weeks: $3,245
5 weeks: $3,813
6 weeks: $4,452
7 weeks: $5,091
8 weeks: $5,730
9 weeks: $6,112
10 weeks: $6,722
11 weeks: $7,332
12 weeks: $7,942
For longer stays, obtain a confirmed contribution amount from EcoSwell before committing.
The contribution covers food, host-family accommodation, local transportation, airport pickup, staff guidance and supervision. It also supports the organisations' community projects and operations.
Flights, visas, vaccinations, insurance, taxes, bank and transfer charges, personal spending and optional excursions are excluded. International travel insurance covering volunteering is mandatory and must be approved by EcoSwell before arrival.
Payments must be made in USD, with transaction costs covered by the participant. University group contributions may differ.
A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required within one week of acceptance. Full payment is due four weeks before arrival. The remaining 70% of the full payment is refundable, less transaction costs, only when cancellation is confirmed more than 30 days before the confirmed arrival date. No refunds are available within 30 days of arrival.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES
During your free time, explore Cusco's historic streets, markets, museums and nearby Inca sites. Other possibilities include the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu, as well as cooking classes, artisan workshops and cultural events.
Longer treks, such as the Inca Trail or Salkantay, are best planned before or after the placement. All tourism and leisure activities are optional, arranged separately and excluded from the programme contribution.
Overgrazing, poor land management and erosion damage farmland, reduce incomes and contribute to migration from rural communities. Our partner organisation works with local families on reforestation and sustainable productive activities, connecting environmental recovery with lasting sources of income.
Working alongside the partner organisation's team and local families, your activities may include:
• Seedling and tree nursery care: tend and protect seedlings until they are ready for planting.
• Reforestation: support planting campaigns involving pine and native species, source seedlings, map planting locations and monitor survival.
• Data collection: record water infiltration and plant species to support assessments of soil erosion and biodiversity.
• Applied research: investigate practical innovations such as bird nesting structures and improvements to irrigation systems.
• Market research and development: help families strengthen small businesses and identify markets for products such as edible mushrooms, guinea pigs and cattle.
• Community engagement: participate in rural community life, including seasonal celebrations, offerings and ceremonies.
Tasks vary according to the season, project stage and local needs. The placement combines outdoor manual work with research and office-based support. Community visits are arranged according to project requirements.
REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS
Undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD students and professionals aged 18 or over are welcome. Applicants should have relevant academic or professional experience, or personal motivation, in business, environmental science, forestry, agriculture, rural development or related fields.
We ask for willingness to work in a team, reasonable physical fitness and readiness to undertake outdoor manual work. An open mind, positive attitude and willingness to learn are particularly important.
You will gain practical experience in ecosystem restoration and community development, learn from local farmers and develop an understanding of the relationship between environmental recovery and rural livelihoods.
ACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL
EcoSwell arranges accommodation with a local host family in Cusco and food during the placement. Pickup from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco and transfer to your host family's accommodation are included. Arrival arrangements should be coordinated with EcoSwell in advance.
Cusco and the partner communities are at high altitude. We recommend allowing a few days to acclimatise and bringing warm clothing for cold nights.
DURATION AND SUPERVISION
Placements last from two weeks to six months. Dates must be confirmed with EcoSwell before booking travel.
Volunteers usually work from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. The partner organisation provides tasks, guidance and supervision during office hours. Evenings and most weekends are free, although community field visits may occasionally take place on weekends.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION
Total contributions per participant in USD:
2 weeks: $1,989
3 weeks: $2,640
4 weeks: $3,245
5 weeks: $3,813
6 weeks: $4,452
7 weeks: $5,091
8 weeks: $5,730
9 weeks: $6,112
10 weeks: $6,722
11 weeks: $7,332
12 weeks: $7,942
For longer stays, obtain a confirmed contribution amount from EcoSwell before committing.
The contribution covers food, host-family accommodation, local transportation, airport pickup, staff guidance and supervision. It also supports the organisations' community projects and operations.
Flights, visas, vaccinations, insurance, taxes, bank and transfer charges, personal spending and optional excursions are excluded. International travel insurance covering volunteering is mandatory and must be approved by EcoSwell before arrival.
Payments must be made in USD, with transaction costs covered by the participant. University group contributions may differ.
A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required within one week of acceptance. Full payment is due four weeks before arrival. The remaining 70% of the full payment is refundable, less transaction costs, only when cancellation is confirmed more than 30 days before the confirmed arrival date. No refunds are available within 30 days of arrival.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES
During your free time, explore Cusco's historic streets, markets, museums and nearby Inca sites. Other possibilities include the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu, as well as cooking classes, artisan workshops and cultural events.
Longer treks, such as the Inca Trail or Salkantay, are best planned before or after the placement. All tourism and leisure activities are optional, arranged separately and excluded from the programme contribution.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills, Commercial Awareness, IT Skills, Marketing and PR, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Research, Team Working, Written Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: No
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon, Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday Morning, Wednesday Afternoon, Thursday Morning, Thursday Afternoon, Friday Morning, Friday Afternoon
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 30+ hours per week
Location:
Calle Pavitos 567
Cusco
08002