Overview
Volunteer on building projects in Peru, South America

This two week or more volunteer program takes you to the foot of the Misti volcano, in the south of the Peruvian Andes and the surrounding communities, around the town of Arequipa, where indigenous culture is still very strong. Here you will embark on building energy-efficient stoves within the homes of families in the community of Villa Santa Rosa de Chiguata. These will decrease wood consumption and remove smoke from inside the house. During your time you will also undertake 20 hours of one-on-one Spanish classes and head out on a three day trek in Colca Canyon. Trips to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail can be organised from Arequipa and are a must if you plan to explore Perú and South America after your volunteer program.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Up there at 3600m, building the stoves, in the children's homes - it's another world!

Carla Haylor, GVI Project Manager Peru

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Currently, families cook on open fires inside their homes, with smoke inhalation a daily occurrence, especially for the mothers, who often have young children still draped over their backs. This inhalation is eliminated by building enclosed brick stoves with chimneys to take the smoke away. Also, due to the enclosed design of the stoves and a larger cooking surface, cooking becomes more efficient and the families will use less wood, leaving more time for work and study, as well as encouraging a reduction in deforestation. Unofficial recent studies have also shown that the stoves retain heat even once the fire inside has finished so helping to warm the room during the cold high altitude nights.

Highlights

Make a visible, hands-on difference to the future of an indigenous community; get immersed in the local culture; experience and live amongst the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes region; build a stove from scratch and see others in action; get one-on-one Spanish tuition and trek the Colca Canyon.

Location

Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes at 2800m, the town of Chiguata is a perfect base from this program with ample amenities. Our base town is the colonial capital of Arequipa. All of our volunteers live here and work in the surrounding communities.

Field Conditions

Volunteers spend their time in the beautiful colonial hotel Casa de Avila. Our base of operations is here as well as our Spanish School. It is a great location for our stove-builders to get to know the other volunteers and GVI staff. You will receive hot water and three meals per day (except Sundays) are provided throughout your stay.