This is my 2nd time volunteering with PMGY, and it won't be my last ! This summer, I did 2 weeks childcare volunteering in Cusco, Peru with PMGY, followed by 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. For the first two weeks, I stayed at a homestay approximately 40 min walk, 15 min bus from the main square, which was a lovely way to emerge myself into local Peruvian life and also be not too distant from the historical sites. My host family were lovely, spoke some English and made me feel at home during my stay. All meals were provided by my homestay, unless I pre-said otherwise and were tasty and varied. I volunteered in a Kindergarten for children aged 3-5. It was a beautiful experience. I have limited Spanish skills, so was hesitant at first, especially since my teacher spoke very, very limited English, but, thankfully, I didn't feel it negatively affected my experience in any way. I enjoyed learning Spanish vocabulary with the children, cutting, sticking, drawing and painting. I was in my element :) On my last day, we went kite flying at Sacsayhuaman, which was incredible. It is not everyday you fly a kite over Incan ruins ! I made the most of my time outside the Kindergarten to explore Cusco. There is so much to do in the city - trekking to Incan ruins, local markets, museums, cooking/painting class etc. You will never be bored ! The local team at Proyecto Peru are all super helpful and arrange activities during the week for all volunteers. For instance, orientation dinner, ice cream social, sports evening, Pisco sour making, salsa class, language practising and more. There is also an option to do Spanish classes during your stay, which many other volunteers I knew did, and said were brilliant. At weekends and after finishing volunteering, I explored further around Cusco, visiting and trekking Rainbow mountain + Red Valley and the 7 Lakes of Ausangate , both of which were stunning, defo worth the early start and breathlessness. Sacred valley is also a must do tour. Proyecto Peru can help you book your tour before you travel and whilst you are in Peru, which was very efficient and made it stress free . Then, the thing everybody goes to see.... Machu Picchu ! WOW! A true highlight ! I did the 5 day, 4 night Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and couldn't recommend it more. The views, the humbling ascents, sketchy descents, good company, admiration for local people, and the amazing food for being in the middle of no where was phenomenal. I highly recommend! From start to finish, PMGY were beyond helpful. Booking flights, answering questions + queries, and support pre + during travel, PMGY will have you sorted.
