The alpaca project works directly with the unique camelid creatures (related to camels) native to Peru. Volunteers work on a farm owned and operated by a Peruvian family in the village of Huayllarcocha, approximately 30 minutes from Cusco. The farm’s main objective is to care for the animals, produce traditional Peruvian textiles from their wool, and educate both tourists and local people. The farms uses traditional methods of shearing, worsting, dyeing, and weaving. This placement is best for people who are comfortable around animals.

As an international volunteer, you work with alpacas and llamas cleaning and maintaining pens and feeding the animals. Note, working with alpacas and llamas is not easy, as the animals can be very active and moody. Depending on your level of Spanish, you may also get involved with other activities such as light construction and maintenance, caring for sick animals, and even helping out with the weaving! The alpaca project is especially well-suited to volunteers who bring lots of positive energy and take initiative.

We recommend wearing conservative clothes, covering shoulders and knees. We strongly suggest wearing old clothes as they may get dirty. 

Day to day tasks may include:

-Brushing and Cutting of the Animal hair
-Cleaning the Animal’s Teeth
-Cleaning and Cutting the Animal’s Nails
-Treating Sick Animals that have been put into quarantine
-Feeding the animals
-Taking the animals for a walk
-Maintaining designated walkways
-Maintenance and repairs to Animal Pens i.e Ensure the Fencing is not damaged and all gates function correctly
-Site Cleanliness
-Maintenance and cleanliness of Animal Pens i.e Ensure animal feed is well kept and tidy and the inside of the pens are clean
-Changing the waters
-Changing and collecting soiled hay (they collect this for compost)

Cusco, Peru –  easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers in the world, is also home to immense scenic beauty, bio-diversity and incredible culture.    In this project, you’ll be situated in the outer regions of Cuzco, approx 15 min bus ride to central Cuzco where the volunteer center is located.

Project Tasks

• Work closely with animals
• Maintain pens, clean, grooming and feeding the animals
• Veterinary services and caring for sick animals (for suitably qualified volunteers)
• Light construction to help maintain the farm including fencing, barn and land maintenance
• Assistance in the wool textiles production and supply 
• Assistance in creation of educational materials for tourism and local purposes