Cusco offers an unforgettable mix of culture, history, adventure, and natural beauty, making it the perfect place to enjoy your free time while volunteering. Surrounded by the Andes and rich Incan heritage, the city gives you endless opportunities to explore, relax, and connect with local life.
On weekends or during free days, you can take part in some of Peru’s most iconic excursions. Popular trips include the Sacred Valley (Maras & Moray), where you can visit ancient salt mines and agricultural terraces, and the Valle VIP tour, which combines highlights of the Sacred Valley in one day. For mountain lovers, the stunning Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain offers colorful landscapes without the intense crowds of Vinicunca.
Machu Picchu is of course a must-see, and Cusco offers several ways to get there. You can travel by train, car, or join adventurous treks such as the Inca Trail (2 days), the Inca Jungle Trek (4 days), or the famous Salkantay Trek (5 days). Each option gives you a different way to experience the Andes, from lush jungle paths to dramatic high-altitude passes.
If you enjoy nature and wildlife, you can visit the Tambopata Rainforest and Lake Sandoval to see monkeys, birds, and exotic plants in the Amazon basin. For a cultural experience, a trip to Lake Titicaca lets you explore floating islands and indigenous communities, while Huacachina offers sandboarding and dune buggy rides in a desert oasis.
Cusco is also one of the best cities in the world to learn and practice Spanish. Locals speak clearly and slowly, making it easy to understand and communicate. You can practice your Spanish while shopping in local markets, ordering food, joining tours, or chatting with people from Peru and other parts of Latin America.
Whether you prefer hiking, history, culture, or simply enjoying café life in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco offers something for every traveler and makes your volunteer experience even more enriching.
