The Indigenous in Peru make up a large percentage of the population. Malnutrition is a problem in many regions and discrimination towards the indigenous population is prevalent. Water, electricity and basic utilities are still urgently needed in many areas of Southern Peru; mainly where these indigenous populations live.

Volunteers will be based in Arequipa. The project work will be completed in the community of Chiguata. Whilst on the project volunteers travel out from Arequipa each morning to the community of Villa Santa Rosa de Chiguata, work on the cistern in the homes of families and then return to Arequipa later in the afternoon.

With this project you will be funding all the materials and local masonry work. You will work alongside a local mason and the family, mixing cement and constructing the cistern from start to finish.

Location & Accommodation

Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes at 2800m, the town of Chivay and the colonial capital of Arequipa are the base towns for this project. All volunteers live here and work in the surrounding communities.Facilities may be more basic than you are accustomed to,  please travel with an open mind and a willingness to adapt to local conditions. Accommodation in Arequipa is in a private room with shared bathrooms in a local host family or hostel.

There is running water and the showers are generally warm. If you want to bring a gift for your host family, we recommend a souvenir from your home town. We recommend buying large bottles of water and keeping them in your room, to refill your personal water bottle when needed.

Breakfasts and evening meals are provided by the host family (lunch also at the weekends). Packed lunches are provided when working in the community. Breakfast could be cereal, fresh fruit, eggs, beans or pancakes; lunch and evening meals are generally meats, vegetables, rice and pastas. Vegetarians are catered for, though with less variety than in your home country. There are also several restaurants in Chivay to choose from.