Medical Volunteering in Peru

I first dipped my toes into volunteering in 2017 when I took a position as a nurse in Skopje, North Macedonia with Project Hope.  (You can read about that here!).  While this has been my only experience with volunteering, I want to highlight other volunteer opportunities for nurses and medical professionals around the world.

I recently spent five weeks traveling through Peru and I realized that there are tons of medical volunteer opportunities in the country.  Because a large part of the Peruvian population is in remote, hard to reach places, a lot of people struggle to access basic medical care.  So, if you’re a nurse or medical professional reading this – take this as an opportunity to spend time volunteering in the country and then extending your stay so that you can experience the beauty of Peru.

 

If you’re planning on visiting Peru, don’t miss…

• The Ultimate Peru Packing List
• Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Peru
• 11 Things You Need to Know About Visiting Machu Picchu
• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Colca Canyon in Peru
• How to Spend 1 Day in Arequipa, Peru

 

Please note:  I’ve done my best to research and vet these companies.  Please be aware of scams when inquiring about volunteer positions.  Also, I do note condone certain types of volunteer work that hinders the community instead of helping the community.  I have strictly included these companies in this post because they are reputable companies and have an aspect of medical need.

 

Organizations to Volunteer with in Peru

WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL-MEDICAL INSURANCE!  READ WHY HERE AND HERE

 

1.  Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB)

LOCATION:  HUANCAYO & TRUJILLO | VOLUNTEER HERE

CMMB is a faith-based NGO providing medical and developmental aid to communities affected by poverty who don’t have access to healthcare.  CMMB is located within Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.  In Peru specifically, the goal of CMMB is to reduce anemia and improve nutrition.  There are specific efforts focused on improving conditions related to water and sanitation, empowering women and families, and improving nutrition.

CMMB is specifically looking for nurses trained in L&D, pediatric & neonatal care, primary care, family practice, OBGYN, surgical, community health, nurse educators, emergency/trauma, nutrition, HIV, TB, and nurse anesthetists.  Nurses will be responsible for coordinating with healthcare teams, providing health education for local staff, operating primary care clinics, doing home visits, and helping to develop protocols.

Please note:  CMMB does require a payment to volunteer, which may not be the case for other programs listed.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Passport with >6 months validity
• 21+ years old
• Minimum availability of 6 months
• 3 day pre-departure orientation in NYC
• Required to raise $5,000 to contribute financially; if you volunteer for >6 months, you get a round-trip airline ticket, monthly housing stipend, insurance coverage, & more

 

2.  Doctors Without Borders

LOCATIONS:  LIMA & TUMBES

Doctors Without Borders is a well-known NGO throughout the world that provides relief to communities in need.  Since 2021, Doctors Without Borders has been working in Peru providing care for migrants arriving from Venezuela and other countries in Latin America.  Services include sexual and reproductive healthcare, mental health support, emergencies, and chronic conditions.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum availability of 9 months (8-12 weeks for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OBGYN’s)
• Previous experience working in a low income setting
• 3 years of experience for nurses (2 years for doctors)
• Experience in a leadership role
• Ability to work and live with a diverse team
• Passport with >6 months validity

 

3.  Global Nomadic

LOCATION:  TALARA | VOLUNTEER HERE

Global Nomadic was founded in 2009 with the goal of getting people to travel more, while also positively impacting local communities.  The founder believes that real change happens when people find purpose in life-enhancing opportunities, and focuses on investing in the future to sustain a positive world.

In Talara, a small surfing community, the local hospital is understaffed and the residents experience a wide range of health problems including infections, viruses, respiratory issues, sanitation issues, and lack of birth control/birth control education.  Global Nomadic is seeking both healthcare workers and dentists to volunteer.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 2 week commitment
• Financial commitment
• Must be 18 years old
• Intermediate level of Spanish

 

4.  Health Bridges International

LOCATION:  THROUGHOUT PERU | VOLUNTEER HERE

For the past 30 years, Health Bridges International has specifically worked with vulnerable children, youths, and young adults in Peru.  They are currently seeking nurses who have training in emergency medicine and nurses to help support disabled children and/or children with special needs.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Passport with >6 months validity

 

5.  International Medical Relief

VOLUNTEER HERE

International Medical Relief is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded in 2002 with the belief that healthcare should be accessible to everyone throughout the world.  Not only does International Medical Relief volunteer with local dentists and doctors within communities, but they also focus on providing education so that missions can be a success long after volunteers are gone.

International Medical Relief began their volunteer work in Peru to bring healthcare to remote areas that are not serviced by medical facilities.  Communicable diseases are the leading cause of death throughout Peru so educating locals on how to stay healthy is a primary focus.  You will also be treating a variety of acute and chronic illnesses including dengue fever, yellow fever, zika, malaria, and illness related to poor drinking water quality.  Another main focus of this program is women’s healthcare, infant care, and strengthening the knowledge and skills of local midwives.

Please note:  You do have to pay to volunteer with this program.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Passport with >6 months validity

 

6.  MEDLIFE

LOCATIONS:  CUSCO & LIMA | VOLUNTEER HERE

MEDLIFE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with low-income communities in Latin America and Africa.  The goal of MEDLIFE is to improve access to medicine, education, and help with any developmental projects.  The reason that MEDLIFE works in Peru is due to the poverty rate (in 2022, 9% of the population was living on $3.20/day).

What I like about MEDLIFE is that they have nursing specific service trips.  These are for nursing students who will be responsible to partner with local practitioners providing essential healthcare and preventative screenings.

Please note:  MEDLIFE does require a payment to volunteer, which may not be the case for other programs listed.  This payment is dependent on which country you volunteer in.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Passport with >6 months validity

 

7.  Operation Smile

LOCATION:  LIMA | VOLUNTEER HERE

Operation Smile first began providing care in Peru in 1999.  They provide surgery for children who are born with cleft lip/cleft palate in areas that don’t have easy access to healthcare.  They rely on nursing the following nursing specialties to continue their operations:  pre-post operative, surgical circulating nurse, PACU, PICU, NICU, operating room nurse.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of a nursing program, college, or university
• Have a valid RN license
• BLS certification
• PALS certification
• 2 years of experience in current specialty
• Background check
• Passport with >6 months validity

 

8.  RCDP International Volunteer

LOCATION:  CUSCO | VOLUNTEER HERE

RCDP International Volunteer is a non-profit humanitarian organization that empowers disadvantaged communities in 18 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.  In Peru, you will work in general fields of medicine plus have the opportunity to work in a mobile hospital that goes into rural areas and provides healthcare support.  You’ll care for poverty stricken patients and learn about the complexities of healthcare in a developing national.  You’ll be responsible for taking vitals, giving medications/immunizations, treating minor injuries and wounds, providing education on health and sanitation, administrative work, etc.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Passport with >6 months validity
• Must speak basic Spanish

 

9.  United Planet

LOCATION:  CUSCO | VOLUNTEER HERE

United Planet is a non-profit organization and is the US and Canadian partner of the International Cultural Youth Exchange.  The program in Peru was developed in an effort to help with after school programs, child care centers, women’s shelters, and youth organizations.  As of 2024, there are short-term needs (1-12 weeks) and long-term needs (6-12 months).

Please note:  United Planet does require a payment to volunteer, which may not be the case for other programs listed.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• 18-30 years old (upper limit flexible)
• Citizen of the US or Canada
• $300 non-refundable deposit to volunteer (this will be applied to your program once you join)
• Provide proof of medical school or medical practice
• Passport with >6 months validity

 

10.  Volunteering Solutions

LOCATION:  CUSCO | VOLUNTEER HERE

Volunteering Solutions was founded in 2006 and has since connected over 21,000 volunteers to projects worldwide.  The company operates in over 25 countries, and offers 150+ programs in areas like childcare, healthcare, and conservation.  In Cusco, there are many volunteer opportunities available that involve assisting doctors and nurses in health clinics.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Year-round
• 1-24 week duration
• 17+ years old
• Passport with >6 months validity

 

FAQ

Q:  “Can I volunteer in Peru?”

• There are certain requirements to volunteer and every company will have their own requirements.  However, assuming you meet all requirements – yes, volunteering in Peru is allowed.

Q:  “Is medical care good in Peru?”

• There is still a long ways to go in terms of education – especially in more remote parts of Peru.

Q:  “Do you need a visa to volunteer in Peru?”

• You don’t need a volunteer visa unless you plan to stay for >90 days.

 

Peru Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Peru

 

If you feel called to work as a medical volunteer, Peru is an incredible country to do so.  If you have any questions about traveling through Peru or what to expect, let me know in a comment below!

 

For more medical volunteer opportunities in other countries, don’t miss…

• Medical Volunteering in the Philippines
• Medical Volunteering in Malaysia
• Medical Volunteering in Indonesia
• Medical Volunteering in Vietnam
• Medical Volunteering in Cambodia
• Medical Volunteering in Thailand
• Medical Volunteering in Laos

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.