Peru Arrival Procedures

Airport pickup, flights, and visas for your trip to Peru

We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Peru. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.

Arrival airport and pickup in Peru

You’ll fly into Peru at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (CUZ). However, if you’re joining our Conservation Project, you’ll fly to Padre Aldamiz International Airport, also known as the Puerto Maldonado International Airport (PEM).

Our friendly and dedicated staff in Peru will be at the airport when you arrive. They will have clear Projects Abroad signage. If you land in Cusco, your first stop from the airport is our Projects Abroad office in Cusco. Here, you will have your induction before being taken to your host family.

If you’re doing a Conservation Project in the Amazon Rainforest, you’ll have an exciting next step in your journey once you’re with our staff. You’ll take a two hour boat ride along the Rio Madre De Dios river to get to Taricaya, our base for conservation work.

We cover the cost of all transfers to and from each airport.

Booking your flights to Peru

Searching for flights online is easier than ever, but it can still be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. If you need support, our staff have in-depth knowledge of all our destinations. We’ll let you know which airport you’ll be flying to and recommend the best way to get there.

We can advise you on booking the best return flights, ensuring you have the safest, most convenient, and most cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans are. Find out more about the flight booking process.

Visas requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Peru

One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.

Your induction and orientation in Peru

The induction you follow depends on where you’re volunteering.

Cusco

From the airport, you’ll be taken to the Projects Abroad office in Cusco. Here, you’ll meet the rest of our staff and start your induction. We’ll tell you all you need to know about the city of Cusco, like how to make use of public transport. We’ll also explain how we run our projects in Peru.

We’ll also give you an induction pack. This contains all the information you need, like a map of the town with important places highlighted.

From our office, you’ll be taken to your accommodation or host family. Your host family will be eager to have you settle you in and make you feel at home. You’ll no doubt be offered your first meal of arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) or lomo saltado (beef stir fry), all washed down with coca tea.

Taricaya (Puerto Maldonado)

Depending on what time your flight lands, you’ll either be taken to a hotel for your first night, or you’ll be taken to the Projects Abroad office to wait for a boat to Taricaya.

The boat will take you to the Taricaya Ecological Reserve where all our Conservation volunteers work and live. Once at Taricaya, you’ll get an induction to the lodge and meet the local staff. We’ll also explain the work you’ll be doing, and how we run the project.

Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Peru

After your arrival, there will be enough time for you to get settled before you have your first day at your project.

On your first day, our staff will show you exactly how to get to your placement from your accommodation. When you arrive, we’ll introduce you to your project supervisor, and you’ll meet your local colleagues.

We’ll also give you an introduction to how the placement is run and what your role and exact working hours will be. You’ll only start your actual project work on the second day.

Support, safety, and backup

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Find out more about safety and backup.