FAQ - Volunteering at Pisco Sin Fronteras
These questions are often asked by prospective volunteers, so please read on! However, should you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Why should I come and volunteer?
Volunteering is at once rewarding, challenging and fun. You will get to meet a variety of interesting people and forge friendships that will last long after you live and work together in a foreign environment. Volunteers get the opportunity to use your skills and energy to really make a difference to a community that needs your help.
What sort of work will I be doing?
Most of our work involves construction, but we also have a good amount of community engagement and development projects.
Among other things, you could be mixing and pouring concrete, working on demolition, making bio-diesel, bricklaying, digging foundations, doing carpentry, plumbing, painting murals or artwork, teaching English, or working on a variety of community engagement projects. We focus on the needs of the community, working closely with local people to see what they need.
We have a good mix of large-scale and small-scale projects. We help families construct their homes, construct community buildings and facilities, work out at the local schools teaching activities and English and much, much more. Although several years have passed, a lot of work still needs to be done and many people need help in Pisco. Families still live in tents or temporary housing and many more live without adequate sanitation or other necessary facilities.
Why have an absolute two week minimum?
After consultations and experiments, PSF has decided to keep a two week minimum stay in order to help do a better job and build a better community. In order to do effective work we need to keep a good ratio of volunteers who can lead and teach new volunteers.
The longer you can stay past two weeks, the more you can contribute and the more likely your application is to be accepted. We apologize for any of you hoping to volunteer who don't have as much time.
Certain trades like electrical, plumbing and carpenter are useful to us immediately, so if you are a professional with years of experience in these areas, please include that with your application.
PLEASE NOTE: PSF will honor any previous agreements made with volunteer applicants, including their originally intended length of stay.
How much does it cost?
Unlike a lot of other volunteer organizations we don’t charge a participation fee. We do have to cover some basic expenses, so we ask that volunteers contribute 130 soles (about 45 USD/35 Euros) a week which goes directly towards covering our operating costs and allows us to provide a place for you to stay and meals. If you don't stay in the house or eat the meals, you pay
30 soles ( about 11 USD/8 Euros).
How do I get here?
We have maps of Pisco, as well as a map in Lima with the airport, the bus stations, and hostels where you can get deals. Check it out here.
What should I bring?
What can I bring as a donation if I have extra room?
As a new organization, there are tools and supplies that we need and it would be great if you would consider a donation from our Wishlist.
Please also consider making a general donation, which will be used to directly fund the projects we’re working on. We also appreciate you sharing your experience with us and asking your friends and family for donations from back home. 100% of donations go directly to the action in Peru.
I would like to volunteer for a long time but don’t think I can afford it. What can I do?
There are many opportunities to secure volunteering grants, we would recommend searching online for options.
Try applying to our fiscal partners Omprakash: http://www.omprakash.org/VolunteerGrants
What about other costs?
You will need to budget for additional meals and transportation not provided by us like snacks, drinks, etc. Total costs are difficult for us to estimate as it depends on your lifestyle. If you want to treat yourself to a nice meal out, a simple "menu del dia" will cost around 6 or 7 soles, but in a more up market restaurant you'll pay considerably more. A tuk tuk ride into town costs 1.5 soles, a large beer from the shop costs 3 Soles and a packet of cigarettes...you shouldn't be smoking! A lot of our volunteers take time out to travel around at the weekend, visiting places such as Huacachina where you'll pay approximately 15-20 soles for a room and tourist prices for food and drink. You can also take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands for around 40 soles.
What sort of people are you looking for?
We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, hard-working and who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. Of course, any construction or trade skills are useful, but all volunteers will be able to get in, learn new skills and help to build something that will really change someone’s life. People of all walks of life and all ages 18 and up are welcome and encouraged to come here and help the people of Pisco help themselves.
What is a typical day?
We work Mondays through Fridays and a half-day on Saturday. Every workday morning, breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:15, and at 8:15 we have a morning meeting to make announcements and allocate volunteers to the day's projects. Work starts immediately after this meeting. Lunch will be eaten at a local restaurant near your work site or will be provided by a local family or the community. If you are working at the base, you can head out to a close restaurant or rummage through the fridge for leftovers. The workday generally finishes around 5pm and dinner is served at our headquarters at 6pm.
Where do I stay?
Our headquarters is in San Pedro (Pisco-Playa), which is an area close to the center of Pisco. It is a big house with dormitory style accommodation and a big courtyard. Please check the packing list below to ensure you have what you need to set yourself up comfortably.
Please be aware that our space is limited at times. If we do not have space available when you arrive, don't worry, we'll be able to point you in the direction of one of the many hostels in the area, most of which are only a stones throw away from our volunteer house and are quite a good value.
Do you have a secure area to lock valuables?
There are no lockers in the dorms. Bring a lock for your luggage if you are concerned about security.
What is the food like?
Breakfast always comes with tea and coffee, bread, jam, fruit and whatever else the volunteers cooking wish to prepare (sometimes we have eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast or cereal).
At lunch, oftentimes local families or community members will provide you with a free meal. If not, your Project Manager will take you to a local restaurant where you will have to pay for yourself. Typical Peruvian food features beef, chicken or seafood coupled with the staples of potatoes, rice or beans. Be wary of “street meat,” undercooked meat and raw fruits or vegetables.
Our resident cooks prepare dinner at 6pm. Every evening we have two options: the "hippie" meal (vegetarian) or the "monster" meal (meat-eaters). There is also a large market offering local specialties, fruits and veggies, as well as several inexpensive restaurants, most of which offer set daily meals.
Not comfortable with our set-up?
If you would prefer to stay elsewhere, you are still welcome to volunteer with us during the day and be part of our volunteer community—the house would still be your base for meals, meetings, hanging out, etc. There are several accommodation options in the area starting from 10 soles for a dorm bed, 15 soles for a single room and 20 soles for a double room.
Do I need to be able to speak Spanish?
No. It is not a problem to us if you don’t speak any Spanish, however, knowing at least the basics will make your stay easier and more rewarding, as you will be able to interact more easily with the local people and Spanish-speaking volunteers. We ask that you try to learn the phrases on our Basic Spanish Phrases page before you arrive and print our list of Work Site Vocab, as many of the work we do is with maestros who only speak Spanish. We also recommend that you pick up other basic phrases or buy a Spanish textbook - anything so that you can begin to learn Spanish while you are here. A little bit of Spanish goes a long way here.
How do I get there?
It is your responsibility to organize and fund your travel to Pisco. Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez (LIM) is the primary gateway into Peru. Flights vary in price and various carriers fly into Peru. We recommend speaking to a travel agent or using a search facility on the web to find the best deal. You may have to spend one night in Lima. From there you will take a 4 hour bus ride via Soyuz bus company (www.soyuz.com.pe/en) down to Pisco for 25 soles and then a 10 minute cab ride to our house for 8 soles. The address of our volunteer house is Asociacion San Pedro B-19 (on Avenida Las Americas). If you have any problems, call us at the Volunteer House from Peru on 056 534970 or for international calls (0051) 056534970. We partner with four hostels in Lima, all in the Miraflores area. Each of these gives PSF volunteers a discount, but may ask for proof that you volunteer with us. It is best to book ahead and mention the PSF discount in your booking request. The best thing to do is to print off the confirmation email we send you when you apply. For details of the hostels, which vary from a beautiful quiet little place to a party hostel, please check out our Associates page.
How much time should I ask for on my travel visa?
Citizens the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand have no need to apply for Visas before entering the country. If you are staying a long time in Peru, make sure to tell the immigration officer that you are volunteering and, if it is possible, get an Andean Immigration Card for the maximum time allowed—183 days. Keep this card; you may have difficulty leaving the country if you lose it.
If you plan to spend an extended period of time in Peru, please look into applying for a visa at a Peruvian embassy prior to your departure. You can get 30-day visa extensions once you are in the country, but you will need to travel to Lima to obtain one and the visa fee will cost about $30 USD.
If you overstay your visa, the typical penalty is $1/day. If you are already in Peru and about to go over your original number of days, you should consider the cost and time of a border run against the amount you will have to pay for overstaying your original visa.
If you are from a country that does need a visa to enter Peru, you will need to research this and apply for the visa at your local embassy. As a small organization, we do not hold information on visas and do not have the resources to assist you with this.
What will the weather be like?
Pisco is in the desert; during the summer it is very hot during the day and the sun is extremely intense. The evenings and nights are generally cooler and windier. During the winter, daytime temperatures vary from being extremely hot and sunny to overcast and cold; in the evenings it gets cold so a hat and warm jacket or sweater are advisable. “It's never rains in Pisco,” but sometimes it does.
Are there any health issues I should be concerned about?
Please read up about all of the common infectious illnesses and ailments that are a risk to travelers coming to this area. It is important that you have had all the necessary travel vaccinations recommended for visiting Peru. Your doctor can advise you of these. The risk of typhoid fever is higher in Peru than in other South American countries, especially in Pisco, therefore we recommend volunteers get a typhoid vaccination before they arrive.
There are mosquitoes and numbers rise when the weather warms up, so it’s a good idea to pack insect repellent and a mosquito net. However, Pisco is a low risk area for malaria. The sun is intense and there is little cover, so it’s sensible to bring high factor sunscreen and a good hat. You will need to ensure you drink enough water during the day, especially when you’re working hard. If you bring your own water bottle, which is always useful, make sure to bring a method to purify the water, as tap water here is not potable. Please read travel health advisories when deciding what immunizations and medical supplies you will need. We strongly advise that you ensure your tetanus is up to date. Again, arm yourself with the knowledge available on the web, check with your doctor and make your own decision. Please note that we do not carry insurance; volunteers should purchase travel insurance from a reputable agency and also check whether it will cover you for manual labor.
How safe is it?
Pisco is a disaster area and people have little. There have been some incidents of pick pocketing and mugging in the city, as there are in many large cities in South America. While in Pisco, you are advised to take taxis between locations and if you do walk, take very little money and keep it in a secure place. Women should always avoid walking alone at night, as we have had instances of female volunteers being harassed on the street. You should avoid wearing flashy jewelry or walking with an MP3 player. Like most cities in the world, try to avoid looking like an opportunity for a thief.
Most local people are aware that international volunteers are working in Pisco and are genuinely friendly, helpful and, above all, grateful that you are here to help.
How do I call home (or send an email)?
Public Telefónica payphones can be operated with phone cards (widely available) or coins and are readily available on the street. There are 2 Internet cafés with Skype close to our Headquarters and "locutorios" from where you can make international (and local) phone calls.
We also have wireless Internet access in our house, so you can bring your laptop, netbook or other gadget to connect to home.
Can I buy a cell phone?
If you are planning a short stay in Peru, cell phone rental is available in the baggage claim area of the airport. These phones can be used to receive incoming calls. Outgoing calls are expensive, and text messaging is unavailable. An unlocked mobile phone (available here) can be fitted with a locally purchased Peruvian SIM card (about $10USD) for pay-as-you-go service. Local and international calling and text messaging both work with this kind of prepaid service.
How should I bring my money?
There are ATM machines and money-changers in the baggage claim area of the airport, and ATMs and various places to exchange money on the Plaza de Armas in Pisco. However, it is advisable to think about bringing something as a back up, as cards get broken and lost.
What if I forget anything?
You can buy almost anything you need in Lima; it is a large, modern city. Shopping is an interesting experience at the public market here in Pisco, but it’s a lot less hassle for you (and us) if you bring it with you.
What now?
If you do want to join us in Pisco, you need to fill out our volunteer application form.
Anything else I need to know?
It will be dirty, hard work and that's why we love it! The reward of making a huge impact and witnessing the deep appreciation on the faces of each Peruvian family we help far outweighs any potential negative experience. It is only through a steady stream of our wonderful volunteers that we are able to accomplish so much. Please also check out our Blog page to read what some of our past volunteers have to say about their time in Pisco.
Why should I come and volunteer?
Volunteering is at once rewarding, challenging and fun. You will get to meet a variety of interesting people and forge friendships that will last long after you live and work together in a foreign environment. Volunteers get the opportunity to use your skills and energy to really make a difference to a community that needs your help.
What sort of work will I be doing?
Most of our work involves construction, but we also have a good amount of community engagement and development projects.
Among other things, you could be mixing and pouring concrete, working on demolition, making bio-diesel, bricklaying, digging foundations, doing carpentry, plumbing, painting murals or artwork, teaching English, or working on a variety of community engagement projects. We focus on the needs of the community, working closely with local people to see what they need.
We have a good mix of large-scale and small-scale projects. We help families construct their homes, construct community buildings and facilities, work out at the local schools teaching activities and English and much, much more. Although several years have passed, a lot of work still needs to be done and many people need help in Pisco. Families still live in tents or temporary housing and many more live without adequate sanitation or other necessary facilities.
Why have an absolute two week minimum?
After consultations and experiments, PSF has decided to keep a two week minimum stay in order to help do a better job and build a better community. In order to do effective work we need to keep a good ratio of volunteers who can lead and teach new volunteers.
The longer you can stay past two weeks, the more you can contribute and the more likely your application is to be accepted. We apologize for any of you hoping to volunteer who don't have as much time.
Certain trades like electrical, plumbing and carpenter are useful to us immediately, so if you are a professional with years of experience in these areas, please include that with your application.
PLEASE NOTE: PSF will honor any previous agreements made with volunteer applicants, including their originally intended length of stay.
How much does it cost?
Unlike a lot of other volunteer organizations we don’t charge a participation fee. We do have to cover some basic expenses, so we ask that volunteers contribute 130 soles (about 45 USD/35 Euros) a week which goes directly towards covering our operating costs and allows us to provide a place for you to stay and meals. If you don't stay in the house or eat the meals, you pay
30 soles ( about 11 USD/8 Euros).
How do I get here?
We have maps of Pisco, as well as a map in Lima with the airport, the bus stations, and hostels where you can get deals. Check it out here.
What should I bring?
- Sleeping bag (we provide sheets at the PSF house)
- Good work gloves
- Sunscreen
- Good Work Boots
- Passport + copies
- Hand Sanitizer
- Personal items/toiletries
- Credit/ debit cards and cash
- Towel
- Insect Repellent
- Sun hat/ cap
- Sunglasses
- Work shirts
- Work Trousers
- Sweaters or sweatshirts
- 1 jacket
- Spanish phrase book, textbook or dictionary
- The electric power here is rated at 220V. Your appliances must be 110-220 capable. We use the two parallel flat pin plugs like the ones common in the USA.
What can I bring as a donation if I have extra room?
As a new organization, there are tools and supplies that we need and it would be great if you would consider a donation from our Wishlist.
Please also consider making a general donation, which will be used to directly fund the projects we’re working on. We also appreciate you sharing your experience with us and asking your friends and family for donations from back home. 100% of donations go directly to the action in Peru.
I would like to volunteer for a long time but don’t think I can afford it. What can I do?
There are many opportunities to secure volunteering grants, we would recommend searching online for options.
Try applying to our fiscal partners Omprakash: http://www.omprakash.org/VolunteerGrants
What about other costs?
You will need to budget for additional meals and transportation not provided by us like snacks, drinks, etc. Total costs are difficult for us to estimate as it depends on your lifestyle. If you want to treat yourself to a nice meal out, a simple "menu del dia" will cost around 6 or 7 soles, but in a more up market restaurant you'll pay considerably more. A tuk tuk ride into town costs 1.5 soles, a large beer from the shop costs 3 Soles and a packet of cigarettes...you shouldn't be smoking! A lot of our volunteers take time out to travel around at the weekend, visiting places such as Huacachina where you'll pay approximately 15-20 soles for a room and tourist prices for food and drink. You can also take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands for around 40 soles.
What sort of people are you looking for?
We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, hard-working and who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. Of course, any construction or trade skills are useful, but all volunteers will be able to get in, learn new skills and help to build something that will really change someone’s life. People of all walks of life and all ages 18 and up are welcome and encouraged to come here and help the people of Pisco help themselves.
What is a typical day?
We work Mondays through Fridays and a half-day on Saturday. Every workday morning, breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:15, and at 8:15 we have a morning meeting to make announcements and allocate volunteers to the day's projects. Work starts immediately after this meeting. Lunch will be eaten at a local restaurant near your work site or will be provided by a local family or the community. If you are working at the base, you can head out to a close restaurant or rummage through the fridge for leftovers. The workday generally finishes around 5pm and dinner is served at our headquarters at 6pm.
Where do I stay?
Our headquarters is in San Pedro (Pisco-Playa), which is an area close to the center of Pisco. It is a big house with dormitory style accommodation and a big courtyard. Please check the packing list below to ensure you have what you need to set yourself up comfortably.
Please be aware that our space is limited at times. If we do not have space available when you arrive, don't worry, we'll be able to point you in the direction of one of the many hostels in the area, most of which are only a stones throw away from our volunteer house and are quite a good value.
Do you have a secure area to lock valuables?
There are no lockers in the dorms. Bring a lock for your luggage if you are concerned about security.
What is the food like?
Breakfast always comes with tea and coffee, bread, jam, fruit and whatever else the volunteers cooking wish to prepare (sometimes we have eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast or cereal).
At lunch, oftentimes local families or community members will provide you with a free meal. If not, your Project Manager will take you to a local restaurant where you will have to pay for yourself. Typical Peruvian food features beef, chicken or seafood coupled with the staples of potatoes, rice or beans. Be wary of “street meat,” undercooked meat and raw fruits or vegetables.
Our resident cooks prepare dinner at 6pm. Every evening we have two options: the "hippie" meal (vegetarian) or the "monster" meal (meat-eaters). There is also a large market offering local specialties, fruits and veggies, as well as several inexpensive restaurants, most of which offer set daily meals.
Not comfortable with our set-up?
If you would prefer to stay elsewhere, you are still welcome to volunteer with us during the day and be part of our volunteer community—the house would still be your base for meals, meetings, hanging out, etc. There are several accommodation options in the area starting from 10 soles for a dorm bed, 15 soles for a single room and 20 soles for a double room.
Do I need to be able to speak Spanish?
No. It is not a problem to us if you don’t speak any Spanish, however, knowing at least the basics will make your stay easier and more rewarding, as you will be able to interact more easily with the local people and Spanish-speaking volunteers. We ask that you try to learn the phrases on our Basic Spanish Phrases page before you arrive and print our list of Work Site Vocab, as many of the work we do is with maestros who only speak Spanish. We also recommend that you pick up other basic phrases or buy a Spanish textbook - anything so that you can begin to learn Spanish while you are here. A little bit of Spanish goes a long way here.
How do I get there?
It is your responsibility to organize and fund your travel to Pisco. Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez (LIM) is the primary gateway into Peru. Flights vary in price and various carriers fly into Peru. We recommend speaking to a travel agent or using a search facility on the web to find the best deal. You may have to spend one night in Lima. From there you will take a 4 hour bus ride via Soyuz bus company (www.soyuz.com.pe/en) down to Pisco for 25 soles and then a 10 minute cab ride to our house for 8 soles. The address of our volunteer house is Asociacion San Pedro B-19 (on Avenida Las Americas). If you have any problems, call us at the Volunteer House from Peru on 056 534970 or for international calls (0051) 056534970. We partner with four hostels in Lima, all in the Miraflores area. Each of these gives PSF volunteers a discount, but may ask for proof that you volunteer with us. It is best to book ahead and mention the PSF discount in your booking request. The best thing to do is to print off the confirmation email we send you when you apply. For details of the hostels, which vary from a beautiful quiet little place to a party hostel, please check out our Associates page.
How much time should I ask for on my travel visa?
Citizens the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand have no need to apply for Visas before entering the country. If you are staying a long time in Peru, make sure to tell the immigration officer that you are volunteering and, if it is possible, get an Andean Immigration Card for the maximum time allowed—183 days. Keep this card; you may have difficulty leaving the country if you lose it.
If you plan to spend an extended period of time in Peru, please look into applying for a visa at a Peruvian embassy prior to your departure. You can get 30-day visa extensions once you are in the country, but you will need to travel to Lima to obtain one and the visa fee will cost about $30 USD.
If you overstay your visa, the typical penalty is $1/day. If you are already in Peru and about to go over your original number of days, you should consider the cost and time of a border run against the amount you will have to pay for overstaying your original visa.
If you are from a country that does need a visa to enter Peru, you will need to research this and apply for the visa at your local embassy. As a small organization, we do not hold information on visas and do not have the resources to assist you with this.
What will the weather be like?
Pisco is in the desert; during the summer it is very hot during the day and the sun is extremely intense. The evenings and nights are generally cooler and windier. During the winter, daytime temperatures vary from being extremely hot and sunny to overcast and cold; in the evenings it gets cold so a hat and warm jacket or sweater are advisable. “It's never rains in Pisco,” but sometimes it does.
Are there any health issues I should be concerned about?
Please read up about all of the common infectious illnesses and ailments that are a risk to travelers coming to this area. It is important that you have had all the necessary travel vaccinations recommended for visiting Peru. Your doctor can advise you of these. The risk of typhoid fever is higher in Peru than in other South American countries, especially in Pisco, therefore we recommend volunteers get a typhoid vaccination before they arrive.
There are mosquitoes and numbers rise when the weather warms up, so it’s a good idea to pack insect repellent and a mosquito net. However, Pisco is a low risk area for malaria. The sun is intense and there is little cover, so it’s sensible to bring high factor sunscreen and a good hat. You will need to ensure you drink enough water during the day, especially when you’re working hard. If you bring your own water bottle, which is always useful, make sure to bring a method to purify the water, as tap water here is not potable. Please read travel health advisories when deciding what immunizations and medical supplies you will need. We strongly advise that you ensure your tetanus is up to date. Again, arm yourself with the knowledge available on the web, check with your doctor and make your own decision. Please note that we do not carry insurance; volunteers should purchase travel insurance from a reputable agency and also check whether it will cover you for manual labor.
How safe is it?
Pisco is a disaster area and people have little. There have been some incidents of pick pocketing and mugging in the city, as there are in many large cities in South America. While in Pisco, you are advised to take taxis between locations and if you do walk, take very little money and keep it in a secure place. Women should always avoid walking alone at night, as we have had instances of female volunteers being harassed on the street. You should avoid wearing flashy jewelry or walking with an MP3 player. Like most cities in the world, try to avoid looking like an opportunity for a thief.
Most local people are aware that international volunteers are working in Pisco and are genuinely friendly, helpful and, above all, grateful that you are here to help.
How do I call home (or send an email)?
Public Telefónica payphones can be operated with phone cards (widely available) or coins and are readily available on the street. There are 2 Internet cafés with Skype close to our Headquarters and "locutorios" from where you can make international (and local) phone calls.
We also have wireless Internet access in our house, so you can bring your laptop, netbook or other gadget to connect to home.
Can I buy a cell phone?
If you are planning a short stay in Peru, cell phone rental is available in the baggage claim area of the airport. These phones can be used to receive incoming calls. Outgoing calls are expensive, and text messaging is unavailable. An unlocked mobile phone (available here) can be fitted with a locally purchased Peruvian SIM card (about $10USD) for pay-as-you-go service. Local and international calling and text messaging both work with this kind of prepaid service.
How should I bring my money?
There are ATM machines and money-changers in the baggage claim area of the airport, and ATMs and various places to exchange money on the Plaza de Armas in Pisco. However, it is advisable to think about bringing something as a back up, as cards get broken and lost.
What if I forget anything?
You can buy almost anything you need in Lima; it is a large, modern city. Shopping is an interesting experience at the public market here in Pisco, but it’s a lot less hassle for you (and us) if you bring it with you.
What now?
If you do want to join us in Pisco, you need to fill out our volunteer application form.
Anything else I need to know?
It will be dirty, hard work and that's why we love it! The reward of making a huge impact and witnessing the deep appreciation on the faces of each Peruvian family we help far outweighs any potential negative experience. It is only through a steady stream of our wonderful volunteers that we are able to accomplish so much. Please also check out our Blog page to read what some of our past volunteers have to say about their time in Pisco.
