Oh and I forgot to mention that a concern I have is that I want to meet some guides that are respectful of the environment, customs and are treated well by the companies they work for. I have heard a lot of stories from my friends and family that there are companies that claim to be "sustainable tourism" companies. But my friend told me that the last time she was visiting, she was upset that the environmental and social consciousness was non existent.

Does anyone have any ideas?

http://www.awamaki.org/

http://livingheartperu.org/

Peru is a big place and I am sure that there are lots of places you could volunteer depending of course on the particular skills you have to offer any of these organisations. Many do not require any particular skills but will offer placements "teaching" english, helping out at orphanges etc. but, unfortunately these are usually of little real benefit to the communities and some organisations will charge you for the privilege.

My wife and I spent several weeks working with the Living Heart organisation in Ollantaytambo mlgb mentions above. Have a look at their website and email Sonia owner who will provide more info. In particualr, I do know that they appreciate visitors bring with them supplies for there projects but do check first to see what is required (warm clothes are usually always welcome.

Another source of info would be www.saexplorers.org they provide a lot of info online and at their clubhouse in San Blas, Cusco

www.saexplorers.org/clubhouses/cusco will have legit ops

there are many from $100/wk careful many scammers.

Pay no large sums to "volunteer" to expat scammers

www.ninoshotel.com

www.lokihostels.com

are 2 good ones that help street kids...

Happy Hunting,

Hey Maria, i read your postings and i see that we share some of the same interests. would you please keep me informed with anything you might find interesting and RELIABLE in terms of social and environmental organizations that you might volunteer for? i would really appreciate your help. I might go down to Cusco again in this trip. i think i didn't enjoy Machupicchu enough the last time i was there. so, if i do go there, i want to connect with some good hearted people looking to change the world they live in. muchas gracias.

Lare.

mucho gracias amigos. hehehe....just practicing my espaniol. yes! thank you guys for your quick responses, i am sure they will help me a lot. I have spoken to some of these organizations and got a good vibe from them. i guess i will have to go down there and personally see what is it that they consider environmental and social consciousness. a friend of mine just came back from Peru and she told me that in many cases doing volunteer work is limited to "teaching" english, and that the kids they teach learn nothing due to the more urgent necessities they have. So, i am gonna be very picky about what to do down in Peru when i go to volunteer.

p.s Lare, i noticed that you have been to peru before, do you know of anywhere or anyone to go to with regards of this topic? keep in touch. Thanks! ;-P

On my way to Peru! I will meet a couple of organizations and a few tour guides from well know tour company in Cusco and see what's the best way to help people. On another topic i need help with this other question; Does anyone know of an off the beaten track beach nearby Lima?

enjoy Maria. Please dont forget to send a report of your trip when you finish your trip.

The Tambopata Macaw project (http://macawproject.org/become-a-volunteer) is often in need of volunteers. I believe they require at least a 4 week commitment, but it would be a great experience staying at the Tambopata Research Center (http://www.perunature.com/lodges/tambopata-research-center) and helping researchers study macaws in the Tambopata region in the amazon basin. I've been to the Tambopata Research Center as a guest and the wildlife there is incredible.