Day to Day Life in Cusco
About Cusco
Cusco is located in the southeastern highlands of Peru, high in the Andes at over 3,400 meters. It was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and it grew into the political and religious heart of the Tawantinsuyu, the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. In 1533, Spanish conquistadors arrived and rebuilt much of the city atop Inca foundations, leaving behind the striking combination of Inca stonework and colonial architecture still visible today. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Cusco remains the undisputed cultural capital of Peru and gateway to Machu Picchu.
Cusco has a mild mountain climate shaped by altitude, with two clear seasons: a dry season (April - October) of sunny days and cold nights, and a wet season (November - March) with frequent afternoon rain. Days are pleasantly cool, but nights stay cold year-round, so warm layers are a must. The surrounding landscape of steep mountains and terraced valleys is home to diverse ecosystems and countless Inca archaeological sites.
A Day in the Life of an EcoSwell Volunteer Intern in Cusco
Volunteering with EcoSwell in Cusco is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Peruvian Andes while contributing to a social enterprise that empowers the local community. Every day is a little different depending on your volunteer internship and current projects, but here's what a typical day in Cusco might look like:
Start your morning
Wake up and enjoy a slow morning in Cusco. You might grab a coffee from a nearby café, take a walk through the historic streets, or enjoy the mountain views before the workday begins. Living at high altitude encourages a slower pace, giving you time to settle into the day and prepare for your projects.
Morning Work Session
Enjoy breakfast with your host family, which may include fresh bread, eggs, seasonal Andean fruits, and a cup of Peruvian coffee or Coca tea to help you adjust to the altitude. Head out to the office to begin the day’s work. You will spend most of the time in an office environment, but you may also often head out to do some first-hand field work with the local communities. The frequency and details of these will vary depending on the specific needs of the organisation you are working with and those of the local workers.
Depending on the partner organisation that you will be volunteering with, your morning may involve research, marketing, communications, sustainable business development, photography, content creation, partnership outreach, fashion design, or supporting the development of community initiatives alongside the members of the organisation that you work with.
Lunch Break
Take a well-earned break and enjoy lunch prepared by your host family or at one of Cusco's many local restaurants and cafés. It's a chance to recharge, explore the neighbourhood, and experience the city's incredible food culture before returning to work.
Afternoon Work Session
Afternoons are dedicated to continuing your internship projects. Depending on the schedule, you may work from the office, collaborate with teammates on creative or strategic initiatives, or travel to work on-site in the partner communities to support fieldwork, documentation, or community activities.
These visits offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from community members, gaining a deeper understanding of traditional techniques, local customs, and the social impact of the organisations’ work.
Evenings
Once the workday is over, your evenings are free to enjoy everything Cusco has to offer. Wander through the city's vibrant streets, discover local restaurants, visit museums or artisan markets, practice your Spanish, or relax with your host family at dinner.
Cusco's welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to meet people, experience Andean culture, and enjoy the city's unique blend of history and modern life.
Weekends
Weekends are yours to explore.
Visit world-famous sites like the Sacred Valley or Rainbow Mountain, discover nearby villages, or simply spend the weekend soaking up the atmosphere of Cusco's plazas, cafés, and markets.
Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural experiences, or time to relax, volunteering in Cusco places you at the heart of one of Peru's most extraordinary regions, making every weekend an opportunity for discovery.
Volunteers Anaïs & Karlee go surfing at La Punta after work.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu remains one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world, and having Cusco as a home base means it's never out of reach, whether you're after a quick weekend visit or a proper trek to make it the highlight of your trip.
Machu Picchu is reachable from Cusco in a few different ways, ranging from a scenic train ride to a multi-day trek through the mountains, which means there's an option to fit almost any schedule or level of adventure.
The most straightforward way is the train from Ollantaytambo (about 1.5-2 hours) followed by a short bus ride up to the citadel itself, making it very doable as a long weekend trip during the internship. For those wanting something more immersive, the classic Inca Trail is a 4-day trek ending at the Sun Gate at sunrise, while alternatives like Salkantay offer similarly stunning multi-day routes through Andean scenery and cloud forest. Because these treks require more time and advance permits, they are best planned before or after the volunteer internship rather than squeezed into a weekend.
Pisac Market, Sacred Valley
Other attractions
Volunteer interns usually work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays, but evenings and most weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. Cusco city and its surroundings have amazing attractions to offer:
Guided city tours of Cusco's historic centre, including Inca sites like Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, and Tambomachay
Day trip to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of Peru's most striking natural landmarks
Sacred Valley, with towns like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, plus their markets and ruins
Cooking classes to learn traditional Peruvian and Andean dishes
Visits to local markets, artisan workshops, and textile cooperatives
Traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants, from classic cuisine to Andean specialities
Live music, festivals, and cultural events happening throughout the city
Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of the volunteer internship.
Want to volunteer with us?
Co-founder Andrés joins VP Coordinator, Paige for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Lobitos.
EcoSwell volunteer catches himself a keeper on an artesanal fishing trip in Lobitos!
Co-founder Alejandro surfing in Lobitos.