Questions?

We've got answers

Start by reading about the roles and projects that interest you most. When you're ready to commit, fill in our online application. It helps us match you to the right placement based on your skills, interests and dates, and we can't place you without it.

Got questions first? Email us at info@otracosa.org. We'd love to hear from you.

Explore the rolesStart your application

We reply to every application and enquiry within one week. Our emails occasionally land in spam, so please check your spam folder and add info@otracosa.org to your safe senders. If you haven't heard from us after a week, email us directly.

Once your placement is confirmed, we'll ask for your CV, your travel insurance policy number, a copy of your passport and a background check from your home country.

Our projects work with vulnerable people, including children, so the background check is how we make sure every volunteer is suitable.

Not necessarily: it depends on the role. Some need no Spanish at all, others need an intermediate or advanced level. Each role page tells you what's needed, and you can filter roles by Spanish level.

Want to improve? We can arrange affordable one-to-one or group lessons with local teachers, online before you travel or in person during your stay.

Filter roles by Spanish level

Most roles start from four weeks. Coordinator roles ask for two, three or six months, and HELP Swim runs for the Peruvian summer season. Longer stays are always welcome: they give you time to really get to know the community and grow into your role.

Most roles are 20–25 hours a week, Monday to Friday. The Volunteer Coordinator works 30–35 hours, and HELP Swim is typically 15–20 hours during the season. That leaves plenty of time to surf, study Spanish and explore.

Yes. Students can take any of our year-round roles as an internship, which is ideal for a placement year or a year abroad. You'll get an extra level of mentoring, and we'll handle all the communication your university needs to meet its placement requirements.

Absolutely. Our Multi-Project Volunteers work across all four HELP programmes at the REC, and HELP coordinators top up their hours on other projects. Tell us your interests in your application and we'll build your week around them.

HELP projects (the Huanchaco Education and Learning Programme) are projects we started ourselves after seeing a real need in the community. They're run entirely by OCN staff and volunteers.

Partner projects are run independently by other organisations or public bodies that need skilled volunteers but can't always find enough on their own.

See our work

Once we've confirmed your placement, we'll send you a link to pay your volunteer contribution. Alongside grants, fundraising and donations, volunteer contributions fund our day-to-day operations.

That covers our small team in Peru, who place volunteers, find accommodation, look after you during your stay and run the HELP programmes, and our UK team, who recruit volunteers and build international partnerships. It also covers essentials like IT, communications, office costs, legal and accounting fees, and transport.

Every volunteer gets a personal pick-up when they arrive, a walking tour of Huanchaco, a thorough introduction to OCN, certified first aid and child safeguarding training, 24/7 emergency support, organised social activities and a certificate of completion.

Flights, travel insurance, visas, meals and personal spending aren't included.

Day-to-day life in Peru is generally much cheaper than in the UK, Europe or North America. Food, local transport and simple accommodation are all affordable, so longer stays offer great value and have more impact on the projects.

Your budget will depend on how often you eat out, travel at weekends and go out in the evenings. Ask us for an up-to-date guide to living costs when you apply.

Fly or take the bus to Trujillo, the nearest city. The flight from Lima is short; the bus takes around nine hours, and several reputable companies run comfortable day and overnight sleeper services.

Send us your arrival details at least a week in advance and our trusted taxi driver will pick you up in Trujillo and bring you to Huanchaco. We're happy to help you choose a bus company or flight.

Lima has lots of options. Miraflores is a central, lively neighbourhood with plenty of affordable hostels, and many offer airport pick-ups for a small fee. Ask us for current recommendations.

It depends on your nationality. Many visitors only need a valid passport and proof of onward travel, while others need to apply for a visa before travelling. Peru has no special volunteer visa, and unpaid volunteers usually enter as tourists.

Rules change, so check the latest requirements with the Peruvian consulate or your government's travel advice before you book, and tell the immigration officer how long you plan to stay when you arrive. Getting the right visa is your responsibility, but we're happy to answer questions.

Most volunteers stay in the OCN volunteer house, five minutes' walk from the beach, with space for up to five volunteers. It's a very affordable option, especially in the summer months (December to March) when local hostels put their prices up. Prefer your own place? We'll help you find somewhere in town.

See the volunteer house

Yes. We work with several local Spanish teachers who offer one-to-one and group lessons, plus online lessons so you can get a head start before you travel.

Life in Huanchaco

You need to be 18 or over when you arrive. The Recreational and Educational Centre Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator roles need you to be 21 or over. We welcome volunteers of every age above that, from students to retirees.

From the moment we pick you up, you're part of the OCN family. You'll have a thorough induction, certified first aid and safeguarding training, 24/7 emergency support and a team who know Huanchaco inside out. Our Volunteer Coordinator checks in on everyone's wellbeing throughout their stay.