THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO 

PERU

A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

Updated May 2012

June 2013 CCS
PERU MAP

This map is used with permission from the State Department.
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

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WELCOME LETTER

Congratulations on being invited to serve as a Peace Corps 

Volunteer in Peru! We look forward to your arrival and to 

working closely with you over the next two years. 

We thank you in advance for responding to the call to serve and to 

help others while broadening your own horizons through the 

unique experience of Peace Corps. You are making a commitment 

of 27 months. With your good will, hard work, initiative, and 

persistence, you are destined to make a difference in communities 

of need in one of the world’s most fascinating countries. 

I believe we have a particularly strong program awaiting you in 

Peru. The Peace Corps returned to Peru in 2002 after an absence 

of 27 years. We have grown to over 230 Volunteers, have 

established good working relationships with a variety of 

counterpart agencies, and have built an excellent reputation. 

We can promise you a beautiful country, hospitable people, a well 

thought-out assignment, and many development challenges. What 

we can’t promise you is that it is going to be easy. There are 

numerous cultural and institutional obstacles to training and 

motivating people in a country like Peru. Some people in your 

community will be resistant to change, others suspicious of your 

motives. But with hard work and commitment on your part, you 

will be amazed at what you can accomplish. Numerous lives will 

be changed for the better because of your service as a Peace Corps 

Volunteer. 

In addition, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime cross-cultural 

experience. Living with a Peruvian family, you will become an 

integral part of your community, which may be anything from an 

urban barrio to a rural hamlet. You will participate in community 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

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activities and share special moments with newfound friends. Both 

you and the Peruvians you come in contact with will be enriched 

from the experience. 

You will have 10 weeks of training before you are sworn in as a 

Volunteer. The training will strengthen your language proficiency, 

technical skills, safety and security awareness, and community 

integration. Take full advantage of this opportunity. 

It is important to remember that we are here at the invitation of the

Peruvian government. Communities throughout Peru are awaiting 

your arrival and we have been undertaking activities for months to 

prepare for your arrival. We hope that you also have been getting 

ready for this opportunity to invest 100 percent of your time and 

energy to learn, grow, and fulfill your commitment to serve for 

two years in the Peace Corps. Both during training and throughout 

your service, there is a highly committed staff to support you. All 

of us share your excitement about coming to Peru and making a 

contribution to the development of this country. We look forward 

to meeting you and working together soon. 

Best regards, 

Sanjay Mathur

Country Director
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CONTENTS

CONTENTS.....................................................3

CORE EXPECTATIONS

FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS.....................6

PEACE CORPS/PERU HISTORY AND PROGRAMS 7

History of the Peace Corps in Peru .............................. 7

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in 

Peru............................................................................... 8

COUNTRY OVERVIEW: PERU AT A GLANCE........9

History .......................................................................... 9

Government ................................................................ 13

Economy..................................................................... 13

People and Culture...................................................... 15

Environment ............................................................... 16

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION......17

General Information About Peru ................................ 17

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

.................................................................................... 18

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Peru ........ 19

International Development Sites About Peru ............. 19

Recommended Books................................................. 20

LIVING CONDITIONS AND VOLUNTEER

LIFESTYLE...................................................22

Communications......................................................... 22

Mail............................................................................. 22

Computer, Internet, and Email Access....................... 23

Housing and Site Location.......................................... 24

Living Allowance and Money Management .............. 25

Food and Diet ............................................................. 26

Transportation............................................................. 26

Geography and Climate .............................................. 27

Social Activities.......................................................... 28
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Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior ........................ 29

Personal Safety ........................................................... 30

Rewards and Frustrations ........................................... 31

PEACE CORPS TRAINING................................32

Overview of Pre-Service Training.............................. 32

Qualifying for Service ................................................ 33

YOUR HEALTH CARE AND SAFETY IN PERU.....38

Health Issues in Peru .................................................. 38

Helping You Stay Healthy.......................................... 39

Maintaining Your Health............................................ 40

Women’s Health Information ..................................... 40

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit................................... 41

Medical Kit Contents.................................................. 41

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist.................... 42

Safety and Security—Our Partnership........................ 45

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime ................ 47

Support from Staff...................................................... 48

Crime Data for Peru.................................................... 49

Volunteer Safety Support in Peru ............................... 49

DIVERSITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES.....51

Overview of Diversity in Peru.................................... 52

What Might a Volunteer Face?................................... 52

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...................57

WELCOME LETTERS

FROM PERU VOLUNTEERS..............................61

PACKING LIST...............................................65

General Clothing......................................................... 65

Shoes........................................................................... 66

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items ......................... 66

Miscellaneous............................................................. 67

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST..........................69

Family......................................................................... 69

Passport/Travel ........................................................... 69

Medical/Health ........................................................... 69

Insurance..................................................................... 70
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Personal Papers........................................................... 70

Voting ......................................................................... 70

Personal Effects.......................................................... 70

Financial Management................................................ 70

CONTACTING PEACE CORPS HEADQUARTERS...72
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CORE EXPECTATIONS

FOR PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of 

promoting world peace and friendship, as a trainee and 

Volunteer, you are expected to:

1. Prepare your personal and professional life to 

make a commitment to serve abroad for a full term 

of 27 months

2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the 

people with whom you live and work; and, in 

doing so, share your skills, adapt them, and learn 

new skills as needed

3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, 

under conditions of hardship, if necessary, and 

with the flexibility needed for effective service

4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable 

development work is based on the local trust and

confidence you build by living in, and respectfully 

integrating yourself into, your host community 

and culture

5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 

7 days a week for your personal conduct and 

professional performance

6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of 

cooperation, mutual learning, and respect

7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace 

Corps and the local and national laws of the 

country where you serve

8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to 

protect your health, safety, and well-being and that 

of others
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9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host 

country and community, as a representative of the 

people, cultures, values, and traditions of the 

United States of America

10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, 

values, and traditions of your host country and 

community to people in the United States both 

during and following your service

PEACE CORPS/PERU 

HISTORY AND PROGRAMS

History of the Peace Corps in Peru 

The Peace Corps first opened a program in Peru in 1962. During 

the next 13 years, over 2,600 Volunteers worked in health and 

nutrition, city planning, social work, agricultural extension, 

agricultural cooperatives, savings and loan associations, 

elementary and secondary education, community development, 

and earthquake reconstruction (after the severe earthquake and 

landslide of 1970). The Peace Corps had a main office in Lima 

and regional offices in Puno, Cusco, Chimbote, and Arequipa. 

Peace Corps’ departure from Peru in 1975 was due to political and 

economic instability. 

In 2001, then-President Alejandro Toledo invited the Peace Corps

to return to Peru. In addition to viewing Peace Corps as part of his 

development plan for the country, President Toledo had a personal 

relationship with the agency. When he was young, his family had 

hosted a Volunteer in their home in Chimbote. Volunteers taught 

him English and were instrumental in his decision to attend 

college and graduate school in the United States. President Toledo 

also worked at the Peace Corps training center in California, 

teaching Spanish while he was going to college. 
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Teams from Peace Corps headquarters made assessment visits to 

Peru in late 2001 and early 2002, and a country agreement was 

signed in Lima on March 23, 2002. The Peace Corps was 

represented by then-Director Gaddi Vasquez. Staff was deployed 

to Lima in May 2002. The first four Volunteers, third-year 

transferees from other Latin American countries, arrived in 

August 2002. They were followed by the first new group, arriving 

for training in November and swearing in as Volunteers in 

February 2003. A second group arrived in September 2003. Since 

then, two new groups of trainees have arrived each year. Over 770 

Volunteers have served in the country since 2002. 

Current Peace Corps/Peru Programs

The Peace Corps directs its Volunteers to live and work in rural 

communities where the needs are greater and services are fewer. 

Over 85 percent of Peace Corps Volunteers live in rural areas, 

with more than half in the sierra, where needs are typically 

greatest. While other development agencies may be focused on 

only one need and may not have a regular presence in a 

community, Peace Corps Volunteers serve for two years in the 

communities where they reside. Volunteers adopt a holistic, 

grassroots community development approach in partnership with 

government agencies and nongovernmental organizations 

(NGOs), as well as private businesses and institutions. 

Currently, Peace Corps/Peru Volunteers serve in five programs:

Youth Development – Volunteers work with schools and health 

posts in activities to develop self-esteem, creativity, educational 

success, career planning, vocational skills, healthy lifestyles, 

leadership skills, and good citizenship. Some Volunteers also 

work with children with special needs or disabilities.

Community Health – Volunteers work with health posts, NGOs, 

schools, teen and adult health promoters, parents, and community 

members, with a focus on health education and disease prevention. 

Activities relate to improvements in hygiene, nutrition, cooking 
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stoves, latrines, maternal and infant care, parenting, and education 

to prevent teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.

Small Business Development – Volunteers help artisan groups, 

agricultural associations, and other small businesses improve their 

incomes through better marketing, accounting, and management 

practices. Volunteers also teach youth entrepreneurship classes 

and facilitate the development of community banks to expand 

credit in rural areas.

Environmental Management – Volunteers work in rural 

communities with government authorities, schools, and 

community groups on environmental education, recycling, treeplanting and reforestation, solid waste management, and 

conservation of sensitive ecosystems and protected areas. 

Water and Sanitation – Volunteers assist rural communities in 

the construction and maintenance of water systems and latrines, 

solid waste disposal, and the practices of hygiene and sanitation.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW: PERU AT A GLANCE

History

When the Spanish landed in 1531, Peru’s territory was the nucleus 

of the highly developed Inca civilization. Centered in Cuzco, the 

Inca empire extended over a vast region from northern Ecuador to 

central Chile. In search of Inca wealth, Spanish explorer Francisco 

Pizarro, who arrived in the territory after the Incas had fought a 

debilitating civil war, conquered the weakened people. The 

Spanish captured the Inca capital at Cuzco in 1533 and 

consolidated their control by 1542. Gold and silver from the 

Andes enriched the conquerors, and Peru became the principal 

source of Spanish wealth and power in South America. 
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Pizarro founded Lima in 1535. The viceroyalty in Lima had 

jurisdiction over all of Spanish-controlled South America. 

Throughout the colonial period, right up to the wars of 

independence (1820-1824), Lima was the most distinguished 

colonial capital. 

Peru’s independence movement was led by José de San Martín of 

Argentina and Simón Bolívar of Venezuela. San Martín 

proclaimed Peru’s independence from Spain on July 28, 1821. 

Emancipation was completed in December 1824, when General 

Antonio José de Sucre defeated the Spanish troops at Ayacucho, 

ending Spanish rule in South America. Spain made some futile 

attempts to regain its former colonies, but in 1879, finally 

recognized Peru’s independence. 

After independence, Peru and its neighbors engaged in 

intermittent territorial disputes. Chile’s invasion of Peru and 

Bolivia in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) resulted in a 

territorial settlement. Following a clash between Peru and Ecuador 

in 1941, the Rio Protocol sought to establish boundaries between 

the two countries. Continuing border disagreements led to brief 

armed conflicts in 1981 and 1995, but in 1998, Peru and Ecuador 

signed a historic peace treaty and drew up boundaries at the 

border. In 1999, Peru and Chile likewise implemented the last 

outstanding article of their 1929 border agreement. 

The military has been prominent in Peruvian history. Coups have 

repeatedly interrupted civilian constitutional government. The 

most recent period of military rule (1968-1980) began when 

General Juan Velasco Alvarado overthrew elected President 

Fernando Belaúnde Terry of the Popular Action (Acción Popular 

or AP) Party. Velasco undertook an extensive agrarian reform 

program and nationalized the fish meal industry, some petroleum 

companies, and several banks and mining firms. Francisco 

Morales Bermúdez, a centrist Peruvian general who came to 

power in 1975, moved the revolution into a more pragmatic 

―second phase,‖ tempering the authoritarian abuses of Velasco and 
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beginning the task of restoring the country’s economy. Morales 

Bermúdez presided over the return to civilian government in 

accordance with a new constitution drawn up in 1979. In the May 

1980 elections, Belaúnde was returned to office by an impressive 

plurality. 

Nagging economic problems left over from the military 

government persisted, worsened by an occurrence of the El Niño 

weather phenomenon in 1982-1983, which caused widespread 

flooding on the coast and a severe drought in the highlands. The 

El Niño decimated schools of ocean fish, a major revenue source. 

During the 1980s, terrorism by Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) 

and the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) began 

and rapidly increased, deriving significant financial support from 

alliances with those involved in the illicit cultivation and 

trafficking of coca. In 1985, the American Popular Revolutionary 

Alliance (APRA) won the presidential election, bringing Alan 

García Pérez to office. The transfer of the presidency from 

Belaúnde to García on July 28, 1985, was Peru’s first exchange of 

power from one democratically elected leader to another in 40 

years. 

García’s management of the economy was deficient, and 

hyperinflation became rampant, particularly from 1988 to 1990.

Concerned about the economy, the increasing terrorist threat, and 

allegations of corruption, voters chose relatively unknown 

mathematician-turned-politician Alberto Fujimori as president in 

1990. Fujimori implemented drastic measures that caused inflation

to drop from 7,650 percent in 1990 to 139 percent in 1991. One of 

his other accomplishments was the jailing of Sendero Luminoso’s 

leadership and a significant reduction in terrorism. Faced with 

opposition to his reform efforts, Fujimori dissolved Congress in an 

―autocoup‖ on April 4, 1992. He then revised the constitution, 

called for new congressional elections, and implemented 

substantial economic reforms, including the privatization of 
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numerous state-owned companies and the creation of an 

investment-friendly climate. 

Fujimori won a second term in 1995, after engineering a change in 

the constitution to allow a president to run for a second 

consecutive term. Fujimori’s decision to seek a third term, even 

though not permitted by the constitution, and his subsequent 

victory in June 2000, brought political turmoil. A bribery scandal 

that broke just weeks later forced Fujimori to flee the country and 

resign from office in November 2000. A caretaker government 

presided over by Valentín Paniagua Corazao took on the 

responsibility of conducting new presidential and congressional 

elections in April 2001. 

Alejandro Toledo won the presidency in the elections of April 8 

and June 3, 2001, and he was sworn in on July 28, 2001. In his 

inaugural address, President Toledo pledged to continue the 

reconstruction of democratic institutions, fight poverty and 

unemployment through a reactivation of the economy, and combat 

corruption. In general, the Toledo administration was successful in 

promoting macroeconomic growth, with Peru leading South 

American countries from 2002 to 2005 in gross domestic product 

(GDP) growth rates. The public’s perception that the fruits of this 

growth were not reaching the citizenry and that the Toledo 

government was unconcerned with social programs caused 

President Toledo’s approval ratings to dip as low as 10 percent. 

Elections were held in April 2006, with a run-off in June between 

the two leading candidates. The winner was former President Alan 

García of the APRA party, who pledged not to repeat the policies 

that led to hyperinflation and uncontrolled terrorism. President 

García named experienced technocrats to many important 

positions, and his government attempted reforms and strengthened 

many social programs.

The current president is Ollanta Humala, who was sworn in on 

July 28, 2011. 
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Government

The president is popularly elected for a five-year term, and the 

1993 constitution permits one consecutive re-election. The first 

and second vice presidents also are popularly elected but have no 

constitutional functions unless the president is unable to discharge 

his duties. The principal executive body is the Council of 

Ministers, headed by a prime minister and appointed by the 

president. All presidential decree laws and draft bills sent to the 

legislative branch must be approved by the Council of Ministers. 

The legislative branch consists of a unicameral Congress of 120 

members. In addition to passing laws, Congress ratifies treaties, 

authorizes government loans, and approves the national budget. 

The president has the power to block legislation with which the 

executive branch does not agree. The judicial branch is headed by 

a 16-member Supreme Court seated in Lima. In 1996, an 

ombudsman’s office was created to address human rights issues. 

Peru is divided into 24 departments, plus the constitutional 

province of Callao, the country’s chief port, adjacent to Lima. 

Departments are subdivided into provinces, which are composed 

of districts (each with a municipal government). The national 

government is promoting decentralization and direct elections for 

local officials. In several parts of the country, adjoining 

departments are in the process of forming ―mega-regions‖ which, 

under the decentralization laws, will receive allotments from the 

central government and be able to determine how expenditures are 

made.

Economy

During the 1990s, Peru was transformed by market reforms and 

privatizations, setting the stage for long-term growth. Although 

some years have been better than others, real GDP has grown 

dramatically over the past decade. Growth rates have been above 5 

percent each of the past six years, with growth being driven by 

construction, mining, foreign investment, domestic demand, and 

exports. Other macroeconomic indicators have also been 
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favorable. Inflation rates are low (under 4 percent), exports are 

robust, the public sector has a fiscal surplus, and external debt is 

considered healthy. 

Peru is now a ―middle-income‖ country with significant inequality 

and numerous development challenges. Peru is changing rapidly, 

with the average 7.6 percent growth rate for the years 2006-

2010 surpassed only by Panama among Latin American 

countries.

In the period 2002-2010, poverty (about $92 income per 

month) has decreased from 54 percent to 31 percent and 

extreme poverty (about $51 per month) has declined from 24

percent to 10 percent. While this is impressive, the measure of 

poverty is equivalent to only $3 per day, which is little income 

in a consumer society. More striking are the widespread 

inequalities that persist in Peru for 2010:

54 percent of rural Peruvians were poor compared to 19

percent in urban areas

23 percent of rural Peruvians lived in extreme poverty (< 

$2/day) compared to 2.5 percent in urban areas

31 percent of children under age 5 were malnourished in rural 

areas compared to 10 percent in urban areas

40 percent of rural households have potable water compared 

to 90 percent of urban households

23 percent of rural households have sewage and sanitation 

compared to 83 percent of urban households

67 percent of children in rural areas attend secondary school 

compared to 84 percent in urban areas
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Poverty is highest in the sierra (49 percent of people) 

compared to the jungle (37 percent) and coast (18 percent)

People and Culture

Peru has a population of about 29 million, more than 70 percent of 

whom live in urban or semi-urban areas. Some 8.7 million people 

live in and around the capital of Lima, and there are 18 other cities 

with a population of 100,000 or more. Approximately 85 percent 

of the population is split roughly equally between indigenous and 

mestizo (mixed indigenous and European descent). The lines, 

however, are not clearly drawn, since socioeconomic and cultural 

factors are as important as actual blood lines. For example, 

Peruvians of pure Amerindian descent who have adopted aspects 

of Hispanic culture typically consider themselves mestizos. About 

10 percent of the population is white, and roughly 5 percent is 

made up of black, Chinese, Japanese, and other groups. In the past 

decade, Peruvians of Asian heritage have made significant 

advancements in business and politics; a past president, several 

past cabinet members, and several current members of the 

Peruvian Congress are of Japanese or Chinese descent. 

Peru has two official languages—Spanish and Quechua, the latter 

being the most widely spoken indigenous language. Spanish is the 

dominant language of government, culture, and commerce. 

Quechua is spoken by many indigenous people who live in the 

Andean highlands, although there are other indigenous languages 

spoken in the highlands as well. Some indigenous communities 

speak only Spanish. Indigenous groups who live on the eastern 

side of the Andes and in the tropical lowlands adjacent to the 

Amazon basin speak a variety of native languages. 

There are significant socioeconomic divides between the mestizo 

culture of the coast and the traditional Andean cultures of the 

mountains and highland valleys. In the tropical areas east of the 

Andes, there are a variety of groups; some still adhere to 

traditional customs, while others have been almost completely 

assimilated into the mestizo-Hispanic culture. 
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Environment

Sharing borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and 

Chile, Peru is a large and diverse country. Its unique 

environmental variations include the arid coastal desert, the 

Andean mountains and valleys, and the Amazonian tropical 

forests. With so many ecosystems and climatic zones, it should 

come as no surprise that Peru is a country rich in biodiversity, 

with many rare species of flora and fauna. 

With such extreme geographical variations, Peru’s climate differs 

significantly among regions. While the valleys tend to maintain a 

moderate temperature, the highlands are dry and cool during much 

of the year, and the tropical lowlands are hot and humid. The 

country has suffered through historical cycles of flooding and 

drought. Like many other areas in the Americas, Peru is subject to 

occasional tremors and earthquakes, particularly in the northern 

coastal area. 
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RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Following is a list of websites for additional information about the 

Peace Corps and Peru and to connect you to returned Volunteers 

and other invitees. Please keep in mind that although we try to 

make sure all these links are active and current, we cannot 

guarantee it. If you do not have access to the Internet, visit your 

local library. Libraries offer free Internet usage and often let you 

print information to take home.

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that you may 

find bulletin boards and chat rooms in which people are free to 

express opinions about the Peace Corps based on their own 

experience, including comments by those who were unhappy with 

their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These opinions are not 

those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government, and we hope 

you will keep in mind that no two people experience their service 

in the same way.

General Information About Peru

www.livinginperu.com

This is an excellent website that is frequently accessed by expats,

as well as PC Volunteers in Peru. News, lifestyle, travel, food, 

cultural info, etc.

www.countrywatch.com/peru

On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in the 

capital of Peru to how to convert from the dollar to the Peru 

currency. Just click on Peru and go from there.

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in

the world.
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

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www.state.gov

The State Department’s website issues background notes 

periodically about countries around the world. Find Peru and learn 

more about its social and political history. You can also go to the 

site’s international travel section to check on conditions that may 

affect your safety.

www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm

This includes links to all the official sites for governments 

worldwide.

www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm

This online world atlas includes maps and geographical 

information, and each country page contains links to other sites, 

such as the Library of Congress, that contain comprehensive 

historical, social, and political background.

www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp 

This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical 

information for member states of the U.N.

www.worldinformation.com

This site provides an additional source of current and historical 

information about countries around the world.

Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

www.rpcv.org

This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made up 

of returned Volunteers. On this site you can find links to all the 

Web pages of the ―Friends of‖ groups for most countries of 

service, comprised of former Volunteers who served in those 

countries. There are also regional groups that frequently get 

together for social events and local volunteer activities. Or go 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

19

straight to the Friends of Peru site: 

www.amigosdeboliviayperu.org 

www.PeaceCorpsWorldwide.org

This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. It is a 

monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer accounts of 

their Peace Corps service.

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Peru

www.peruviantimes.com

News and feature articles in English. 

www.elcomercio.com.pe and www.larepublica.com.pe

Websites of two Lima-based daily news publications.

fullcoverage.yahoo.com/full_coverage/world/peru 

Yahoo’s news service links to recent articles from a variety of 

sources. 

www.escapeartist.com/peru/peru.htm 

Useful tips for those moving to Peru. 

www.unicef.org/infobycountry/peru_statistics.html#2

Health statistics on Peru from UNICEF. 

International Development Sites About Peru

The following agencies have programs in Peru. The Peace Corps 

works or has worked directly with the Ministry of Health, 

PRISMA, CARE, and PIDECAFE, and has a close relationship 

with USAID. 

www.usaid.gov/country/lac 

The United States Agency for International Development 

(USAID) 
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www.paho.org 

Pan American Health Organization 

www.iadb.org 

The Inter-American Development Bank 

www.minsa.gob.pe 

Peru’s Ministry of Health (in Spanish) 

www.care.org.pe 

CARE/Peru (in Spanish) 

www.pidecafe.com.pe 

PIDECAFE, a Peruvian nongovernmental organization promoting 

the production of organic coffee and cane sugar (in Spanish) 

Recommended Books

Books About the History of the Peace Corps

1. Meisler, Stanley. When the World Calls: The Inside Story of the 

Peace Corps and its First 50 Years. Boston, Mass.: Beacon Press, 

2011.

2. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The Peace 

Corps and the Spirit of the 1960s. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard 

University Press, 2000.

3. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace Corps. Notre 

Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press, 1985.

4. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver.

Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2004.

Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place. 

Santa Barbara, Calif.: McSeas Books, 2004.
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

21

2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan Peace 

Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, Wash.: Red Apple Publishing, 

2000.

3. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the 

Heart of an African Village. New York, N.Y.: Picador, 2003.

4. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze. New 

York, N.Y.: Perennial, 2001.

5. Kennedy, Geraldine ed. From the Center of the Earth: Stories out 

of the Peace Corps. Santa Monica, Calif.: Clover Park Press, 

1991.

6. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. 

Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington Press, 1997 (reprint).

Books About Peru

1. Start, Orin. The Peru Reader: History, Culture, Politics. 

Duke University Press, 2005.

2. Wilson, Jason. The Andes, A Cultural History. Oxford 

University Press, 2009.
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

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LIVING CONDITIONS AND 

VOLUNTEER LIFESTYLE 

Communications

We strongly recommend that you establish a regular and realistic 

communication pattern with your family and friends so they do 

not become concerned if they do not hear from you for an 

extended period of time. 

Mail 

Most Volunteers find the Peruvian postal service (Serpost) to be 

safe and reliable, though it is slower than service in the United 

States. In general, airmail takes about two weeks to and from 

Peru. During training, you can receive mail at the Peace Corps:

Cuerpo de Paz - Peru 

―Your Name,‖ PCT 

Via Lactea 132

Surco,

Lima, Peru 

Once you are sworn in as a Volunteer, you will be assigned a 

regional post office box in a city convenient to your site, or will be 

asked to use your host family’s address as your mailing address. 

You are responsible for notifying family members and friends 

about your new address. 

We do not recommend that people mail you packages. All 

packages over half a kilo (1.1 pounds) or with a declared value of 

$100 or more will be assessed customs duty fees based on the 

value of the items enclosed. This not only is costly, but is a timeconsuming process. We recommend that friends and family only 

send small items (e.g., one book or one cassette or compact disk) 

and use padded envelopes. 
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23

Having items sent to you via a shipping company (e.g., FedEx, 

UPS) does not eliminate the requirement to pay customs fees. You 

may also be assessed a delivery charge. Shipping companies, 

however, may be a good way to receive important documents with 

no commercial value. 

It is not advisable for your family or friends to send you money by 

cash or check. ATM machines are common in Peru, and many 

accept U.S. ATM cards. Your family can deposit money for you 

in your U.S. account, and then you can access the money via an

ATM. 

We request that your family not send money for your community 

or for projects in which you are involved. Once you are at your 

site, you and Peace Corps staff members can determine the most 

appropriate way to access outside resources, should they be 

needed. 

Should you and Peace Corps staff determine that it is advisable to 

seek outside funding for a project in your community, one 

alternative is the Peace Corps Partnership Program, through which 

family members and other private individuals and firms may 

donate funds through Peace Corps and receive a tax deduction. 

More information may be found on the Peace Corps website, 

www.peacecorps.gov, or at 1.800.424.8580, ext. 2170 

Computer, Internet, and Email Access 

All major cities and many smaller communities in Peru have 

Internet centers. You may or may not have access to the Internet at 

your site, but if not, you will be able to access the Internet and 

send and receive emails in your regional capital for a reasonable 

hourly rate. In addition, the Peace Corps office in Lima has 

Internet-accessible computers available for Volunteer use, as well 

as WIFI for those Volunteers who use their own laptop.
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24

Telephones 

International phone service to and from Peru is relatively good. 

Some Volunteers have telephone access in their homes and/or 

work facilities. When that is not the case, there is access to a 

community telephone. There are inexpensive local and 

international calling cards available in Peru that provide 

affordable rates. International long-distance calls without a calling 

card can be expensive. 

The cellular telephone network in Peru is expanding rapidly. Most 

Volunteers live in communities with cellular service, or have 

cellular service nearby. The Peace Corps does not provide 

cellphones or cellphone service to Volunteers, but does arrange 

for Volunteers to participate in a low-cost group plan. Almost all 

Volunteers participate in the plan. 

Housing and Site Location

During training, you will live with a Peruvian family near one of 

the training facilities. Sharing meals, conversation, and other 

experiences with your host family is an important step in 

developing the skills and attitudes that will help you integrate into 

your Peruvian community. 

For months prior to your arrival, the associate Peace Corps 

director (APCD) for your sector will be exploring potential 

assignments with counterpart agencies, local municipal 

authorities, and community leaders. Peace Corps strategic goals, 

counterpart agency goals, local interest, and the perception that a 

Volunteer can be successful at the site are all factors that are 

considered. Assignments may be in a city, a mid-sized town, a 

small town, or a rural village. You will be matched to one of these 

assignments based on your specific background and experience. 

While you will have an opportunity to discuss geographic 

preferences with your APCD during training, the final decision 

will be based on the best match between your skills and 

community needs. 
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25

All Volunteers in Peru are required to live with a family during 

their entire service. Living with a family may require adjustments 

that some North Americans find difficult, given our cultural 

values concerning privacy and personal space. The benefits of this 

policy, however, far outweigh any negatives. Living with a 

Peruvian family allows you to quickly integrate into the 

community and greatly enhances your safety and security. In 

addition, your language and cross-cultural skills will be reinforced 

daily. 

Housing is usually made of cement or adobe blocks, sometimes 

covered with stucco. Roofs are made of tile, corrugated tin, or 

thatch. You will have your own room, which may be within the 

larger house or a separate room within a family compound. You 

will likely have electricity and occasional running water, although 

not all Volunteers do. You will have access to either indoor 

plumbing or a latrine. 

Living Allowance and Money Management

All Volunteers receive a monthly living allowance, paid in 

Peruvian currency, enabling them to maintain a modest but safe, 

healthy, and adequate lifestyle. The living allowance is reviewed 

once a year to ensure that it is sufficient to meet basic needs, and 

is adjusted by the Peace Corps if necessary. Living allowances in 

Peru vary by site, but tend to be around $350 (U.S.).

Three additional allowances are provided to Volunteers. First, 

Volunteers receive the equivalent of $24 in Peruvian currency 

each month to help with vacation expenses. Volunteers accrue two 

days of vacation leave for each month of service. Second, after 

taking the oath of service, each Volunteer receives a one-time 

settling-in allowance to cover the initial expenses of furnishing a 

room and purchasing basic supplies. Finally, the Peace Corps sets 

aside $275 for each month of service, which is available after 

completion of service. This readjustment allowance permits 

returning Volunteers to resettle in the United States without undue 

burden. The living allowance, vacation allowance, and settling-in 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

26

allowance are deposited in Volunteers’ local bank accounts, which 

can be accessed via ATMs. 

As a Volunteer, your effectiveness depends in large measure upon 

living at the level of the people in your community. We encourage 

you not to rely on gifts or savings from home to supplement your 

monthly living allowance. That said, you may wish to tap savings 

for extraordinary expenses or for travel during vacations. ATM 

cards from most U.S. financial institutions are readily accepted at 

ATM machines in larger communities. U.S. credit cards are also 

widely accepted. 

Food and Diet

Your diet will vary according to your site location. While each 

region has its traditional foods and specialties, potatoes, rice, and 

pasta are part of the diet everywhere. Many Volunteers have most 

of their meals with their host family. Others make arrangements 

with another family, rotate among families in their community, or 

prepare their own meals. 

It can be challenging to maintain a strictly vegetarian diet during 

Peace Corps service because of community customs. Nonetheless, 

many Volunteers have been able to maintain a vegetarian diet 

successfully, and one Volunteer has even prepared a vegetarian 

cookbook using locally available Peruvian ingredients. 

Transportation

Public transportation varies widely, depending on the site. 

Volunteers living in or visiting cities use taxis, minivans, and 

three-wheeled ―mototaxis.‖ Communities where Volunteers live 

have regular public transportation to and from the community, at 

least once a day. Roads are often unpaved, and the buses may be 

slow and unreliable. Most Volunteers are within an hour (by foot 

or regular ground transportation) from another Volunteer’s site, 

and all Volunteers are within three hours by bus from another 

Volunteer site. 
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27

As a Volunteer, you will be responsible for arranging your 

personal and work-related travel and for transporting personal 

belongings, supplies, and project-related equipment to and from 

your site. For Volunteer safety, the Peace Corps requires 

Volunteers use certain carriers that have good safety records on 

long-distance bus routes. Your living allowance is calculated to 

cover your transportation needs. 

Bus travel in Peru is often long and arduous. It is not uncommon 

for Volunteers to be 14 to 18 hours from Lima. Roads are often 

dusty, and significant elevation changes and temperature 

fluctuations are common. Volunteers must be willing and able to 

adjust to such conditions. 

Volunteers in Peru may not operate motor vehicles during their 

service, including motorcycles. Volunteers in Peru may not be 

passengers on motorcycles. Riding on a motorcycle is grounds for 

administrative separation. 

In some areas, both urban and rural, conditions are difficult for 

bicycle riders. Streets and roads are bumpy and narrow, and 

unexpected hazards (e.g., potholes and uncovered manholes) are 

commonplace. Motor vehicle operators show little respect for 

bicycle riders. In some sites, however, Volunteers find that 

bicycles are an excellent means of transportation, especially when 

their jobs require them to be at multiple locations. The Peace 

Corps provides bicycles to Volunteers, who need them for 

transportation to their worksites. Volunteers must wear Peace 

Corps-issued helmets when riding bicycles and are responsible for 

bicycle maintenance and repair. 

Geography and Climate

Three times the size of California, Peru boasts unique biological 

and geographic diversity, ranging from stark desert bordering the 

Pacific, to productive highland valleys, to treeless plains 

surrounding snow-covered peaks, to tropical jungle lowlands. 
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28

The arid coastal desert is interspersed with irrigated agricultural 

zones that support prosperous towns and fishing villages. The 

highland valleys are characteristically temperate and provide 

fertile soil. The alternating hills and flatlands of the sierra are 

punctuated with breathtaking, snow-covered mountain peaks that 

reach more than 20,000 feet. The lowlands offer steamy forests 

and swamps, along with high humidity and tropical downpours. 

Though the coast is arid, it is marked by high humidity yearround. During the winter season (May-November), much of the 

coastal plain is overcast and chilly. During the summer 

(December-April), skies clear and temperatures can get quite hot. 

In the sierra, seasons are defined more by rainfall. The rainy 

season is generally November through March. The driest months 

are May through September. In both seasons, temperatures during 

the day are moderate, while nights are cool. 

Social Activities

Most social activities revolve around daily and special events in 

the community, including religious holidays and processions. 

Volunteers are often invited to join family and community events 

such as birthday parties and sports activities, or just to chat over 

coffee. 

Integrating into your community is the key to an enjoyable and 

rich experience as a Volunteer. By building solid relationships—

through both your work assignment and interaction with Peruvian 

neighbors and other community members—you will have greater 

opportunities to participate in social activities. 

You will need to develop a keen awareness of Peruvian culture 

and customs. Many celebrations and other social events include 

significant alcohol consumption. In the interest of safety, you will 

have to exercise careful judgment when under social pressure to 

drink. 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

29

The Peace Corps prohibits the use of all illegal drugs, including 

marijuana, by Peace Corps Volunteers and trainees. The 

government of Peru, with the support of the United States, has 

taken a strong stand against the illegal cultivation of coca and the 

use of illegal drugs. It has passed stringent anti-drug laws that 

mandate stiff prison sentences for possession and use of drugs. 

Any invitee who feels compelled to use illegal substances should 

not accept an invitation to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer. 

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

Most Peruvians take great pride in being neat, clean, and wellgroomed, and Volunteers should follow the example of Peruvians 

at their worksites and in their communities. Inappropriate dress or 

grooming is considered disrespectful, may make Peruvians less 

receptive to you, and may single you out and put you in danger. 

During training, and occasionally as a Volunteer, there will be 

times when it is appropriate for men to wear jackets and ties and 

for women to wear dresses or slacks and a blouse. In classroom 

and office settings in cities and larger towns, attire should be 

professionally casual—skirts or slacks for women, slacks and 

button-down shirts with collars for men. Work clothes at field or 

rural sites will be more informal—for example, men and women 

may wear jeans and boots. Clothes should always be neat and 

clean. 

The climate impacts dress significantly. In warmer areas, men will 

wear short-sleeved shirts and women, sleeveless blouses and 

dresses. In colder areas, men and women wear sweaters and 

jackets. It is best to bring a variety of clothing that can be layered. 

Shorts are generally worn only in the home, at the beach, or in 

other informal settings, not on the street. Visible piercings, other 

than pierced ears for women (one per ear) or tiny nose studs on 

women , are strongly discouraged and may make the Volunteer an 

unwanted source of attention. The same goes for visible tattoos. It 

is preferable that male Volunteers not have ponytails, long hair, or 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

30

beards, but if so, hair must be neatly groomed, and beards must be 

neat and trimmed. 

Personal Safety

More detailed information about the Peace Corps’ approach to 

safety is contained in the ―Health Care and Safety‖ chapter, but it 

is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. As stated in 

the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer 

entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar 

environment (oftentimes alone), having a limited understanding of 

local language and culture, and being perceived as well-off are 

some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Many 

Volunteers experience varying degrees of unwanted attention and 

harassment. Petty thefts and burglaries are not uncommon, and 

incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, although most 

Peru Volunteers complete their two years of service without 

incident. The Peace Corps has established procedures and policies 

designed to help you reduce your risks and enhance your safety 

and security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety 

training, will be provided once you arrive in Peru. Using these 

tools, you are expected to take responsibility for your safety and 

well-being.

Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing 

Volunteers with the support they need to successfully meet the 

challenges they will face to have a safe, healthy, and productive 

service. We encourage Volunteers and families to look at our 

safety and security information on the Peace Corps website at 

www.peacecorps.gov/safety.

Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer health 

and Volunteer safety. There is a section titled ―Safety and Security 

in Depth.‖ Among topics addressed are the risks of serving as a 

Volunteer, posts’ safety support systems, and emergency planning 

and communications.
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31

Rewards and Frustrations

It takes sensitivity and effort to establish your credibility, both as a 

professional and as a member of your community. With most 

Peruvians, you will need to develop friendly social relationships

before you can proceed with satisfactory work relationships. 

Volunteers in Peru must demonstrate flexibility and maturity, the 

ability to deal with uncertainty and ambiguity, and a sense of 

humor. 

Successfully addressing the challenges of Peace Corps service 

depends in large part on the attitude of the individual Volunteer. 

Some common occurrences you may find annoying or frustrating 

include having to repeatedly explain your role as a Volunteer, 

limited technical support from your counterparts, numerous delays 

during the course of your work and daily life, lack of privacy, 

gossip about you, and perceptions that you are a wealthy 

foreigner. 

Other frustrations faced by Volunteers result from inadequate 

infrastructure, including poor roads, infrequent and unreliable 

public transportation, poor means of communication, and lack of 

access to water and sanitation facilities. Volunteers also may get 

bothered by community health and hygiene practices, antiquated 

educational approaches, and an inappropriate dependence on 

external resources. 

On the other hand, there are few more enriching experiences than 

living and working in a new culture, interacting with people 

different from you, developing an awareness of diverse values, 

and helping others to better their lives. Volunteers find that the 

rewards of Peace Corps service far outweigh the challenges. Most 

Volunteers report a high level of personal satisfaction in 

developing new technical and language skills, discovering 

formerly untapped personal strengths and abilities, broadening 

their global perspective, deepening their cultural understanding, 

and helping others live happier, healthier, and more productive 

lives. 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

32

PEACE CORPS TRAINING

Overview of Pre-Service Training

Pre-service training is the first event within a competency-based 

training program that continues throughout your 27 months of 

service in Peru. Pre-service training ensures that Volunteers are 

equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively 

perform their jobs. Approximately, 95 percent of trainees are 

sworn in as Volunteers. 

Pre-service training is conducted in Peru and directed by the Peace 

Corps. During the 10 weeks of pre-service training, Peace 

Corps/Peru staff measure each trainee’s achievement of learning 

objectives and determines if trainees have successfully achieved 

competencies, including language standards, for swearing in as 

Peace Corps Volunteers. 

Pre-service training affords the opportunity for trainees to develop 

and test their own resources. As a trainee, you will play an active 

role in self-education. You will be asked to decide how best to set 

and meet objectives and to find alternative solutions. You will be 

asked to prepare for an experience in which you will often have to 

take the initiative and accept responsibility for decisions. The 

success of your learning will be enhanced by your own effort to 

take responsibility for your learning and through sharing 

experiences with others. 

Peace Corps training is founded on adult learning methods that 

include experiential ―hands-on‖ applications, such as conducting a 

participatory community needs assessment and facilitating groups. 

Successful training results in competence in various technical, 

linguistic, cross-cultural, health, and safety and security areas. 
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33

The ability to integrate into a community is one of the core 

competencies Volunteers strive to achieve both in pre-service 

training and during the first several months of service. Successful 

sustainable development work is based on the local trust and 

confidence Volunteers build by living in, and respectfully 

integrating into, the Peruvian community and culture. Trainees are 

prepared for this through a ―homestay‖ experience, which requires 

trainees to live with host families during pre-service training. 

Integration into the community not only facilitates good working 

relationships, but it fosters language learning and cross-cultural 

acceptance and trust, which help ensure your health, safety, and 

security. 

Woven into the competencies, the ability to communicate in the 

host country language is critical to being an effective Peace Corps 

Volunteer. So basic is this precept that it is spelled out in the 

Peace Corps Act: ―No person shall be assigned to duty as a 

Volunteer under this act in any foreign country or area unless at 

the time of such assignment he (or she) possesses such reasonable 

proficiency as his (or her) assignment requires in speaking the 

language of the country or area to which he (or she) is assigned.‖

Qualifying for Service 

The pre-service training experience provides an opportunity not 

only for the Peace Corps to assess a trainee’s competence, but for 

trainees to re-evaluate their commitment to serve for 27 months to 

improve the quality of life of the people with whom Volunteers 

live and work and, in doing so, develop new knowledge, skills, 

and attitudes while adapting existing ones. 

Peace Corps/Peru’s competencies are designed to be accomplished 

throughout the Volunteer’s 27 months of learning. Peru’s 

competencies include the following: 

1. Integrate into a Peruvian community 

2. Facilitate participative community development 
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34

3. Co-facilitate capacity building 

4. Practice wellness and personal safety in the Peruvian context 

5. Commit to professional accountability and service within the 

Peace Corps/Peru mission 

Evaluation of your performance throughout service is a continual 

process, as Volunteers are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a 

week for personal conduct and professional performance. 

Successful completion of pre-service training is characterized by 

achievement of a set of learning objectives to determine 

competence. Failure to meet any of the selection standards by the 

completion of training may be grounds for a withdrawal of 

selection and disqualification from Peace Corps service. 

Progress in one’s own learning is a dialogue between you and the 

training staff. All of the training staff—including the training 

manager, and the language, technical, medical, safety and security, 

and cross-cultural trainers—will work with you toward the highest 

possible competencies by providing you with feedback on 

learning objective performance throughout training. After 

reviewing and observing your performance, the country director is 

responsible for making the final decision on whether you have 

qualified to serve as a Volunteer in the host country. 

Upon successful completion of training, trainees who qualify for 

Peace Corps service are required by law to swear or affirm an oath 

of loyalty to the United States; it cannot be waived under any 

circumstances. The text of the oath is provided below. If you have 

any questions about the wording or meaning of the oath, consult a 

staff member during training. 

I, (your name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support 

and defend the Constitution of the United States of America 

against all enemies, domestic or foreign, that I take this obligation 

freely, and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

35

and that I will well and faithfully discharge my duties in the Peace 

Corps (so help me God). 

Technical Training

Technical training will prepare you to work in Peru by building on 

the skills you already have and helping you develop new skills in 

a manner appropriate to the needs of the country. The Peace Corps 

staff, Peruvian experts, and current Volunteers will conduct the 

training program. Training places great emphasis on learning how 

to transfer the skills you have to the community in which you will 

serve as a Volunteer. 

Technical training will include sessions on the general economic 

and political environment in Peru and strategies for working 

within such a framework. You will review your technical sector’s 

goals and will meet with the Peruvian agencies and organizations 

that invited the Peace Corps to assist them. You will be supported 

and evaluated throughout the training to build the confidence and 

skills you need to undertake your project activities and be a 

productive member of your community.

Language Training

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills are 

key to personal and professional satisfaction during your service. 

These skills are critical to your job performance, they help you 

integrate into your community, and they can ease your personal 

adaptation to the new surroundings. Therefore, language training 

is at the heart of the training program. You must successfully meet 

minimum language requirements to complete training and become 

a Volunteer. Peruvian language instructors teach formal language 

classes five days a week in small groups of four to five people.

Your language training will incorporate a community-based 

approach. In addition to classroom time, you will be given 

assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with your 

host family. The goal is to get you to a point of basic social 

communication skills so you can practice and develop language 
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36

skills further once you are at your site. Prior to being sworn in as a 

Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language 

studies during your service.

Cross-Cultural Training

As part of your pre-service training, you will live with a Peruvian 

host family. This experience is designed to ease your transition to 

life at your site. Families go through an orientation conducted by 

Peace Corps staff to explain the purpose of pre-service training 

and to assist them in helping you adapt to living in Peru. Many 

Volunteers form strong and lasting friendships with their host 

families.

Cross-cultural and community development training will help you 

improve your communication skills and understand your role as a 

facilitator of development. You will be exposed to topics such as 

community mobilization, conflict resolution, gender and 

development, non formal and adult education strategies, and 

political structures.

Health Training

During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical 

training and information. You will be expected to practice 

preventive health care and to take responsibility for your own 

health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required to 

attend all medical sessions. The topics include preventive health 

measures and minor and major medical issues that you might 

encounter while in Peru. Nutrition, mental health, setting up a safe 

living compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually 

transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered.

Safety Training

During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to adopt a 

lifestyle that reduces your risks at home, at work, and during your 

travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective strategies for 

coping with unwanted attention and about your individual 

responsibility for promoting safety throughout your service.
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37

Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service

In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the Peace 

Corps has implemented a training system that provides Volunteers 

with continual opportunities to examine their commitment to 

Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and crosscultural skills. During service, there are usually three training 

events. The titles and objectives for those trainings are as follows: 

In-service training (IST): Provides opportunities for Volunteers to 

upgrade their technical, language, and project development skills 

while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment. 

Midterm conference: Assists Volunteers in reviewing their first 

year, reassessing their personal and project objectives, and 

planning for their second year of service.

Close-of-service conference: Prepares Volunteers for the future 

after Peace Corps service and reviews their respective projects 

and personal experiences. 

The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted to 

country-specific needs and conditions. The key to the training 

system is that training events are integrated and interrelated, from 

the pre-departure orientation through the end of your service, and 

are planned, implemented, and evaluated cooperatively by the 

training staff, Peace Corps staff, and Volunteers.
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38

YOUR HEALTH CARE AND

SAFETY IN PERU

The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good health 

and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical programs 

emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, approach to 

disease. The Peace Corps in Peru maintains a clinic with a fulltime medical officer, who takes care of Volunteers’ primary health 

care needs. Additional medical services, such as testing and basic 

treatment, are also available in Peru at local hospitals. If you 

become seriously ill, you will be transported either to an 

American-standard medical facility in the region or to the United 

States.

Health Issues in Peru

Infectious diarrhea, tuberculosis, hepatitis, dengue fever, and 

typhoid fever are among the illnesses that are widely found in 

Peru. Malaria, bartonellosis, leishmaniasis, and yellow fever are 

endemic in specific areas of the country. All of these diseases can 

be prevented through vaccinations or preventive health measures. 

Immunizations are required for all Volunteers in Peru and are kept 

current during their tour. The Peace Corps medical officer will 

determine your immunization and medication needs based on your 

medical history and site assignment. For Volunteers assigned to 

areas where malaria is found, taking an antimalarial medication 

and sleeping inside a mosquito net are mandatory. 

About 40 percent of Volunteers in Peru are assigned to highaltitude locations (above 8,000 feet). A quarter to one-half of all 

people who travel to high altitude locations experience an 

unpleasant period of acclimatization that may persist for several 

days. Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headache, 

nausea, vomiting, respiratory distress, and insomnia. On rare 

occasions, altitude sickness may transform itself into pulmonary 

edema and other life-threatening illnesses. It is not possible to tell 

in advance who will have problems, although those who have had 
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39

previous difficulties are likely to have similar problems each time 

they go to high altitudes. Those with respiratory infections, such 

as colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia, should delay travel to high 

altitudes until they are fully recovered. People with certain preexisting medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, 

angina pectoris, asthma, or emphysema, should get clearance from 

a physician before traveling to high altitudes. The Peace Corps 

medical officer is available to consult with Volunteers prior to 

their travel or assignment to high altitude locations. There are 

medicines that help prevent or relieve the symptoms of altitude 

sickness, which the medical officer prescribes when appropriate. 

Lima and the training center are located close to sea level, and 

there are no altitude issues. 

Helping You Stay Healthy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary 

inoculations, medications, and information to stay healthy. Upon 

your arrival in Peru, you will receive a medical handbook. At the 

end of training, you will receive a medical kit with supplies to take 

care of mild illnesses and first aid needs. The contents of the kit 

are listed later in this chapter. 

During pre-service training, you will have access to basic medical 

supplies through the medical officer. However, you will be 

responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs and any 

other specific medical supplies you require, as the Peace Corps 

will not order these items during training. Please bring a threemonth supply of any prescription drugs you use, since they may 

not be available here and it may take several months for shipments 

to arrive.

You will have physicals at the mid-service conference and at the 

end of your service. If you develop a serious medical problem 

during your service, the medical officer in Peru will consult with 

the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is 

determined that your condition cannot be treated in Peru, you may 

be sent out of the country for further evaluation and care.
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40

Maintaining Your Health

As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for 

your own health. Proper precautions will significantly reduce your 

risk of serious illness or injury. The adage ―An ounce of 

prevention ...‖ becomes extremely important in areas where 

diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to the standards of 

the United States. 

Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely 

preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken. These 

illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, hepatitis A, 

dysentery, Guinea worms, and typhoid fever. Your medical officer 

will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in 

Peru during pre-service training.

Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection with 

HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. You are taking risks 

if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk, use a condom 

every time you have sex. Whether your partner is a host country 

citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do not assume this 

person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You will receive more 

information from the medical officer about this important issue.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of birth 

control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your medical officer 

can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your 

individual needs. Contraceptive methods are available without 

charge from the medical officer. 

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the medical 

office or other designated facility for scheduled immunizations, 

and that you let the medical officer know immediately of 

significant illnesses and injuries.

Women’s Health Information

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer health 

conditions that require medical attention but also have 
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41

programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible for 

determining the medical risk and the availability of appropriate 

medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given the 

circumstances under which Volunteers live and work in Peace 

Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps’ medical and 

programmatic standards for continued service during pregnancy 

can be met. 

If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase

on the local market, the Peace Corps medical officer in Peru will 

provide them. If you require a specific product, please bring a 

three-month supply with you.

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit that 

contains basic items necessary to prevent and treat illnesses that 

may occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked 

at the medical office.

Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages

Adhesive tape

American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook

Antacid tablets (Tums)

Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)

Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)

Band-Aids

Butterfly closures

Calamine lotion
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42

Cepacol lozenges

Condoms

Dental floss

Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)

Insect repellent stick (Cutter’s)

Iodine tablets (for water purification)

Lip balm (Chapstick)

Oral rehydration salts

Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)

Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)

Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)

Scissors

Sterile gauze pads

Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)

Tinactin (antifungal cream)

Tweezers

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist

If there has been any change in your health—physical, mental, or 

dental—since you submitted your examination reports to the 

Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of Medical 

Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, allergies, or 
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43

pregnancy can endanger your health and may jeopardize your 

eligibility to serve. 

If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your 

physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office of 

Medical Services to find out whether you need to update your 

records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has 

recommended that you undergo dental treatment or repair, you 

must complete that work and make sure your dentist sends 

requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the Office of Medical 

Services.

If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact your 

physician’s office to obtain a copy of your immunization record 

and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you have any 

immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the Peace Corps 

cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace Corps will provide 

all the immunizations necessary for your overseas assignment, 

either at your pre-departure orientation or shortly after you arrive 

in Peru. You do not need to begin taking malaria medication prior 

to departure.

Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-thecounter medication you use on a regular basis, including birth 

control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for 

this three-month supply, it will order refills during your service. 

While awaiting shipment—which can take several months—you 

will be dependent on your own medication supply. The Peace 

Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed medications, such 

as St. John’s wort, glucosamine, selenium, or antioxidant 

supplements.

You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions 

signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but they 

might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about 

carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs.
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44

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and a 

spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace them, using 

the information your doctor in the United States provided on the 

eyeglasses form during your examination. The Peace Corps 

discourages you from using contact lenses during your service to 

reduce your risk of developing a serious infection or other eye 

disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have appropriate 

water and sanitation to support eye care with the use of contact 

lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses 

or associated solutions unless an ophthalmologist has 

recommended their use for a specific medical condition and the 

Peace Corps’ Office of Medical Services has given approval.

If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or have 

a health condition that may restrict your future participation in 

health care plans, you may wish to consult an insurance specialist 

about unique coverage needs before your departure. The Peace 

Corps will provide all necessary health care from the time you 

leave for your pre-departure orientation until you complete your 

service. When you finish, you will be entitled to the post-service 

health care benefits described in the Peace Corps Volunteer 

Handbook. You may wish to consider keeping an existing health 

plan in effect during your service if you think age or pre-existing 

conditions might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current 

plan when you return home.
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45

Safety and Security—Our Partnership

Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and security 

risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a limited 

understanding of the local language and culture, and the 

perception of being a wealthy American are some of the factors 

that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property theft and burglaries are 

not uncommon. Incidents of physical and sexual assault do occur, 

although almost all Volunteers complete their two years of service 

without serious personal safety problems.

Beyond knowing that Peace Corps approaches safety and security 

as a partnership with you, it might be helpful to see how this 

partnership works. Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and 

training in place to promote your safety. We depend on you to 

follow those policies and to put into practice what you have 

learned. An example of how this works in practice—in this case to 

help manage the risk of burglary—is:

 Peace Corps assesses the security environment where 

you will live and work

 Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live 

according to established security criteria before you 

start your Peace Corps service.

 Peace Corp provides you with resources to take 

measures such as installing new locks

 Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country 

authorities in your new community

 Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you 

raise

 You lock your doors and windows

 You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community 

where you live

 You get to know neighbors

 You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is 

appropriate for you
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46

 You don’t change residences before being authorized 

by Peace Corps

 You communicate concerns that you have to Peace 

Corps staff

This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions and 

Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and Your Health Care 

and Safety that all include important safety and security 

information to help you understand this partnership. The Peace 

Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the tools they need to 

function in the safest way possible, because working to maximize 

the safety and security of Volunteers is our highest priority. Not 

only do we provide you with training and tools to prepare for the 

unexpected, but we teach you to identify, reduce, and manage the 

risks you may encounter.

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s risk, 

many of which are within the Volunteer’s control. By far the most 

common crime that Volunteers experience is theft. Thefts often 

occur when Volunteers are away from their sites, in crowded 

locations (such as markets or on public transportation), and when 

leaving items unattended.

Before you depart for Peru there are several measures you can 

take to reduce your risk: 

Leave valuable objects in U.S.

Leave copies of important documents and account numbers with 

someone you trust in the U.S.

Purchase a hidden money pouch or "dummy" wallet as a decoy

Purchase personal articles insurance

After you arrive in Peru, you will receive more detailed 

information about common crimes, factors that contribute to 
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47

Volunteer risk, and local strategies to reduce that risk. For 

example, Volunteers in Peru learn to:

Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with someone 

trusted by the community whenever possible

Make sure one’s personal appearance is respectful of local 

customs

Avoid high-crime areas

Know the local language to get help in an emergency

Make friends with local people who are respected in the 

community 

Limit alcohol consumption

As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard 

and adapt your lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a 

target for crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime does exist 

in Peru. You can reduce your risk by avoiding situations that place 

you at risk and by taking precautions. Crime at the village or town 

level is less frequent than in the large cities; people know each 

other and generally are less likely to steal from their neighbors. 

Tourist attractions in large towns are favorite worksites for 

pickpockets.

While whistles and exclamations may be fairly common on the 

street, this behavior can be reduced if you dress conservatively, 

abide by local cultural norms, and respond according to the 

training you will receive. 

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime

You must be prepared to take on a large degree of responsibility 

for your own safety. You can make yourself less of a target, 

ensure that your home is secure, and develop relationships in your 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

48

community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. While 

the factors that contribute to your risk in Peru may be different, in 

many ways you can do what you would do if you moved to a new 

city anywhere: Be cautious, check things out, ask questions, learn 

about your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations 

are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your 

vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, 

learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding by 

Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and 

effectively in Peru will require that you accept some restrictions 

on your current lifestyle.

Support from Staff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, Peace 

Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace Corps posts 

have procedures in place to respond to incidents of crime 

committed against Volunteers. The first priority for all posts in the 

aftermath of an incident is to ensure the Volunteer is safe and 

receiving medical treatment as needed. After assuring the safety of 

the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff response may include reassessing 

the Volunteer’s worksite and housing arrangements and making 

any adjustments, as needed. In some cases, the nature of the 

incident may necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps 

staff will also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to 

pursue legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is 

very important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, not 

only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the 

future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in the 

process that they want to proceed with the prosecution of their 

assailant; this option may no longer exist if the evidence of the 

event has not been preserved at the time of the incident. 
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49

Crime Data for Peru

Crime data and statistics for Peru, which is updated yearly, are 

available at the following link:

http://www.peacecorps.gov/countrydata/peru 

Please take the time to review this important information. 

Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and 

crimes that do occur overseas are investigated and prosecuted by 

local authorities through the local courts system. If you are the 

victim of a crime, you will decide if you wish to pursue 

prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, Peace Corps will be there 

to assist you. One of our tasks is to ensure you are fully informed 

of your options and understand how the local legal process works. 

Peace Corps will help you ensure your rights are protected to the 

fullest extent possible under the laws of the country.

If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to get 

to a safe location as quickly as possible and contact your Peace 

Corps office. It’s important that you notify Peace Corps as soon as 

you can so Peace Corps can provide you with the help you need.

Volunteer Safety Support in Peru

The Peace Corps’ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to help 

you stay safe during your service and includes the following: 

information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection criteria, a 

detailed emergency action plan, and protocols for addressing 

safety and security incidents. Peru’s in-country safety program is

outlined below.

The Peace Corps/Peru office will keep you informed of any issues 

that may impact Volunteer safety through information sharing. 

Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer newsletters and in 

memorandums from the country director. In the event of a critical 

situation or emergency, you will be contacted through the 

emergency communication network. An important component of 

the capacity of Peace Corps to keep you informed is your buy-in 

to the partnership concept with the Peace Corps staff. It is 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

50

expected that you will do your part in ensuring that Peace Corps 

staff members are kept apprised of your movements in-country so 

they are able to inform you.

Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and 

security issues in Peru. This training will prepare you to adopt a 

culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment that 

promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, and while 

traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service and is 

integrated into the language, cross-cultural aspects, health, and 

other components of training. You will be expected to 

successfully complete all training competencies in a variety of 

areas, including safety and security, as a condition of service.

Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing 

for Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps staff works 

closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help 

prepare them for a Volunteer’s arrival and to establish 

expectations of their respective roles in supporting the Volunteer. 

Each site is inspected before the Volunteer’s arrival to ensure 

placement in appropriate, safe, and secure housing and worksites. 

Site selection is based, in part, on any relevant site history; access 

to medical, banking, postal, and other essential services; 

availability of communications, transportation, and markets; 

different housing options and living arrangements; and other 

Volunteer support needs.

You will also learn about Peace Corps/Peru’s emergency action 

plan, which is implemented in the event of civil or political unrest 

or a natural disaster. When you arrive at your site, you will 

complete and submit a site locator form with your address, contact 

information, and a map to your house. If there is a security threat, 

you will gather with other Volunteers in Peru at predetermined 

locations until the situation is resolved or the Peace Corps decides 

to evacuate.
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51

Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive to the 

needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers immediately 

report any security incident to the Peace Corps office. The Peace 

Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and 

security incidents in a timely and appropriate manner, and it 

collects and evaluates safety and security data to track trends and 

develop strategies to minimize risks to future Volunteers.

DIVERSITY AND 

CROSS-CULTURAL ISSUES

In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host 

countries, the Peace Corps is making special efforts to assure that 

all of America’s richness is reflected in the Volunteer corps. More 

Americans of color are serving in today’s Peace Corps than at any 

time in recent history. Differences in race, ethnic background, age, 

religion, and sexual orientation are expected and welcomed among 

our Volunteers. Part of the Peace Corps’ mission is to help dispel 

any notion that Americans are all of one origin or race and to 

establish that each of us is as thoroughly American as the other 

despite our many differences. 

Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways, 

however, it poses challenges. In Peru, as in other Peace Corps host 

countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyle, background, and beliefs 

are judged in a cultural context very different from their own. 

Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly 

accepted in the United States may be quite uncommon, 

unacceptable, or even repressed in Peru.

Outside of Peru’s capital, residents of rural communities have had 

relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, races, religions, 

and lifestyles. What people view as typical American behavior or 

norms may be a misconception, such as the belief that all 
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52

Americans are rich and have blond hair and blue eyes. The people 

of Peru are justly known for their generous hospitality to 

foreigners; however, members of the community in which you 

will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences 

that you present. 

To ease the transition and adapt to life in Peru, you may need to 

make some temporary, yet fundamental compromises in how you 

present yourself as an American and as an individual. For 

example, female trainees and Volunteers may not be able to 

exercise the independence available to them in the United States; 

political discussions need to be handled with great care; and some 

of your personal beliefs may best remain undisclosed. You will 

need to develop techniques and personal strategies for coping with 

these and other limitations. The Peace Corps staff will lead 

diversity and sensitivity discussions during pre-service training 

and will be on call to provide support, but the challenge ultimately 

will be your own. 

Overview of Diversity in Peru

The Peace Corps staff in Peru recognizes the adjustment issues 

that come with diversity and will endeavor to provide support and 

guidance. During pre-service training, several sessions will be 

held to discuss diversity and coping mechanisms. We look 

forward to having male and female Volunteers from a variety of 

races, ethnic groups, ages, religions, and sexual orientations, and 

hope that you will become part of a diverse group of Americans 

who take pride in supporting one another and demonstrating the 

richness of American culture. 

What Might a Volunteer Face?

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers

Gender roles in Peru are different from those in the United States, 

and it is important to understand them to be effective and to find 

personal satisfaction in your project assignment. Most Peruvian 

women have traditional roles, especially in rural areas, where they 
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53

run the household, prepare meals, clean, and rear children. In 

addition, many women work in the fields, run small businesses, 

and care for farm animals. Men also have specific roles, and 

―manliness‖ is very important. 

It is not uncommon for women to endure stares, comments, and 

requests for dates on the street and in other situations. Female 

Volunteers are obvious targets because they generally look 

different from Peruvian women. Female Volunteers may have to 

accept certain constraints that male Volunteers do not, and adjust 

to different norms, behaviors, and ways of doing things. 

Male Volunteers also encounter harassment, but less frequently. 

Male Volunteers may be teased about not being ―manly‖ enough 

for not pursuing women or drinking. Male Volunteers who cook, 

wash clothes and dishes, and clean the house may be considered 

strange by their neighbors. 

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 

Peru has many ethnic groups, including large Chinese and 

Japanese populations, and an Afro-Peruvian community 

concentrated in Lima and other coastal areas. Peruvians from 

these minority groups, particularly Afro-Peruvians, are sometimes 

subject to subtle forms of discrimination, and Volunteers, 

including African-American Volunteers, may experience similar 

treatment. 

All Volunteers may hear racial comments while on the street, 

although the comments are more likely to be descriptive than 

derogatory. For example, persons of Asian descent are called 

Chinos, whether or not they are of Chinese descent. All 

Volunteers, but particularly Volunteers of color, will be subjected 

to a variety of questions, comments, and perhaps even jokes 

regarding their race or ethnicity. While some of these may be 

mean-spirited, most will be innocent, arising from unfamiliarity 

with, or misinformation about, other races and cultures. You will 

find it helpful to maintain a positive attitude about yourself and to 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

54

approach any negative comments with patience and confidence. 

Peruvians, particularly in rural areas, tend to think all Americans 

are Caucasian and may express disbelief when you introduce 

yourself as an American. The need for repeated explanations of 

your ethnic background may become tiresome, but it is a 

wonderful opportunity to explain the rich cultural diversity of the 

United States to Peruvians. 

Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers

In general, older members of the community are respected in Peru. 

Specific challenges for senior Volunteers are often related to 

language acquisition and adaptation to the basic living conditions 

of Peru. Also, because most Volunteers are in their 20s, seniors 

may find that developing a peer support system within the 

Volunteer community is a challenge. 

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual 

Volunteers

While there is some openness about sexual orientation in the 

larger cities, homosexuality is not looked upon favorably in 

smaller communities. We recommend that gay, lesbian, and 

bisexual Volunteers be circumspect about their sexual orientation 

with their Peruvian colleagues, particularly at first. Once 

established in their site, each Volunteer will make the decision 

with whom to discuss his or her sexual orientation. Support 

mechanisms are available within the Peace Corps community and 

from Peace Corps staff. 

Volunteer Comment: 

―As a gay Asian-American Volunteer in a small town in 

Peru, I often have to face stereotypes and prejudices 

directed toward ethnicity and sexual orientation. At times, 

it can be comical to answer questions concerning my 

skills in martial arts and my relationship to ex-President 
PEACE CORPS | PERU WELCOME BOOK 

55

Fujimori, but it can be uncomfortable to hear people 

openly degrade homosexuals. However, to integrate into 

the community, sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice 

some of the liberties that one is used to in the States. 

Fortunately, the support groups and resources provided 

by Peace Corps/Peru, and my network of friends and 

family in the States and in Peru, have made it easier to 

work through the frustrations.‖ 

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Peru. Many other 

religious groups are present and visible around the country, and 

tolerance of all religions is fairly high. In some smaller 

communities, divisions exist across religious lines, and Volunteers 

need to understand these and be careful about being seen as 

aligned with one side or the other. If you are an observant member 

of any religion, particularly a non-Christian one, it may be 

challenging to explain your beliefs to Peruvians. Obtaining special 

foods and locating a place of worship for major holidays may also 

be a challenge. Lima has places of worship for most major 

religions, including several synagogues for the Jewish population. 

Volunteer Comment: 

―I am a youth development Volunteer in a small southern 

suburb of Lima, Peru, called San Bartolo. The majority of 

residents in San Bartolo are Catholics, but there are also 

Evangelicals and Jehovah’s Witnesses. I am the only Jew 

who lives in my community. Being the only Jew in the 

community has not been very difficult. I find people here 

to be respectful of my faith, and I am treated well. 

Naturally, they are curious to learn what it means to be 

Jewish, why I am Jewish, and why I do not believe that 

Jesus Christ is the son of God. I answer their questions, 
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56

and often they are happy to learn something new about 

another religion and culture.‖

Possible Issues for Volunteers With 

Disabilities

As part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps Office 

of Medical Services determined that you were physically and 

emotionally capable, with or without reasonable accommodations, 

to perform a full tour of Volunteer service in Peru without 

unreasonable risk of harm to yourself or interruption of service. 

The Peace Corps/Peru staff will work with disabled Volunteers to 

make reasonable accommodations for them in training, housing, 

jobsites, or other areas to enable them to serve safely and 

effectively. 

Possible Issues for Married Volunteers

Married Volunteers may have to spend time apart during preservice training and in-service training events, especially if they 

are working in different projects. During their service, married 

couples are still required to live with Peruvian host families and 

their housing must still comply with all Peace Corps housing 

regulations. 
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57

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to 

Peru?

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess 

charges for transport of baggage that exceeds those limits. The 

Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will not pay 

the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these limits. The 

Peace Corps’ allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with 

combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches 

(length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of 

no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 100 

pounds total with a maximum weight of 50 pounds for any one 

bag.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, 

explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave radios are permitted), 

automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not 

pack flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning 

solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important 

safety precaution.

What is the electric current in Peru?

The current is 220 volts. Electrical appliances that utilize 110 volts 

require a transformer. 

How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in 

their community. You will be given a settling-in allowance and a 

monthly living allowance, which should cover your expenses. 

Volunteers often wish to bring additional money for vacation 

travel to other countries. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are 

preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra money, bring the 

amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs. 
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58

When can I take vacation and have people visit 

me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service 

(excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the 

first three months of service, or the last three months of service, 

except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family 

and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training and 

once you have completed the first three months of service as long 

as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at 

your site are not encouraged and will require permission from 

your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your 

visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance. 

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal 

effects; Volunteers are ultimately responsible for the safekeeping 

of their personal belongings. However, you can purchase personal 

property insurance before you leave. If you wish, you may contact 

your own insurance company; additionally, insurance application 

forms will be provided, and we encourage you to consider them 

carefully. Volunteers should not ship or take valuable items 

overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and expensive 

appliances are subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and in many 

places, satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not 

available. 

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Peru do not need an international driver’s license 

because they are prohibited from operating privately owned 

motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural 

travel ranges from buses and minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and 

lots of walking. 
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59

What should I bring as gifts for Peru 

friends and my host family?

This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. 

Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the house; pictures, 

books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; 

hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or photos to give away.

Where will my site assignment be when I finish 

training and how isolated will I be?

Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until after 

they have completed pre-service training. This gives Peace Corps 

staff the opportunity to assess each trainee’s technical and 

language skills prior to assigning sites, in addition to finalizing 

site selections with their ministry counterparts. You will have the 

opportunity to provide input on your site preferences, including 

geographical location, distance from other Volunteers, and living 

conditions. However, keep in mind that many factors influence the 

site selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee 

placement where you would ideally like to be. Most Volunteers 

live in small towns or in rural villages and are usually within two 

hours from another Volunteer. Some sites require a 10- to 12-hour 

drive from the district capital. 

How can my family contact me in an emergency?

The Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services provides assistance 

in handling emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their 

families. Before leaving the United States, instruct your family to 

notify the Office of Special Services immediately if an emergency 

arises, such as a serious illness or death of a family member. 

During normal business hours, the number for the Office of 

Special Services is 800.424.8580; select option 2, then extension 

1470. After normal business hours and on weekends and holidays, 

the Special Services duty officer can be reached at the above 

number. For non-emergency questions, your family can get 

information from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by 

calling 800.424.8580. 
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60

Can I call home from Peru? 

International phone service to and from Peru is good in major 

cities. Volunteers in smaller communities will typically have 

access to a community telephone, through which international 

calls may be made and received. Most Volunteers also have 

cellular phones. There are reasonably priced local and 

international calling cards available in Peru. 

Should I bring a cellular phone with me?

The cellular telephone network in Peru is expanding rapidly. Most 

Volunteers live in communities with cellular service, or have 

cellular service nearby. The Peace Corps does not provide 

cellphones or cellphone service to Volunteers, but does arrange 

for Volunteers to participate in a low-cost group plan. Almost all 

Volunteers participate in the plan. 

Will there be email and Internet access? 

While you may or may not have Internet access at your site, there 

are numerous, affordable Internet locations throughout the 

country.

Should I bring my computer?

Most Volunteers bring laptops and find that they come in handy. 

However, if you bring your laptop, the Peace Corps strongly 

encourages you to insure it.
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61

WELCOME LETTERS FROM PERU 

VOLUNTEERS

Congratulations on your invitation to serve in Peru! I’m sure 

you’re getting excited as the time draws near, and rightfully so. 

Peru is a great country with delicious food, breathtaking scenery, 

and wonderful people. During your two years as a Volunteer, 

you’ll have the opportunity to become part of a Peruvian family, 

take part in unique cultural celebrations, work professionally with 

Peruvians of different classes, see places you’ve never dreamed 

of, master a new language, adapt to a different style of life, and 

form lifelong friendships. In short, it will be one fantastic 

adventure! 

As far as packing goes, don’t let yourself get stressed out. You can 

find most things here, and the lighter you pack, the better. Here 

are a few tips: 

• Stationery, duct tape, and hand sanitizer are useful things that are 

hard to come by here. 

• Bring photos of your friends, family, and hometown to share 

with people in your community. They serve as great ice-breakers. 

• Hand-washing can really stretch your clothes, so try to bring 

durable socks and underwear. (I buy socks that are a few sizes too 

small.) 

• If you’re a music lover, you may want to look into small 

speakers that you can plug into your MP3 player. They’re not as 

bulky as a stereo and fill your room with music. 

• Most camping gear, such as tents, pads, and sleeping bags, can 

be rented cheaply at the popular tourist destinations. 

To tell you a little about myself, I live in the northwestern part of 

Peru in the department of Piura, known for its beaches, sun, 
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62

artisans, and a fermented corn drink called chicha. My town has a 

population of about 2,000 people and is located about one hour 

inland in the Sechuran desert, where it is quite hot, dry, and flat. 

Nevertheless, there is much beauty to be found in the rows of 

palm trees, blowing cotton fields, diverse species of birds, and 

above all, warm people. I felt instantly embraced by the

community and have found such an incredible network of friends 

and family that it is easy for me to feel at home. I live and eat all 

of my meals with my host family and find the main diet of rice, 

beans, and fish to be quite tasty! We have running water for about 

six hours a week, during which time we fill buckets and storage 

tanks around the house so we have water all week. The walls of 

the houses here are made of a combination of bamboo, mud, and 

brick, with corrugated metal or reed-mat roofs. I wake up at dawn 

several days a week to go jogging through the fields and have 

developed a wonderful routine of greeting the farmers on their 

way to work. 

My main job here is to support the association of health 

promoters, a group of community members who volunteer their 

time and energy to better the health of the district. In my spare 

time, I teach at an all-girls boarding school, cook with women in 

the comedores (a type of soup kitchen), read books with kids, and 

promote leadership among teenage girls. I have helped the 

community organize its own library. One of the wonderful things 

about Peace Corps is that your work can be adapted to utilize your 

skills and interests. 

Enjoy your last moments in the States with friends and family. I 

look forward to meeting you here in Peru! 

— Community Health Volunteer 

Hello and welcome, future Peace Corps Volunteers of Peru! 

Happy journeys as you make your way from the life you’ve 

known to a new and exciting adventure. No matter where you are 

coming from, you are bound to be struck by the differences, as 
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63

well as the similarities, between Peru and the United States. You 

will be amazed by the vastly different geographical regions in a 

country that includes a coastal desert, breathtaking mountains, and 

a lush jungle. 

I live in Northern Peru, in a small rural town about 40 minutes 

from the regional capital city of Cajamarca. At an altitude of over 

9,000 feet, it gets a little cold, and from November to March we 

experience the rainy season, where it rains almost every afternoon. 

The houses in my community are built using mud, which they 

mold and dry into adobe bricks. Kitchens are pretty basic, and 

everyone I know uses an open fire to cook their food, which 

mainly consists of rice, potatoes, and noodles. I also cook a lot of 

my own food and have enjoyed sharing some American traditions 

with the people in my community. 

I live with wonderful host family members who treat me like a 

daughter and with whom I share the experience of navigating 

through all of the cultural differences. My community has been 

very welcoming and is extremely interested in who I am and 

where I come from. My interaction with host families and 

communities is one of the most enlightening parts of the Peace 

Corps experience. It has been eye-opening and mind-expanding. 

As I’m sure will happen for many of you, the world has become 

much bigger. 

I work with several groups of local artisans who use lambs’ wool 

to weave textiles, including rugs, tapestries, pillowcases, and 

purses. As a business Volunteer, I am helping them to organize 

the way they do business, including keeping records of sales and 

designs and completing orders on time. I also help the artisans 

find new places to sell their products by introducing them to 

exporters, supporting them at artisan fairs, and finding stores 

interested in selling their products. 

In the vast and varying geographies and climatic ranges of Peru, it 

probably makes sense to pack a little bit of everything. But don’t 
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64

stress; in regional capitals, and certainly in Lima, you can find a 

lot of the things you will need. The people overall have been very 

welcoming, and while not a lot of people speak English, they 

seem to accept bumbling Spanish with a smile. So relax, spend 

some time with the family, and get your fill of good American 

food and football. 

Bienvenidos al Perú! 

— Small Business Development Volunteer 

The misconception among many Peace Corps Volunteers is that 

they will be isolated in a small village for months on end without 

the luxuries found in the United States. This leads to the idea that 

Volunteers have to bring everything from home that they will 

need for two years. In Peru, this definitely is not the situation.

Every departmental capital offers shopping for clothes, 

appliances, tools, new technology, and modern communications in 

the form of high-speed Internet and phones to call home. We 

would recommend going light on clothes and appliances (things 

that you can buy cheaply in Peru) and bringing things that will be 

hard to find here in Peru or that will be expensive (e.g., MP3 

player, digital camera, lots of books, durable shoes, and items to 

continue your hobbies). 

If you have a laptop, you should definitely bring one. Peace Corps 

work involves a lot of office work, document-writing, and 

information exchanging—not just field work. A laptop will make 

life much easier and expedite many projects. As always, just be 

careful with expensive technology, as there is always a risk of 

theft or breakage. 

— Environment Volunteer
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65

PACKING LIST

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Peru and is 

based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making 

your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. 

There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything on 

the list, so consider those items that make the most sense to you 

personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to 

you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have 

a 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get 

almost everything you need in Peru.

General Clothing 

• Three or four pairs of casual pants for work 

• Two or more pairs of jeans 

• Two pairs of shorts 

• Bathing suit 

• One pair of dress pants for men 

• Sports jacket and tie for men 

• Skirts and/or dresses for women 

• Collared polos and blouses for women 

• One casual, nice outfit (for evenings out) 

• Underwear (12 pairs, good-quality cotton) 

• Long underwear 
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66

• Socks (just enough to get started, as they are available in Peru; it 

is recommended that some be high performance wool socks for 

colder sites)

• Light, waterproof jacket 

• Fleece jacket and/or vest with hood 

• Down or heavy jacket suitable for higher altitudes 

• One or two sweaters* 

• One or two sweatshirts* 

• One pair of sweatpants* 

• Baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat (the Peruvian sun is fierce!) 

* Note: These items are bulky and are widely available in Peru, so 

if you are short of space or weight, you may want to plan on 

buying them in Peru. 

Shoes 

• One pair of dress or professional shoes 

• One pair of sneakers 

• Hiking boots and/or sturdy walking shoes 

• One pair of running shoes (if you run) 

• Sandals 

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items 

• Strong sunglasses (with UV protection and polarized) 
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67

• Start-up supply of soap, shampoo, shaving cream, and other 

personal toiletries 

• Hand sanitizer 

• Tampons (they are more expensive in Peru) 

• Any favorite brands of sunscreen or other over-the-counter 

medicines (the Peace Corps provides needed items, but they may 

not be your preferred brands) 

• Contact lens solution (note that the Peace Corps discourages the 

use of contact lenses) 

• Towels (available in Peru) 

Miscellaneous 

• Sturdy, small backpack or duffel bag (with a lock) for short trips 

• Multi-tool travel knife (Do not pack in carry-on luggage!)

• A pair of work gloves 

• Fanny pack or money belt 

• Photos of family, friends, your house, car, pets, and hometown 

• Flashlight 

• Compact umbrella (available in Peru) 

• Digital or film camera (film is widely available in Peru) 

• Books to read and exchange 

• Cassettes/CDs to listen to and exchange (also available in Peru) 

• Travel water bottle 
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68

• Watch 

• Duct tape and zip-close bags 

• A deck of playing cards 

• Small pocket notebook (widely available in Peru) 

• A jar of your favorite peanut butter 

• Favorite electronic items (either inexpensive or insured) 

• A laptop computer (insured) 

• A USB flash drive 

• An extra pack of batteries for electronic items (available in Peru, 

but often more expensive) 

• Sleeping bag (light, stuffable, and preferably waterproof)* 

• Camping equipment (if you are a camper)* 

*Note: Sleeping bags and other camping equipment can be rented 

in tourist areas. Also, some Volunteers choose to have these items 

brought later by visiting friends and family.
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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider as 

you prepare to live outside the United States for two years. Not all 

items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does not include 

everything you should make arrangements for.

Family

Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps’ Office of 

Special Services at any time if there is a critical illness or 

death of a family member (24-hour telephone number: 

800.424.8580, extension 1470).

Give the Peace Corps’ On the Home Front handbook to 

family and friends.

Passport/Travel

Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork for the 

Peace Corps passport and visas.

Verify that your luggage meets the size and weight limits for 

international travel.

Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your 

service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will expire three 

months after you finish your service, so if you plan to travel 

longer, you will need a regular passport.)

Medical/Health

Complete any needed dental and medical work.

If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications 

(including birth control pills) you are currently taking.
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70

Insurance

Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.

Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage while you 

are away. (Even though the Peace Corps is responsible for 

your health care during Peace Corps service overseas, it is 

advisable for people who have pre-existing conditions to 

arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health 

coverage. If there is a lapse in coverage, it is often difficult 

and expensive to be reinstated.)

Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.

Personal Papers

Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.

Voting

Register to vote in the state of your home of record. (Many 

state universities consider voting and payment of state taxes 

as evidence of residence in that state.)

Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you overseas.

Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you overseas. 

Personal Effects

Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time 

you leave your home for service overseas until the time you 

complete your service and return to the United States.

Financial Management

Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S. 

Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or loan 

service.
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Execute a Power of Attorney for the management of your 

property and business.

Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to 

pay alimony, child support, and other debts through the Office 

of Volunteer Financial Operations at 800.424.8580, extension 

1770.

Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks, and 

bonds—in a safe deposit box or with an attorney or other 

caretaker.
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CONTACTING PEACE CORPS 

HEADQUARTERS

This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate 

office at Peace Corps headquarters to answer various questions. 

You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly 

using the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the toll-free

number and extensions with your family so they can contact 

you in the event of an emergency.

This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate 

office at Peace Corps headquarters to answer various questions. 

You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial directly 

using the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the toll-free 

number and extensions with your family so they can contact you 

in the event of an emergency. 

Peace Corps Headquarters Toll-free Number:

800.424-8580, Press 2, and then Ext. # (see next page)

Peace Corps’ Mailing Address: Peace Corps

1111 20th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20526
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For Questions About: Staff Toll-free 

Extension

Direct/ Local 

Number

Responding to an 

Invitation

Office of 

Placement

Ext. 1840 202.692.1840

Programming or Country 

Information

Desk Officer Ext. 2515 202.692.2515

peru@ peacecorps.gov

Plane Tickets, Passports, 

Visas, or Other Travel 

Matters

Travel Officer at 

CWT SATO 

Travel

Ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Legal Clearance Office of 

Placement

Ext. 1840 202.692.1840

Medical Clearance and 

Forms Processing 

(including dental)

Screening Nurse Ext. 1500 202.692.1500

Medical Reimbursements Handled by a 

Subcontractor

800.544.1802

Loan Deferments, Taxes, 

Readjustment 

Allowance 

Withdrawals, Power 

of Attorney

Volunteer 

Financial 

Operations

Ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Staging and Reporting 

Instructions Predeparture

Note: You will receive 

comprehensive 

information (hotel and 

flight arrangements) 3 to 

5 weeks

before departure. This 

information is not 

available sooner.

Office of Staging 

Orientation

Ext. 1865 202.692.1865

Family Emergencies

(to get information to a 

Volunteer overseas)

Office of Special 

Services

Ext. 1470 202.692.1470 9–5 EST