I had the best time in Huancayo volunteering with Carismaperu. It was an amazing experience, and I want to return.

I worked in the orphanage and at Urpaycancha. Both places were a blast, and I met the best kids in the world. They are all so sweet, and I had a lot of fun with them, not to mention that Neto and Eli are genuinely kind and extremely helpful with anything any of the volunteers need. Please write to me with any questions or concerns. I love Huancayo and all of the volunteer work I did. I know you will have a great time!.

I volunteered in Huancayo for three weeks, working as an assistant to the teacher in Instituto Polivalente with deaf children every morning and teaching English to the wonderful children in Urpaycancha in the afternoons.

I lived in the volunteer accommodation with Neto and Eli for the duration and can't emphasize enough what an incredible experience this was.

I learned so much about life in Peru, the food and the culture, but the thing I'll remember the most are the friendships I made and the incredible spirit of the children I worked with. I can't wait to come back, and I'd be happy to speak with anyone who has any questions or is considering volunteering! I undertook a lot of research before I selected the volunteer program I would join, and I honestly can say that Carismaperu is unsurpassed in terms of the dedication and support it provides to its volunteers and the personal touch that is obvious in every project they run.

I was fortunate enough to spend 3 months with Neto, Eli and Maria Fe in Huancayo Peru. I lived with them for my entire stay and must say they were very accommodating. In the mornings I worked for 6 weeks in a medical center in the outskirts of the city, where I saw interesting cases that are typical for the area.

My second six weeks I spent working in the INABIF orphanage teaching English and Mathematics. The after school program organized by Neto and Eli is where I really was able to connect and form a very personal relationship with my students. We would spend much of the time teaching and then play games in the field just down the road from Urpachancha Annex. I tried to bring some new things to Urpachancha.

Chess and Frisbee are some of my hobbies, and Neto and Eli encouraged me to incorporate my own ideas into the curriculum. Overall, Huancayo is a place where you can get out of the norm and have a great time.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, and meet some awesome people!. and I'd be happy to speak with anyone who has any questions about this organisation.

I volunteered with Carismaperu for 5 weeks during October and November 2008. My experience is one I will never forget. I stayed in homestay with Eli and Neto who made me feel really at home.

Weekday mornings I worked at INABIF teaching English which was extremely rewarding, in the afternoons I would then work in a nearby village participating in the activities with the children, such as Maths, English and Art.

I also had 3 weeks of Spanish lessons with Eli, who is a fantastic teacher and I learnt so much! I would recommend volunteering with Carismaperu to anyone as this has been one of the best things I have ever done and I would certainly do it again.

If you have any questions regarding the programme do not hesitate to email me!.

About my volunteer stay in Huancayo. How to start? When thinking over where to volunteer, I chose to visit the town of Huancayo, which lies in a large Interandean valley, because it´s not a huge city. That is all that I knew before. I supposed its atmosphere would be more familiar, and I was not wrong. I really loved the place - you can have fun in one of the numerous discoes in the town centre or just have a walk to nearby mountains, contemplate awesome sunsets, observe hummingbirds, flowering cactuses or far-away snow peaks. That was what I really enjoyed:) By the way, taking a bus, after a few hours you can walk through a mountain jungle and be stunned by fantastic waterfalls, colorfull butterflies or deafening cicadas...

Concerning Carismaperu - I feel a little awkward, because it might seem like I am only complimenting them ("logically" on their own website), but the fact is that I was really happy about staying with them. With Neto, Eli (Carismaperu leaders), their baby-girl Marife and a cute dog in the house I really felt like in my own family. They were very caring and nice, always ready to help, spending a lot of time with volunteers, playing games and (not seldom) having a drink or two with us :) Besides being very friendly they manage very professionally all their projects and help volunteers to relish their stay to the limit. I personally worked with children in the orphanage (teaching English and maths) in the mornings and later in the day we moved to a nearby place called Urpaycancha where we taught the kids and played with them as well. I found this project really enriching because these kids were so nice, sincere, spontaneous and always very happy to see us coming and giving us a big welcome. No wonder it was so hard to say good-bye, especially after so many months spent in their company.

What to add in conclusion? Words can hardly describe the moments I spent in Peru; I will always recall these memories... That´s why I find the decision to visit South America one of the best decisions made in my life and there´s no doubt that my friends from Carismaperu considerably contributed to it, I will never forget them and hope to meet them one day again.

I was volunteer in huancayo (june 2007) in schools and orfenages volunteering is a great experience to learn about others cultures and persons and "Carisma" want to help people who really need help so if you want to make a good action go to Huancayo!

I volunteered in Huancayo in the Spring of 2007. I volunteered at a boys orphanage and also worked at a local community center for the children of bricklayers.

I spent my time teaching English, doing arts and crafts, playing sports and just having fun with the kids. It was such a great opportunity to get to interact with the children; they're fantastic kids and you bond with them so quickly. In many ways, I'm sure I learned more from them then they learned from me.

Living in a homestay gave me the opportunity to really learn about Peruvian culture, and I was lucky enough to go on many trips with Neto and Elizabeth and really see the Peruvian countryside. Elizabeth and Neto are great teachers, tour guides, and most importantly fantastic friends! I can't recommend their programs more highly!

Huancayo was the ideal location for volunteering for me, it is rich in culture, surrounded by the beautiful Mantaro Valley of the Andes and the local people are very friendly, affectionate and welcoming. For me it was also advantageous that there were not many tourists making this province a hidden jewel. A very pleasant experience indeed. I volunteered in June/July of 2007 for 3 weeks in the orphanage working with babies and with the street children in the outskirts of Huancayo. It was particularly insightful into the destitution facing some of the Andean communities and challenging to try and make a real and lasting improvement in their lives.

I stayed as part of the homestay, which I thoroughly enjoyed as you can really plunge into Peruvian life, improve your Spanish and learn about the local culture. Neto and Elizabeth are fantastic teachers, hosts, tour guides and most importantly friends for life, one of my most memorable experiences in Peru are in Huancayo with Neto and Elizabeth and the awesome trips we went on especially the jungle. Great opportunity to make friends from all over the world too! I can't wait to go back and visit everyone, especially the kids and babies.

My trip to Peru was truly the magical one. I was going through difficult period of my life and I wanted to do something different. Volunteering seemed as an answer, but I was undecided where I wanted to go. So I literally took the map of South America, closed my eyes and pointed a finger... PERU. So that’s how it happened.
I had lived in Africa for so many years, I travelled little bit but it was my first single trip, to another part of the world, over the Atlantic and I was really apprehensive.
I didn't go to Peru to save the world, I will be very honest, I went there to help myself and find the missing part of my life.
Carismaperu was fantastic... From day number one... They didn't become just friends that you remember for the rest of your life like the part of experience, they became a family.
Volunteering was the thing that saved me and helped me to find myself. I close my eyes and I see those kids in Urpaycancha, who were so open, so daring, so full of life, love and affection. I remember the courage of brave Carmen, the affection and gentleness of Leonella, the naughtiness of Jose and I see part of me in those kids. I found courage through them, and I found myself. And I realized that you don't need to save the whole world, you just have to make a difference in the life of one person.
I want to thank Carismaperu for making it all happen, for seeing me through this transformation, for being there for me not only with work matters. I will come back soon, I promise!

I spent two weeks in October 2008 volunteering with Carismaperu. I spent the mornings at INABIF Orphanage and the afternoons at Urpaycancha. The children were fantastic and it was hard to leave them. I taught English and math, but the best part was interacting with the kids and giving them much needed attention. My favourite memories include blowing bubbles, face painting, playing frisbee or ball outside, playing music and teaching the kids dances like the Macarena, the Hand Jive, and the Chicken Dance. The best items I brought with me were a pack of dollar store flashcards, music, tons of children's books, and a sense of humour! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions about Carismaperu or Peru in general. I look forward to hearing from you and will likely badger you for updates on the kids if you go to volunteer!

I participated in Carismaperu for the entire month of July in the summer of 2009. Being a pre-dental student at uni, I chose to work in the medical center of Chupaca, in the outskirts of Huancayo. I got to work in the dental clinic, observing various patients and helping to diagnose their dental issues. The staff of the clinic were amazing and included us in their routine as much as possible. I also went on social work visits and worked with the lab technician, running various tests on patients and learning a lot of biology.
In the afternoons, I worked at Urpaycancha, teaching English to students between the ages of 7-13 in an after school program. In my last 2 weeks in Carismaperu I actually got the opportunity to draft lesson plans for the week and pick themes to study, which really made the experience that much more meaningful to me. The kids were so fun and were so eager to learn.
The time that I spent in Huancayo with Neto and Eli on Carismaperu was simply unbelievable. I have never felt so at home like I did in Huancayo. The friends you make are from all over the world, and participating on such a program keeps you connected with them by forming a special bond over the kind of work and contributions you will be making to the lovely community of Huancayo. Neto and Eli will definitely make your experience one to remember forever.

As part of my group I was able to rotate through 3 medical centers
in surrounding cities of Huancayo. We went to Chilca, Chupaca and
Huari were immediately welcomed with open arms by those in the
medical centers. They didn't hesitate to share with us their
experience and knowledge. Everyone was welcoming and were all very
glad to have some extra hands on the busiest days. They truly made
us feel like part of their staff. Although a week might have been
a quick turnaround we were all able to experience life changing
events and can't wait to go back.

As for our living accommodations their isn't enough words to
describe how welcoming Neto and Eli were for the entire group.
They did everything possible to make us feel at home and acquire a
greater appreciation for peruvian culture.
It was a great experience of which the best part about was the
long lasting friendships that arised.

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities available and i
would recommend you to volunteer with Carismaperu since they are
an established organization that will make your experience a
remarkable one.

As for all those future volunteers if you have any questions
regarding the organization email me and i will be more than
willing to answer them!!!

Wow. Where to begin? Carismaperu has definitely made an impact on my life. I volunteered in Huancayo in May 2010. I was able to visit three different clinics—Chilca, Huari, and Chupaca-- in rural Huancayo where we were able to take a vital role in educating the local community of the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Tuberculosis. We walked through the small communities to vaccinate people, many whom had never even received a shot before.
Not only were we given the opportunity to see a number of different clinics, we were invited to teach English at one of the schools that was formed by this great organization. We instantly fell in love with the kids and after a couple of hours of teaching, we were able to bond with them and play games with them in the fields.
Eli and Neto, the program directors, are hands down welcoming and made our trip a memorable one. They constantly gave us advice and information to anything that was foreign to us and made sure we were able to see how beautiful Peru is. In a very short period of time, we all felt like a close knit family. They made me feel very safe and very well taken care of.
I recommend Carismaperu because my volunteering experience was phenomenal. From the cultural experience to the beauty of the mountains to vaccinating babies to teaching English, I had an amazing time. I am forever thankful for Eli and Neto! If you have any questions, feel free to email me; I would love to answer your questions.

I volunteered in Huancayo for a little over a month and had the most amazing experiences of my life. I worked teaching English in the school in the mornings, and at the after school program Urpaycancha in the afternoons. I was the only teacher during this time and it allowed me to make some really special connections with the kids and the community. I met many of the parents whose children I taught, and they were the most grateful, friendly people I have ever met. The community is just mind blowing, one of the most touching things that has ever occurred in my life. Outside of my job I lived with Neto, Eli and Marife (their daughter) along with a couple other volunteers. The housing situation is very unique in that you get the homestay experience but also make some English speaking friends. We could go out and explore the city and we all became very close throughout our time there. Not only did I make local friends but also strong connections that I now have all across the U.S., Europe and Asia. I would strongly suggest this program because, well, it doesn't feel like a program. There is so much more freedom and the city of Huancayo is breathtakingly different from the tourist destinations of Peru. Don't hesitate to join Neto and Eli's family, they are the best!

Visiting Peru was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had. Not only was it a way to give back but, it was also served as a learning experience. An experience that could not be matched anywhere else. Every day was a new and exciting experience.
One thing I enjoyed was the ability to help in the capacity that I was most comfortable in. For example, the first few days I helped administer vaccinations to young children. As I became more comfortable with the atmosphere I moved to more advanced procedures. Of these, my most memorable was helping to deliver a baby. It was a rewarding experience.
One of my aspirations is to become a doctor, however, when choosing majors I chose chemical engineering. I became a bit confused as to what I wanted to do. Assisting the local doctors and nurses with the mentioned procedures helped confirm my dream of being a doctor.
All in all, this was one of the best trips I have taken. We experienced many interesting medical cases that some would dream to have. Traveling to the different areas in Peru to help the doctors and nurses was extremely rewarding. The friends I made that came from abroad will never be forgotten. I would recommend this program for all. Even those with the lightest interest should try and help.

Eight other medical students and I worked with Eli and Neto in Huancayo for 3 weeks and had an incredible time! Carismaperu is a very unique organization and one of the best in Peru. Eli, Neto, and Scott are extremely kind and accommodating! During the week, our group spent time volunteering in both medical and non-medical settings. The major hospital we worked at was El Carmen, and we were able to work in many different units (Neonatal ICU, Surgery, Emergency, Maternity, etc.). We also volunteered in a clinic setting and at a vaccination clinic. At Urpaycancha, we volunteered at the after school program. We helped teach the kids English and also did various activities with them. Not only did Eli and Neto coordinate this, but they also organized our cultural experiences and adventures. We truly loved Peru and enjoyed our service work, and I’m sure you will too! Please let me know if you have any questions!

Teaching at the school was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It doesn't take much time to fall in love with the kids, the fellow teachers, and the overall atmosphere. As a teacher, your day begins with either a quick cab ride or a scenic walk to the school located outside of the city in a rural area. I normally walked to enjoy the surrounding mountains and to say good morning to the families of our students who we would pass on the way. School starts around 8:30. One of the best parts of this program is the opportunity to get involved with the entire school, not just one class. On Mondays you teach first and second graders, Tuesdays third and fourth, Wednesdays fifth, and Thursdays sixth graders, totaling about sixty students. Switching classes challenged me to adjust my lesson plans and teaching styles to different age groups. The students are incredibly receptive and excited about learning a foreign language and I was amazed at how quickly they absorbed the information. Their curiosity is invigorating. It was amazing how quickly I formed trusting relationships with the students and their families.
Teaching at the school challenged me as a teacher, greatly improved my Spanish (the kids are incredibly patient with all levels of Spanish-speakers), and resulted in many lasting relationships. I would strongly suggest this position to other volunteers because I can guarantee a rewarding experience.