IMPORTANT

HUANCAYO: It is one of the 5 biggest cities in our country, and it is located in the Valle del Mantaro, the most beautiful and biggest valley in Peru. This city was founded during the Spanish colonial era, and has become in a very short amount of time the center of economic and social development for all of central Peru. Its main economic activity is business and services. Life in Huancayo is a particular mix of the peaceful countryside and the frenzied rhythm of a modernizing city. Huancayo is a city that is growing thanks to the drive of its people, which is why it is not unusual to see many young people and adults crowding the main streets, trying to get to their work or to the many study centres of the city.

COMMUNICATION: Communication is guaranteed in the areas where EXPAND Peru works. There are public telephone booths, Internet, and very good signal reception for cell phones in the cities of Huancayo, San Ramon and in all the rural villages where we work. Moreover, the volunteers’ residence and all the families have telephones that you can use with calling cards. Communicating with your family in your home country will therefore not be a problem.

CLIMATE: The climate in Peru is very varied and depends on the place and season you are in.

• In Huancayo the climate is typical of the Andes, cold for most of the year with a lot of rain from October to April, and very dry from May to November.
• In San Ramon the climate is very pleasant almost all year round, as it is in the high rainforest. However from September to January there may be torrential downpours.

  SAFETY: Our cities are very safe, but nonetheless have the problems of any big city, so you will need to listen carefully to our coordinators and their advice when you arrive.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: In the city and rural zone there is a very diverse public transport network. You can travel from a residential area to the center of the city in a few minutes, or travel to any village. We must warn you however that it is a very different from that which is in your country.

MONEY: Life in Peru is cheap. Here you can get everything for a very good price.

• A trip within the city costs from $0.20 to $0.40, a taxi trip costs no more than US$1.00, and a trip to rural areas is similar.
• For food, lunch in a good restaurant is US$3.00, even though there are much more expensive and cheaper restaurants as well.
• A night out in a club shouldn’t cost more than US$10, admission into clubs costs $3.00 and a beer costs US$1.00.

HEALTH:
Vaccinations: With regard to this you will only have to be careful if you choose to work in the rainforest, it is not necessary to be vaccinated to live in Huancayo, the mountain climates are very healthy and there are no endemic diseases. For volunteers who wish to work in the rainforest (San Ramon), you must be vaccinated against yellow fever.

Altitude: (only for Huancayo, 3270 meters above sea level) High altitude has many effects, especially on digestion, which is slower and can be a bit uncomfortable. Be careful with food in the first few days, we recommend that you eat only in the house where you are staying. Later on you can try the very delicious and diverse Peruvian cuisine.
If you are vegetarian or have a special diet, please let us know in time so we can select an adequate family and get everything organized. It is important for your stay to be comfortable so that you can do your work well.

MEDICAL SERVICES: Expand Peru has friends who share our social objectives and above all share our concern for the safety and health of our volunteers. Among them there are doctors who can help you if you feel any discomfort. You can always count on our help and assistance.