Costa Rica is more than a tropical getaway-it’s a place where volunteer travel can transform both lives and perspectives. With Globe Aware’s service vacation programs, you’ll combine meaningful service with cultural immersion, hands-on work, and the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural landscapes.
When most travelers think of Machu Picchu Peru, visions of mist-shrouded Inca ruins, emerald terraces, and breathtaking mountain views come to mind. But what if your journey could go deeper – beyond sightseeing – into meaningful engagement with local people and culture? With a Globe Aware volunteer vacation, this iconic destination becomes a gateway to purpose-driven travel that blends adventure with impact.
Machu Picchu stands as one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Yet this region is more than a postcard view. It is home to vibrant Andean culture, traditions that have endured centuries, and communities working to build sustainable futures. A volunteer vacation here isn’t just about seeing the ruins – it’s about connecting with the people and supporting their daily lives through service.
Globe Aware’s model emphasizes cultural awareness and sustainable development. Their nonprofit, 501(c)(3) programs empower communities rather than impose change. Volunteers work side-by-side with local hosts on projects that reflect real needs, fostering mutual respect and long-lasting bonds.
Globe Aware’s Machu Picchu volunteer program typically centers around projects in Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire and gateway to the ruins. Here, volunteers may:
You’ll stay in comfortable accommodations and share meals with fellow volunteers. Every trip includes an on-site coordinator, orientation, and logistical support – making it accessible even if you’ve never volunteered abroad before.
Unlike typical tourism, a volunteer vacation invites you into the rhythm of daily life in the Andes. You’ll navigate cobblestone streets, learn traditions from local families, and contribute to initiatives that matter to them – not just to you. This type of immersive travel fosters true cultural exchange and expands your understanding of the world.
Optional excursions – like visiting Machu Picchu itself – are available and can be scheduled through Globe Aware during your stay. While the entrance and travel to Machu Picchu are at your own cost, these outings deepen your appreciation for the region’s heritage.
Travelers consistently report that voluntourism experiences are transformative. You return home not just with photos, but with new perspectives, friendships, and a sense of global connection. Working collaboratively with local communities opens your eyes to the challenges and triumphs of life in the Andes, enriching your journey in a way that goes far beyond the typical tourist itinerary.
Globe Aware is committed to ethical volunteering. Their projects are designed to benefit communities sustainably and respectfully, without creating dependency. This approach ensures that your efforts contribute to lasting positive outcomes long after your trip ends.
Volunteer vacations typically last about one week, with start dates throughout the year. Trips include meals, accommodations, insurance, volunteer coordination, and orientation. You’re only responsible for international airfare and any optional excursions.
Machu Picchu day trips usually involve a scenic train ride from Cusco and guided tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site – a perfect complement to your service activities in the Andes.
Volunteer travel blends purposeful service with exploration, inviting travelers to give their time, energy, and curiosity to support communities around the world. At its core, it’s about learning and serving – not just sightseeing. Rather than standing back as a spectator, volunteer travelers work side-by-side with local partners to help address real challenges, contribute to community-led projects, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures.
Voluntourism – a blend of volunteer service and tourism – allows travelers to engage deeply with local communities while contributing to meaningful service projects during their trip. Unlike traditional tourism, which focuses on sightseeing and leisure, voluntourism embeds purpose and community impact into the travel experience.
At Globe Aware, voluntourism isn’t an afterthought – it’s the foundation of a travel philosophy that empowers participants to learn from and work alongside communities in need. As a nonprofit with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, Globe Aware crafts experiences that focus on cultural understanding and sustainable community support.
Unlike ad-hoc volunteer trips or unstructured travel, Globe Aware’s voluntourism programs are:
The result is voluntourism that enriches both visitors and hosts, fostering mutual learning and respect.
Voluntourism can change travelers in profound ways:
Participants often describe their experiences as life-changing because they witness firsthand both the challenges and triumphs of the communities they work with.
Well-executed voluntourism does more than transform the traveler – it supports communities in practical, respectful ways. Globe Aware’s model prioritizes:
This approach reflects best practices in ethical volunteer travel, emphasizing mutual benefit and respect.
Voluntourism isn’t just for seasoned humanitarian travelers. Globe Aware’s programs are suitable for:
Whether someone is passionate about education, environmental stewardship, or cultural exchange, voluntourism offers a structured path to make that passion tangible.
When considering a voluntourism experience, look for:
Globe Aware’s decades of experience and recognition across reputable media outlets reflect its commitment to high-quality volunteer travel.
Explore Globe Aware’s voluntourism programs today and discover how travel with purpose can change your life – and the world.
In this special installment of IVPA’s Industry Series, summer intern Alida Cuttriss sits down with Fiona Lally, one of the foremost risk and insurance specialists in the international volunteer sector. Together, they unpack what your credit card’s travel insurance actually covers—and the surprising gaps that could leave you unprotected while volunteering abroad. From medical emergencies to trip interruptions, Fiona shares practical tips to help program providers and volunteers travel smarter and safer. Produced by the International Volunteer Programs Association, this episode is part of our ongoing effort to raise the quality, awareness, and safety of short-term overseas volunteer experiences. https://volunteerinternational.org/
Volunteer travel can uplift communities – but it must be done ethically. At its best, volunteerism empowers local people. At its worst, it can unintentionally reinforce dependence or disrupt cultural systems.
Globe Aware‘s approach focuses on ethical, community-led service that honors local voices and traditions.
Volunteer travel can be a powerful force for good – but only when done responsibly. Sustainability is at the heart of Globe Aware’s mission, ensuring every project benefits local communities long after volunteers return home.
December 10, 2025
Openings Pathways – Spreading Joy Through Globe Aware – Kimberly Haley-Coleman
In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Haley-Coleman, CEO and founder of Globe Aware, shares her journey of creating a nonprofit focused on short-term service projects that promote cultural awareness and sustainability.
December 9, 2025
Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley
How can meaningful travel go beyond sightseeing to create lasting impact? Brains, Borders, and Betterment dives into how immersive volunteer experiences can transform both the communities served and the travelers themselves. Together, we’ll discuss how to use intelligence, creativity, and compassion to approach global challenges, break down borders, and create better outcomes for all involved.
December 10, 2025
In this episode of Non-Profit Digital Success, Kimberly Haley-Coleman of Globe Aware explains how authentic storytelling, real volunteer experiences, and behind-the-scenes content, shared across social platforms, build genuine donor trust and long-term engagement. This transparency builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and inspires donor action.
