Cusco, Peru

Sep 20-27, 2017
  • Trip Type:
  • Cats
  • Dogs

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World Vets has been providing veterinary assistance in the Cusco region since 2011. Our small animal project is carried out in collaboration with local municipalities, a Peruvian animal welfare group and volunteers as well as local veterinarians. Similar dsc01194to previous projects, World Vets will send a veterinary team to work with our local partners and provide a large scale sterilization campaign as well as health consultations.

What is included: Volunteer kit, World Vets scrub top, pre – trip planning and coordination (as per the project itinerary), accommodations for 7 nights, dsc00866Cusco airport transfers per established meeting times, ground transportation related to clinic work and activities as outlined, lunches on clinic work days, breakfast included with accommodations, a group activity, full participation in project and all supplies.

What is not included:  Airfare, optional excursions, incidentals, travel and/or health insurance, World Vets membership fee ($40 USD), and anything not specifically outlined as included. Volunteers are also responsible for obtaining any travel documentation required of them to enter/exit Peru (i.e a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure, visa if applicable).

A few special notes:
  • The gloves provided on World Vets projects are made with latex. Volunteers who have a latex allergy will need to provide their own gloves for this project.
  • Pre veterinary students will not perform any surgical procedures, however they will be involved in all other clinical activities in the same capacity as veterinary students. Veterinary students can expect to assist with surgical procedures however they should not assume that this will be the main focus of their involvement during clinic.
  • Caps and masks are required to be worn by all surgeons as well as those assisting within the sterile field of the surgical patient. World Vets provides disposable caps and masks on field service projects, however, volunteers have the option of using their own surgical cap.
  • World Vets is not able to provide medical advice. Volunteers are encouraged to consult with their family physician, nearest travel clinic and/or center for disease control regarding recommended immunizations and/or health precautions prior to the trip. Although not a requirement to participate on a World Vets project, it is recommended that volunteers be vaccinated for rabies.
  • We understand that sometimes unexpected things can happen to stop a volunteer being able to participate in a project. For that reason, we highly recommend that you obtain some form of insurance for your trip.  Affordable travelers insurance can be found here, which can also cover trip cancellation in some circumstances and covered reasons. You must read the policy wording to ensure the policy is a fit for your needs. World Vets project fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (to another person or to another project).  We encourage volunteers to make sure the dates of our projects do not conflict with any prior engagements before signing up.
  • The general packing list is geared towards more tropical climates. During this time of year, Cusco can get pretty cold in the evening. It is recommended that volunteers dress in layers, bring a light weight wind breaker jacket and/or sweater (sweatshirt).
  • Please read and make sure you understand World Vets Terms & Conditions

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sept 20): Official Arrival Day

Arrive at Aeropuerto International Alejandro Velasco Astete de Cusco, in Cusco, Peru. Airport code: CUZ. Multiple airport transfers may be available and will be based on the arrival times of the majority. Upon arrival, the team will check into their accommodations and have the rest of the day to relax, acclimatize and explore. It is highly recommended that everyone aim to arrive in Cusco no later than 3 pm.

*Please be advised that volunteers may have to start traveling on Sept 19 in order to arrive in Cusco on Sept 20.

Once the flight for the field service veterinarian is booked, it will be shared with you via email. Once you have booked your flight, please send your Cusco flight information (i.e. arrival/departure time, airline carrier, flight numbers) to no later than August 20, 2017

Day 2 (Sept 21): Group Activity/Free Time

This morning the team will take part in a group activity. Shortly after breakfast you will depart Cusco for a 45 minute scenic drive to the Pisac market. Along the way you will visit a local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. After lunch, you will return to Cusco.

Day 3 (Sept 22): AM Leisure/ PM Clinic set up

World Vets does not have anything planned today, so volunteers will be responsible for arranging their own activities today.

In the afternoon the field service veterinarian and a few team members will go to the clinic site with local partners to get orientated and set up for clinic work.

Tonight the team will meet up for a no host group dinner to go over details and plans for the following clinic days.

Day 4, 5 & 6 (Sept 23, 24 & 25): Clinic work days

Hopefully you are well rested and adjusted to the climate because for the next four days you will be operating a field condition sterilization campaign. The team should be picked up by 8:30 AM to be taken to the clinic location.

Bring your scrub top, headlamp and comfortable shoes and be ready to pitch in and help wherever needed to make the project a success.(Lunches provided onsite).

Day 7 (Sept 26): Free/Leisure

The morning and afternoon are set aside for free time. World Vets does not have anything planned today, so volunteers will be responsible for arranging their own activities today.

It is perfectly fine for volunteers to leave World Vets project today should they wish to do additional travel and/or other activities (i.e. visit Machu Picchu) that will take them far from Cusco. 

If needed, a few team members may be involved in checking up on certain surgical patients today.

Day 8 (Sept 27): Official Departure Day

Today is the official end date of the project and signifies departure. For those departing today, multiple airport shuttles may be available, however, we expect to operate one based on the departure times of the majority.

For volunteers who wish to extend their stay and visit Machu Picchu and/or the surrounding area,this is something that is not included in the project fee. Also, please know that if you stay past the official end date of the project, you will then be responsible for your return transportation to the airport.

Accommodations

World Vets team will stay at a trendy hotel located in the San Blas neighborhood – a few blocks from the historical center and local attractions. Rooms are equipped with hot water, kitchenette, mini fridge, microwave, TV, and safety deposit box. Accommodations will be shared and volunteers can expect to room with at least one other team member. Breakfast is included with accommodations.

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General Packing List

*NOTE:  This is a general packing list.
Please research your project's forecast information for weather permitting items.

 

  • Shoes (anything comfortable w/ covered toes for clinic days)
  • World Vets scrub top (required during clinic days)
  • Scrub pants (optional)
  • Pants
  • T-shirts (weather permitting)
  • Shorts (weather permitting - shorts are ok for surgery)
  • Bandana/hat
  • Swimsuit (weather permitting)
  • Sweatshirt (weather permitting)
  • Light jacket (weather permitting)
  • Pajamas
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle (highly recommended)
  • Headlamp (highly recommended)
  • Camera
  • Tote bag
Toiletries:
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Prescription medications
  • Over the counter meds (Tylenol, Imodium, cold meds etc)
  • Personal bottle of hand sanitizer (highly recommended)
  • Soap
  • Sunscreen (highly recommended)
  • Bug spray (DEET) (highly recommended)
  • Brush
  • Band-Aids
  • Glasses/contact lenses
Extras:
  • Beach Towel (if applicable)
  • Ear Plugs
  • Flip Flops/Shower shoes/Water shoes