Your generous donation helps to save and change lives every day.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need.
Overview
The Need
Peru is located in a highly seismically active area and major earthquakes occur frequently. In addition the country experiences heavy rainfall, flooding, droughts, forest fires, frosts and snowfalls, and the periodic occurrence of the El Niño climatic phenomenon. This makes the community vulnerable and more susceptible to diseases. The total fertility rate in 2011 was 7.7 children per woman, and the mortality rate was 10.6 per 1,000, double the national rate. The main causes of death include several preventable and infectious diseases such as, tuberculosis, pneumonia, malaria, and yellow fever.
The Peruvian healthcare system is similar to those in other Latin American countries, so remote areas are not serviced by medical facilities. The World Bank and the World Health Organization stated in a 2009 study that the indigenous peoples are viewed as needing full assistance to solve their multiple health problems. IMR is working in collaboration with local partners to help those suffering from life-threatening diseases. We will provide medical and dental care and health education to these otherwise untouched people groups. Your team will see many patients with infections, wounds, and common health problems that are frequently untreated. Dental needs are among the most troubling, with patients suffering from horrific pain from infected teeth without care other than home remedies.
Annual flooding is a serious concern for the people of the Amazon River basin, with the associated skin issues, infections, and emotional loss that comes with major disasters. Dengue Fever and other mosquito-borne diseases are significant health concerns in this community. Providing education about mosquito-borne disease and providing supportive care for patients will be a primary task for our team. This trip is a wonderful opportunity to provide care for people who truly need help.
We will be bringing some of the less accessible indigenous people into our clinic and will work closely with local medical students to care for them. If you love to teach, this is the trip for you!
Our Work
International Medical Relief began relief efforts in Peru in 2012. Since then, more than 300 volunteers and staff have served over 9,000 patients. IMR continues to strengthen their relationship with the community and provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations.
With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.
IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.
This Mission
This captivating journey begins and concludes in Pucallpa, Peru, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Located on the banks of the Ucayali River, Pucallpa is surrounded by lush ecosystems, including the nearby Cordillera Azul National Park, which boasts remarkable biodiversity and stunning landscapes characteristic of the Amazon region.
Lodging/Transportation
You will be staying in a lovely hotel on this trip, traveling each day to the small villages and towns that are in need of medical and dental care. Bring your bathing suit and don’t forget your camera!
Highlights
Working with the indigenous Shipibo-Konibo communities of Pucallpa is a unique experience in itself. You will have the opportunity to explore traditional Amazonian medicine and witness a variety of handcrafted items from the region, including intricate textiles with complex geometric designs, beaded jewelry, ceramics, wood carvings, and clothing featuring traditional patterns.
Another highlight of this trip is your choice to spend your final day in Pucallpa either shopping, relaxing, or exploring the surrounding Amazon rainforest, or you can opt to visit the capital city of Lima. Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its museums showcasing exceptional art, archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and exquisite cuisine. This diversity gives Peru’s capital a distinct character and makes tourism in Lima a unique experience. Your decision will depend on your departure time from Pucallpa and your flight schedule. Consider this an opportunity to extend your stay!
If you are contemplating an extension, Machu Picchu is another remarkable option and a must-see during any visit to Peru. You can fly to Cusco, then travel by bus and train to reach Machu Picchu, which is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Contact our partner Worldwide Navigators to learn more about extending your stay.
Extend Your Stay
You’re journeying halfway across the globe, have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Peru’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!
- Experience the wonder of a sunrise on Machu Picchu
- Enjoy a train ride through the Peruvian jungle
- Journey to the vibrant & colorful Rainbow Mountain
Click here to view the itinerary!
Ready for the adventure? Connect with Worldwide Navigators today!
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrivals
Clinic
Clinic
Optional Training Day/Departures
Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab
Sustainable Impact
Your Journey
Weather
Clinic Photos
Gallery
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
You will need to arrange your flight to Pucullpa. Plan a flight into FAP Captain David Abensur Rengifo International Airport (PCL). If you need assistance booking flights, please contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com. You may also choose to arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation, which you may purchase from within your portal under Trip Add-Ons.
Arrivals
You and the team will fly into Pucullpa and arrive to the FAP Captain David Abensur Rengifo International Airport (PCL). Please arrive by 2pm to transfer to your hotel and meet up with the other volunteers you’ll be working with this week for a team dinner.
After dinner, you will attend the team orientation to prepare you for the upcoming week of clinic. During orientation, your team leader will assign roles for the clinic, discuss our community health education efforts in detail, present IMR’s clinic protocols, and provide an overview of the communities your team will be serving in Peru. Our partners will join us to explain the cultural components, medical landscape and overview of the medical conditions prevalent in the area
Meals: Dinner,
Clinic
Today is your first day of clinic! Wake to enjoy a hearty breakfast with your team. Clinics begin early in the morning and run into the evenings. Your days will be long and hard, but also incredibly rewarding. You will find the indigenous people of the rainforest to be among the kindest people you will meet and the most in need of healthcare.
After returning back to your accommodation at the end of the day, you will have a team debrief with your team leader and dinner provided at the accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
Most time at the clinic will be spent treating those with with infections, wounds, and common health problems that are frequently untreated. Clinic days will also be spent caring for the indigenous people of the Peruvian rainforest with conditions associated with the annual Amazon Basin flooding such as skin issues, infections, and emotional loss.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Culture Day/Departures
Enjoy one final breakfast with your team! Depending on the time your flight leaves, you can explore more of the city before you head back to the airport for your international flight home.
If you’re interested in extending your stay, our partner Worldwide Navigators offers exclusive trip extensions just for IMR volunteers! See the extensions tab on this page for details.
Meals: Breakfast,
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extension Photos
Extensions
You’re journeying across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Cusco to experience some of the area’s top tourist attractions? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive 5-day, 4-night trip extension provided by their partner, Worldwide Navigators!
Cusco/Machu Picchu Extension
Highlights:
- Experience sunrise on Machu Picchu
- Enjoy a cinematic train ride through the Sacred Valley into the jungle
- Journey to the vibrant and colorful Rainbow Mountain
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Cusco
Arrive in the breathtaking city of Cusco. Situated at 11,150 feet, this remarkable city features a rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant colors everywhere you look.
Spend the morning wandering through the cobblestone streets and visiting the sites of the main square. We’ll then head to Sacsayhuamán fortress, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Onward to Kenko, where the sun, moon, and stars are worshipped. We’ll end our day to visit to the Inka’s Expression art workshop, where you will be able to see artists working in silver, paint, and wood – the perfect place to see Andean art.
Day 2: Rainbow Mountain
Don’t forget your camera! Today we journey to the infamous Rainbow Mountain, located close to Cusco. We’ll wind through gorgeous mountain roads making our way to the colorful range.
Your guide will lead you on a short hike to reach the top of the Rainbow Mountain.
We’ll return to Cusco in the evening for a night of cultural activities and delicious local cuisine.
Day 3: Treasures of the Sacred Valley
Today you’ll get to know the Sacred Valley. We’ll stop along the way to visit Moray, to view the enormous circular terraces that were used by the Incas as a botanical laboratory many years ago.
We’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most fascinating building complexes of the Inca Empire and the site of one of the Spanish Conquistadors rare strategic defeats. Famous for its terraced fields (cut into the hillsides), Ollantaytambo was an effective fortress as well as a religious center. We’ll end our day with a visit to the village of Ollantaytambo, the only “living Inca town” and the best remaining example of Inca urban planning, with stone-paved streets that have been continuously inhabited since the 13th Century.
Day 4: Machu Picchu
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for! We’ll catch the early morning train to Aguas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu. This is no ordinary transport! The train ride is an experience within itself with cinematic views surrounding you.
We’ll explore the ancient Incan ruins and hear stories of how this city was built. Don’t forget your camera! These are memories & views you’ll never want to forget.
Spend the evening down in Aguas Calientes enjoying Peruvian cuisine with a view of the rushing river below. Explore the streets of this charming town and maybe take a soak in the local hot springs.
Day 5: Machu Picchu | Departure Home
There is nothing quite like a sunrise on Machu Picchu. If you’re up for it, get a head start before the sun and hike up the trail to the ruins. Watch as the morning fog lifts from the lush mountains and spend another day exploring the ruins.
This afternoon, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes to catch the returning train back to Cusco for our departures back home.
What’s Included:
- 5-Day, 4-Night Tour
- Ground Transportation
- Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- Daytime Tour Guide
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
You Will Need to Provide:
- Customary Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Souvenirs/Gifts
- Currency Exchange Fees
5-Day, 4-Night All-Inclusive Tour Starts at $1,900. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book this extension or get more information.
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation of $900 will go toward the ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Donation Payment Deadlines
$800 due by July 7, 2025
$900 due by September 7, 2025
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, the participant must upload ALL your required documents and forms, sign their liability form and make your 50% donation including your $35 application fee by July 7, 2025. This savings opportunity does not apply to disaster relief missions.
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission, please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Your Donation to IMR for Your Mission Cost Includes:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- Transportation
- Lodging (except for Colorado missions, disaster missions, or as otherwise mentioned in the trip itinerary)
- Costs associated with the clinic
- Food
- Tips for services provided to the IMR team
- All logistics, including translation services and security as needed
Additional Costs That You Are Responsible For:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- International and Domestic flights to the country.
- Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
- Required or recommended insurance
- Vaccinations and medications common for travel
- Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
- Required or desired mission supplies, personal equipment, or small gifts for the special people you meet
- Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled team mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor
- COVID-related fees such as testing, vaccinations, and quarantines as required by in-country arrival/departure or USA arrival/departure
- Each team member is responsible for carrying medical supplies for the deployment. All fees associated with transport are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Financial FAQs
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