Get to know this great organization
Volunteering is a great way to become involved with the CTTC and to get to know the weavers and their work. The CTTC is always looking for hardworking volunteers to join the Chullo Club and help out with different events and projects.
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The CTTC accepts a small number of volunteers each year to be part of the Chullo Club and help with various projects and programs currently in progress. Most volunteers are given work inside of the set plans the CTTC has for the year, which can include anything from help with event preparation to specific projects that the volunteer completes semi-independently.
The CTTC requires that volunteers commit to a minimum of 75 days as anything less is insufficient time for volunteers to make a meaningful impact on the organization. While the CTTC does not require that volunteers speak Spanish, the Center prefers volunteers that can as it means they can become involved at a deeper level in the CTTC.
While most volunteers spend a majority of their time working in the offices on administrative tasks, there are occasional opportunities to visit the communities and work with the weavers. Volunteering with the Chullo Club can provide a once in a life-time opportunity to meet indigenous Andean weavers and learn from them about their lives, traditions, and textiles.
Chullo are the traditional knitted hats that men and women knit in different communities in the Andes. The CTTC jokingly began calling the volunteer program the Chullo Club after a group of volunteers began wearing their chullo in to volunteer each day. Today each volunteer receives a chullo at the end of their volunteer period as a thank-you gift for their work and as official induction into the club.
• Helping with preparations for Education Department events such as the Young Weavers Gatherings
• Organizing the photo archive and the permanent collection of textiles
• Ceating an online database of the permanent collection of textiles
• Conservation work on the permanent collection of textiles
• Writing publications, such as pamphlets and the bi-yearly newsletter, in Spanish and English
• Creating a catalogue of the CTTC’s products
• Designing a new website for the CTTC
• Critically assessing, designing, and implementing a new store layout
• Organizing fundraisers to allow the Young Weavers to travel to Cusco to visit local museums
• Creating new videos for the CTTC
1. Who makes a good volunteer?
The CTTC looks for volunteers with a positive attitude who can take the initiative to think for themselves and work on tasks semi-independently. If you are a hard worker who is willing to jump into any task, no matter how small, with enthusiasm and an eye for details, you would make an excellent CTTC volunteer. Volunteers should be flexible to sudden and unpredictable changes in plans, and be understanding and accepting of cultural differences.
2. Does the CTTC Volunteer Program involve any fees or donations as a requisite of participation?
No, the CTTC Volunteer program does not include fees. Many volunteer programs require that volunteers pay to participate. This is often because these programs provide accommodations, meals, transportation, and other services. The CTTC does not provide these services. Volunteers are expected to find their own housing, pay for their own transportation, etc.
3. I want to volunteer, but I can’t commit to the minimum of three months. What should I do?
If you cannot commit to the required minimum of three months but still want to become involved in the CTTC, we suggest that you consider making a donation or organizing a fundraiser in your home community to help support the Center’s work. Stay in touch with the CTTC by signing up for our newsletter, or better yet, take a trip to Cusco to visit us personally. If you cannot come for three months to volunteer, coming for a short time to visit and learn about Andean textiles is an important way to help spread our message globally about the importance of textile traditions. While you are in Cusco, consider taking weaving classes and visiting Chinchero to see a weaving and dyeing demonstration.
4. Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer at the CTTC?
No, you do not need to speak Spanish to volunteer with the CTTC, however, the Center prefers volunteers who do speak Spanish.
5. What airport serves Cusco City, and how can I get from the airport to Cusco´s historic center?
While Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is the main airport serving Cusco, many international flights require a layover at Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM) in Lima, the capital of Peru. From Lima, you can catch a connecting flight to Cusco. Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, the most convenient way to reach the historic center is by taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal and offer a direct and usually inexpensive ride to the city center. Alternatively, you can prearrange transportation with your accommodation or use ride-hailing apps for added convenience. The journey typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
6. If I come as a volunteer, where can I find somewhere to live in Cusco?
Depending on your stay duration, Cusco offers various housing options. The historic center, where the CTTC is located, has a range of hostels and hotels. Many hostels accommodate long-term stays and may negotiate prices. Additionally, apartments are available for rent in the historic district, with options ranging from shared accommodations to fully furnished units. Once you're in the volunteering process, we can provide further information to help you find suitable housing options.
7. What are food options like in Cusco?
Food in Cusco is generally affordable, offering a variety of dining options. A typical menú (set menu) consisting of a fixed soup, main course, and tea typically ranges between S/.8 to S/.12 ($2.10 – $3.2). Additionally, if you choose to dine à la carte, the average restaurant charges for a dish between S/. 25 to S/. 50 ($6.7 - $13.3) soles in the center of Cusco. Markets such as Mercado San Blas, Mercado San Pedro, and Mercado Wanchaq are great for purchasing fresh produce and ingredients if you prefer cooking for yourself. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, several restaurants in the historic district offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, including Green Point, Parada Vegana, and Vegan Temple among others. Supermarkets stock soy products, though almond milk may not be readily available. Peanut butter is available but may be relatively expensive.
8. What is local transportation like in Cusco?
Cusco's compact size makes it highly walkable, with the historic center easily navigable on foot. Charming cobblestone streets connect major attractions, offering a picturesque stroll. Taxis are readily available and typically charge around S/6.00 ($1.60) for most destinations within the city. City buses, known as combis, provide an affordable option at S/.1.00 ($0.30) per ride, operating from approximately 5 am to 9 pm. While combis lack a published route map, asking locals for guidance and observing passing buses can help navigate their general routes. Although petty theft can occur, overall, Cusco is a safe city. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure to enjoy your travels worry-free. For inter-town travel beyond Cusco, inter-town buses offer convenient options at varying fares, typically ranging from S/6.00 ($1.60) to S/.12 ($3.20) depending on the destination.
9. What is there to do and see in Cusco? Why would I spend three or more months in Peru?
Cusco, known as the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, is a cherished destination for travelers worldwide. Recognized as the number one travel destination by Travel and Leisure's World's Best Awards survey for the past five years, it boasts architectural marvels dating back over a thousand years and is celebrated as a foodie destination. Offering a fusion of regional flavors, Cusco provides a culinary delight for food enthusiasts. The city offers an abundance of accommodation options and is easily navigable on foot, allowing visitors to explore its charming streets at leisure. Travelers have lauded Cusco for its fascinating history, magnificent architecture, warm hospitality, cleanliness, and excellent shopping opportunities. Whether you're drawn to its rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, or stunning architecture, Cusco promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
For those seeking to extend their travel beyond volunteering, Cusco serves as a gateway to other archaeological and natural wonders. Overnight buses offer convenient access to destinations such as Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and the Nazca Lines, allowing travelers to explore Peru's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Additionally, Machu Picchu is easily accessible by bus or train, offering an iconic and unforgettable experience for visitors. Moreover, with its proximity to the Amazon rainforest, Cusco provides an opportunity to explore one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, adding to the allure of this remarkable destination.
10. I want to improve my Spanish, are there places where I can take classes?
Yes, there are a number of Spanish schools in the historic district, including the San Blas Spanish School, the Amauta Spanish School and Máximo Nivel. You can either sign up for classes online before arriving in Cusco or visit the school(s) after arriving in Cusco and make a decision about the best option for you.
11. I want to learn Quechua, are there places that offer classes?
Yes, there are a few schools dedicated to Quechua such as the Quechua Language School (Wiracocha), Proyecto Peru, and Centro Tinku. They function similarly to the Spanish schools and you may find that some Spanish schools also offer Quechua classes. Working at the CTTC will give you the opportunity to practice your Quechua with the weavers. They love it when you make an effort to speak their language!
12. Who can I reach out to if I have doubts regarding the volunteer process?
If after reviewing our FAQs you have any questions or concerns regarding the volunteer process, please feel free to reach out to our team at education@cttccusco.com. We are here to assist you every step of the way and ensure that your volunteer experience with us is smooth and fulfilling.
CTTC is dedicated to the recovery and revitalization of ancestral textile techniques and traditions.The knowledge of ancestral textiles is an art inherited through several generations. A child learns textile practices from parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents. Providing motivation to continue to cherish these practices as he or she grows and ensuring a higher and sustainable quality of life through these practices is essential.
You can also empower and support traditional weavers through donations, purchases, and ethical tourism. Let´s keep the sustainable practice of ancestral textiles alive.