Service
Through Mobile Clinics and Development Projects you help bring accessible medical care, health education and safer homes to the communities you visit.
Overview
Not charity — a service learning trip
Service Learning Trips are retreats where you disconnect from distraction, reconnect with purpose, and learn the mindset and skills required to serve ethically and sustainably. They are the beginning of a lifelong journey, not the end.
Environment
Trips are designed with sustainability in mind — in Lima you may join an environmentally friendly project such as a public park or an eco-bathroom.
Education
Learn the historical, political and economic factors shaping families' realities, and deepen your global-health knowledge by shadowing professionals.
Life-changing
Eye-opening experiences and human connection renew your passion for a world free from the constraints of poverty.
Flip the switch — same week, two very different mindsets
VoluntourismMEDLIFE Service Learning
MEDLIFE Service Learning
Listening to community needs and acting responsibly to support sustainable, culturally sensitive and community-led change.
- Communities define the project; we follow their lead
- Students support licensed local professionals, never replace them
- Follow-up visits, patient records and long-term projects
Voices from students
What students say about their Dental SLT
Hear from students who have already been in the field with MEDLIFE & Smiles Movement.
“MEDLIFE is an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and to help communities in need. I had the opportunity to shadow many procedures and help make a difference in people's smiles. At home I usually work with children, so it was a different perspective to see how procedures are done with adults. Another thing I noticed — back home we use a lot of local anesthesia, even freezing for little procedures, but here it's mostly patient based, whether they'd like it or not.”
Jasmine
Student, Wayne State University
“Today I learned that a lot of children here are really afraid of dentists — it's similar in the US, but I think it's on a greater scale here, and it takes even more comforting and consoling from the doctors to communicate with them and do the work. Learning with real patients means so much; there's a big difference between shadowing in the US and being able to work with people on a greater scale — you really understand the differences between cultures and the relationships with dentists and healthcare professionals. If you're a pre-dental student, you'll get excellent exposure to working with real patients, and if you want to work on your Spanish you can do that too. Just go for it — it's an amazing experience.”
Natalie
Vice president, MEDLIFE chapter (Lima Dental SLT)
“The guidance from the doctors has helped me more as a person — because I think before a dentist, you're a person, and you have to be kind, patient and communicative with your patient. The doctors here really showed us how to treat patients and be a good person first, and then be a good dentist by keeping hygiene and doing the procedure calmly. Learning with real patients is something not everyone in the United States can do. Each person's mouth is different, so taking into consideration all the differences between people is very important.”
Renad
Student, University of San Diego
“One thing I learned today was how important it is for people to get educated about oral healthcare — for many we met it was their first time really understanding why it's necessary to brush your teeth and keep good oral hygiene. A doctor told me how you have to prioritize various aspects of the mouth when providing care — with fillings you prioritize the areas most in danger of breaking or where people are eating — and how important it is to communicate clearly so patients understand how to prevent future cavities. The most crucial aspect of learning is hands-on experience and your ability to connect with patients so they trust you — people are afraid of the dental field across the world, so forming that connection and communicating clearly before providing quality care is paramount.”
Manish
Student, Louisiana State University
Quick check 1 of 3
What are the three pillars of every MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip?
About Lima
Where you're going
Lima is Peru's capital and a modern, sprawling city of over 10 million inhabitants on the Pacific coast. MEDLIFE is headquartered here — but our focus is beyond the typical tourist stops: we work in the “pueblos jóvenes” (human settlements) on the outskirts of the city, built on steep, sandy hillsides.
Location
Central Pacific coast of Peru · roughly sea level · Peru's capital and MEDLIFE's headquarters city.
Population: 9,674,755
Open larger mapLanguage
Spanish
Quechua is also spoken by many families who migrated from the Andes.
Altitude
Sea level · coastal desert
No altitude adjustment needed in Lima.
Climate
Mild, humid · grey “garúa” mist
Bring a light jacket; hillsides are dusty and sunny at midday.
Currency
Sol (S/.) · $1 ≈ S/. 3.49
Carry small bills; cards are rare in the communities.
Time zone
PET (UTC−5)
Same as US Eastern in winter, no daylight saving.
Context
~26% of Lima/Callao in poverty
Many families live in precarious housing without running water or electricity.
Where we work in Lima
We partner with local leaders in the human settlements on the outskirts of the city, supporting community-led initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, health, education and opportunity.
- San Juan de Miraflores (Pamplona)
- Villa María del Triunfo (Nueva Esperanza, Tablada de Lurín)
- Villa El Salvador
- Pachacamac (Manchay)
- Ate (Huaycán)
- San Juan de Lurigancho
- Ventanilla
Common health issues we see
Prevalent due to limited access to dental care and poor oral hygiene — over 90% of school-aged children in Peru have experienced tooth decay, many with untreated cavities (Peruvian Ministry of Health).
Gingivitis and periodontitis are common; around 70% of adults in low-income areas suffer some form of gum disease, which can cause pain, tooth loss and severe infections if untreated.
Accidents and injuries compounded by lack of immediate, affordable care — about 25% of children in rural and low-income urban areas have experienced dental trauma.
A lack of essential nutrients weakens teeth and gums; approximately 30% of children in these areas are malnourished, directly affecting their oral health.
Only 20% of residents in low-income communities have regular access to dental care, leading to untreated dental conditions.
Quick check 1 of 3
What are the hillside communities on the outskirts of Lima commonly called?
Your week
What we'll do together
1Engaged Education Reality Tour
Learn directly from local leaders about the social, cultural and systemic factors shaping their communities.
2Mobile Clinics
Shadow licensed local professionals and gain real-world insight into community-centered healthcare.
3Development Project
Work alongside locals on a hands-on community project — installing fuel-efficient stoves, building safe homes, or renovations — then celebrate the results at an inauguration with the community.
4Reflect & Connect
Evening discussions that deepen understanding of global health, equity and ethical service.
5Cultural Excursion
Optional full-day Saturday excursion to Ica and Paracas — the desert oasis of Huacachina, dune buggies and sandboarding, and the wildlife of the Peruvian coast.
Sample itinerary
This itinerary is a sample and may change based on community needs, weather, and logistics.
Day 1 · Saturday
Arrival to Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) between 5 PM and 11 PM. A MEDLIFE associate will be waiting for you outside the airport with a MEDLIFE sign. Settle in at the hostel and recover from the travel day — meals are not provided today, but there are restaurants nearby.
- REVIEW THE TRANSFER TIMES BELOWTransfer in
Day 2 · Sunday
Walking Tour & Orientation
Sunday morning is dedicated to an orientation meeting covering what to expect for the week and safety precautions. Then enjoy an introduction to Lima with a walking tour of Miraflores led by your Trip Leader. In the afternoon, participants have free time to explore the area. Meals are not provided today.
- —Orientation meeting & safety review
- —Walking tour of Miraflores
- —Free afternoon
Day 3 · Monday
Engaged Education Reality Tour
Your first immersive experience in the urban settlements where MEDLIFE works. Explore the harsh realities of living in these settlements, learn how MEDLIFE bridges the gap between Peru's public health system and low-income families, and visit a partner community in the southern districts of Lima. At 5 PM, meet in the conference room for a presentation on MEDLIFE's work and to receive your Mobile Clinic station assignments for the week.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast
- 8:00 AMReality Tour begins
- 1:00 PMLunch, then return to the hostel & rest
- 5:00 PMMEDLIFE presentation & station assignments
- 6:00 PMDinner
Day 4–7 · Tuesday – Friday
Mobile Dental Clinics
Every day, Mobile Dental Clinics travel to various communities, with 30-minute to 2-hour travel times. On arrival, students unload supplies and attend a brief training before the clinic opens. Work until lunch, then switch stations; clinics close depending on patient volume. You will also visit a permanent clinic to shadow local doctors overseeing deeper and more complex treatments — procedures can include surgeries, permanent dentures and more!
- 6:00 AMBreakfast
- 7:00 AMDepart for the community (1–2 hour bus ride)
- 8:00 – 9:00 AMUnload supplies, training & clinic begins
- 11:40 AMLunch on the bus
- 12:00 PMSecond station rotation
- 2:00 – 3:00 PMPack up & return to the hotel
- 5:00 PMPost-clinic activity
- 6:00 PMDinner
Day 8 · Saturday
Optional Tourism Activities
Optional full-day Saturday excursion: the Ica & Paracas Desert Escape. Four hours from Lima, visit the Ballestas Islands by boat, then the Huacachina Oasis for dune buggies and sandboarding, finishing at the local vineyards. Lunch included.
See the full-day itinerary- Full dayIca & Paracas Desert Escape
Day 9 · Sunday
Departure
Continue exploring Peru or head back home after a week of service and learning. Depart Lima anytime between 12 PM and 9 PM.
- REVIEW THE TRANSFER TIMES BELOWTransfer out
Quick check 1 of 3
Which activity happens on Day 2, before the mobile clinics start?
Mobile clinic
Clinic stations
Stations may vary with community needs and group size. Patients return to Education between specialists, and Pharmacy is always last.
Tr
Triage
The first station patients visit. Here we collect contact information, basic medical history and vitals for the physicians to use during consultations.
What will I be doing?
- After the triage nurse does patient intake, take the patient history form and fill in the vitals section.
- Measure height (Talla/HT), weight (Peso/WT), blood pressure, heart rate (FC/HR) and temperature (TC/Temp). BMI is optional.
- Blood pressure is NOT taken for children (any patient with a niño history form).
- Star the patient's information if diastolic pressure is above 90, or temperature is above 38°C (100°F).
- Guide patients to the waiting area at the Education Station and hand the form to the Education participant.
Recommendations
- Divide and conquer: one person on BP and heart rate, one on temperature, one on height and weight, one escorting patients.
- Spanish speakers can ask the triage nurse whether help with intake is needed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Presión arterial |
| Arm | Brazo |
| Bag | Bolso |
| Hat | Sombrero |
| Shoes | Zapatos |
| Jacket | Chompa |
| Scale | Balanza |
| Tape measure | Cinta métrica |
| Thermometer | Termómetro |
| Alcohol | Alcohol |
| Cotton | Algodón |
| Medical record (adult / child / dental / OB) | Ficha médica de adulto / niño / dental / OB |
Ed
Education
A space for health education on oral health, and more. It also serves as the waiting room between stations.
What will I be doing?
- Stamp every history form with the education stamp — a form must be stamped before the patient is seen at a medical station.
- Keep patients and their forms in order of arrival, using the number written at the top of each form.
- Redirect patients returning from a specialty station who still have other consultations.
- Support the education nurse by recording laboratory test results when applicable.
Recommendations
- Patients with high blood pressure or fever from Triage are prioritized to see the doctor immediately.
- Never send a patient to Pharmacy until every consultation circled on their form is complete.
- Families are treated as a single unit — all members finish their consultations before Pharmacy.
- The nurse leads the actual education sessions; your main job is order and patient flow.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Educational brochures | Trípticos |
| Stamp | Sello |
| Urine test | Examen de orina |
| Blood test | Examen de sangre |
Dn
Dental
Offers fillings and extractions. Dental professionals will ask you to assist with a range of hands-on duties.
What will I be doing?
- Assist the dentist: organize instruments, hold the flashlight or suction tube, mix filling paste.
- Complete odontograms and patient paperwork following the dentist's instructions.
- Help prepare patients before their consultation.
Recommendations
- Take initiative — work quickly and communicate well with the dentist.
- If unsure of your task, simply ask the dentist what needs to be done.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tooth / teeth | El diente / los dientes |
| Dentist | Dentista |
| To the left | A la izquierda |
| To the right | A la derecha |
| Flashlight | La linterna |
| To clean | Limpiar |
| Dental chair | Silla dental |
| Cavities | Caries |
| Fillings | Curaciones |
| Extraction | Extracción |
Px
Prophylaxis
Focused on professional teeth cleaning and oral hygiene maintenance, performed by local dental professionals.
What will I be doing?
- Help with patient preparation before consultations, ensuring they are ready for the prophylaxis treatment.
- Assist the dentist with organizing instruments for cleaning procedures.
- Hold the flashlight/suction tube during cleanings.
- Complete odontograms and patient paperwork, following the dentist's instructions.
- Provide post-cleaning care instructions to patients.
Recommendations
- Take initiative — work quickly and communicate well with the dentist.
- If you are unsure of your tasks, ask the dentist what needs to be done and listen to their instruction.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tooth / teeth | El diente / los dientes |
| Dentist | Dentista |
| To the left | A la izquierda |
| To the right | A la derecha |
| To clean | Limpiar |
| Dental chair | Silla dental |
| Plaque | Placa |
| Tartar | Sarro |
| Scaling | Raspado |
| Polishing | Pulido |
| Floss | Hilo dental |
| Mouthwash | Enjuague bucal |
| Oral hygiene | Higiene oral |
| To rinse | Enjuagar |
Ph
Pharmacy
The final station, where prescriptions are filled. Data collected here helps MEDLIFE track medication and enroll patients in the Patient Follow-Up Program.
What will I be doing?
- Collect medical history forms in the order received and store them where the pharmacy nurse indicates.
- One person records EVERY medication dispensed so stock can be replenished for the next clinic.
- Read the doctor's receipt and fill prescriptions: each medication in its own labelled bag, all bags into one larger bag for the nurse to verify.
- Keep the line orderly so the nurse sees one patient at a time.
- Alert the nurse immediately if a prescribed dose differs from what is available.
- Make sure patients leave with the handwritten prescription and instructions.
Recommendations
- Read the data collection process as soon as you arrive at the station.
- Watch the medication form — some come as both pill and paste.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| One patient at a time | Un paciente a la vez |
| Please give me your prescription and registration form | Por favor, deme su receta médica y su ficha de registro |
| These are your medicines | Estas son tus medicinas |
| Thank you for coming! | ¡Gracias por venir! |
| Vitamins | Vitaminas |
| Prescription | Receta médica |
| Syrup | Jarabe |
| Pill | Pastilla |
| Paste / creme | Pasta / crema |
| Bottle | Botella |
Tb
Toothbrushing
Teaches children aged 3 and up about dental hygiene. Children need no history form, and this is the only station without a medical professional — be proactive.
What will I be doing?
- Set up a table and tent outside, away from the other stations, with toothbrushes, cups, toothpaste and fluoride.
- Keep an empty bucket for children to spit into and find a tap to fill your water bucket — never use the boxed drinking water.
- Register every child (name and age) on the registration sheet; exact spelling doesn't matter.
- Hand each child a toothbrush with paste and a cup, and demonstrate brushing with the giant mouth and toothbrush props.
- Offer fluoride: no food or drink for an hour and no milk for the rest of the day. Never apply fluoride to children under 3.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Toothbrush | Cepillo de dientes |
| Toothpaste | Pasta dental |
| Cup | Vaso |
| Water | Agua |
| Fluoride | Flúor |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? |
| How old are you? | ¿Cuántos años tienes? |
| Take a toothbrush and a cup | Toma un cepillo y un vaso |
| Brush your teeth in a circular form | Cepíllate los dientes en forma circular |
| Rinse your mouth | Enjuágate la boca |
| Don't drink the water | No tomes el agua |
| Spit out here / there | Escupe aquí / ahí |
| Wash your toothbrush | Lava tu cepillo |
| Now we will place fluoride on your teeth | Ahora pondremos flúor en tus dientes |
| Open your mouth wide | Abre la boca bien grande |
| Don't eat or drink anything for an hour | No comas ni tomes nada por una hora |
| Don't drink milk for a day | No tomar leche por un día |
Quick check 1 of 3
Where does a patient go first when they arrive at the mobile clinic?
Conduct & health
Rules and recommendations
Face masks
Beyond local laws and regulations, masks must be worn during Mobile Clinics.
Compulsory safety briefing
Upon arrival, all students attend an extensive safety briefing.
Illness during the trip
If you feel unwell or show symptoms of any illness, advise your Trip Leader immediately so you can get medical care.
Wash and sanitize hands
Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are available at every Mobile Clinic.
Respectful behavior in communities
- No photos during medical care or inside the clinic — patients are receiving medical attention.
- Do not leave your station. Alert your Trip Leader if you need a break so your spot is covered.
- The Trip Leader announces lunch and station rotations. Lunch is approximately 20 minutes long.
- Report missing utensils or materials from your station to the Trip Leader.
- Do not pet or feed animals — we cannot know if they carry disease or have a poor temperament.
General recommendations
- Do not drink tap water — it can make you sick.
- Be cautious with street food, especially meat; make sure it is boiled or cooked. Avoid street-sold juices, the water is not safe.
- Throw toilet paper in the trashcan provided. Local plumbing cannot handle paper and will clog and flood.
Quick check 1 of 3
Before taking a photo of a patient or community member, you should:
Preparing
Get ready for Lima
A short checklist so you arrive confident, covered and connected before the clinic doors open.
Documents, visas & vaccinations
- Passport requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 7 months after your arrival date (some destinations require this for entry)
- Visa requirements
- If you are not traveling with a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to enter certain countries. It is your responsibility to determine whether a visa is required and make the appropriate arrangements before traveling.
- Vaccinations
- MEDLIFE follows CDC recommendations. No specific vaccinations are required, but you should follow all CDC guidance and consult your doctor. View CDC travel recommendations
Be sure to confirm any required visas or fees involved in your flight layover based on airport as well.
Flight information and timeframes
The attendees of the SLT are responsible for buying their own airfare. However, our team can help you in this process by providing a flight quote for your group. You can request a flight quote by emailing info@medlifemovement.org. Once your flight is booked, please make sure to add your arrival and departure information to your booking.
Airport: Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Lima, Peru — recommended timeframes
Arrival: Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Departure: Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
If attendees arrive outside of the set time frames, they will be responsible for covering the cost of transportation to their site. If your flight arrives outside the timeframes listed please email info@medlifemovement.org. Remember that any additional nights and transfers that are added before/after your trip because of early or late arrival are not included in the Service Learning Trip donation goal, and will be at the cost of the student.
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will allow you to cancel for any reason. You can contact info@medlifemovement.org for more information about our insurance options.
Note that this type of insurance must be purchased within a short number of days of your initial registration, and cannot be added in the days leading up to your departure — reach out as soon as possible to access this opportunity.
Accommodation
MEDLIFE books your stay at a partner hotel in Lima, and a MEDLIFE Representative is at the hotel for the duration of your trip. The exact hotel, address and phone are shared with your group in the WhatsApp group before departure.
What's included
- Materials & ResourcesFor the Mobile Clinic & Project.
- Accommodation8-nights dorm room accommodation for 6 to 9 people, exclusively with MEDLIFE participants.
- Meals3 meals a day are provided Monday–Friday, along with breakfast provided on the weekends.
- TransportationTo and from the airport (within the established schedule), and to SLT activities.
- English-speaking Leader
- Safety equipment
- Travel health insuranceThe insurance requires a $250 payment as a deductible for coverage.
What's not included
- Flights
- Tips
- Pre-Post accommodation
- Optional excursions
- Weekend meals
- Cancellation insurance
- Room upgrades
- Transportation outside provided timeframes
What to pack
Lima is at sea level with mild, humid weather and grey coastal mist, but the hillside communities are dusty and sunny at midday — pack light layers and closed-toe shoes.
- Clothing
- Light layers — a jacket or fleece for cool, humid mornings, breathable shirts, long pants, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Modest clothing for community visits.
- Clinic wear
- Closed-toe shoes (required for clinic stations), a lanyard for your badge, and clothes you don't mind getting dusty.
- Health
- Reusable water bottle, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, and basic personal medications.
- Documents & money
- Passport (7+ months validity), travel insurance info, $250 USD cash for the deductible, a credit card, and copies of key documents.
- Extras
- Power adapter (Peru uses Type A/B), portable charger, a towel, and a small backpack for clinic and project days.
What to donate
Many families travel hours to reach our clinics. Donations are handed directly to community members and stations — bring what you can, packed in your checked luggage.
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements for children and adults — new, unopened, and within their expiration date.
- Dental supplies: floss, fluoride, and child-sized toothbrushes for the Toothbrushing station.
- Hygiene kits: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
- Over-the-counter medicines (in original, sealed packaging): pain relievers, antacids, and oral rehydration salts.
- If you’re unsure what to bring or have items you’d like to donate that aren’t listed, please email info@medlifemovement.org and we’ll be happy to help.
Join the WhatsApp group
About 3–4 weeks before your trip, MEDLIFE adds you to a WhatsApp group with your Trip Leader and fellow students. It's where we share daily logistics, meeting points, weather notes, and reminders.
If you have not received a WhatsApp invitation at least 2 weeks before your departure, email info@medlifemovement.org with your name and trip dates so we can add you right away.
info@medlifemovement.orgWatch the summary video
A short message from the MEDLIFE team to wrap up your pre-departure training.
Quick check 1 of 3
You haven't received your trip WhatsApp group invite two weeks before departure. What do you do?
Optional extras
Explore immersion add-ons
Extend your trip before or after your SLT with your friends, chapter, or family, or add a SUNDAY experience on DAY 9, in the event of Sunday night flight departures. These trips are offered through Good Life Expeditions, a MEDLIFE partner travel agency whose profits support MEDLIFE projects in the communities we work alongside.
Lima Saturday Experience (Day 8 of your SLT)Full day
Ica & Paracas Desert Escape — Ballestas Islands + Huacachina
Located 4 hours from Lima, this full day we will visit the Ballestas Islands by boat, then the Huacachina Oasis for an adventure in the desert, and finish with a visit to its incredible vineyards. Lunch is included.
Pre/Post SLT bundle5 days / 4 nights
Ultimate Andes Expedition — Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
Experience Cusco's rich history, marvel at Machu Picchu's ancient wonders and hike the vibrant Rainbow Mountain. Dive into Andean culture, explore iconic ruins and embrace breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary linked is the version departing from Lima. Minimum 10 participants. Flight to Cusco not included.
Pre/Post SLT bundle4 days / 3 nights
Amazonian Wildlife Immersion: Puerto Maldonado
Discover diverse wildlife, including jaguars and giant otters, in their habitat. Visit panoramic Lake Apu Victor, the biodiverse Lost Cocha and primate-rich Monkey Island, learn Amazonian culture and stay in a rustic lodge.
Minimum 10 participants. Flight to Puerto Maldonado not included.
Signature Adventure — flexible dates7 days / 6 nights
Classic Peru
Experience the best of Peru on a 7-day journey through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Explore colonial neighborhoods, ancient Inca sites, Andean landscapes and local culture with private transportation and expert guides, ending with an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.
Signature Adventure — flexible dates14 days / 13 nights
Best of Peru
Two full weeks across Peru: Cusco's rich history, the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu and the vibrant Rainbow Mountain hike, with deep dives into Andean culture, iconic ruins and breathtaking landscapes.
Interested? Email info@medlifemovement.org or meet with a Good Life Expeditions advisor to add one of these to your trip.
High school students, families:
Book a meetingOUR PROTOCOLS
In case of emergencies
Save these numbers before you fly. If MEDLIFE staff aren't nearby, call or WhatsApp the Peru emergency line.
In destination or in transit
+51 932 036 509
Peru Emergency Phone · WhatsApp, call or SMS
Calling from North America
1-844-633-5433
MEDLIFE HQ Phone
What to do, step by step, if something goes wrong
- Contact your local emergency authorities.
- For non-urgent matters contact your Chapter, MEDLIFE HQ, or info@medlifemovement.org.
- Contact the Peru Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader or the MEDLIFE Representative at your hotel.
- Speak to reception.
- Contact the Peru Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Clinic nurses and doctors are available to attend to you.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Contact the Peru Emergency Phone.
National emergency numbers
Police
105Tourist Police (WhatsApp)
+51 980 122 335Fire brigade
116Medical emergency
106Civil Defense (earthquakes, disasters)
119Peruvian Red Cross
01-266-0481
Clinics & police
Clínica Anglo Americana (Lima)
C. Alfredo Salazar 350, San Isidro 15073
+51 1 6168900Tourism Police Peru (Lima)
Jr. María José de Arce 268, Magdalena del Mar 15076
+51 1 4601060
Nearest embassies
Embassy of the United States
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n, Santiago de Surco 33
+51 1 6182000Canadian Embassy
Bolognesi 228, Miraflores 15074
+51 1 3193200British Embassy
Torre Parque Mar, Av. José Larco 1301, Miraflores 15074
+51 1 6173000
Insurance & cash
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance up to $250,000 USD with a $250 USD deductible once on a trip.
A doctor's visit to your hotel can be arranged if you feel unwell — typically $50–$100 USD, usually less than the $250 deductible. Staff or hotel reception can coordinate.
Bring $250 USD in cash beyond your spending money to cover the deductible, plus a credit card for emergencies if you have one.
Trawick International · 833-425-5101 (inside USA) · 603-952-2686 (outside USA)
Quick check 1 of 3
In an emergency during the trip, who do you contact first?
After your trip
Keep the momentum going
Take your experiences from the field and put them into action at home through MEDLIFE activities all year round.
Moving Mountains
Our fundraising campaign supporting day-to-day work in medicine, education and development. MEDLIFErs run Power Hours inviting contacts to donate — often with wild fundraising challenges.
Grow the Movement
Refer friends at other schools to start a MEDLIFE Chapter, encourage others to travel on a Service Learning Trip, and recruit new members for your Chapter.
Leadership activities
Volunteer locally with your Chapter, run for an E-Board position, or become a MEDLIFE Ambassador or Active Member to unlock discounts on your next trip.
Keep in touch
Follow us on social media and the blog, send photos and stories to media@medlifemovement.org, and tag us when you share what you saw.
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