Los Amigos is a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting programs that improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote, Peru.

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Visit Chimbote

Where You'll Stay

Visitors to Peru typically stay in the mission compound but staying with trusted families from the parish is an option as well. The mission compound is a large area  surrounded by walls and guarded by security staff which contains the church, offices, a library, tutoring rooms, guest quarters, and other rooms and open areas. You also may hear the mission compound referred to as the parish, the parish compound, or the “parroquia” – Spanish for “parish.” The full name of the parish that Fr. Jack leads is Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, which translates to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.  

Guest quarters in the parish are basic. Twin beds are divided by cubicle walls. Visitors share bathrooms and showers. Hot showers are available. Meals are cooked by the parish kitchen staff. A dining room, often referred to as “the gringo room,” contains fruit, snacks, tea, coffee, and a small fridge. Visitors eat meals together. Water provided within the parish is filtered and safe to drink.

If you wish to stay with a family instead of the compound, arrange this in advance with Los Amigos’ Chimbote-based volunteer coordinator at  VC@losamigos-chimbote.org. It is recommended though not required that you speak some Spanish.  You may opt to use the shower facilities at the mission compound and join in some meals there as well.

How to Stay In Touch With Home

There is no longer a computer lab at the mission, but there is an increasing number of internet cafes in Chimbote, with some located very near the parish compound.  For a minimal fee, you may access the internet and email friends and family at home.  For safety reasons, always ask a trusted mission representative to accompany you to the internet cafes and remember that you must pay in Peruvian soles.  

For those who want to call family or friends, a Telefonica or Hola Peru calling card may be purchased in Peru and used at any number of phones located throughout Peru, in the city of Chimbote, and at the mission.  There are also many cell phone towers in Chimbote so if your cell phone is equipped to make international calls you should be able to get service in Chimbote.