High in the rugged heart of the Peruvian Andes, in the ancient city of Cuzco, a quiet humanitarian mission is changing lives. Once the imperial capital of the Inca civilization, this mountain city perched over 3,000 meters above sea level has become an unexpected haven for Venezuelan migrants who have fled economic collapse and political turmoil in their homeland in search of safety and opportunity.
Winding through Cuzco’s historic streets are stories of immense courage—migrants who have walked or bused across borders from Colombia and Brazil, covering thousands of kilometers. Their destination is not just a new city, but a new beginning.
Since early 2025, many of these displaced individuals have found hope through the efforts of Apurimac ETS, a Christian-rooted nonprofit organization supported by Italy’s “8x1000” tax donation scheme and the Office of the Italian Prime Minister. At the helm of this initiative is Marta, a young Italian woman leading with compassion and clarity.
Marta explained that one of the project’s key missions is to help migrants navigate the bureaucratic maze of Peruvian law. “Through our help desk,” she shared, “we accompany them every step of the way—from legal documentation to securing public health access. In Peru, healthcare is only guaranteed to Venezuelans with legal residency, apart from young children and pregnant women.”
Recognizing the critical need for medical care, the team collaborates with Cuzco’s Santa Rita Hospital to offer targeted health campaigns, particularly for those excluded from the public system due to long wait times or lack of documentation. Access to medicine and treatment is one of the most pressing issues Venezuelan families face.
Another core focus is combating malnutrition. Apurimac’s work prioritizes support for vulnerable groups—especially young mothers, children, and pregnant women—through tailored nutrition programs. “It’s intense work,” Marta admitted, “but every life changed is a reason to keep going.”
What fuels this mission is more than just goodwill—it’s rooted in the Augustinian tradition of community, solidarity, and spiritual care. Guided by this charism, Apurimac continues to serve not only recent arrivals but also long-time migrants who, despite living in Peru for years, remain on the margins without legal recognition or stable employment.
“Even after eight years,” Marta said, “many still live in limbo, surviving on informal jobs that deny them a path to permanent residency. Social integration remains a major hurdle.”
While migration routes vary, many Venezuelans enter Peru via Colombia and Ecuador. According to Marta, the choice to settle in Cuzco is part of a broader trend of “circular migration” across Latin America. Unlike other cities where migrant populations fluctuate, Cuzco offers a sense of stability. And yet, the emotional pull of home remains strong. “Most still dream of returning to Venezuela someday,” she said. “But the flow of new arrivals hasn’t increased—it’s remained fairly constant.”
Today, Apurimac ETS stands alone in Cuzco as the only active migrant support project. Marta recalled how organizations like UNHCR previously operated in the region, but have since withdrawn. “Now it’s just us,” she said. “We’ve inherited the full weight of the mission.”
That mission, however, is buoyed by spiritual affirmation. The election of a Pope from the Augustinian Order has infused the team with renewed strength. “It’s a sign of encouragement,” Marta said, smiling. “It motivates us to keep walking alongside those who’ve lost almost everything, helping them rebuild not just with food or papers, but with dignity.”
In the heights of the Andes, where survival is tough and hope can be thin, this small but powerful witness of love continues to rise, one migrant at a time.