Volunteer in Peru with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects

Name: Volunteer in Peru with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects
Brand: Maximo Nivel
SKU: 21215
Rating: 4.94 (138 reviews)

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4.94 Rating

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Location

Peru
- Cusco
- Machu Picchu

Length

1 to 52 weeks

Project Types

Agriculture Childcare Climate Change Community Development Building Projects Service Learning Conservation Reforestation Education Health Medical Elderly Care Disabled Care Indigenous Rights Veterinary Service +5

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Program Details

Language

Spanish

Age Min.

Age Max

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Apartment Guesthouse Host Family Hostel Hotel

Groups

Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

665

Price Details

Maximo Nivel offers top-rated volunteer abroad programs. We strive to offer all-inclusive program fees that are affordable, transparent, and accessible to everyone. Along with Maximo’s professional program management, multi-lingual team, and 24/7 in-country support, your volunteer program includes:
Airport pick-up
Host family accommodations (shared room)
Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
3-4 hours/day practical work, Monday-Friday
Program and safety orientation
Walking tour
Official certificate of volunteer service
Letter of recommendation
Spanish language tutoring table
Tandem Conversation Program
Office-wide WiFi and computer lab
Salsa dance classes
Cooking classes
Institute is open 7 days/week
Emergency contact number 24/7

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Some Meals Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare Domestic Airfare Travel Insurance

Last Updated: Feb 15, 2022

Last Reviewed: Apr 22, 2024

Wish List

94 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Peru is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of natural resources. However, its social development has not kept pace with its commercial development, and Peruvians still wrestle with illiteracy and basic social justice. Peru works hard at self-improvement, making it an ideal place for international volunteers to get involved, contribute to sustainable programs, and provide help to vulnerable populations. There is no shortage of things to get done in Peru and international volunteers can truly learn to serve here.

Maximo Nivel provides volunteer abroad projects at our institute in Cusco, Peru, both in and outside of the city center. Projects are also available off-site in the Sacred Valley (mountains), the Amazon region (rainforest), and Quillabamba (rainforest), some of which are rural areas and offer a more “off-the-grid” experience than the city of Cusco. Volunteers always have the opportunity to serve in both urban and rural communities.

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Diversity & Inclusion

LGBTQIA+ Support

At Maximo Nivel, we deeply value diversity in all its forms. We maintain an open-minded approach, recognizing the significance of varied perspectives, intelligent discourse, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. We warmly welcome and respect individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of politics, gender, gender identity, age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Whether it’s volunteering, Spanish immersion, TEFL certification, international internships, university courses, or GAP year experiences, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are wholeheartedly invited to participate in our programs.

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Impact

Ethical Impact

At Maximo Nivel, we work in close partnership with our local communities in Latin America to ensure that volunteer projects align with genuine local needs, fostering meaningful and relevant impact. We emphasize sustainable initiatives designed for enduring change, rather than short-term interventions. By promoting cultural sensitivity, we facilitate enriching exchanges rooted in mutual respect, and our commitment to local employment further integrates and supports the communities we serve.

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Program Highlights

New volunteer programs start every Monday year-round
All-inclusive—shared accommodations, meals, and many extras
24/7 in-country support
Academic credit available
All-inclusive program fees from $665

Popular Programs

Working with Kids

Homelessness and poverty have left many children in Latin America without access to proper education and a loving environment. Maximo Nivel’s childcare projects aspire to change children’s lives by providing caring and nurturing volunteers to work, study, and play with them.

Teaching English

Speaking English is a life-changing skill for people in developing countries, because the language opens both academic and professional opportunities, and provides a path out of poverty.

Conservation Projects in Peru

Your work may be focused on reforestation, organic gardening, wildlife and animal monitoring, trail maintenance, and educational workshops for local communities.

Construction Projects in Peru

Maximo Nivel’s construction programs focus on community development. Construction projects may include building or repairing homes, adding classrooms to schools, or making structural improvements to clinics.

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating

based on 138 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer Parent

5 rating 94.2%
4 rating 5.8%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.75
Support 4.9
Fun 4.8
Value 4.75
Safety 4.85

Program Selection 5
Pre-departure Help 5
In-program Support 5
Impact on Student 5
Value 5

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers

Showing 113 - 120 of 138 reviews

The staff at Maximo Nivel provided consistent, professional support to our group throughout our two week experience in Cusco, Peru. We had the honor of working with girls in a local orphanage. With Maxomo's support, we were able to provide both the girls and the group with an amazing experience. In addition to our volunteer work, we were offered support from Maximo in exploring the city of Cusco, visiting Macchu Pichu, and enjoying the local cuisine. Our host family was very welcoming and we were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived in Cusco. Maximo is a very professional organization and we are indebted to the staff at Maximo for making our two week stay a truly transformative experience.

I have taught overseas in many countries before,and really enjoyed this placement.I taught with a Canadian girl,and had a lot of fun with my accent - the teenage girls we taught were extremely nice and polite and interactive - I was really pleased that they contributed so well - I think this shows how they liked the previous teachers and the contribution as a whole.
I don't speak Spanish,so the classes were all in english.,and we focussed on them speaking as much as possible.
Cusco is a stop off point for Machu Picchu which has minimum of 2,000 visitors per day!So a fair percentage of visitors would speak english and by helping these girls,I hope we help them with their success in a career where they can use the english.
I was well looked after by the staff,had Spanish lessons,and enjoyed the homestay.Overall it was great to be there and be involved with this project.

What would you improve about this program?

I don't think the programme can be improved,but maybe a different method to help the girls would be good - I suggested they form a choir and sing native Peruvian songs as well as english songs.-this would probably an exciting activity for them,but it has to be balanced with their needs which I don't know much about - ie education/living at the home etc.

Volunteering in childcare programme in cusco was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I was placed in the policia de familia which is a police station for children who have been arrested. Initially I was overwhelmed because my level of spanish was very weak and for that age group I felt it would be better if I could really communicate with the children. However I realised that even with a language barrier it is still possible to make a difference in a child's life esp to those who have had such terrible experiences and only need to realise that they can do better and that people are there for them.
Just a few hours a day playing with then can help to build a bond.

I would recommend this programme, often most people don't want to work in the cold dirty station with misbehaving children but there is a real need to help these children too. I would also strongly recommend you do brush up on your level of Spanish as it can be difficult to keep their attention if you are unable to speak and explain things to them.

Maximo NIvel were very helpful and available during my time with them and I would happily work with them again. Not only that but they also had events and outings for socialising too which was a good way to get to meet other volunteers.

The volunteers I met and shared my experiences with was what made my time in Cisco so amazing! I wish it didn't have to come to an end!

What would you improve about this program?

I would try to place more advanced or better spanish speaking volunteers in this placement. There is a real need to be able to communicate and talk to children, particularly of an older age group. What the children here really need is someone to talk to rather than to play games with. Not being able to understand the full situation of what happened and why a child is in a police station can be fustrating when you are trying to help. Also I would try to get some cleaners in or communicate with the police that the standards need improving.

Teaching English through Maximo Nivel was an unforgettable experience! I spent two weeks teaching young girls at La Recoleta. It was so rewarding to be able to see the girls make progress during my two weeks there. The volunteer house was very spacious and served two meals a day. It was nice to be able to taste the local cuisine made by a local! The staff at Maximo Nivel was also extremely friendly and made sure I was enjoying my placement. They were so willing to go out of their way to make sure I had a great experience. I would certainly recommend Maximo Nivel because they were FANTASTIC!

I fully loved my experience in Cusco with Maximo Nivel. The staff was helpful and organized. My host Mom was so sweet and was a great cook! I loved my placement , the people of cusco and the people who were traveling/volunteering there. I will treasure the memories forever. If you can make a trip happen to Cusco. GO!

What would you improve about this program?

The only improvement I would suggest is more prep before getting there.

Perhaps one of the greatest feelings one can experience is that feeling you get when you help someone in need. That´s the reason I decided to volunteer with Maximo Nivel. As soon as you walk into the building you know they want to help those suffering here in Peru and they are doing their absolute best to involve those who wish to help here. Never once did I feel ignored or unimportant in Maximo. I was constantly made aware of events that were happening here in Cusco and I was constantly being checked up on to make sure I was alright and whether there was anything I needed. I was put into a fantastic homestay, fed great meals every day and most importantly I felt like I was making an impact on Cuzco´s community. The people here are always ready to help you and will do their absolute best to accomadate you in any way they can. I will always remember my time here in Cusco and the compassion and love shown to me by the staff here at maximo nivel. I strongly recommend this program to anyone wanting to make a difference in this world.

I just finished volunteering at a boys orphanage in Cusco for two weeks and I cannot speak highly enough of my experience. The Maximo staff is so friendly and helpful. They truly care about the individuals and communities they are working with, as well as making sure the volunteers have a wonderful experience. They can be reached 24/7 to help with anything at all you that you need.

My experience at the orphanage is one that I will forever cherish. The boys all came from backgrounds of abuse, so they were so happy to have people there to love and play with. Everyday consisted of helping them with homework, and then partaking in a variety of games and activities. They were an absolute delight.

Cusco is an awesome city to visit, as well. Theres lots of nightlife, lots of good food, everything is cheap, and lots of fun and exciting activities to do in and around the city.

Everything about this program is amazing. My only regret is that I didn't stay longer!

I did my 4 weeks volunteer work in cusco, peru for teaching english. whats an incredible and rewarding journey with my chicas!!! They made me truly understand that the happiest people do not have everything, but they make the best of everything. They welcome me with open arms and say goodbye to me with the most genuine and squeeze hugs! I love them and miss my girls a lot!
And Maximal Nivel is just amazing organization!!! The staff are super nice and helpful and they are just like your friends. you can walked in to the office and talk to them anytime, anything! I had a great time working with them!!

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

As a business major, sometimes the field can get a little bit rigid and I was looking for something polar opposite than what I typically focus on. I decided I wanted to work on my Spanish language skills and spend sometime away from modern conveniences while volunteering.

I found the jungle conversation project in the Peruvian Amazon and it was exactly what I was looking for. I volunteered over Christmas and New Years, so new volunteers for projects get put on hold until after those two weeks.

In place of normal projects, the Holiday Experience program is designed for volunteers to experience a little bit of all of the local projects over those two weeks. The holiday program was a great way to volunteer while on my school break and get to see a little bit of everything that the local organization takes part in.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I found the project through a partner organization and they set up everything except for my flights. The partner organization connects volunteers to local organizations to wherever they are wanting to go and once you get to your location the local team takes over. Prior to your departure they give you a handbook on what to expect, things to you need to bring, and things you need to do before you arrive. The local organization I was with is called Maximo Nivel, they are also an amazing organization. I arrived in Peru a few days before my volunteer placement and they offered airport pickup and additionally home stay nights. They told me where I needed to be, when I needed to needed to be there, and what to expect. They made it an incredibly easy process the entire way through all I had to do was show up.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Honestly, I wish I was able to stay longer. I was in Peru for a little over 4 weeks, I volunteered for 3 of those weeks, and I left really wanting more.

It's not always possible for everyone, but if you're hesitant on how long to make your trip because you're worried you may get homesick or be ready to leave, I assure you once you're there you'll be wishing you could extend your trip.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

For the jungle program it really depends on where you go and what time of year.

I was at Reserva Tierra Linda in January, which is during the rainy season in Peru. Volunteers leave from Cusco on Monday and it's anywhere from a 6 to 10 hour journey depending on the road conditions (bring snacks).

The jungle program is ran like a family where everyone cooks together, cleans together and works together. The schedule is pretty relaxed and depending on how long you're there also depends on how in depth you'll get with the projects.

I was only there a short time so I did things such as garden maintenance, planted new trees for an orchid, and made a new path. You typically work for a few hours after breakfast and then after lunch. In the jungle you have a lot of leisure time to explore the area and relax. There's no electricity so bring books and things to keep you occupied. On weekends you're able to go to a small village to get wifi and anything you may need.

During the holiday program every day of the placement is a little different. You stay at a homestay in Cusco and are either in a morning or afternoon volunteer group, both shifts are about usually about 5-6 hours so there's plenty of time to explore the city or go on day trips. The weekends are yours to travel.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

This was my first trip alone and my Spanish is fair from perfect so I was mostly nervous about meeting friends and communicating. As soon as I got of off the plane I met some fellow travelers and realized how friendly the locals are when tourists at least attempt to speak to them in Spanish.

The partner organization was also really helpful in setting up a network to communicate in before you get there and giving you some basic survival phrases.

Paschell Wilson

2016 Alum

Candace Taylor

2015 Alum

Liliana Paris

2015 Alum

Pierre Laurent

2014 Alum

Karen Lee

2014 Alum

Eli Sky

Sarah Jones

Lissette Valencia

2013 Alum

Angie Cunniffe

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Becca Wilgosh

Program

Volunteer in Peru with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects

Job Title

Program Advisor

A recent Master’s graduate and long-time adventurer, Becca decided 2016 was the year to leave her former home(s) behind to begin again in Latin America. A strong believer in human equality, Becca’s passion is to build a fulfilling life while creating a positive impact, and finding ways to empower others to do the same. Working with Maximo Nivel, she lives in San Jose – the capital city of Costa Rica – helping future adventurers determine which study abroad or volunteer programs in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Peru are the best fit for them.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Up to now I have had the privilege of visiting around 35 different countries, which makes this question incredibly difficult. For me, my favorite memories are almost always from things that went horribly wrong, but that I survived and became funny or enlightening later on.

A story I commonly tell is from a day I returned to my internship placement in rural India after a weekend away, and found that my cozy bedroom had been infiltrated and infested by thousands of reddish-black flying ants. They were everywhere; on the curtains, on the walls, inside the lamps, burrowing into the bed sheets.

When I approached the neighbors for assistance, they told me that this was a sign of good luck because it meant the monsoon was coming soon. With gritted teeth, a broom, and a little bit of deet spray, I managed to get my room back to a livable condition. The whole experience taught me an important lesson on understanding different perspectives.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

In the jump from university to professional life, I have changed tremendously. Of course, this is a big transition for anyone, but it feels like my professional life is on the same track as my personal life – related to travel, full of challenges I set for myself, and linked to ongoing learning.

A big part of this has been the opportunity to learn Spanish. I began intensive lessons about 6 months ago.

Maximo Nivel has supported my goal of fluency through daily classes and an incredible team of bilingual coworkers.

The opportunity to work and live in Costa Rica, where the motto of pura vida can mean everything from “good people” to “no worries”, has also significantly changed me. The former stresses of perfectionism, on-the-minute punctuality, and feeling invisible at times in my former home in London melt away each time a passerby smiles and says good morning.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

The program offered by Maximo Nivel that interests me most is a volunteer project called Andean Immersion. Volunteers get to live in an Indigenous Peruvian society in a small mountain village in the Andes. Host families speak Andean-Quechua, often with limited Spanish, and live in adobe brick houses and cook local food for their guests.

While there, volunteers do work that supports the modest, self-sustained lifestyle of the village people like making clothing, helping with agricultural tasks, or supporting construction efforts. Performing basic, daily, sustainable labour like this is something that many of us never need to do for ourselves and may not even know how to do!

There is also no wifi, no promises of hot water, no laundry machines or dishwashers, and often limited electricity. It’s an opportunity to be disconnected from the life I am used to, but to reconnect on a human level while experiencing a culture and lifestyle utterly removed from my own.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

At Maximo Nivel I work with a team of young people from all over the world who support each other unconditionally and get to have fun together. I am proud of them every single morning when we meet to freely discuss our mistakes and challenges, and decide together how best to improve.

We are constantly improving and growing. I think Maximo Nivel is special because it brings locals and foreigners together both through the programs offered and through the many people working there.

About Maximo Nivel

Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is a leading organization in study abroad and educational travel. We are an internationally accredited organization with 4 locally based institutes in 3 of the most beautiful countries in the world—Costa Rica, Guatemala. and Peru. At Maximo Nivel, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best education and...

Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

Working with Kids 

Teaching English 

Conservation Projects in Peru 

Construction Projects in Peru 

Alumni Interviews

Dallas Selle

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

Staff Interviews

Becca Wilgosh

What is your favorite travel memory?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Working with Kids

Teaching English

Conservation Projects in Peru

Construction Projects in Peru