Volunteer in Peru with Maximo Nivel - Best Rated Projects

I had the opportunity to teach English to girls of varying ages who live and work at La Recoleta in Cusco. The programme was just being re-started after a break and there was lots of opportunity to really help shape the programme. The girls were really sweet and eager to learn. There were a few difficulties with scheduling, as the girls often worked long days and were available at different times, but once these issues were smoothed out, it was great. I think the girls really benefited from continuity in the teaching style.

The jungle programme was a completely unique experience. If you are looking for something different then this is for you. To live so remotely and without any mod-cons is very refreshing, and it was great to be able to really engage in the environment - planting and maintaining trails etc. Unforgettable.

I did 2 volunteer programs with my daughter in Cuzco. We both got a tremendous amount out of it. We thought it was well organized and the leadership was outstanding in 1 program, ok in the other.

We definitely felt we were making a difference.

I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who asked.

Special kudos for Sylvia at the desk (beyond friendly and helpful) and Jack our construction project leader.

One thing we WOULD NOT recommend is the travel agency affiliated with Maximo. They were not well managed (Worldwide....). I would recommend a different agency for your excursions.

I participated in the medical volunteer program through Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Peru. It was an amazing experience, and I got hands on experience in the clinic. It was a total cultural immersion; I got to try so many different foods, and I was also able to practice a lot of spanish. Also, the Maximo Nivel staff was so supportive!

We were placed in two houses. The first housing experience was great. In the second house, we were very concerned about our safety and hygiene and wished their housing was standard across the board. While the program says there is a vigorous housing application, it is obvious they let one slip by. All the staff are amazing and great except for one person who was very mean and rude despite our requests and needs. Overall, everything was great, but there will always be one or two things (or people) that slip through the cracks.

I didn't know what to expect from Maximo when I signed up online for their volunteer project and homestay with a family. I was quite comforted once I arrived by the capable and flexible staff who ensured I received all of the support I needed throughout my 11 week stay. When I had problems with my bank back home, they were there; when I wanted to change homestays, they were there; when I wanted advice, they were there...
The quality of teaching staff also exceeded my expectations. Although their classes are a bit more expensive, the value I received was worth every penny.

Maximo Nivel gave me more than I ever asked for. I had spent a fantastic 6 weeks in Cuzco participating in their Construction project. I chose this program because I wanted to build something, leave a little me in Peru. The project is in the morning, which means leaving home at 8:30am and start working at 9am. Sometimes people asked me if an afternoon project would be better? Honestly, it's a great feeling to enjoy your lunch break knowing that you already did something :) Good physical condition is not mandatory, but definitely helps to be in shape a little bit when you are mixing concrete on 3700 meters high up. But just take it easy, step by step and you will have a great time. I spent the afternoons by completing Spanish homework and taking classes. I did speak Spanish before I arrived, but still wanted to improve, to get more fluent and great to learn from a local Peruvian. If you have the possibility, definitely recommend taking classes, knowing the language, even a little bit gives you more confidence. About 3.5 weeks into my trip, my classes has ended and inquired about other options. Eventually I ended up volunteering in the zoo for about 2 weeks in the afternoons. It was a great way to explore another project and see other parts of the city. I know many volunteers actually changed their placements to try something different and Maximo is awesome on trying to assist any requests. I didn't want to miss any construction, therefore chose the afternoon addition.
Life in Cuzco!!! the volunteer house was awesome, food/accommodation absolutely outstanding. You will never be alone (unless you choose to). Project site/salsa night/ volunteer get together/ traveling - you always meet like minded individuals.
Go and do it!!

I really enjoyed my time with Maximo Nivel at their location in Cuzco. I got to volunteer in a clinic in the pediatric center which mainly involved taking vital signs. I think it would be great if they could make some sort of program that is more "impact" focused because it was great to be there, but I wanted to help more.

Maximo Nivel ensures your well-being is considered at all times from the beginning, middle and the end of your trip. The staff are all alike - they are approachable, genuinely caring and and you can tell they really are out there wanting to make a difference in the programs that they are implementing. My placement took place in a government sponsored kindergarten ages 3-5 years old for two weeks. I would take a 20 min bus ride to the site where I would assist the teacher in lesson plans, arts & crafts, lunch and playtime. The greatest highlight, no doubt, were the kids - how sweet and loving they were. They would help me sweep, walk me to the bus stop and give me kisses and hugs every morning to say hello. Although the greatest challenge was the language barrier (because my Spanish is little to none), it was not a problem for them, although I did wish I was able to respond as they were quite chatty.