Location
  • Peru
    • Cusco
    • Machu Picchu
Length
1 to 52 weeks

Program Details

Language
Spanish
Age Min.
17
Age Max
90
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
Feb 15, 2022
Mar 04, 2024
88 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.

Video and Photos

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.

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.

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 135 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.07%
  • 4 rating 5.93%
  • 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
Showing 41 - 48 of 135 reviews
Default avatar
Matthew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cusco Constuction

I really enjoyed my time in Cusco volunteering with Maximo Nivel in a construction project where I helped build a new children's hospital clinic for 8 weeks. I came to Cusco with an open mind because I knew it was going to be a different lifestyle than what I'm used to in Canada. I loved every moment and the people I met. The staff at Maximo nivel was always helpful. Advice I have for new volunteers is to be patient because there's a lot of hand tools and the progress of work can be slow, but it makes it more rewarding because you really can see the physical results of your hard work. Also be proactive and positive on the worksite. The hospitality at my homestay was amazing and my host mom was a great cook. Thanks again to maximo for setting up an unforgettable experience in Cusco for me.

What would you improve about this program?
Perhaps to be more open about the budgeting for certain programs and exactly where the money we pay is going. We pay an extra $65 USD per week solely for the construction and renovation project, yet they couldn't afford to supply materials on a few occasions (windows, tiles, etc.)
47 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cecille
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Childcare in Peru

My daughter and I just finished a 1 week project where we helped in daycare/pre4-school in oropesa run by a group of Philippine nuns. It was a great experience where we helped with their day to day tasks. The trip there by bus was quite and adventure daily and the kids were fun, full of energy, adorable and way ahead of their expected learning landmarks. Although we were the first people on this particular location I think it will do well.

49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
J.R
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cusco Construction

Huge shout-out to Maximo Nivel for providing me the opportunity to have such a memorable experience in Cusco. The team was always willing to help...whether it was first-day orientation, on-site visits, or just being there if I had a question...I knew I could count on them for any support I needed. My time in Cusco is drawing to a close, but the memories will last a lifetime. Thank you Maximo Nivel!

What would you improve about this program?
More emphasis on different/new skills for most people (rather than mostly painting, sanding, and plastering, in the four weeks I was here)
49 people found this review helpful.
Holly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved My Experience Teaching English in Cusco for 3 Months!

I have been volunteering with Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Peru, for the past three months and have absolutely loved my time here! I just graduated college and wanted to take a gap year before going back to school. I have several friends who took a similar break but spent it backpacking through South America instead of staying in one location for a length of time. Although there are definitely benefits to both, I seriously recommend spending time in one place volunteering through an organization like Maximo! In these past few weeks I have gotten to know the culture and people of Cusco in a way that is not possible if you spend your time quickly traveling through places or staying in hostels.
First, my volunteer projects have been an incredible way to meet locals and make a difference. My project is teaching English and it has been really cool to watch people who initially knew no English improve to speaking full sentences. Maximo Nivel comes by and checks on the projects every week or so to make sure it is going smoothly and is willing to work with you if there is ever a problem with the project.
About a month ago I approached the Maximo staff with an idea to start a new project in the area that is more directly related to my academic interests. Instead of dismissing this because it would be a difficult project to start, they went out of their way to make this new project possible and I am currently working with them to help start it! I have met many other people who are here on a gap year between schools as well and Maximo wants to make sure that your experience with them best prepares you for whatever job or school you are hoping to gain entrance to upon your return home. I had to take the Law School Admission Test while I was here and they were willing to work with my schedule so I had plenty of time to study and volunteer!
Additionally, I have loved living with a host family here in Cusco. My house mother is incredible and cooks great meals. I was a little worried about living with a family after living on my own in college but my house mom is always willing to help me with things while also giving us freedom to come and go. Maximo also offers Spanish classes to volunteers and can pair you up with a local so that you can meet up with them on your own time to practice speaking Spanish and English. My Spanish has improved a lot because of this!
If you are trying to figure out how to spend time abroad or where to spend it, I highly recommend coming to Maximo Nivel in Cusco. Whether you plan to be here for one week or six months, Cusco offers incredible sights to visit in your free time. I became really good friends with my house mates and was able to travel to various places with them on the weekends and during the day when I was not volunteering. The people of Peru are very welcoming and I guarantee you will have an incredible time getting to know both the people and city of Cusco!

44 people found this review helpful.
Karim
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Experience With Maximo Nivel Peru Teaching English!

I volunteered with Maximo Peru in Cusco for 3 weeks teaching English in October 2017 and what an amazing experience it was!

From the moment I arrived to the day I left I was given all the help and support I needed from the superb Maximo team on the ground in Cusco. My living accommodation was great and my host family were so hospitable I felt like a member of the family!

I was teaching English in an after school program to children between the ages of 6-12. They had an infectious happiness and willingness to learn that it made my time with them enjoyable and fun everyday whilst I was making a real impact to the quality of their written and spoken English.

I would highly recommend Maximo Peru for any volunteer program you´re thinking of doing!

Karim (London)

47 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Page
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Family Volunteer Trip

We had a wonderful time in Peru with Maximo! We traveled with our two boys ages 12 and 14 and volunteered one week at the orphanage and one week at the zoo. All four of us loved playing with the kids and had a hard time leaving them after the week. We also enjoyed our time at the zoo and felt that we made an impact at both locations. We would love to return and work with Maximo in the future either in Peru or another location! Between the four of us we had four different Spanish teachers over the two weeks and all were super great! They have obviously garnered a stellar educational team. There were strikes in the city but we felt Maximo did everything they could do to ensure our safety. We did not miss any classes or volunteering time due to the strikes as we could walk to where we needed to go. Our Spanish parents were the absolute BEST! They could not have done more for us! American Inca Trail was very busy but very accommodating for all of our travel needs which we booked after we arrived. We highly recommend this experience!

What would you improve about this program?
A bit more direction with what to do with the orphans upon arrival would be helpful.
48 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Childcare/Medical

I have no words to describe the experience I had in Cusco. The staff at Maximo Nivel are exceptional. I felt well supported and appreciated by them. My host family was amazing and I developed a relationship with them. I met so many volunteers from around the world and still keep in touch with them. The best part of my experience was spending time with the children in the hospital. Seeing their situations was tough but made me want to help in every way possible. It was an extremely rewarding experience and I definitely recommend this program to everyone who is looking to volunteer or give back. This program allows for the perfect balance of volunteer work and travelling.

48 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
chelsey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

zoologico

I worked on the animal care project and was placed at the zoo. It was unreal. Maritza, the primary staff at the zoo is so caring and has such a great relationship with each of the animals. All of the animals had been rescued to some degree, and had varying needs, so we learned a lot about how to care for them. Maximo was very supportive throughout the entire experience, stopping in to see how we were doing, and providing other fun activities throughout the week. Our host family was so accommodating, friendly, and even made a cake and sang for my friend on her birthday! No matter where I go moving forward I would love to add a week of volunteering!

What would you improve about this program?
n/a
47 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers