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 49 - 56 of 135 reviews
Default avatar
Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Internship in Cusco, Peru

Wow. Sure, it seems like such a small word, and maybe a cliche thing to say, but honestly, wow. The medical internship I did in Peru was absolutely amazing! I could not have asked for a better experience in terms of quality. Not only were the employees of Maximo Nivel incredible professionals, but they are also loving and kind people who you would like to get to know anyways. They do a fantastic job placing you somewhere you truly want to work. For example, one of my fellow volunteers didn't like her first job placement, and after speaking to Maximo, she was quickly transferred to the clinic where I was at. Maximo does very well placing you with a family as well. You always have the option of changing anything if you are not happy; in the end the experience is yours, and Maximo did all it could to make it the best experience for me. I was able to have large amounts of patient contact, and even saw sutures being put into someone's chest! Although my family was concerned about the safety in Peru, I honestly found it to be just as dangerous as any other city. Just be careful and everything will go well. There were so many opportunities to get to learn about the culture, travel, and eat good food. Cuzco is the center of Archaeological cites (aka ruins, but never say that to a native :D) and there is always something to do. Although finding places with wifi can be a little tricky, Maximo provided internet and a landline phone to make calls back home. I stayed a total of 5 weeks in Cuzco, and I wish to go back some day with Maximo again. This experience certainly encouraged me to continue with my pre-med track so I can one day become a doctor too. I hope many people continue participating with this incredible program, that not only provides medical internships but also a wide variety of other programs. I am certainly promoting it to all my friends at the University of Denver. Go Pios! And go Maximo Nivel!

What would you improve about this program?
Tell participants that they can change families or job locations if they feel uncomfortable. I was too nervous to do this at first, and I could have had a better experience if I had done so.
48 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gabriela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cusco

When I landed in Cusco, I told myself, embrace ambiguity and go with the flow- so I did!! In the volunteer orientation, our program guide offered the best advise ever...she said this is your experience and you get what you put in! And she was 100% right! I was open to new experiences and new friendships and as a result this adventure changed my life forever. So I recommend to make this your experience!

What would you improve about this program?
n/a
50 people found this review helpful.
Cj
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Campaign in Cusco Area

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly face. Transportation was arranged and after nearly 24 hours of traveling it was a relief to coast into our host dwelling. The host throughout the week was very kind and hospitable. Breakfast every day and an authentic homecooked dinner in the evenings (along with different desserts). The house was serviced daily by a housekeeper, so we always came back to a clean house. Ellen, our field manager, was very well organized and very fluent in Spanish and along with the other contacts of Maximo Nivel, all of our campaigns were very well put together and fulfilling. I would come back and work with them in a heartbeat.

49 people found this review helpful.
Chris
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program and experience!

The program staff was extremely helpful. Never did I feel unsafe or worried. We were given great recommendations on restaurants, places to shop, etc. The staff also booked us an amazing homestay in Cusco with a wonderful woman who cooked us breakfast and dinner every day! The actual program itself was also amazing. They kept our group busy the entire 3 weeks we were there, and always kept the schedule engaging, professional, and fun. My favorite memories include getting to really know the vibrant, big-hearted people of Cusco through medical campaigns and our fun excursions to Machu Picchu and other scenic areas on the weekends! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

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

Cusco, Peru Program

My experience with Maximo Nivel was so amazing and enriching. The staff that they have in the office was helpful and willing to answer any of my touristy questions about the city and needs as a volunteer at their placement. Overall they were so hospitable and ready to welcome new volunteers, and work with them to provide help to the surrounding communities in Cusco. I couldn't have asked for a better team of people to work alongside during my volunteering. They really try their best to engage you in the beautiful culture and immerse you in different programs that they hold each week so that you can leave Peru, not only having helped the people, but learned about their history and traditions as well. Without a doubt, I will hopefully be returning and recommend this program.

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

Family Volunteering - Construction and Animal Care in Cusco

We had a wonderful family volunteering experience with Maximo Nivel in Cusco - one week of construction and one week of working at the dog shelter. Both were very positive experiences for parents and teenagers alike.
We can´t say enough about the helpfulness and friendliness of the Maximo Nivel staff, they went out of their way to help us find our feet in Cusco and make sure we had everything we needed. The evening activities were also fun, we particularly enjoyed the Salsa lessons and craft sessions.
Our home-stay was also great, we had several interesting conversations with the family and learned a lot of Spanish in the process. We also enjoyed meeting and interacting with other volunteers.
The Holt Family

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

Volunteering in Cusco was amazing!

We had a great time volunteering to teach English in Cusco! We were pleased with Maximo Nivel’s support and help during our month stay there. It was assuring to know we had a base to go to for help, advice, exchange money, make copies, get some supplies and coffee/tea and yummy sandwiches! Everyone working at Maximo was eager to assist us and always had a positive attitude. We really enjoyed our Spanish classes with Eliana and our program director Brittany. The most rewarding part was working at our school everyday and seeing how happy the kids were to see us as we were to see them. They were so eager to learn. We loved teaching them and doing some fun activities such as making slime! We also met some new friends during our homestay which was an added bonus. We also enjoyed all our adventures with America Inca Trail. Our overall experience was so rewarding and humbling and we thank Maximo Nivel for all their help. If you have a positive attitude, are proactive and flexible...any experience can be better than you ever thought. I hope to continue volunteering in different countries every summer break...

What would you improve about this program?
Homestay food can be better!
50 people found this review helpful.
Tabish
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo allowed me to be the Curriculum Knight! 👨🏽‍🏫

I can't even begin to describe how amazing Maximo Nivel Peru has been throughout my volunteer experience!
From the moment I landed in Cusco, to the very last minute I took off, they have had nothing but smiles on their faces, and an eagerness to help and assist me throughout my volunteering experience and outside of it.
If you're looking to volunteer with an organisation, look no further. Adaptable, relatively economical, supportive and not to mention, absolutely incredible! I never expected teaching English to be as fulfilling or exciting as it was, and it was largely in part due to the care I received from Maximo Peru!
As a side note, huge shout-outs to the lovely faces who greeted me at the office every single day, specifically calling out Eveline (Thanks for being an awesome lead!), Brittany, Sylvia, Ninoska, Daniel & Angel (Last two not pictured cause they're too cool)!
In terms of my placement and opportunity, I was able to volunteer with a local school (Andino Bilingual) & Qosko Maki (A volunteer organisation) where I taught students the application of the English Language in addition to teaching them communication, teamwork, leadership and personality grooming! It was such an amazing experience and I had the ability to completely take ownership of and translate my efforts into real time sustainable impact for the people involved!
I'm leaving Cusco with a sustainable framework for implementing the functions I took ownership of to directly impact the community and I couldn't be happier!

46 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers