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VOLUNTEER IN
PERU
PERU VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
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 is a safe country, but visitors are often taken aback by the tremendous differences in socioeconomic levels and lack of access to education and healthcare. 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.
Why I Maximo Nivel
We came to Cusco not sure what to expect from the volunteer project. 3 months later and I am so thrilled that we had the opportunity to volunteer with Maximo in Cusco. We spent the majority of our time teaching English. Our time teaching was such an incredible experience. The students were beautiful people and we were always well supported by Maximo staff and the project staff. We then spent a week at the jungle project. This was an experience like no other, to be immersed in the Amazon jungle doing work that matters. The project staff are super passionate and very supportive.
Volunteer Programs in Peru
The most amazing country in South America!
WORKING WITH KIDS
When families face severe economic disadvantages, children are often the first victims. Neglect, abuse, and abandonment are pervasive issues in Peru as people struggle with the lack of resources and inability to care for their children. This creates a vicious circle that is very difficult to penetrate and solve. The staff at our working with kids projects in Cusco, Peru do their best with the few resources they have, but they rely a great deal on the help from volunteers.
TEACHING ENGLISH
In Peru, English language skills are absolutely critical for academic and professional advancement. Everyone understands the importance of English for tourism, business, and higher education. Peruvians who do not speak English struggle to keep up with the economic success of their own country, which creates an even bigger gap between the wealthy and the poor.
MEDICAL
Peru’s government provides universal healthcare to its citizens, however many areas still have very limited access, zero resources, and poor training. If you believe in community service and making healthcare accessible to all people, a medical volunteer project in Peru is a great place to start. Maximo Nivel’s Medical Specialist leads volunteers at rural clinics where you work with medical professionals to provide patient care including check-ups, vital signs, needs assessments, patient records, and preparing materials and equipment.
HEALTHCARE
In developing countries like Peru, individuals with special needs can be marginalized and left to fend for themselves. These people are not provided the adequate resources necessary to thrive at their highest potential. Volunteers work in assisted-living facilities dedicated to improving the quality of life for the elderly and individuals with mental or physical disabilities. These projects help make the “invisible population” more visible. Being “different” or “disabled” is not easy in Peru and as a volunteer, you can help these amazing people feel important and cared for.
DENTAL
Providing equal access to healthcare is particularly difficult in the rural provinces of Peru. Many medical centers in Peru’s low-income and remote communities lack resources and professionally trained staff. Given the logistical and financial obstacles Peruvian medical professionals face, dental care is usually very low on the priority list. However, poor dental and oral health affects the entire body!
DOG SHELTER
Maximo Nivel works with several dog shelters to provide housing, healthcare, and adoption services in and around Cusco. In Peru, domesticated dogs are often neglected or abandoned by their owners, resulting in a large number of strays and street dogs. These animals go hungry, their health suffers, and they can create safety issues for the public. These shelter projects typically house over 50 dogs who need attention, love, and care.
ALPACA FARM
The alpaca project works directly with the unique camelid creatures (related to camels) native to Peru. Volunteers work on a farm owned and operated by a Peruvian family in the village of Huayllarcocha, approximately 30 minutes from Cusco. The farm’s main objective is to care for the animals, produce traditional Peruvian textiles from their wool, and educate both tourists and local people. The farms uses traditional methods of shearing, worsting, dyeing, and weaving. This placement is best for people who are comfortable around animals.
UNIVERSITY ZOO
The Zoo Project is led by the national university based in Cusco. This is a rehabilitation center whose primary mission is to care for rescued and injured animals that have been confiscated from people who steal them from the wild. The end goal is to nurture the animals back to health, before hopefully releasing them into their natural habitat. The zoo project is a small nonprofit operation with very few public visitors, and it subsists on very little funding and the work of volunteers and students.
ECO-AGRICULTURE
The eco-agriculture projects in Peru are located in the Sacred Valley, about 1 hour from the Maximo Nivel institute in Cusco, and in the Huyro Region, nestled in the highlands of the Amazon rainforest, approximately 3 hours away. These projects offer international volunteers the unique opportunity to collaborate with local tea, coffee, and cacao growers in collective farming initiatives. The focus of these efforts is on promoting efficient farming techniques, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
CONSTRUCTION
Maximo Nivel construction projects are great placements, as you can see the impact you make every day! Our local construction foreman leads volunteers in building community centers, small clinics, animal shelters, and refurbishing schools. Give back to local communities through real development work–help provide access to adequate education and healthcare facilities, which in turn reduces the risk for disease and increases literacy rates.
AMAZON CONSERVATION & REFORESTATION
The Amazon jungle is one of the great rainforests of the world, and it plays an important role in the Earth’s sustainability. Over the years, deforestation began with small farmers and quickly grew with the effects of commercial logging operations. Now, with increased environmental protection and private and public initiatives, deforestation has slowed. However, your help is needed to continue these efforts and to rebuild as much jungle as possible.
ANDEAN IMMERSION
The Andean Immersion project provides a totally unique service learning experience. Volunteers are placed in an indigenous, Quechua-speaking community high in the Andes mountains, approximately 1 hour from Cusco. This volunteer project is an “off-the-grid” placement and is true full-immersion! This is an excellent project for volunteers interested in anthropology, gender-roles, and indigenous cultures.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
In many regions of Peru, women—especially indigenous women and those living in rural or low-income communities—continue to face serious barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Issues surrounding gender inequality, reproductive rights, and access to resources directly impact women’s ability to make informed, independent life decisions. Women’s Empowerment volunteers work alongside grassroots organizations to support women’s rights, education, and long-term community development.
ARCHAEOLOGY
Delve into Peru’s rich historical tapestry with the Archaeology volunteer program, designed for those passionate about history and cultural preservation. This program is instrumental in the excavation and maintenance of over 300 archaeological sites across the Sacred Valley, including renowned locations such as Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Chinchero. Based off-site in the center of the Sacred Valley, volunteers are housed with a local family approximately 15 minutes outside of the town of Urubamba.
HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Christmas Week: 21 December – 25 December
New Year’s Week: 28 December – 01 January
Christmas week and New Year’s week are very special times of the year in the city of Cusco, Peru. The streets are filled with traditional vendors and the city overflows with both religious and modern customs. As an international volunteer, you help bring this energy to underprivileged people and communities while learning a great deal about the local culture.
EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT
FOR VOLUNTEER & SERVICE LEARNING IN PERU
Maximo Nivel is one of the few organizations in the world to offer academic credit for volunteer abroad and service learning programs. Our School of Record issues official transcripts and academic credit for your program. Get the credit you earn!
We bring structure and organization to your volunteer abroad program in Peru, and we match you with the best project according to your personal goals and the positive impact you want to have. Schedule a call with a program advisor today!
WHY VOLUNTEER IN PERU
WITH MAXIMO NIVEL?
Maximo Nivel has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Our volunteer program fees are affordable and transparent.
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