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Brilliant 4.77rating (195)
  • Gender Equality
  • Responsible Consumption And Production
  • Reduced Inequalities

Experience Indigenous Andean Communities

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Unique and authentic cultural immersion experience in Peru.
  • Get to know rural life in a small village in the Andes Mountains.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.

Highlights

  • Unique and authentic cultural immersion experience in Peru.
  • Get to know rural life in a small village in the Andes Mountains.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad.
  • Learn more about the Latin American ways, customs and habits.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Ditch the guidebook, embrace the real Peru! Immerse yourself in the heart of an indigenous community, sharing daily life, traditions, and ancestral knowledge. 🇵🇪

    Volunteers volunteer in a small village in the Andes Mountains outside of Cusco, Peru. This project provides an income source for small communities and promotes cross cultural understanding.

    Participants have the option of being involved in the following activities:

    Agriculture — As an ...

    About the program

    Volunteers volunteer in a small village in the Andes Mountains outside of Cusco, Peru. This project provides an income source for small communities and promotes cross cultural understanding.

    Participants have the option of being involved in the following activities:

    Agriculture — As an agriculturally based community the most common crops are potatoes, corn, and quinoa. Volunteers assist with planting, harvesting, storing and transporting crops. Volunteers also work with the animals in the community, including herding, pasturing, feeding, cleaning pens, and collecting food. Work will vary depending on the needs of the season and weather conditions. In addition, the Andean culture often includes some division of labor by gender, so your assigned tasks may vary.

    Textiles — Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about traditional weaving skills and natural dyes by working with the women who create traditional textile products to sell at local markets.

    Construction — Volunteers help mix and form adobe bricks and construct adobe homes and buildings within the community. Work is dependent on the needs of the community; there may not be a construction project going on during your program. 

    Important: Due to the extremely rural setting of this project volunteers should expect the accommodations and meals to be very basic. For example, running water is at times unreliable and hot water is unavailable. You can expect bathing and bathroom/hygiene facilities to be much less modern than you are accustomed to. Sometimes bathing is done using a bucket of water. We recommend bringing your own toilet paper, which can be purchased in Cusco before you go to your project. 

    Volunteers are expected to take part in local festivities and community gatherings. 

    It is also very important to note that no English is spoken at this project. The first language in this community is Quechua, not Spanish, though Spanish is spoken as a second language. Despite the language barrier, it is possible to have a full and complete experience, though it is critical that you approach your project with this knowledge in mind. The community is very warm and welcoming to all volunteers.

    The nearest village is approximately 15 minutes from your project site and approximately 1.5 hours from Cusco. This makes Cusco very accessible for weekend excursions and nightlife.

    Typical day

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work an average of 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday, and may also work some weekends. The goal of this project is to share in everyday life with the host family and community, this means that schedules and work ...

    Typical day

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work an average of 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday, and may also work some weekends. The goal of this project is to share in everyday life with the host family and community, this means that schedules and work can vary greatly. Village life is often affected by harvest seasons, weather and family events. 

    Free-time activities

    All year round, Cusco and its surrounding towns celebrate a mix of Inca and Catholic holidays, providing visitors with a variety of different cultural activities to experience. Cusco offers travelers a plethora of historical and archaeological sites both in and out of the city. Students most ...

    Free-time activities

    All year round, Cusco and its surrounding towns celebrate a mix of Inca and Catholic holidays, providing visitors with a variety of different cultural activities to experience. Cusco offers travelers a plethora of historical and archaeological sites both in and out of the city. Students most commonly like to explore the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and of course Machu Picchu. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let you know of the activities going on around Maximo. While participating in the Andean Immersion project, there are many great hiking spots. It is also a great jumping off point for exploring the Sacred Valley. Our on-site travel partner is very knowledgeable and can assist in setting up trips. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Our fees include:

    - Airport pick-up
    - Host family accommodations (shared room with half board in Cusco and full board at the project site)
    - Program and safety orientation
    - Walking tour
    - Official certificate of volunteer service
    - Emergency contact number 24/7
    - Program management

    While in Cusco:

    - Free Tandem Conversation Program
    - Free office-wide WIFI and computer lounge
    - Free social activities
    - Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    - Maximo Nivel Institute open 7 days/week

    Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    Airport pick up in Cusco and taxi private transportation to and from the project and Cusco at the beginning and end of the program are included.

    Accommodation

    The first two days in Cusco volunteers stay in a traditional family-stay with a shared room and breakfast and dinner included. At the project, the setting is very rural and the houses are made of adobe bricks. Volunteers live with a typical Andean-Quechua speaking farming family. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the stay; meals are basic and made from locally available ingredients. While all meals are provided, participants may consider taking some of their favorite snacks along with them, since the meals may not provide a lot of variety. There are small stores in the nearest village (15 minutes away) where they can buy snacks as well. We also recommend bringing along books, small musical instruments, or games to entertain themselves in the evenings. There is no internet and limited phone signal where they will be staying. Please note that the family lives a very simple life together with their children and pets. They also raise guinea pigs at home. Andean culture has different standards of hygiene than other cultures. We recommend to bring antibacterial cream and to purchase toilet paper as sometimes this is not used. 

    Food & Beverages

    The first 2 days in Cusco volunteers have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner), while at the project they have full board with 3 meals/day.
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Every Monday, all year round. For the first couple days volunteers stay in Cusco to receive the orientation. The Andean Cultural Immersion projects are located outside of the Cusco area in a small Quechua community. Travel from Cusco to the project and accommodation site will be up to 1.5 hours. Private taxi transportation to and from the project and Cusco at the beginning and end of the program is included.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $561 per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    Our family of 5 had the absolute best week volunteering with Maximo Nivel in Cusco Peru! Three of us worked in the preschool with children, ...
    Jessica Norcini

    Local Day Care Worker

    Location

    Americas > South America > Peru > Umasbamba

    Meet your project coordinator

    Stephan
    195
    reviews
    4.77
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, Afrikaans, English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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