Maximo Nivel - Volunteer with Indigenous Communities
Maximo Nivel
Apply Now
Want to make a real difference abroad? Join Maximo Nivel to live with Andean or Mayan host families, learn Quechua or Kakchikel, support local sustainability and build language, cultural and leadership skills that boost university and career applications.
Maximo Nivel's Indigenous Communities volunteer program places international volunteers in rural Andean (Peru) and Mayan (Guatemala) communities for an immersive cultural experience. Volunteers live with host families in small towns approximately 30-60 minutes from the Maximo Nivel institutes and participate in everyday tasks that support local life and sustainability.
Placements offer direct cultural exchange and opportunities to learn local languages such as Kakchikel (Guatemala) and Quechua (Peru). As a volunteer you may care for animals and livestock, help with agricultural work (planting/harvesting), assist with light local construction, learn traditional weaving and craft techniques, help prepare traditional foods, and work with children at local schools.
Tasks vary by season, location, and community norms; gendered divisions of labor may apply and volunteers are expected to be sensitive and respectful. Orientation is provided on Day 1 with a project-specific briefing; some offsite projects have limited internet but emergency phone access and Field Manager check-ins are provided.
Programs are all-inclusive with host family accommodation (shared rooms), breakfast and dinner, airport pick-up, and local transport included. New volunteer programs start every Monday year-round. The program is suitable for adults and youth aged 16+ (under-16s may participate if accompanied by a faculty leader, parent, or guardian).
Official certificate of volunteer service. Academic credit available through Maximo Nivel's School of Record (official transcripts).
Location
- At least 16 years of age
- Participants under 16 are welcome when there is a faculty leader, parent, or guardian present
- Be healthy and physically prepared to do manual labor for most of your volunteer time
- Flexible and willing to perform various tasks based on season and project needs
- Hard working and positive mindset
- Spanish language skills are not required (but helpful in some placements)
Unpaid volunteer program. Participants pay program fees which include accommodations (host family, shared room), meals (breakfast and dinner), airport pick-up, bus transportation at the beginning and end of the program, in-country Field Manager support, an official certificate of volunteer service, and a letter of recommendation.
$735
All-inclusive program fees start at $735 (1 week) and include airport pick-up, host family accommodations (shared room), breakfast and dinner, and bus transportation at program start/end. A special project surcharge of $95/week applies to medical, conservation, and construction projects. Fees vary by location and length of stay.
Comments
Loading comments...