Peru is a tropical country, with more than half of its territory covered by the Amazon, the largest rainforest in the world. It is also home to the Andes, the planet’s second-highest mountain range. It was here that the Inca Empire was established 600 years ago, which thrived until its conquest by the Spanish in 1532. Today’s Peruvian economy has a strong reliance on agriculture. Several NGOs and farming cooperatives are currently trying to incorporate organic, sustainable and traditional practices into their farming operations. On this trip, volunteers are sent to the Sacred Valley and the Huyro Region in the highlands of the Amazonian rainforest. They will help local tea, coffee and cacao growers in a collective farming project. The famously fertile Sacred Valley is rich in Inca history and has been an agricultural site for hundreds of years. Volunteers can visit many Inca ruins including Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the New World and a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is thought to have been built around 1450 and remains an impressive testament to the Inca Empire’s power and architectural prowess. This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks , and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day of practical work (Monday–Friday), letters of recommendation, an emergency contact number and accommodation will be included.
Maximo Nivel is a Latin America-based travel company that offers volunteer travel opportunities, Spanish immersion, study abroad and gap year programs in Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.