Peru is a country rich in cultural heritage and of great historical significance. This volunteer program is an on-site project in Cusco, Peru’s capital. Cusco was first established as the center of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though Peru’s government provides free healthcare, many areas have limited and unequal access to it. There are two different volunteer placements for this project. Licensed medical professionals and medical students in their third and fourth years can apply to be medical volunteers, while those who are unlicensed and/or are completing their medical training have access to Healthcare placements. Medical volunteers are typically placed at a national clinic, helping with primary and emergency care, or at assisted living facilities. They have the opportunity to shadow or work alongside local medical professionals. Healthcare volunteers are usually placed within assisted living facilities and help with the day-to-day care work while providing companionship to the patients. Volunteers in both programs can access in-country support, learn local therapy methods often unavailable in their home countries, and make a difference to people in underfunded facilities.
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.