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Customize Your GAP Year Program in Peru!

$4,495Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
3Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Tick Peru off your travel bucket list with Maximo Nivel’s Gap Year program!

This is your chance to work, study, and live in one of the most historically rich countries in Latin America. Study Spanish, get your TEFL certification, join a volunteer program, intern abroad, and see the best of Peru all while connecting with the local community and travelers from around the world.

Along the way, visit Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, trek through archeological ruins, and immerse yourself in open-air markets. There is never a shortage of things to do in Peru!

Maximo Nivel’s Peru Gap Year program is extremely flexible, so you can pick and choose from offerings to create the perfect, customized itinerary. Join for 12 to 24 weeks (or more)—you decide how long your journey will be. Wherever you want to go and whatever you want to do, we’re already here in-country, ready to help! Academic credits are also available for all Maximo Nivel programs.

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Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

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Program Highlights

Live and study in the heart of Cusco, giving you an unbeatable launching pad to explore iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
Build your ultimate 12- to 24-week itinerary by combining your choice of Maximo Nivel programs, from Spanish to volunteering, and professional internships.
Earn an internationally accredited 150-hour TEFL certification during your gap year to unlock global job opportunities and teach English anywhere in the world.
Keep your academic goals on track while traveling by earning transferable academic credits.
Experience Peruvian life through welcoming host family homestays that include daily home-cooked meals.

What's Included

All Program Activity Costs
Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Guide / Chaperone
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Assistance Booking Travel
Language Lessons
Micro-Credential(s) / Certification(s)
Textbooks / Reading Materials
Academic Credit

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cusco, Peru

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14+

Duration

  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • Post High School

Starts At

  • 12 weeks: $4,495

Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about MAXIMO NIVEL

4.7
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
2
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Cultural Immersion
5.0
Satisfaction
5.0
Itinerary
4.7
Living Situation
4.7
Program Administration
4.7
Health & Safety
4.7

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Sven WannenwetschGermany · May 2026

Gap Year in Peru

I did a 8 month long gap year in Peru with Maximo Nivel doing various voluntary works. Each one of them was truly amazing, organized by great people and unbelievable hospitality. Special shoutout goes to Fanny, my homestay for all of my time here. She really made us part of her family and shared the Peruvian culture to us. The working staff at the Maximo Office are also super supportive and trying to max your experience the country (shoutout to Lucas!). I would recommend this organization to anyone.

Tobin WalkerUnited States · January 2026

Had an Amazing Time in Cusco, Peru

I have lived in Cusco, Peru, for the past 4 months while participating in the Gap Year program with Maximo Nivel. I have already had so many amazing experiences in my time here. I worked at a local zoo for my first month, which gave me exposure to some of the coolest animals in South America, up close. I worked at a travel agency, where I appeared in Instagram videos promoting travel packages and was driven to the coolest travel spots in and around Cusco while doing so. Now, I am working at a specialty coffee cafe, where I am learning a lot and gaining incredibly valuable experience in Social Media, Marketing, and Logistics. With the advice and help of Maximo Nivel, I have explored the most amazing locations in the greater Cusco area. My host family has been incredibly kind and welcoming; it really feels like a new family away from home. The other volunteers in the program are always very nice and super interesting. Cusco itself is beautiful and very fun with an active nightlife. I can't wait to see what the rest of my time holds for me here as I cross my halfway mark. Travel with Maximo Nivel!

Madelyn NolanUnited States · December 2023

Amazing Gap Year Program

I had an amazing time with Maximo Nivel. I spent 6 months with their program and am incredibly happy about this decision. I volunteered at an elementary school, completed my TEFL Certification with the amazing teacher Sean, volunteered to teach English, took Spanish classes, and spent time doing jungle conservation in the Amazon. Would especially recommend the program in Cusco, Peru as it has such a vibrant culture.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about MAXIMO NIVEL.

What are the requirements?

Anybody 16 or older can join the Peru GAP Year program with Maximo Nivel. As long as you are fit to travel, we can create a customized program based on your preferences. 

Can I customize my GAP Year in Peru?

Yes! Suggested gap year itineraries are very flexible, so you can pick and choose to create a personalized program. Wherever you want to go for your gap year, we’re already here in-country, ready to help you.

Can I travel for longer than 24 weeks?

Yes, you can! Gap year programs are flexible, allowing you to stay for as long as you wish. With Maximo Nivel, you can also take part in the Country Jumper Gap Year. This unique program leads students and travelers through a cultural and academic immersion experience in 3 of the most amazing countries in Latin America. This distinctive program is available year-round.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Language School
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
People’s Choice Award 2023 Finalist
Top Rated Language School 2022
Notable Mention 2021 - Gap Year
Top Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative TEFL / Teach Abroad Program 2021 Finalist
Top Rated Teach Abroad Organizations of 2020
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020 Notable Mentions
2019 Notable Mentions
NAFSA
ALTO - Association of Language Travel Organisations
GoAbroad Top Language Program 2018
GoAbroad Top TEFL Certification Program 2018
GoAbroad Top Language School 2018

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