Construction and Renovation Assistant

Construction volunteers join projects in the Cusco area to work on public buildings and schools, typically in communities in need of assistance and funding. You are supported by a local, Spanish-speaking project manager who is experienced in guiding and training international volunteers.

Volunteers may be asked to perform a range of activities, such as:

• Renovation work, like painting and plastering
• Small repairs on walls and roofs
• Laying tile or other flooring
• Mixing cement, masonry
• Carpentry, welding, and/or plumbing

Volunteers must be in good health and ready to work hard in construction projects. They do not need experience, but a reasonable level of fitness and strong dedication to the work go a long way in ensuring that you get the most out of this project. 

We recommend to bring work gloves, work boots, safety glasses, and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or possibly ruining. 

The majority of our projects are located in and around Cusco. Travel time varies from project to project, but participants can expect to spend 15-40 minutes traveling each way, either walking or using local buses or taxis. For the first visit to the project, they are taken by a Maximo Nivel representative using the local transport and given additional information about what transport to take. Local bus rides are very affordable and a one way trip will rarely cost more than S/. 0.70 (about $0.30). Taxis cost approximately S/. 3-5 (about US$1-$1.70) one way within Cusco.

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

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. Volunteers 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 them know of the activities going on around Maximo. Our on-site travel partner is very knowledgeable and can assist in setting up trips.