Learn Spanish in Peru — Spanish Immersion in Cusco, Peru

I've had in on my bucket list for a while to take a Spanish course while living abroad, so this year when Hollywood went on strike and I had some free months on hand, it felt like the time!

Maximo Nivel was a great touchstone for me as a solo traveler. I was able to arrange my housing and my Spanish classes through them, and book most of my travel through their partner, American Inca Trail.

Some info/additional context for others looking into the program:
Maximo Nivel offers several programs. Some people will be volunteering, some will be taking Spanish, some will be teaching English, and many will be doing a mixture of those things. I'm in my mid-thirties, but since most people are doing this program as a gap year or through their college, the majority age is 16-22. Everyone is super fun and nice, but I did feel a little old sometimes lol.

Spanish Classes:
I never had anyone at my level the 4 weeks I was there, so I had 4 hours private the whole time. Thankfully I was able to meet friends through my travels and housing. My teacher was super friendly and personable. The curriculum is pretty basic and kinda just a grammar dump, but combined with conversation time, I did improve a lot over my 4 weeks.

Housing:
When I read "host family" I thought I'd be having meals with a family, but that's not the setup for most of the hosts. In general, they're housing 8-10 students and you eat with the other students. However, they're also available to chat, give recommendations, and are super nice and helpful. The rooms/accommodations are humble, but clean and safe. The meals prepared were delicious. One note is that I requested a single room and was assigned to shared room when I arrived - Maximo was quick to transfer me when I notified them of the mistake.

After attending two other wonderful Spanish Immersion schools I definitely wouldn’t recommend Maximo Nivel. I hate to compare, but now I know there are much better options out here. Every detail of change was thoroughly communicated to me with my other schools. This was not the case with Maximo Nivel. I paid for their super intensive program, which I do not recommend, and during my program I was told that I could change my class schedule. When I was told this, no one communicated any information to me about cost changes until more than a month after I completed my program. I only found out because they owe me a credit and I had to reach out to them multiple times to get any information about my credit. How sketchy! It turns out they charged me higher fees for taking less hours and no one told me fees were changing and increasing before I changed my class schedule. They have not taken accountability for their disorganization and miscommunication. I can only hope this review helps to prevent others from making the same mistake I made when choosing this school.

I can define the experience in Cusco as unforgettable.
Cusco is a very beautiful city and very friendly people.
In Máximo Nível tudo everything was very good and recebi great support and attention from all teachers and the administrative part. I finish the course very satisfied.
I think Cusco and Maximo Nìvel were an excellent choice and I suggest for everyone.

Thanks for everything, I intend to return as possible.

I stayed in Cusco, Peru for 6 weeks. I did 4 weeks of Spanish classes through Maximo Nivel and traveled throughout Peru. I LOVED every part-the homestay, the classes, teachers, school, and all the facilities. The school is super helpful in any recommendations and safety tips, and the travel agency they work closely with enhanced the stay! Through the travel agency they work with, I was able to travel to the mountains, lakes, Lake Titicaca and floating islands, the amazon, Nazca, Huacacchina, and Paracas. They were very helpful and made every trip I took safe, secure, and enjoyable. I highly recommend this program!

Translated Review:
The Spanish classes were very good. It was a very amazing experience.

Original Review:
Foram muito boas as aulas de espanhol. Foi uma experiência muito incrível.

I had a great experience with Maximo Nivel, first in Peru and then in Costa Rica. My host families have made me feel like part of the family, the staff is super helpful, and instructors have altered classes to my interests. I knew some Spanish before arriving, which was very helpful for my first few days, but my comfort level has definitely grown the longer I have been here. I still have one month to go in Guatemala, and I cannot wait!

I have loved studying at Maximo Nivel. My teachers were amazing. My favorite part of each class was the conversation. I feel like I was able to work on getting my ideas out as quickly and as accurately as possible. And that is a very important skill to have, while traveling in Spanish speaking countries and in life in general. I also really enjoyed having a teacher who was around my age. Karla was so fun to be in class with because she made each lesson less like class and more like a fun conversation with a friend. She gave great recommendations for things to do in the Cusco area. The free salsa class is a great bonus too! I am very grateful for all that I have learned at Maximo Nivel.

I like Maximo.
I think that the price for the homestay could change and be more reasonable in price.

Overall, the experience was good. I enjoyed my classes and teachers here. I liked that the school has english classes for Peruvians and I was able to meet new Peruvian friends here.
I think the tandem program is really useful, I now have a great Peruvian friend that I think I will have for a long time. We speak more spanish than english, but that is ok.
I like that maximo has a computer lab and a cafe.