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Construction Programs—Volunteer in Costa Rica!

VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
65Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Maximo Nivel offers unique volunteer construction projects in Costa Rica. Your role involves repairing or building classrooms, community centers, schools. and assisted living facilities. Construction work is physically demanding and includes digging, removing dirt, carrying bricks, mixing cement, plastering, painting, cleaning, and other duties related to construction.

Working hours are typically Monday to Friday, at 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. However, this may vary based on the weather, project needs, and construction schedule. Volunteers are supported by Maximo's professional Field Managers at all times. All construction projects are led by a professional foreman who determines the work program.

This program is available all year round, with start dates every Monday. It’s designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year.

NOTE: This program qualifies for 3-4 university credits via our School of Record.

Volunteers must be over 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. We require background checks and proof of medical insurance.

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Program Highlights

Experience Costa Rican way of life while staying in San Jose for one week to a year.
Gain Spanish fluency by taking our optional language classes and interacting with local people.
Become more passionate about community service through this volunteer program.
Make lifetime memories with other volunteers as well as the Costa Ricans you work with and meet along the way.
Enjoy fun things to do in your free time, such as exploring the Central Market and visiting nearby museums.

What's Included

Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Job Placement
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Wifi Costs
Some Equipment
Emergency Support
Some Accommodation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • San Jose, Costa Rica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

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

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about MAXIMO NIVEL

4.7
65 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
44
4
21
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Health & Safety
4.8
Volunteer Placement
4.8
Program Administration
4.7
Day to Day Life
4.6
Living Situation
4.6
Community Engagement
4.5

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 65 reviews

Lucas RizoUnited States · July 2026

Amazing time

Oscar was a great guy and I had a lot of fun with everyone in my group. The host family was very nice and all the staff were super helpful. I would definitely want to do this again. I felt very appreciated when people would thank us for painting the school.

Ryan ValdesUnited States · July 2026

Construction

Excellent construction company! The team was professional, reliable, and paid close attention to every detail. They completed the project on time with high-quality workmanship and great communication throughout the process. I would definitely recommend them to anyone building or renovating in Costa Rica.

Sara DavisUnited States · March 2026

Talking to Folks: Understanding Culture

Everyone I was able to talk to was such a delight, from my project manager Oscar to the lovely desk lady at Maximo. And they all had such love for the region. There’s nothing better than working with folks like that.

Grace EstesUnited States · March 2026

Service with a humble heart!

I participated in a beach and dog shelter beautification project. These service opportunities were well constructed, so I learned how to serve with an humble heart as well as the mission behind the place I was serving. Thank you!! Totally recommend!!

Harvey MitchellUnited Kingdom · March 2025

Pura vida

Had an amazing time working closely with local builders who were very happy to teach and answer any questions that I had, the home stay family were also very kind and helped me to figure out anything that I was confused by. Met so many lovely people and made so many memories, definitely would recommend for inexperienced travellers as everything is pretty much taken care of.

Photos

L. B.Switzerland · February 2025

Very enriching experience volunteering and studying Spanish!

I volunteered for 3 weeks at Maximo Nivel in San Jose, Costa Rica. We were working on the construction of a new building within a very impactful educational project for kids and young mothers. We were always busy with different tasks from painting to plastering and cement making and had an excellent interaction and communication with the local project staff. I feel that we definitely had a positive impact for the project. In the afternoons I was taking Spanish classes with a very engaged teacher. The combination of "classroom" learning and everyday practice at our project and with the host family definitely improved my Spanish. Maximo Nivel support has been excellent both before and during the project. Having a "homebase" in the city at Maximo's definitely helps to meet other volunteers and create a local social circle. I highly recommend this experience.

Savannah CambioUnited States · October 2024

Great experience!

I had a really great time volunteering and my experience in general. All of the people I met were amazing, everyone at Maximo was helpful and everyone at the construction site I was at were kind, gracious, and great people to be around. I would definitely do this program again!

James StoreyUnited Kingdom · September 2024

Rice and Beans

Good time. Very good work. Settled in very well with the host family. Very good food and accommodation there. Getting to the project and the information with it was easily accessible and everything was shown clearly. Good free activities also. Definitely enjoyed the work done and the people met at the projects.

Nathanael DíasUnited Kingdom · September 2024

Feedback

I felt very welcome, staff are very friendly. Courses provided to customer are very helpful, this allows you to integrate into the culture. Communication with staff is excellent would recommend this company to future customers.

Reece BrandonAustralia · August 2024

The Máximo Nivel experience blew me away.

The whole experience was amazing here in Costa Rica. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the programs and make you feel right at home. Oscar was our program Forman and we had the best 2 weeks with him. Working hard and laughing a lot. I recommend everyone to come and give volunteering here a go. I met so many cool people and made some great memories

Photos

Louis DunefskyUnited States · July 2024

Great Time

I had a great time in San Jose for two weeks doing construction. I learned how to do many things I never knew about hard labor. I already had been in Manuel Antonio for three weeks and the amazing hospitality I received there continued in San Jose.

Andrea RourkeUnited States · July 2024

A wonderful experience

My time here was so wonderful, I had an experience of a lifetime. The work I did was so rewarding and it was amazing to see all the work that had been done over the course of my four weeks of doing construction.

Kapil MohanUnited States · June 2024

Great Experience

This was our first time volunteering with Maximo Nivel and IVHQ. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend it. The pre-trip planning and coordination, onsite support, and volunteer opportunities are fantastic. We did the construction project and enjoyed it. Would have not minded slightly longer volunteer hours.

Megan HardyUnited States · January 2024

Pura vida!

I did the construction volunteering with Maximo Nivel and loved it!! Everyone is so friendly and helpful when you ask. We helped with a project that supports single mothers - providing them homes, childcare, and schooling. Amazing! Also we only volunteered for half days so we had the afternoons to explore.

Photos

Ella YuCanada · December 2023

I enjoy every bit of it as I got to see how everyone working hard at the program and they are very friendly and easy going to each other!

Love the goals of the project and I think it is important for every one to contribute and give whatever they can. It’s a volunteer program and you will have to be self motivated to offer helps at the site! Wish I know Spanish and get to communicate without google translation!

Rupa BeckhamUnited States · August 2023

Excellent experience fromStart to finish

I came with my High School aged son to expose him to international volunteer work and to spend quality time together. Maximo made to trip easy and smooth from prearrival to departure. Staff was all excellent and the locals we worked at the construction site were all very helpful and nice. We met a lot of other travelers and hope to come back again next year with more friends!

Photos

Ashleigh ValentineUnited States · August 2023

#constructionisthebest

I thought it was really fun!! The work was interesting and I learned how much work it takes to even start building a building. The people are so nice and the staff are too! They made it easier to come to a new place as a young person. I will miss this place and already miss the people. #lovecostarica

Celia BargerUnited States · August 2023

Such an incredible experience

This what my first trip ever abroad by myself and I am so glad I did this. I feel so honored to be able to work on a project like this that has an impact on the community. My trip was for 1-week, and let me tell you, it was not enough time. I wish I stayed longer! I will absolutely be doing this again. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and I am forever grateful for this experience.

Nicolas CampagnaGermany · May 2023

Construction volunteering

The workers on the construction site are very open and funny people and the days go by incredibly fast. You definitely get the feeling that you are making an impact and help the people. The staff from Maximo come and visit the project regularly and are very nice. You do lots of different tasks and have a lot of variety so it does not get boring.

Kate CorriveauUnited States · April 2023

Strawberry Jam

I had so much fun on this trip. All of the people working for Maximo were kind and welcoming. There was always someone around to support me when I felt lost. My host family was extremely generous. For construction, we dug a 9ft hole. I have never be happier to complete something in my whole life. The tour opportunities were incredible.

Photos

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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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