Customized GAP Year Programs in Latin America
by MAXIMO NIVEL
Program Overview
Make your gap year one to remember with Maximo Nivel!
Work, study, and travel through Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, and immerse yourself in Latin America’s rich culture and history. This is not your average gap year program. With Maximo Nivel, you can build new skills, elevate your resume, and get academic credit, all while having the outdoor adventure of a lifetime with like-minded travelers from around the world.
Gap year programs combine volunteer work, Spanish classes for all levels from beginner to fluent, TEFL certification, and lots more. Standard programs run for 12 or 24 weeks, but you can also create your customized itinerary!
Can’t decide on just one location? Be a “country jumper” and design a gap year that includes Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.
Maximo Nivel also offers a unique Freshman Semester Abroad where you can spend a semester or an entire year abroad and then enter university with 12 to 32 academic credits.
Ready to dive deeper into this program?
Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
- During High School
- Post High School
- Adventure Travel
- Animals
- Experiential Learning
- Internships
- Jobs
- Journalism
- Language Immersion
- Medical
- Scuba Diving
- Self-Discovery
- Spanish
- Teach Abroad
- Volunteering
- Wilderness
Updated Aug 30, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Cusco, Peru
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- Year Round
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
Education Levels & Language
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
Application Procedures
- Online Application
- Written Application
Age Requirement
18+
Duration
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
- During High School
- Post High School
Starts At
- 12 weeks: $4,495
Payment Terms
- Payment Plan
- Upfront Deposit
- Changes Allowed
Refund Policy
Full Refund
View Refund Policy
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about MAXIMO NIVEL.
What do the standard gap year itineraries include?
Maximo Nivel offers pre-set gap year itineraries for Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. These 12-week and 24-week programs include Volunteer Abroad, Spanish Immersion, TEFL Certification, and Adventure & Culture programs. In the 24-week program, a 2-week break is built into the itinerary to organize independent travel, beach time, and trekking with new friends and fellow travelers.
Can I build my own gap year itinerary?
Yes! Maximo Nivel’s programs are extremely flexible, so you can pick and choose from all of our programs to create the perfect, customized gap year just for you. Wherever you want to go and whatever you want to do, we’re already here in-country, ready to help you!
What is the Country Jumper program?
Costa Rica to Guatemala to Peru—a unique program spread across 12 or 24 weeks, working-studying-traveling from Central America to South America!
The Country Jumper program includes:
- Spanish + Volunteering
- Surf School
- Mini Adventure
- A lifetime of memories!
Recognitions & Awards
Awards and accreditations earned by this provider
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The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and MAXIMO NIVEL is also happy to answer any questions you have.
Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997