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Volunteer in Latin America! Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru

Visit WebsiteInquire HereApply NowTop Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica 2026
$735Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
609Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Turn your passion into action with Maximo Nivel’s top-rated Volunteer Abroad programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru!

Volunteering abroad is an incredible way to immerse yourself in a new culture, build essential life skills, and meet like-minded travelers— all while making a sustainable impact on local communities and organizations.

Choose from 150 projects in fields such as education, medical and healthcare, animal care, construction, and conservation. Maximo Nivel’s volunteer programs also offer the opportunity to earn academic credit through our official School of Record.

Programs take place in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; and San Jose, Costa Rica. We also have off-site programs on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, and in the Amazon Rainforest and Sacred Valley of Peru.

Experience Central America, South America, or become a “country jumper” and experience all of Latin America!

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

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

See program details

Program Highlights

Engage in meaningful community service across multiple high-impact fields, including Working with Children, Teaching English, Medical & Healthcare, Animal Care, Construction, and Conservation.
Fast-track your conversational Spanish through optional intensive language courses, free tandem conversation exchanges, and daily real-world practice with native Spanish speakers.
Receive end-to-end guidance from local staff, including 24/7 emergency assistance, airport pickup, comprehensive orientation, and dedicated project supervisors.
Design an itinerary that fits your schedule with project durations ranging from 1 week to several months, starting any Monday of the year in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru.
Boost your resume and career path by gaining hands-on cross-cultural experience, earning transferable university credits, and receiving an official Certificate of Volunteer Service.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Some Equipment
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation
Training
Academic Advising
Assistance Booking Travel
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Course Materials
Alumni / Networking Membership
Letter of Recommendation
Certificate of Completion

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

Types & Subjects

  • Causes
  • AIDS
  • Animal Welfare
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Counseling
  • Culture
  • Dental
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Environment
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Education
  • Hospital
  • Human Rights
  • Marine Conservation
  • Medicine
  • Microfinance
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Organic Farming
  • Orphans
  • Parks
  • Pastoral Work
  • Public Health
  • Recreation
  • Reforestation
  • Refugee Relief
  • Renewable Energy
  • Senior Citizens
  • Small Business Development
  • Social Work
  • Special Needs
  • Street Children
  • Teaching
  • Tourism
  • Trail Building
  • Tree Planting
  • Tutor
  • Veterinary Science
  • Wildlife
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Youth Development
  • Youth Ministry

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

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

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break

Starts At

  • 1 week: $735

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about MAXIMO NIVEL

4.7
609 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
447
4
151
3
10
2
0
1
1

Top categories

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

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 609 reviews

alexa pimentelUnited States · November 2026

Changed.

From working with kids in a nursery, to seeing beautiful tours, and spending 2 weeks in the Amazon jungle!.. i've learned so much about my self, and the people of Peru. By far my favorite project was the Panthera sanctuary. Aldo and Cristobal are amazing people who made me embrace ALL... Of the jungle, but i've never felt more energetic and driven. the location is beautiful and rustic, with a scenic view of the river. We were able to help reforest, monitor and document animals, as well as do other activities like play volley ball, go fishing, and night animal monitoring. Oh and dont get me started on how delicous the food was, we got breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Amazing. Im reminicing as i type this. 100% recommend doing this project as well as looking into the other incredible projects Maximo has to offer. You wont regret it!!!

Matthew Cappo CappoUnited States · November 2026

Extremely unique and interesting programs

I did the Archaeology and Jungle Conservation programs around Cusco. They were all very well organized and Maximo made it very easy to learn how to get from place to place. I think similar programs would require much longer stays or affiliations with university programs. My feedback to future volunteers is to take whatever amount of bug spray and sunblock you think you need and triple it. If it is the rainy season, bring water proof clothes and boots.

Sabrina FayUnited States · November 2026

unforgettable experience

The cultural information shared by host families was amazing. We came to celebrate our 25th anniversary and the archaeology dig was great with a wonderful host family. We will be strongly recommending this program to all our family and friends. We cannot wait to come again. Muy bueno!

Sophia ParishUnited States · October 2026

Teaching and Learning at the Same Time!

I had a really good time teaching English to the Ticos here. While I was teaching them English, they were also teaching me Spanish which I loved. I’d love to do it again one day if possible. I think many people should consider this if they want to be immersed in culture, give back, and learn.

Sammy SillsEngland · October 2026

My time in Manuel Antonio

My time volunteering in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, was an incredible experience. I spent my time teaching English in a community project. The program is well organised and provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to the local community. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a rewarding and impactful experience. The staff at Maximo are also lovely - Anika made me feel welcome from the moment i stepped in. I would recomend to many!

Diego EcheverriaUnited States · October 2026

#Awesometrip

I had a really good time! It was very interesting to learn about the culture in Costa Rica. The mariposario was beautiful. The institute is great, it has a pool!! Maximo Nivel is #Awesome I would absolutely recommend any of their projects.

Jasbir BasraiUnited Kingdom · October 2026

Volunteering in Costa Rica

I spent my time in San Jose teaching English in a High School and Daycare centre. Both of these placements were extremely rewarding and a great way to experience the local culture. The project staff and staff at Maximo Nuvel have been excellent. I have found the programme extremely rewarding and will definitely do this again! A great way to see the world and give something back to local communities.

David MursetUnited States · October 2026

What a wonderful and rewarding experience!

We really enjoyed working with the staff. They were very professional, friendly, helpful, fun, and informative. We loved our project! It taught us so many wonderful lessons of compassion, friendship, patience, and diversity. We definitely want to come again!

Ella GallagherUnited States · October 2026

Learned how to live the pura vida lifestyle!

This program was very cool! we got to experience so much with all the other volunteers from night patrols, trash pickup and more! I loved all the people I met, and I feel like I made such great connections!☀️🪷🌊🌿🏄🤙

Henrietta BaranyaiHungary · October 2026

Volunteering at the jungle

I´ve spent a month at Panthera Sanctuary. I have the utmost respect for the Aldo and Cristobal. They´ve made me feel welcomed and safe from day 1. I had some reservations and fears of course before my arrival considering the remoteness of the location. But they made sure we were well informed and looked after at all times. The place is a paradise, I would recommend this program to everyone who wants to be a part of something bigger, who loves animals and nature or just for digital detox. Even though we´ve had no internet connection in the sanctuary, the guys from Maximo Nivel´s office sent us regular updates and checked-in on us. I thank the whole team for this once in a lifetime experience.

Matthew HoffmanUnited States · September 2026

The beggening to my Personal legend!

When was I planning for my next 40 years wanted to embark on a multicultural adventure that would bring me new sights, smells and experiences. After 2 weeks of consulting with other outfit programs decided to enroll in the Maximo volunteer, Spanish immersion, and mini adventure program. I had limited time to maximize my journey, and was a bit overwhelmed. After communicating with Travis and his onboarding team i was confident that i chose the right outfit for my personal journey. Their team made it very easy to customize my experience and answered all my questions with details and confirmations. I was very excited to embark on this adventure. This was my first solo international adventure and the Maximo team had the experience i wanted to work with. After landing in Cusco, i was taken care of by their travel team and taken straight to my guest house. after that i was invited to meet with Gabby (the big cheese) and got to see the international office while meeting the remainder of their team of 50. i was welcomed with open arms and introduced to Reese, the field manager who met with my for an hour to discuss the plan of action for the next two weeks. after that meeting i was excited to start my journey. I could go on and on about the client services and attention to detail that this team provided to me, and i am forever grateful to have been apart of a program that cares for its clients, community and the overall contribution to the world. My 2028 goal is to become TEFL certified and will be using MAXIMO NIVEL for that next adventure. ¨To realize ones destiny is a persons only obligation!¨

Sadyra MartinezUnited States · September 2026

My only wish is that I could have stayed longer

I genuinely enjoyed my experience with the program. I felt safe, informed, and happy. I had all the information I needed to have a successful experience. My only wish is that I could have stayed longer. Thank you!

Wendy SmithEngland · September 2026

I volunteered so hard I decided to stay !

After only 2 weeks I decided I wanted to live and work in CR. So I think this says it all. I’m now going from volunteer to employee. Maximo / my host family and my volunteer project have now become friends.

Seth RavidUnited States · September 2026

Maximo Nivel Peru Volunteering

Great experience. This was my first time paying to participate in an overseas volunteering program, and I was afraid I would get scammed. No such occurrence. All arrangements from homestay to the work itself were exactly as described. My Peruvian family took great care of me and my work (medical volunteering in a local community clinic) was fulfilling. Maximo Nivel maintains a relationship with a reputable tourism company (American Inca Trail) that has an office in their same building, and I took full advantage of this for some amazing hiking trips. The services Maximo Nivel provides (arranging accommodation, placing you with host family, placing you in volunteer project, etc.) aren´t cheap and you might think you can do it cheaper on your own, but in my opinion, they´re worth the price you pay. Let them handle some things for you so you can focus on enjoying your experience abroad, not dealing with shady travel companies, lodging/logistics that aren´t what you were promised, etc.

Ziyi PanChina · September 2026

It was a experience I will remember for life

As a 16-year-old traveling alone in Costa Rica, Maximo Nivel made me feel safe, supported, and welcomed throughout my entire experience. The staff and my host family gave me all the support and guidance I needed, which made being away from home so much easier. I especially loved how Maximo brings everyone together, allowing me to meet so many amazing people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. This has been one of the best experiences of my life so far, and as my first solo trip, I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person. I gained more confidence, independence, and a new appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. I truly don’t think I would have had this experience or grown as much without Maximo Nivel.

Aaron ReevesUnited States · August 2026

Great way to meet people

I found the program very enjoyable. It was easy to fit in and meet other volunteers.

Stiliyan IvanovUnited States · August 2026

An Incredible Experience with Maximo Nivel

Everybody who is willing to embark on such journey will definitely not be disapointed!

Gary MabbAustralia · August 2026

Amazing support from Maximo staff

Everything was excellent, great support from Maximo Staff. Good introduction session as well as bases covered. And good offers of support from Maximo staff.

John AvasapianUnited States · August 2026

You guys were great!

You guys were great! There was great support, info, and involvement. Thank you!

Pauline MorrisseyCanada · August 2026

Highly recommend as a solo traveler

My experience in Peru with Maximo Nivel was above excellent. I had such an amazing time. The atmosphere of my project, school, homestay, and city of Cusco was so comforting, especially as a solo traveler. Everything was excellent!

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
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
NAFSA
ALTO - Association of Language Travel Organisations
GoAbroad Top Language Program 2018
GoAbroad Top TEFL Certification Program 2018
GoAbroad Top Language School 2018
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer Abroad
2019 Notable Mentions

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