GoAbroad

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

$735Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.7 / 5Overall Rating
602Reviews
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
602 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
440
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
Living Situation
4.7
Health & Safety
4.6

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 602 reviews

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!

Tatiana WareColombia · August 2026
5.0

Experiencia inolvidable

I will carry this experience in my heart; it was absolutely wonderful. Volunteering was one of the best things I've ever done, especially with animals, where I met so many kind and joyful hearts. It was so lovely to share moments here with such a Maximo Nevel of care and be a part of it. I'm grateful for being made to feel welcome and for the opportunity to help. Thank you so much for everything.

Tatiana WareColombia · August 2026
5.0

Experiencia inolvidable

I will carry this experience in my heart; it was absolutely wonderful. Volunteering was one of the best things I've ever done, especially with animals, where I met so many kind and joyful hearts. It was so lovely to share moments here with such a Maximo Nevel of care and be a part of it. I'm grateful for being made to feel welcome and for the opportunity to help. Thank you so much for everything.

Tatiana WareColombia · August 2026
5.0

Experiencia inolvidable

I will carry this experience in my heart; it was absolutely wonderful. Volunteering was one of the best things I've ever done, especially with animals, where I met so many kind and joyful hearts. It was so lovely to share moments here with such a Maximo Nevel of care and be a part of it. I'm grateful for being made to feel welcome and for the opportunity to help. Thank you so much for everything.

Tatiana WareColombia · August 2026
5.0

Experiencia inolvidable

I will carry this experience in my heart; it was absolutely wonderful. Volunteering was one of the best things I've ever done, especially with animals, where I met so many kind and joyful hearts. It was so lovely to share moments here with such a Maximo Nevel of care and be a part of it. I'm grateful for being made to feel welcome and for the opportunity to help. Thank you so much for everything.

Paulina MorrisseyUnited States · August 2026

Dental Volunteering in Cusco

My experience in Cusco was such an amazing time. The people and atmosphere were amazing. Only after a short while this place and these people became a second home and family. The dental program was a great experience especially for a pre-dental student, you learn so much and meet so many great doctors, great for people who are ready for hands-on experience, learning, and giving a helping hand. I have already planned my return and can't wait to explore more of the programs that Maximo has to offer!

Marzia SotoItaly · August 2026

Volunteering in Peru

I loved the experience, I stayed in Yuri's house with his family which was super sweet and available for whatever me and my friends needed, I also met a lot of people who now I consider friends and with whom I'm gonna stay in touch.

Photos

worthy IdahosaCanada · August 2026

I had an amazing time

I really enjoyed becoming interconnected with the Costa Rican experience. My host parents Tulio and Carmen were the best people ever. They became my home away from home. They were so kind and showed me the true Costa Rican kindness everyone talked about!

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica 2026
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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