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

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

by: MAXIMO NIVEL

4.71 (594)VerifiedSince 2003

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!

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.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Cusco, Peru
Starts At: $735 for 1 week
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: 14+
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
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
  • American
  • European
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • South African
  • Kiwi
  • Asian
  • British
  • Irish
See all program details
Last Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica 2026
Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Language SchoolTop Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistTop Rated Language School 2022Notable Mention 2021 - Gap YearTop Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.71

Total Reviews

594

Great way to meet people

August 27, 2026by: Aaron Reeves - United States
5

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

An Incredible Experience with Maximo Nivel

August 27, 2026by: Stiliyan Ivanov - United States
5

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

Amazing support from Maximo staff

August 27, 2026by: Gary Mabb - Australia
5

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

You guys were great!

August 27, 2026by: John Avasapian - United States
5

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

Highly recommend as a solo traveler

August 27, 2026by: Pauline Morrissey - Canada
5

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!

Experiencia inolvidable

August 24, 2026by: Tatiana Ware - Colombia
5

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.

Experiencia inolvidable

August 24, 2026by: Tatiana Ware - Colombia
5

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.

Experiencia inolvidable

August 24, 2026by: Tatiana Ware - Colombia
5

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.

Experiencia inolvidable

August 24, 2026by: Tatiana Ware - Colombia
5

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.

Dental Volunteering in Cusco

August 22, 2026by: Paulina Morrissey - United States
5

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!

Volunteering in Peru

August 22, 2026by: Marzia Soto - Italy
5

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.

Love them

I had an amazing time

August 16, 2026by: worthy Idahosa - Canada
5

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!

Amazing

August 16, 2026by: Valerie Casserly - Canada
5

It was a great experience I would do it again 100 hundred percent would recommend to everyone I know.i loved my host family so much and the food was great the kids were amazing and the people were super friendly

It was an experience amazing

August 07, 2026by: Adélaïde Graux - France
5

It was amazing to meet all these People ! meeting these children and teaching them was incredible. I learned every day. My family was really Nice ! I made friends for life !! I recommend this trip for everyone !

Everything I wanted and More

August 01, 2026by: Miriam Raymond - United States
5

I have traveled before and Iove to experience new cultures. Learning spanish, talking to the locals, and getting to know everyone at Maximo Nivel was amazing! The staff were patient and listened whenever I had a problem, the tourism mixed with volunteering was a perfect mix. I learned so much from the children I taught and the teachers I got to know. I really loved the enviroment and feel this is a place anyone could thrive. Would not suggest coming for just one week, the longer you stay the better as theres so much to do, see, and learn!

A Character Building Experience

July 27, 2026by: Hannah Williams - United Kingdom
4

I had a great time! Living situation was comfortable, the other volunteers I met were all amazing, and the park rangers and dorm we were at were all welcoming, a bit quiet - but friendly and kind. I think from my time here, and having spoken to a few different volunteers about their experience and perspective, my only issue would be that I think Maximo Nivel doesn’t always paint an accurate picture of their programs. Despite this, I still think it’s worth coming here if anyone is thinking about it, but that it’s really important to do your research on the program you want to do. As for example, me and another volunteer were confused as to why over email they’d been led to believe our program was on the Caribbean coast, when it in fact ended up being on the Pacific Ocean Coast. And also that online our sea turtle programs talk about various activities like helping hatchlings etc but doesn’t inform you if the season you are going on is nesting season or not etc. Host family were lovely, and transportation was fairly clear. The online and in person admin team at Maximo were especially helpful, and Kaylie was especially wonderful! Overall, would definitely recommend - just think it’s important to ensure the program detailings are clear to you before you arrive. Thanks! Miss Costa Rica already!!

Trip I Will Never Forget

July 26, 2026by: Matthew Halupka - Canada
5

Everything was super great. My host family was excellent, Monica was genuinely the sweetest lady ever. I did the Jungle conservation program at pantera sanctuary and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Everything from the food to the people to the work was excellent. Maximo was very helpful with any and all questions or concerns me or my friends had. 100% would recommend.

Incredible Experience!!!

July 25, 2026by: Brooklyn Carr Heuer - United States
5

I absolutely loved my time in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel- amazing program, people, accommodations, and just such a fun experience overall. Was a great program for traveling solo for my first time!!!

A trip of a lifetime

July 25, 2026by: Krystal Starr -Perry - United States
5

I absolutely loved my time here! The locals are so nice and Antigua is beautiful. My only complaint is that I wish I had more time here to explore, but I tried to make the best of what time I did have. If you have the opportunity I highly recommend it!

Enjoyed it a lot.

July 24, 2026by: Charlie Arculus - Isle of Man
5

I was welcomed as soon as I arrived in Maximo. I made new friends each week both inside the programme and with locals down the road that I played football and basketball with most days. The programme was both fun and beneficial for my Spanish. Couldn’t recommend it more.

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 and 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

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

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

Age Requirement

14+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Starts At

  • 1 week: $735

Program Cost Includes

  • 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

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

Full Refund

View Refund Policy

Accommodation Options

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

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    MAXIMO NIVEL

    MAXIMO NIVEL

    4.71Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    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 ...

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