Wildlife Volunteer Programs in South America

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!

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

I was, probably like some of you, a bit sceptical when initially applying due to the low price compared to other organisations. However, the experience I had was absolutely amazing and I have learnt so much about not only myself, but about different cultures and etiquettes. My program manager, Marissa, was absolutely fantastic at answer all of my questions and adjusting any mistakes I submitted onto my application such as flight number and pick-up time. Despite the huge time difference between Marissa and myself, she was able to reply to my email promptly and with extreme care - I was really at ease throughout the whole process and that made the experience a bunch better. Everything on my volunteering was as described on the program guide and there were no surprises when I landed, everything that happened during my week I was prepared for. I would really recommend this company and I want to thank them once more for the fantastic and truly life-changing experience they provided for me.

I had such a wonderful experience in Split! I met so many amazing people from different countries and made memories that I will definitely never forget. The Youth Support program gave me the opportunity to connect with the local community, experience a different culture and grow personally at the same time. The local team was very welcoming and supportive and I always felt comfortable asking questions or getting help when needed. I especially loved the international atmosphere and meeting people with completely different backgrounds and stories.besides volunteering, I had enough time to explore Split, enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature and experience Croatian culture. This experience helped me step outside my comfort zone, become more independent and see things from new perspectives. I’m really grateful for all the people I met and everything I experienced during my time here. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel, volunteer, meet new people and create unforgettable memories abroad. ❤️

The support and organization of IVHQ was strong and great. Traveling and volunteering with a family of five, with 3 Jr High School kids but was amazing. Very comfortable and things were laid out well, we all felt extremely safe and comfortable the entire experience.

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 !

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!

My first experience as a volunteer abroad and I precisely picked upbio up because they seemed serious committed and professional. I wasn't wrong! Their project is effective and they are making a difference. I'm glad I have been part of this for a while.

The preparation before trip was so detailed that I don’t have anything to worry about. It got everything listed and made it so much easier to tick off what I’ve done and what they need. The communication with the manager for the volunteer was so smooth and fast, and I was able to get a reply current evening or next morning (due to different timing in different countries). I wanted to change my volunteer from rural teaching to turtle reservation, it was so fast that there wasn’t any problems with the money nor arrangements, everything just went so smoothly, really impressed. The local team there really helped a lot, the driver, the leader, everyone was just so nice, even the cook and the receptionist. This volunteer as itself also helped me a lot on raising awareness for the sea turtles, learnt a lot and really hope to help them consistently. This is such a memorable trip and I hope to do these volunteers with IVHQ next summer with my friends.

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!!

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.

We would spend the days doing often manual labour and venturing deep into the jungle to collect data, but we still had a lot of time to bond with other volunteers and the staff. Emily, Aldo and Cristobal were all very helpful and they really embodied genuine passion for the conservation of nature. I highly advise anyone interested to try the program, as you really begin to appreciate the Amazon and its importance

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!!!

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!

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.

Where to begin? They say we change every day—that we are constantly evolving—and that sums up my first volunteer experience, which certainly won't be my last. I arrived in this country feeling a bit lost, but I’m returning as a completely different person. I came hoping to help, yet I think what I’m taking away with me is far more valuable. I’ve met incredible people who have stolen my heart; I haven’t just made friends—I’ve found family. I felt welcome from day one, and I’m so excited about the future. I’m ready for Guatemala in 2027 with Maximo—we make a great team. This definitely isn't a goodbye, just a "see you soon."

It was a rare opportunity for me to come to a place like this. I love animals and I am thinking about maybe later working in this field. It was definitely one of the greatest experiences of my life and it showed me how great it is to help animals. I got so inspired and really would love to do more in the future.

My experience in Maximo Nivel was wonderful specially with all the personnel in charge of the programs. My choose Child Care and it was a beautiful experience working and helping those precious children were the best of all ( love children) My accommodation in general with my Tica family was great including the time the family used to know more about me..They always game me care and support from day one…I even enjoyed time playing with their little dogs inside the house… I appreciate everything I received from Maximo Nivel here in Costa Rica. Thanks to them I had the great opportunity to visit different places in my free time feeling safe and secure with the tour personnel and drivers always on time to pick me up at my location…. I will recommend any body to who wants to have a beautiful and professional experience traveling as a volunteer to do it with Maximo Nivel with any country on the list to choose Thank you Maximo Nivel / Costa Rica and Pura Vida

An experience that allowed me to meet incredible people, greatly improve my English, and let go of the fear of new opportunities—embracing them with the utmost positivity. It was also a time to be away from home while finding people who made it feel like home, and a chance for new moments of discovery, trying new things, and taking on new challenges.

I highly recommend this program. The role of Amazon research assistant is very accessible to anyone interested in the natural world and provides valuable information on biodiversity to the scientific community which is essential to conservation. Imran, Marleen and Martha are incredible people, Well connected and appreciated by the local communities and you feel like you're having a positive impact. You live with other volunteers in a nice place with a pool, though be warned it is a bit far from town (45min walk) but you can ask the neighbour to taxi for a price. I made valuable connections with the other volunteers who kind of become your family for a time :) You get to see loads of animals and I've also seen the best sunset of my life in Alter do Chao from the beach over the massive river and enjoyed the Carimbo (local dance) parties that happen every Thursday.