Location
  • Costa Rica
    • San José
    • Playa Blanca
    • Monteverde
    • Cartago
    • Nosara
    • Puerto Limón
Length
1 to 52 weeks

Program Details

Language
Spanish
Age Min.
17
Age Max
90
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse Host Family Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
725
Price Details
Maximo Nivel has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Our volunteer abroad program fees are affordable and transparent.

New volunteer programs start every Monday year-round
Professional Field Managers
Volunteer abroad programs available from 1-52 weeks
All-inclusive—accommodations, meals, and many extras
24/7 in-country support
Academic credit available
No registration or processing fees
All-inclusive program fees from $665
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Some Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Feb 15, 2022
Feb 15, 2024
139 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Costa Rica is known for having progressive environmental and social policies, and Costa Rica is widely considered one of the planet’s most sustainable countries. At the same time, Costa Rica is still a developing country with a low national income and a number of socio-economic issues. This means Costa Rica offers a wide variety of ways to get involved in volunteer abroad projects, contribute to sustainable programs, and provide help to vulnerable populations. There is a lot to do in a country like Costa Rica and international volunteers are needed and welcomed!

Maximo Nivel provides volunteer abroad projects at our institutes in San Jose (capital city) and Manuel Antonio (beach). Projects are also available off-site in Guanacaste (beach), Caribbean (beach), and Monteverde (cloud forest), which are rural areas and offer a more “off-the-grid” experience than San Jose or Manuel Antonio.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

LGBTQIA+ Support

At Maximo Nivel, we deeply value diversity in all its forms. We maintain an open-minded approach, recognizing the significance of varied perspectives, intelligent discourse, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. We warmly welcome and respect individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of politics, gender, gender identity, age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Whether it’s volunteering, Spanish immersion, TEFL certification, international internships, university courses, or GAP year experiences, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are wholeheartedly invited to participate in our programs.

Impact

Ethical Impact

At Maximo Nivel, we work in close partnership with our local communities in Latin America to ensure that volunteer projects align with genuine local needs, fostering meaningful and relevant impact. We emphasize sustainable initiatives designed for enduring change, rather than short-term interventions. By promoting cultural sensitivity, we facilitate enriching exchanges rooted in mutual respect, and our commitment to local employment further integrates and supports the communities we serve.

Program Highlights

  • New volunteer programs start every Monday year-round
  • All-inclusive—shared accommodations, meals, and many extras
  • Academic credit available
  • No Registration or processing fees
  • 24/7 in-country support

Popular Programs

Working with Kids in Costa Rica

When you are volunteering with kids in Costa Rica, you are directly impacting the 1 in 5 families that live in poverty. Your day will be focused on helping underprivileged children with homework and fun activities.

Teaching English in Costa Rica

When you do this program, you are giving access to a skill that most kids learn in private language centers: speaking English. By volunteering with Maximo Nivel to teach english, you are giving a leg up to under privileged kids.

Conservation Projects in Costa Rica

When you think of Costa Rica, the first thought is usually the incredible beaches, and we are determined to keep it that way. Volunteering in this conservation project helps us keep Costa Rica preserved.

Construction Projects in Costa Rica

When you volunteer on this project, you will have a high tangible impact on the community by building homes, schools, and community centers. These projects are led by a local foremen and are focused on community development.

Program Reviews

4.92 Rating
based on 211 reviews
  • 5 rating 91.94%
  • 4 rating 8.06%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.65
  • Safety 4.85
  • Benefits 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Facilities 5
  • Safety 4
Showing 113 - 120 of 211 reviews
Default avatar
Madan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable Experience: Monteverde Organic Farming Coffee Project

I spent 2.5 weeks volunteering on a local organic coffee plantation in Monteverde. From farm maintenance to planting, roasting and packaging coffee, this programme really makes you understand and appreciate every cup of coffee that we drink each morning! What an amazing and rewarding experience! A new level of appreciation for the local farmers, their families and coffee!

The team at Maximo Nivel, made transitioning from traveller to volunteer a quick and easy process. They were extremely helpful with the comprehensive induction, and were always ready to provide support if/when required throughout the volunteering programme. The organic coffee project is set up with a lot of thought invested into it. The Maximo team and the local farming family, really make you feel immersed in what the local culture has to offer, without making you feel uncomfortable in the new environment.

At the end 2.5 weeks, you are left extremely satisfied with the new set of skills, knowledge, hard work and an appreciation for what local communities endure on a daily basis.

If you love getting your hands dirty and want to explore a new country full of wonderful people and culture, I highly recommend the organic farming programme offered by Maximo Nivel, Costa Rica.

31 people found this review helpful.
Marta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Paramedic Volunteer in Costa Rica

It was an amazing experience to have the opportunity to volunteer on the ambulance in Costa Rica. The ambulance in Costa Rica provides a very high level of service to their community. It was amazing to be able to assist the paramedics with calls and learn more about their medical service here. I highly suggest learning as much spanish as you can before you can volunteer for the most efficient communication, but some things are universal like smiles and laughs!

40 people found this review helpful.
Marta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching English in San Jose

I had a great experience during my time here in San Jose completing the Teaching English project in Coronado. The students were very willing to learn and eager. The support from the Maximo staff was excellent and I felt confident that they could help me whenever I had a question. My house mom made me feel so welome and was super friendly and warm. It was overall wondrful experience! I had a great experience during my time here in San Jose completing the Teaching English project in Coronado. The students were very willing to learn and eager. The support from the Maximo staff was excellent and I felt confident that they could help me whenever I had a question. My house mom made me feel so welome and was super friendly and warm. It was overall wondrful experience!

What would you improve about this program?
Promote the teaching english program so that the students have a sense of consistency.
30 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brandon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great service, great fun!

Our staff from Maximo Nivel was great! They were available every step of the way to provide assurance, support, and direction without being overbearing. Our host families were a joy to be around, and our accommodations were pleasant. The project was educational and it felt like we made an impact by the end of our week there. In our free time, Monteverde had a lot of exciting activities to offer.

30 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tori
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Childcare Project

I first committed to staying in Costa Rica for 8 weeks, but I soon realized that wasn't nearly enough time, and I decided to commit for another 3 weeks. However, my time here is now coming to a close, and I still wish I could stay longer. I came to Costa Rica in order to force myself out of my comfort zone, challenge my beliefs and expectations, and grow as a person; I believe I have acieved every single one of those goals. I have made forever friends and had unforgettable experiences- while travelling, with my host family, and in my project.
My experience at the school (my childcare project) was particularly one I will never forget. I cannot thank them enough for all they have taught me about myself and what I want from my future. Each and every child in the school has touched my heart in their own unique and special way, and I can only hope I have somehow touched there's in return.

32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Chantal
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Working with Children at Hogar Maria Infantil

I had an unforgetable experience working with the children at Hogar Maria Infantil for the months I came to Costa Rica. All of the staff at Maimo Nivel were super supportive and helpful every step of the way. I learnt so much during my time here. Travelling and volunteering is an experience nobody can take away from you, and I am so glad I chose Costa Rica to kick off my travel bug. Many thanks to everyone who made this experience possible.

40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Becky
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo Nivel Nursing Home Volunteer Project

I spent my time volunteering in Costa Rica at Casa Nazereth and had a great experience! The staff at Maximo Nivel made sure I was prepared once I arrived in Costa Rica, a country I had never visited before to make sure I was comfortable for my week here. They were always very accesible, welcoming, and friendly, I am so thankful I discovered this wonderful organization! The staff at Casa Nazereth were wonderfully welcoming and guided me in helping me to assist the residents with their daily cares and medical needs.

27 people found this review helpful.
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo Nivel Nursing Home Volunteer Project

I had a great experience with Maximo Nivel working at Casa Nazareth nursing home in San Jose! Maximo Nivel is very organized and all of their staff are extremely supportive. At Casa Nazareth, I got to work with all of the senior citizens that live there. Even though I really enjoyed helping the nurse and doctor with the residents, the best part for me was getting to know each of the residents and their life story!

44 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

From my experience plan 2 months earlier is good for volunteer:)

Yes, at least the basics. Try a few classes on online sites like Duolingo and/or a phrase book. It will make your life much easier and minimal communication is required. Don't expect most of the people we interact with to know English, apart the volunteer organization and travel agencies, or at least it was my experience in Costa Rica. And they will appreciate the effort !