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
134 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 65 - 72 of 211 reviews
Default avatar
Clara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching English in Costa Rica

Having always had a keen interest in languages, this program seemed like the perfect fit to both integrate myself into the lives of the locals here and share my passion for languages with equally interested and eager students. Despite being intrigued by my fellow volunteers' projects, I have to say that I could not have chosen a more pleasant and rewarding program. Just offering my students the opportunity to hear and speak English has ameliorated their skills immensely, and our mutual appreciation for the wonderful 2 months spent together speaks for itself. I will miss them and general Tico loving hospitality tremendously, and hope that this review sways you to pick the Teaching English program.

56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Miranda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Childcare in Costa Rica

Volunteering has always been a key part of my life. I came to volunteer in Costa Rica with my sister for something different, and I am so glad that I did. We were based at a facility called Sonrisas and it gave me a new appreciation for the little things in life. The kids were so sweet and so appreciative of everything! They were full of energy and opened my eyes to what is important to live a good, simple life. You definitely need to have a lot of energy and a positive outlook, but it is easy if you want to make the most of this experience. Maximo Nivel helped ensure that everything went smoothly so do not worry about navigating a new place. I definitely recommend branching out and volunteering in Costa Rica. If you think you do not have time, make time. It is worth it! Open your heart and open your eyes. Take everything in.

56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

San Jose, Costa Rica Childcare

My sister and I decided to do this program together and we are so happy we did! Our only regret is that we didn't spend longer here. We stayed for one week and volunteered at Sonrisas with kids of all ages. We were able to really immerse ourselves into the culture, and staying with a host family is so special and unique. We were able to learn some Spanish, try traditional foods and learn more about the residential areas rather than just the tourist areas. And I came in not knowing much Spanish, so if that's holding you back, don't let it. We learned our way around very quickly, asked questions (Maximo Nivel is SUPER helpful) and we just made the most of it. The kids are so sweet and excited to see us everyday. And even though we are there to help them, they are the ones that ended up helping us in the long run.... reminded us to just have fun, keep it simple, and that the game of tag never gets old. We hope to do another program again in the future.

50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

junquillal turtle project

As an 18 year old girl traveling all by herelf i was very nervous, but from the second i got off the plane i was greeted by Maximo Nivel staff and felt safe. the staff here is amazing at making you feel safe and comfortable especially if you are like me and do not speak a lot of spanish. i was in junuillal for the turtles and it was the best time of my life, everyday you were doing something for the community, environment or the turtles and you truly felt like you were making a difference. i made life long friends and memories that i will cherish forever and am truly so grateful for this experience. my best advice if you are looking into traveling here, bring lots of bug spray, and open mind and a big heart, this trip will change your life for the better!

56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jason
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic Program

Hello,

My name is Jason and i had an experience here in Costa Rica. This was my first time volunteering outside my country and I really feel like I made a difference working with Maximo nivel. Ontop of that the people that work here for Maximo Nivel are very nice, very patient and very understanding they have an amazing service that is always available to you while you stay here.

I strongly recommend the Maximo nivel programs in Costa Rica to anyone wanting to make a real difference in the world.

58 people found this review helpful.
Kaari
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Manuel Antonio Working with Kids

I stayed in Quepos with the loveliest hostmom called Noemy. We got along very well and she was always happy to help with anything. Sometimes we just spent the nights together to go walking around in Quepos, I really liked it, as my spanish was not the best and practicing makes it perfect. And addition to all the good things, she was an excellent cook and the house was always clean.
The project I attended was called working with the kids. My job was to teach them english for one hour and then we just played together. The kids were so sweet, and would come every day running to hug you. And even though sometimes it was hard to make them listen to you, I left the place every day with a bigger smile on my face. First I was a little bit afraid to raise my voice on them as I really wanted to get along with them. But after doing it a few times, I understood that that is how you earn the respect of the kids. So do not be afraid to raise your voice sometimes, the kids still love you and are super happy that you are investing your time into them.
The local staff was super friendly as well and there for me all the time. Fortunately I did not have any big problems, but if I would have had, I would not have been afraid to ask their help.
All in all, a great experience for everyone, who wants to attend an eye opening project and meet the happiest kids!

55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Angelica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

No regrets

If you're thinking about coming to Costa Rica to volunteer, you just have to go for it! It has been a surreal experience so far. I had the privilege of working at a local orphanage that was absolutely phenomnal. Not only are the kids amazing, but they need you. They need you to play with them, care for them, and nurture them as endure the process of being adopted. Maximo is with you every step of the way; they will support you at your project and during your stay in Costa Rica. You will meet incredible people from all over the world! I highly recommend giving yourself some time travel Costa Rica during your stay here, too. Be impulsive, book your trip here! It will change you in so many ways. Pura Vida!

What would you improve about this program?
I had a great experience overall!
52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Zoe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Childcare in Ositos

My experience in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel has been amazing, all the staff is amazing and genuinely care about you and your volunteer projects. A lot of the volunteering is independent work, which has helped me to push myself out of my comfort zone and not follow aleader, but be a leader. I had the opportunity to take spanish classes with an amazing teacher who has helped to be confident in a new language. Living with a host family has showed me how Ticos live and the amazing food they eat in Costa Rica, as well as practicing my spanish! Maximo Nivel has been an amazing institute to travel and volunteer abroad and I can't wait to return to Costa Rica with them!

58 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 !