Location
  • Guatemala
    • Antigua
Length
1 to 52 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
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
665
Price Details
Maximo Nivel offers top-rated volunteer abroad programs. We strive to offer all-inclusive program fees that are affordable, transparent, and accessible to everyone. Along with Maximo’s professional program management, multi-lingual team, and 24/7 in-country support, your volunteer program includes:
Airport pick-up
Host family accommodations (shared room)
Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
3-4 hours/day practical work, Monday-Friday
Program and safety orientation
Walking tour
Official certificate of volunteer service
Letter of recommendation
Spanish language tutoring table
Tandem Conversation Program
Office-wide WiFi and computer lab
Salsa dance classes
Cooking classes
Institute is open 7 days/week
Emergency contact number 24/7
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Some Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Apr 27, 2022
Mar 15, 2024
88 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

From stunning volcanoes to its captivating Maya heritage, Guatemala is a popular travel destination. However, over half of its population is living in poverty. International volunteers can help in a wide variety of ways, from working with kids to helping out at an eco-agriculture project. Make your travels meaningful!

With Maximo Nivel, you can travel sustainably without sacrificing excellent customer service. Professional field managers bring structure to your experience abroad while helping you meet the community’s real needs. Volunteer projects are run out of our institute in the quaint cobblestone streets of Antigua.

What to Expect:
- Transportation, Accommodation & Meals Included
- No Registration or Processing Fees
- Field Managers Present at Project Sites
- Access to Maximo’s Campus 7 Days a Week
- New Programs Start Every Monday

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
  • Earn University Credits
  • No Registration or processing fees
  • 24/7 in-country support

Popular Programs

Working with Kids  in Guatemala

Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed! By volunteering with kids in Guatemala, you help keep at-risk youth off the street and in the classroom. From homework help to extracurricular activities, your time is what matters most. Volunteer placements include projects at daycare facilities, community centers, orphanages, schools and enrichment programs in and around Antigua. Make an impact that will last longer than your trip.

Teach English in Guatemala

Learning English opens doors, but the majority of Guatemalans can’t afford classes. In public schools across the country, ESL programs lack adequate funding and native instructors. Private language institutes are not an option for the average family, but volunteers like you can help close the gap. Volunteer placements include projects at underserved schools, after-school programs and community centers in and around Antigua. Become a part of building brighter futures.

Volunteer in Medicine & Healthcare in Guatemala

Many Guatemalan medical facilities lack sufficient funding, resources and staff. Local healthcare professionals need volunteers like you to meet the community’s needs. Volunteer placements include projects at hospitals, clinics and assisted living facilities in and around Antigua, as well as mobile medical campaigns and vaccination programs. Help care for vulnerable and rural communities that aren’t receiving adequate medical attention.

Construction projects in Guatemala

The Guatemalan economy cannot continue to develop as long as poor infrastructure stands in its way. The impact of construction and renovation projects is undeniable. You’ll make a difference you can actually see. Volunteers help build community centers, medical clinics, schools, assisted living facilities, housing and churches in and around Antigua. No building experience is required, only a willingness to work. Spark change: give Guatemalan communities the means to grow.

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating
based on 171 reviews
  • 5 rating 91.23%
  • 4 rating 7.6%
  • 3 rating 1.17%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.8
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 171 reviews
Default avatar
Steve
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching English in San Juan, Guatemala

I've had an amazing experience in Guatemala! I've felt supported by the volunteer agency, Maximo Nivel, at every stage of my volunteer journey.

I've spent a fortnight teaching English at San Juan, helping to improve the English of children here. I worked to augment their existing education to improve their life chances and career opportunities in the future.

The challenge is that the student numbers are small and attendance is variable! Also, their ages and abilities vary, so be prepared to teach 3 things at once to different kids! But they are a delight to teach and they have a willing attitude to learn.

They learning points for me were to realise that I can't change the world in a fortnight: to teach in baby steps and look to achieve 100% percent of a few things rather that 10% of everything!

Overall, a great experience 😊

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
One of my most memorable experiences was spending a morning making a traditional breakfast with 2 Mayan ladies, then making some tapestry with them. The cultural experience was an add-on I chose and I thoroughly recommend it to everyone for an authentic cultural immersion.
Pros
  • Cultural immersion
  • Meeting new people
  • Sharing experiences with other volunteers and students
Cons
  • Poor cleanliness in homestay
  • Limited catering for a vegan diet
Default avatar
Claire
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Guatemala 2024

This trip was really fun. For future participants, I would tell them to research more about the excursions they are doing. For example, we signed up for the Mayan ruins. We did not know that it closed at 4:00 pm. We arrived at 3:40 and only had 20 minutes to explore. It was unfortunate because it cost $65 each for the trip. I think the staff could have done a better job informing us as well! As well as for the excursion to Monterrico, we were informed it was a two hour drive. It was around 3-4 hours.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would definitely become proficient in Spanish. I think I would have had a more impactful experience if I would have learned more before the trip!
Pros
  • Cheap food
  • Cheap transportation
  • Fun things to do
Cons
  • Crazy drivers
  • People approaching to sell things all the time
  • Over priced excursions
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brittany
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical mission review

This week has been an amazing experience! All of our days were meaningful and well organized. Every day was a new experience and there were many activities available to participate in during the evenings. The physician we worked with so kind and a wonderful teacher as was Jorge. I am so thankful I was given this opportunity! If you are thinking about participating in this program, do it for sure, you will not regret it! Our host family was amazing as well and were so kind and welcomed us in to their home. I cannot say enough good things about this experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take in every opportunity offered to you, you will not regret it! Everything about this program was amazing. I could not have asked for a better experience.
Pros
  • Organized
  • Impactful
  • Fulfilling
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical service group

The medical volunteer program was a wonderful experience with a patient doctor that took the time to educate us. Setting up clinic in the most rural locations provided an opportunity to see local residents and areas that one would not be able to otherwise. The patients we saw were so kind and patient with our beginner language ability. Our host family was great! There was plenty of time for exploring and having fun on our own. The food and coffee did not disappoint. Guatemala and especially the area of Antigua is beautiful! I need to learn Spanish and come back where I can be more helpful in clinic.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Learn at least the basics to speak Spanish!
Pros
  • Seeing rural Guatemala
  • Cultural experience
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • Felt a little unsafe at night traveling to host house. Use transportation and travel in groups.
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Aleigh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience!

I had the most amazing time learning from the people of Guatemala and experiencing their culture. I would recommend this to everyone who is interested in doing a volunteer trip. My life is forever impacted in the best was possible and I will never forget the people I have met. I believe everyone should travel abroad and volunteer and learn about different cultures. You meet many new friends and gain so much experience learning about different cultures and their healthcare system. I am definitely doing this again!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I knew some Spanish before this trip, but if I were to do it again, I would learn Spanish before I came.
Pros
  • Meeting new friends!
  • Learning all about the culture!
  • Learning Spanish!
2 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Donna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Volunteer Antigua Guatemala

What a wonderful experience. I was on edge at first as you are not provided much information about your homestay or program until arrival but it all exceeded my expectations. From my first interaction with Kayla to my last with Jorge it has truly been exceptional. My only wish is that I had booked at least two weeks. My homestay was with Yolando and it was in a beautiful gated community in a lovely home. I'm already itching to book my next and I haven't left yet. My volunteer experience was at a clinic for the elderly. Jackie and Esparanza (on site staff) are such wonderful people. We could not have done it without their kindness, professionalism and warmth. Every single patient will tug at your heart string. As a solo traveler not having all the info upfront can be unerving, so if that makes you hesitant I'm here to tell u book it! You wont regret it

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

Great Opportunity!

I thoroughly enjoyed my volunteer experience in Guatemala. Communication was great before I left and throughout my time in Antigua. The orientation on the first day helped me to know what to expect during the week. Also a staff went with to my first volunteering shift which was helpful to know the expectations. It was amazing to have such a great opportunity to experience the people and learn more about Guatemalan culture. I hope to try other volunteer opportunities in other countries in the future.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come with an open mind and be willing to step out of your normal routine!
Pros
  • Learn about a new culture
  • Try new experiences
  • Travel during free time
Cons
  • Program fees are a little expensive
  • Not enough time in the day!
5 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Miranda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One month volunteering with Maximo Nivel

I really enjoyed my experience volunteering with kids through Maximo for a month. I was able to work in two placements both with after school programs. I helped wherever was needed, taught some English, and just spent time with everyone at the projects. Taking the chicken buses to volunteering was cool as well. I am grateful for the experiences I had and the support that was provided to me by the Maximo staff. My host family was amazing, I met lots of new friends, and I really fell in love with Antigua.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be prepared to be flexible. If you have a positive and open mindset, you will get so much more out of the experience than if you have specific rigid expectations.
Pros
  • Living with a host family.
  • Creating relationships with the kids and other volunteers.
  • Exploring Antigua and Guatemala.
Cons
  • The volunteer placements can feel unorganized - but if you are prepared for that and happy to jump in, you will likely have a better experience
13 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers