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
Feb 12, 2025
May 30, 2025
105 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 💙

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 🌎

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

4.87 Rating
based on 251 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.05%
  • 4 rating 11.16%
  • 3 rating 0.8%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.7
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.8
  • Value 4.7
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 145 - 152 of 251 reviews
Default avatar
Meredith
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Beyond Belief

I went to Guatemala during the Holiday Break and I am still awe struck by the staff, the experience, the impact and the indelible imprint this experience has left on my life. Maximo Nivel had an outstanding staff and the passion exuded in every breath.

Wally, Maritza, Andrea you are incredible and deserve so much for how you are leading this company and changing the world.

I want to bring my twin boys back next time to show them the delights of this program and the people.

86 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Margaret
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I need to return

I absolutely loved the work I did with Las Obras Sociales! I had experiences that are going to stay with me forever. I mainly worked with the children and the physiotherapists. I absolutely fell in love with all of the kids and cried when I left. Most of them cannot talk but they have a special way of communicating and really reaching your heart. The physical therapists were absolutely amazing, they were welcoming and they were ready to teach you and make you feel comfortable and welcome. Unfortunately some of the nurses are not as welcoming, and many of them enver ended up warming up to me, but I still absolutely loved working at Virgen del Socorro and I am planning to return some day, hopefully soon, in order to see the amazing patients that I came to adore and love.

What would you improve about this program?
I think the only thing that could improve the program is if the nurses were more warm and welcoming.
92 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alora
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ Guatemala

I absolutely loved my time in Guatemala! The volunteering was great and so much fun. The staff at Maximo were very helpful with any questions or concerns. I volunteered in child care and it was so wonderful contributing to these little kids lives. Although we couldn't speak to them it was lots of fun playing with and helping the kids. They love anyone willing to give them attention. Outside of the volunteering aspect, Antigua is beautiful and there is so much to do in the surrounding areas. (The staff at Maximo can help arrange these extra excursions). I made so many wonderful friends whilst in Guatemala and it was truly an unforgettable experience. I would recommend anyone going here who is looking for some adventure and also some sunshine!

90 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
George
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Guarderia San Lucas Childcare Program - Maximo Nivel

Throughout my journey in Guatemala, volunteering with the Pre-school, was by far my favorite, and absolutely, most humbling part of my trip. The Guarderia San Lucas Pre-school is a program that is managed by the Obras Sociales de la Esposa de Alcalde, the local municipality, and is designed for working families, or single/divorced mothers. It is set up in 3 age groups, kids aging from - at least when I was there - 2 months to 6 years old. Each kid acquires a unique personality - some more shy or extroverted than others - all hilariously curious. Yet with time, each kid will open up to you.

Every day, I tried to jump around in every stage group, getting involved with the daily activities, and helping the teachers or cook when necessary, there is always something to do (the staff will love you if you wash/polish the dishes too). The teachers here were some of the strongest and most patient women I've ever met, and they will do whatever they can to make you feel comfortable. Hygiene and nutrition are two huge areas of interests with the kids. One volunteer I worked with made a huge tooth-model, to demonstrate how to brush your teeth properly. Another time, I brought in my guitar and played for the kids until their attention wondered elsewhere! Anyway, if you are lucky enough to get involved with this program, just remember, always keep a big smile on your face, the kids will love it.

What would you improve about this program?
Nothing I can think of.
87 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Carolina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Construction with Freddy

It was an amazing experience. I learned so much and everything was really organized.
The host family it was really good, and food it was amazing too.

In the construction, I learned so much and it was really good for my profission because I'm an Architech. Now, I know how to do walls in Guatemala, because everything is so different from my Country.
Freddy was the best teacher ever!

I want to do again probably in Peru. Thank you so much for all.

Carolina

92 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Margot
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Caring Doctor and Fabulous Animal Care

My daughter and I had an amazing experience working through Maximo Nivel at Vet Pro in Guatemala. We were thrilled with the opportunity to help socialize animals and couldn't have been placed in a better spot. Dr. "JP" has an enormous heart and tried to tailor our visit so not only could we be of assistance, but so that it could be a learning experience for us as well.

By working alongside JP and his team, we were able to understand the need for animal care in Guatemala, the limited resources available and the importance of animal rescue and adoption. The caring JP showed us and the animals at Vet Pro will forever make an impact. My daughter has already started a Go Fund Me campaign that we hope will raise funds for equipment that Vet Pro needs and give us yet another reason to go back and visit.

94 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Andrew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer Experience

Sitting here, I can not think of what to write for this review as there has been so much that I have experienced.
From the time my family and I first exited the airport, Maximo Nivel was there ready with their yellow smiley face flag. Through them, we were able to volunteer with our program, and explore Guatemala.
My family and I volunteered with Antigua Exotica. It is a wildlife refuge for reptiles and amphibians that were rescued from illegal ownership. The man in charge, Danny, had dedicated his life to this area and works alongside the police, identifying animals in raids and arrests and keeping them alive for evidence. If it were not for Danny, these animals would most likely be killed.
The refuge mostly holds many species of snakes, both non-venomous and venomous. Rattlesnakes, constrictors, and even an anaconda share space in Antigua Exotica.
On our first day, Andrea, our program manager, and Jacob, another Maximo Nivel member, accompanied us to our destination. We took the chicken bus by the park near where we were staying and the ride was only about 10 minutes. Once arrived, we were introduced to Danny, Oscar, and David. Andrea showed us around, her knowledge of the place not lacking as she told us about every reptile.
On the second day, we cleaned out two snake cages. While cleaning, two of us were able to handle the snakes and it was amazing. Seeing these snakes up close made them so majestic and my admiration for them increased.
Thursday, my family and I went with Danny to an extension of his refuge about 2 and 1/2 hours away. Here lived Sergio and his family who lived and took care of the day to day business. Within the 1 acre property lay turtles, iguanas, and 50 alligators and crocodiles.(all rescued) There is also an orchard filled with coconut trees(we got to try coconut and they were amazing), dragonfruits and more. At this extension, the elevation is only about 3000 feet, compared to Antigua's 5000, and we sure felt it. At the peak of the afternoon, it had to be at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity was insane. But we cooled down at lunch with homemade lemonade. In addition, Sergio's wife made this delicious meat stew and man it was good!
While in Guatemala, we went on two tours. One to Iximchu, and one to a coffee plantation. Both were fabulous and I throughly enjoyed the trip. Looking out the window of the shuttle, I realized how lucky I was really was. Seeing Guatemala outside of the cities was quite life changing.
Visiting Guatemala and volunteering through Maximo Nivel changed my perspective on things and I hope to return one day. I truly admired what Danny is doing and his dedication to conservation. I wish him luck in the future.

-Andrew

86 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Childcare in Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala

Although this was not my first experience in volunteering abroad, it is definitely one that will stay with me.

Volunteers stay in Antigua, a quaint little town with cobbled roads and a backdrop of volcanoes. There is plenty to see in this tourist area, and a quite active nightlife, for those who are interested.

Wally, from Maximo Nivel, accompanied us to our project on the first day. We caught a mini-bus from the market in Antigua, and this took us to the village of Santa Maria de Jesus, about 20 minutes away. Wally advised us to enjoy the experience, try our best to benefit the community, but also to keep our eyes open and learn. He gave us some background about the community - although the area is quite poor, the daycare is state-funded. However, after children are too old for the daycare, the families have the options to send them either to private school or to a state-funded school. Paying for private schools is generally out of the question and, because most families have around 15 children, even paying for school supplies to send them to public school is too expensive. A lot of children, once they are 5 or 6, will therefore have no further education and will work with their fathers on the farms or their mothers selling things in the markets. I saw a very young girl carrying a baby in a sling on her back. I presumed that this young girl was left to care for her brother while their parents were working. After Wally told me that a lot of the girls have children when they are as young as 12 or 13, I realised that the baby on this girl's back might not have been her brother.

Starting work in the nursery, I soon realised how warm and loving the children (and staff) are. On my first day there, the children were coming and hugging me and trying to climb on me and the other volunteers. They had very little reservation in playing with these three complete strangers who barely knew any Spanish. For my first few days, I tried hard to communicate in my broken Spanish with the children. However, I soon realised that it is not so much the words you are saying that are important. The children are very quick to respond to your tone and actions. Not knowing Spanish is not a particularly large barrier to having a great time at the daycare.

I loved being at the daycare and, hearing about other volunteers' experiences at other projects, I strongly suspect that mine was the best. If you are lucky enough to get a placement here, you will probably end up wanting to stay longer.

79 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers