Best Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America
- Peru
- Cusco
- Guatemala
- Antigua
- Costa Rica
- San José
- Playa Blanca
About Program
Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Partnering with local communities ensures that our volunteers cater to the needs of the residents. Maximize your impact by getting involved in one of our various volunteer projects abroad.
Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to the communities we serve while providing an exceptional experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client!
In your volunteer abroad program at Maximo Nivel:
- All-inclusive—shared accommodations, meals, and many extras.
- Field Managers work side-by-side with volunteers to ensure integration at project sites.
- Great home-base facilities, open 7 days/week, including holidays.
- Special add-on programs: Surf School, Scuba Certification, Yoga Certification, and more
- Earn university credit via our School of Record
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion
LGBTQIA+ Support
Impact
Ethical Impact
Program Highlights
- New volunteer programs start every Monday year-round
- All-inclusive—shared accommodations, meals, and many extras
- 24/7 in-country support
- No registration or processing fees
- We bring structure and organization to your volunteer program, and we match you with the best project according to your experience, personal goals and the positive impact you want to have.
Popular Programs
![Volunteer with Children in Latin America](/sites/default/files/styles/156x156_cropped/public/images/2021-03-10/working-with-kids-volunteer-abroad-pe2.jpg.webp?itok=OtpIBd8s)
Homelessness and poverty left many children in Latin America without access to proper education or loving environment. Maximo Nivel’s childcare projects aspire to change children’s lives by providing caring and nurturing volunteers to work, study, and play with. Our childcare programs are for caring and responsible people who want to improve the lives of underprivileged kids. Attention and care go a long way in the development of young people and your help is needed and appreciated!
![Volunteer Teaching English in Latin America](/sites/default/files/styles/156x156_cropped/public/images/2021-03-10/teaching-english-volunteer-abroad-1.jpg.webp?itok=6iIZrUcT)
The public education systems in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru don't include quality ESL classes. Speaking English is a life-changing skill for people in developing countries, because the language opens academic and professional opportunities and provides a path out of poverty. Most middle and upper class students learn English at private language centers, which are too expensive for a large part of the population. This creates an unfair gap between those who can and cannot afford lessons.
![Construction & Renovation in Latin America](/sites/default/files/styles/156x156_cropped/public/images/2021-03-10/construction-volunteer-abroad-3.jpg.webp?itok=tC6WWrX_)
Construction projects in Latin America are the highest impact volunteer programs available, you can literally see and touch the work you do and the impact you make! Central & South America are interesting places to learn about traditional and more modern building methods. Work with adobe, plaster, and bamboo or cement block, drywall, and aluminum. Construction and renovation work benefits developing communities that need help with infrastructure such as housing, schools, and community centers.
![Volunteer with Animals & Wildlife in Latin America](/sites/default/files/styles/156x156_cropped/public/images/2021-03-10/animal-care-cat-shelter-volunteer-abroad-4.jpg.webp?itok=9TQukYdB)
Maximo Nivel’s Animal Care programs are available in Guatemala and Peru, where animals are not viewed as family members, nor is there a well-developed culture of animal rights. There is little education or understanding of animals and their needs. Alleys are filled with packs of abandoned dogs and cats who suffer from hunger and health issues. The lack of spaying/neutering means they breed quickly. Exotic species are illegally captured as pets and farm animals are often neglected due to poverty.
![Medical & Healthcare Volunteering in Latin America](/sites/default/files/styles/156x156_cropped/public/images/2021-03-10/medical-healthcare-volunteer-abroad-pe4.jpg.webp?itok=0KZ8sGuN)
Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru offer universal healthcare to their citizens and all 3 countries have large nationalized healthcare systems but government funding and bureaucracy along with large rural populations mean that many patients don't have equal access. Hospitals for low income families often lack staff and proper resources keep vulnerable populations healthy. Volunteering in a medical placement truly makes a difference in the lives of hospital professionals and their patients.
Hi, great question! We recommend looking at testimonials and reviews from past participants to get a feel for the program experience. This link has tons of info on what to expect during your time abroad and links to user reviews: https://maximonivel.com/volunteers/what-to-expect/.