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
Jan 06, 2023
83 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

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

4.92 Rating
based on 158 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.04%
  • 4 rating 5.7%
  • 3 rating 1.27%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.8
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 158 reviews
Default avatar
Veronica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Maximo-Nivel

It was an awesome opportunity for my 14 year old niece to experience a whole new culture. We all loved the people here and hope to come again. And learn to speak Spanish. The people on the adventure were the BEST. WE SPENT LOTS OF TIME WITH THE ANIMALS AND HAD TO STOP A FEW DOG FIGHTS. IN FACT THERE WAS A FIGHT EVERY DAY. The paw project owner was great and seemed grateful for all the help we provides. You HAVE to ride the chicken bus. You never know whT you'll find ridi g the bus with you or what you'll pass on the cobble stone street.

Pros
  • People
  • Flexibility
  • Maximo faculty and facility
Cons
  • The host family never came
  • The food at host home was all American
  • We were cold every night as the weather was in low 50's.
12 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jeriel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Fantastic and Fully Immersive Program!

I came to Antigua with essentially no spanish skills, and each day my confidence grew. I am leaving with more to learn but a strong foundation to work from. The teachers were patient and understood the diverse learning needs of the students. They are friendly and use real world concepts to help apply language skills. Every interaction with the staff was supportive and helpful. I stayed with a host family and the experience was both humbling and so rewarding. I am sad to leave, and plan to return to in the future without a doubt that I will use Maximo Nivel again!

Pros
  • Fully immersive
  • Supportive
  • So fun!
34 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Victoria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Program-Guatemala

Cannot wait to come back or to try another location. Next time I will for sure being completing a longer program, a week is just not long enough. This was such an impactful experience and learned so much. Not only did I improve my understanding of the geriatric medical field but I also improved my spanish significantly and my confidence speaking. The most important thing to keep in mind with this program is that you need to be open minded as your placements are somewhat random in the program that you choose. But if you come with an open mind and heart, you will have the absolute best time here. Could not speak more highly of the program.

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

Las Ninas de Los Caballos 2022

This experience was once in a lifetime! Interacting with the locals and learning about the culture here was amazing. I have already decided I will be coming back here very soon as there is so much to do and see here, and one week here is not enough to see all the beautiful sites. I came alone and as a small white female I still felt very safe and welcomed here with the friendly atmosphere. This was also a wonderful opportunity to practice my spanish and check out the beautiful markets all around.

57 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Marley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

horse girls 2022

Coming to Maximo in Antigua, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I arrived to a warm greeting and lots of support. From the friends I have made, to the strangers on the street, I've met so many incredible people with their own beautiful stories. I have had the most incredible experience, and I can't put into words how wonderful my trip has been. This was a life changing journey that I'm so so happy I have gone on. I would recommend to anyone to go for it and sign up for this program, it has been marvellous.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do it! Trust yourself, and have fun. This is the adventure of a lifetime.
60 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Eline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great and memorable time at a dog shelter in Antigua, Guatemala!

The month I spent in dog shelter Abaj Tacalik in Antigua, Guatemala was amazing! In May/June I have stayed in Antigua, Guatemala for a month to do volunteer work and take Spanish classes. My volunteer placement was at dog shelter Abaj Tacalik in San Lucas, 25 min by chickenbus from Antigua. I have had such a good experience and loved every part of it. The people at my placement were so kind and welcoming and the dogs all lovely. Patty takes care of 70 dogs in and around her house and does an amazing job in vaccinate/castrate them, take care of the wounded and feeding all of them. I am grateful for being able to help her out and fundraising money to rebuild part of the shelter and providing food and vaccines.

The staff at Maximo, especially Katia, have given me good support. Katia is super kind and stayed in touch and provided the resources needed at the placement. Whenever I needed something, the staff at Maximo were always willing to help. Also, when I needed to see a doctor in the evening they immediately let him come and gave support.

Furthermore, Antigua is such a cute little city where you easily feel at home. My host family was super kind and the food and accommodation was nice. In the mornings I had private Spanish class which I really enjoyed and which really helped me in learning the language even faster and being able to talk to my host family and the people at my placement.
My teacher Alma was great and made the classes fun and interactive.

Overall, I had an amazing experience and I would highly recommend anyone to sign up for a volunteer placement like this.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would advise all future volunteers to be open-minded and believe in your own abilities to make a (small) change! Look at the resources you have available and try to make the most out of it!
79 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Madison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Project, Great adventures, Spanish Lessons (5 out of 5 review!)

I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Maximo Nivel with a medical project for 4 weeks. As an RN, I was excited to use my skills abroad, immerse myself in a new culture, learn basic Spanish, and explore my surroundings. I would say with Maximo Nivel it is quite easy to check off all of these ambitions. Maximo did a great job communicating with me about my arrival in Antigua. I felt supported as soon I got into the country. They have a great facility in the middle of Antigua where you can rest in the outdoor garden, chat with other volunteers and students, and even schedule expeditions.

I stayed with a host family for the duration of my stay, and honestly that was a highlight. It seemed like most home stays had multiple volunteers/students, so this was a great way to meet new friends as well as great place to practice our toddler level Spanish at the dinner table.

I was placed in a health center in a town that is located about 20 minutes outside of Antigua. Not only did Maximo make sure I felt comfortable getting there, they also would check in at my placement a few times a week. It was great to assist the nurses with their written documentation system, help with consultations and vaccinations, as well as teach the kids good hand hygiene.

There is also so much to do in and around Antigua. I would recommend using your free weekends to visit Lake Atitlan, the beaches, or climb the nearby volcanoes.

All in all, a great experience!!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
In the evening when the sky was clear you could watch the Fuego Volcano erupt about every 10 minutes. Nothing like enjoying dessert while being entertained by lava.
79 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Danielange
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish Immersion in Antigua and Self-Confidence Boost

I loved to do this first nursing program with my students with Maximo Nivel. They took care of us for all we have need and take care of our question and try to help us as much as the can do it. The try to make change for us for our pleasure and for the learning of the students. Danielange Charles
Ce fut une experience exceptionnelle avec nos etudiantes en soins infirmiers du cegep de Limoilou dans la ville de Quebec au Canada. Non seulement ce fut grandement apprenant pour elles, mais nous avons vraiment eu le sentiment d aider des gens dans le besoin. Cette aventure nous a permis de mettre les valeurs a la bonne place et nous changera notre vie a tout jamais. En esperant pouvoir revivre cette experience une prochaine annee. Merci pour votre grande collaboration et votre gentillesse sans limites. Au plaisir!
Sonia Villeneuve

What would you improve about this program?
make sure to get the schedule of activities before we come . Tell us which activities need to pay or not cause it could be frustrate for some if we know it when we ready to make this activity
83 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers