Maximo Nivel

( 45 Reviews )

Activities: Multiple Program Types
Countries: Costa Rica / Guatemala / Peru

Maximo Nivel provides high quality, affordable study abroad programs in Latin America. Since 2003, we have offered our international programs to participants from all over the world.

Our programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru include: Spanish immersion, Volunteer Abroad, Service Learning, International Internships, TEFL Certification, Semester Abroad, High School Abroad, and other great adventure and culture programs. Our intercultural centers are locally-based organizations in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.

Our programs are internationally accredited and university credit is available for most programs. Our success is based on our commitment to quality and the highest level of client service. Whether you want to study abroad, take a gap year, get international work experience, or just get involved in life, language, and culture, Maximo Nivel has a program for you!

We pride ourselves on providing a great home base in Latin America! We continuously invest in professional staff and first-class facilities to ensure your overall experience with us is nothing short of excellent.

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Amazing Experience

Got to do a medical mission in Peru. The villa where we stayed was beautiful. The staff was exceptional and really went above and beyond to make us all feel at home.

By: Danielle G
Nationality: United States
Age: 0

Excellent

Excellent program and very professional. Great teachers and curriculum. I highly recommend them.

By: Austen
Nationality: U.S.A.
Age: 26

Costa Rica

I can't explain how amazing this trip has been so far. I've had so many experiences and seen so many things I would have never been able to see without Maximo Nivel.

By: Mikayla
Nationality: American
Age: 19

Most amazing experience

I find it hard to put down in words how amazing my experience in Perù has been and that’s thanks to MaximoNivel which supported me all along and changed my internship as soon as I told them I was not feeling happy in my previous one.
I bonded a lot with the members from the staff cause they are all young and smiling.
It was also super easy to find places to visit and how to get started thanks to the Travel Agency located just across from Maximo.
My host family was also amazing.
The only thing that could be improved is to propose more acfternoon activities as it can get a little hard to meet people outside the host family.
Overall great experience ❤️

By: Alessandro Pellei
Nationality: Italian
Age: 20

Maximo TEFL--Guatemala

The TEFL training I received at Maximo Nivel exceeded my expectations. We were giving mini-lessons in front of students by the end of the first week. Normally, I would have cringed under these circumstances. However, we had amazing support and were equipped with amazing teaching skills. I have never taught before, but this program definitely gave me a boost in confidence. Karen, the TEFL Trainer, is AMAZING! She has a great deal of experience and will give you all the support you need. I don't think my TEFL training/Maximo experience would have been the same without her. I would definitely recommend this program to others.

By: Maurice
Nationality: United States
Age: 29

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Amazing experience!

A true once in a lifetime experience. I went to Cusco, Peru and I was astonished by the help and structure that was set in place by the crew in Cusco. They were warm, welcoming and very very helpful. My trip would not have been the same with any other company. Highly recommend maximo nivel!!!

By: Adam
Nationality: USA
Age: 17

Costa Rica Turtle Conservation

I had such a wonderful time volunteering in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel. They picked me up at the airport and took me back to the headquarters in San Jose where i hung out and got instructions on my stay. I met up with my homestay roommate at the headquarters and we went back to our house together. The family was really sweet. I left for Parismina, where my project was located, 2 days later. The group of us going got an orientation day at the headquarters before we left. Our homestay in Parismina was perfect. The food was great. Parismina is so fun and beautiful. They have a wonderful market with fresh fruits delivered weekly. They have a little restaurant with fresh fruit smoothies and good food! The turtle walks were 4 hour shifts at night, either 8pm-12 or 12-4am. We walked in a group with a guide and watched our for poachers and leatherbacks laying eggs. We finished and protected the sanctuary for the eggs. We measured the beach to aide in the protection of the turtles and their nests. I saw a bunch of babies and 2 or 3 leatherbacks laying eggs. Unreal experience. It was so fun! I felt like everything was planned really well for me and i felt safe and like Maximo Nivel had my back the entire time. It was awesome

By: Daryl
Nationality: Caucasian
Age: 23

Pretty great!

I did a week volunteering through IVHQ so as some other people have said I was a bit confused when I landed and was suddenly with this other place. Also, I worked in a clinic and the nurses did not seem too fond of us at first and were not very nice. They eventually warmed up and it was a good experience but the first day sort of sucked. Other than that, it was a great trip and maximo was so helpful in showing me around, helping me book trips, and making sure I was taken care of. They even helped me figure out where to find a doctor when I got sick. I’d totally recommend and hope I can do it again some day!

By: Isabella
Nationality: USA
Age: 23

Cusco, Peru

I am a 4th year medical student and I volunteered abroad to Cusco for a medical mission through IVHQ. During my time there Maximo Nivel was our point of contact. I must say that this has by far been the best experience of my life, I don’t even know where to begin, from day one when we got picked up from the airport until our last day when we got dropped off, the hospitality and kindness that we have received has been nothing short of incredible! I made such great friends and developed such strong relationships it broke my heart to leave. I will be returning to Peru and taking Spanish classes at Maximo, and I cannot wait to go back, I miss everyone so much. They have set the standards so high I’m not sure if any of my future volunteer travels could ever top this! I extremely and very highly recommend Maximo for travels, volunteer, classes and everything else, because whatever it is that they may do, they do it GREAT!!!

By: Nawal
Nationality: USA
Age: 28

Grateful :)

Cusco is absolutely a must add to ones bucket list. Maximo Nivel offers amazing activities and I was grateful to be a part of 3 amazing ones! My favorite activity was hands down ATV riding, it was so incredible, nothing like I had done before and the scenery was like a piece of artwork. Macchi Picchu and Rainbow Mtn. Are places I will never forget! My whole time in Cusco I was so shocked at how wonderful it was!! How colorful people were!

My host home was incredible. I’m not sure if I got lucky or hit the jackpot but our host was a chef there and he cooked these 3 course meals for us! He was so sweet, both him and his mother! I really wish I could have stayed longer than a week.

A week is definitely not in enough in Cusco! Next time I go I want to help with the orphanage and kids more! But I got to help with the dental clinic, the dentist was so helpful and nice. The patients were so sweet. I was so grateful to help anyone I could. I only wish I could have helped even longer!

I recommend this trip to anybody who is going on a mission trip their first time and they’re guaranteed to have a great time! Take a chance and do it! Even if you go alone! It’s an amazing experience that I’ll always remember and appreciate!

By: Zey
Nationality: Turkish
Age: 26

Guatemala

I volunteered through Maximo Nivel in Antigua, Guatemala and had the most amazing time. I only could visit for a week but they really helped maximize my time there. This experience was a lot different than most volunteer programs as they teach you the public bus system and allow you the freedom to go to your placement everyday independently, giving you the true local feel. The program always ensures your safety as well as extra classes to join in. I learned to salsa, slept on a volcano, and bought/planted a macadamia nut tree at my school. My experience was truly unique, VERY SAFE, and incredible. I still have friends I met through Maximo and talk to them quite often. Highly recommend!

By: Rebecca
Nationality: White
Age: 26

Life changing experience - Péru

I spent 3 weeks volunteering for Maximo Nivel in Péru working on a kindergarten in the outskirts of Cusco. The people at Maximo were so helpful, their location was central and ideal as a home base for any questions about volunteering or general adventuring, the work was exciting and fun, the home stay was excellent and they come and check up to make sure you're comfortable... There's just much to say in so few words! In the end, I would highly recommend volunteering through MN and hope to have the opportunity to volunteer through them in the future (Maybe Costa Rica..!)

By: Justin
Nationality: Canada
Age: 25

Excellent experience!

I spend 6 weeks volunteering in Cusco, Peru through Maximo Nivel. The staff were awesome with helping me get settled in, feeling comfortable, and did a super job of helping me find my lost luggage. Máximo Nivel set me up to volunteer in a wonderful location, which was both beautiful and rewarding. Maximo Nivel also offers lots of free extracurricular activities like salsa dancing and cooking classes, which were loads of fun! I would definitely recommend Maximo Nivel!

By: Bernie Kolesar
Nationality: United States
Age: 27

Fantastic! But..

Maximo Nivel is a fantastic organization to volunteer with. The staff are extremely friendly and social and really try to provide you with any help you need. The programs at Maximo are also very beneficial and allow for volunteers to meet one another and mingle. I met a lot of great people.
As for the medical volunteering project i was in.. Not what I expected. Do not expect to learn much. I was mainly involved in wound care and from what i was told that was as good as it gets. So the learning curve will pretty much plateau after the first week.
However, although you may not gain much medical knowledge, you will gain one hell of a life experience. I recommend it.

By: Ahmad
Nationality: Canadian
Age: 27

Best experience

I went to Costa Rica on a marine turtle conservation volunteer project while I was at university and it was truely one of the best experiences of my life. I met great people, made friends for life and the skills I learned during my 6 weeks in country have stood with me into my career. Unfortunately, the project I was placed on has since closed down however Maximo offer similar projects in a different area of Costa Rica. I would recommend volunteering with Maximo Nivel to anyone.

By: Stacy
Nationality: British
Age: 28

Can’t wait to do another project with Maximo Nivel!

I just got back from my medical project in Guatemala! It was absolutely amazing. From the moment I got to Maximo Nivel, I was given companionship, support, and anything I needed. They take you to your site the first day and are available throughout the whole project. They offer spanish courses and even let you stay there to use wifi or any resource.
They are a rock & the foundation to this unforgettable volunteer experience. The managers and other workers are spectacular & love helping people. Even now after my project, they are still helping me with getting donations to Guatemala from the US. They are the best! I am so grateful that I got to volunteer through Maximo Nivel. Highly recommend it!

By: Gia Scaccabarrozzi
Nationality: USA
Age: 24

Medical Project

I had an incredible experience with Maximo Nivel and could not have asked for more supportive and knowledgeable staff members. They made sure my fellow volunteers and I were comfortable at the clinic and I knew I could turn to them with any question or issue regarding my placement. I would highly recommend volunteering through this organization! It was the best experience of my life!

By: Erin Hickey
Nationality: American
Age: 20

I Left My Heart in Cusco

When I left California for Cusco, I was terrified. When I got there Maximo Nivel was there at the airport to pick me up. It took me straight to my wonderful host, with whom they had arranged for me to stay. I can't say enough about how wonderful the entire trip was. I was part of the construction program to build the school on the hillside above Cusco. Even now 2 years later seeing pictures of the school completed and in use makes me so proud to be a part of it. The great program and I would do it again in a heartbeat! If you're thinking about it, stop thinking and go. If you are woman and you're afraid to travel alone, don't be. Everyone that you will need is filled with love and purpose and will have your back.

By: Eileen Diaz
Nationality: American: Mexican descent
Age: 28

Experience of a Lifetime

I spent one week with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica doing the Ecoagriculture program, and it was absolutely amazing. Everyone was very friendly, I met friends from all over the world, and had a unique experience living and volunteering on an organic coffee farm high up in the Costa Rican Monteverde mountains. Home cooked Costa Rican meals and the freshest coffee you could ever have every day. The most beautiful and authentic experience, I couldn’t recommend Maximo Nivel enough.

By: Joe
Nationality: American
Age: 28

Great experience with Maximo

I booked a volunteering trip with Maximo in October 2017. I got enrolled in two projects: childcare and turtle conservation. Nevertheless I had to adapt in the beginning (new country, new language, new habits) it was a great experience. Ive got very good support from Maximo‘s staff and the projects I got assigned to were really nice.

The childcare project was located near san jose and stuffed with awesome little human beings that were so grateful for your attention. You really become a different person.
The turtle conservation was tough: we had to do a lot of manual work but it was so worth it! Life circumstances were harsh, but nothing Maximo hasn‘t told us and that was one of the best aspects of Maximo Nivel: they tell you the positive and negative sides and don‘t pretend. They also appreciate your feedback and take it into considerstion to improve for the following volunteers.

If you‘re planning to go to Costa Rica, you should definetly chose them! They have a nice office where you can lounge and they offer also a variety of events to meet up with fellow travelers.

By: Lynn
Nationality: Belgian
Age: 27

Best Experience in Costa Roca/Peru

Maximo Nivel in both Costa Rica and Peru have been the best experiences of my life. They balance both volunteering and sight seeing really well. They teach about the culture wonderfully and they really help you feel involved with each country. There are many activities to keep you on your toes. The volunteer projects are excellent too.

By: Stacy
Nationality: American
Age: 22

Amazing

Amazing experience! I volunteered a little over a month ago with this organization and I can’t express enough how wonderful it is!

By: Jess
Nationality: American
Age: 18

Costa Rica-Medical Project

I am extremely thankful for the experience I had at Costa Rica on behalf of Maximo Nivel. The staff was great, friendly and extremely helpful through my stay. I learned so much hands on experience and will definitely consider a second trip!

By: Mayra Duran
Nationality: US
Age: 25

Amazing experience

My friends and I were hosted by Maximo Nivel for a 2 week medical campaign in Costa Rica. Nothing to complain here. The staff were well-informed and professional. We had a big group with some personal requests and they manage to accommodate them all. They made our stay in CR as comfortable and safe as possible. Totally recommend!

By: Alex Vo
Nationality: American
Age: 26

Maximo Antigua, Guatemala

I signed up for a construction volunteer trip through Build Abroad and was later connected to Maximo. The staff at Maximo was amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better trip! They thoroughly prepped us with what to expect during our week-long project and even helped us plan our activities after volunteer hours. All the surrounding communities were so grateful and kind to us during our visit and I wouldn’t hesitate for a chance to go back. The homestay we were placed in was also wonderful! I would highly recommend this program for anyone looking to have an immersive experience abroad.

By: Ryan
Nationality: USA
Age: 27

Best Experience of My Life

Volunteering with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica was honestly the best experience of my life and I really want to go back. I did a child care program for 2 months and I met so many awesome people got to see so many things and it was an experience of a life time. I tell everyone I know about it and I just had an amazing time.

By: Alyssa Specht
Nationality: US
Age: 22

Amazing experience

People always tell me how courageous I have been to go to Peru alone to do volunteering work with children and I was nervous too. But as soon as I met the team at Maximo Nivel I immediately felt at ease with minded liked, dedicated and fun people.
So grateful for the experience.

By: Crystel
Nationality: Canadian
Age: 34

Costa Rica

I volunteered with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica teaching English in June 2016. Everything about my trip was amazing! The staff were very friendly and helpful, not only with advice for my placement but also with what to do around CR, how to be safe and have fun. They had endless resources. I met some incredible people who made me feel like I wasn’t traveling alone. Soon after my volunteer trip ended, I actuallly moved to Costa Rica and worked as an English teacher for two years. While I didn’t work for Maximo, it was my volunteer experience with them that made me fall in love with the country and the culture. I will always recommend them! Thank you for changing my life!

By: Lelanie
Nationality: Caucasian
Age: 26

Best Decision I Ever Made

I went through Maximo Nivel's TEFL/TRAIL certificate program in Antigua, Guatemala, July 2017. I chose Maximo because they are strictly in Spanish speaking countries. Before going through the course, I had in mind that one needed to know the language of whatever people to whom English was being taught. I later found that this is overrided by eliciting techniques.

I call this the best decision I ever made because the skills I learned through the course can be applied to most cross-cultural experiences. My instructor taught us how to engage with students on an emotional level, and she taught us how to listen to people to solve problems and find/create answers rather than explaining what you think is the right answer.

I would definitely recommend Maximo Nivel to any person looking to learn English, or looking for a TEFL/TESOL course.

By: Ash
Nationality: U.S.A.
Age: 25

Great program

I went to Costa Rica last year through maximo for the Spanish language program. It was a great experience, all the staff were great people and very helpful. I came back this year to Costa Rica and also went to Guatemala and Peru through maximo.

By: Alan
Nationality: United States
Age: 39

Maximo Nivel

Maximo offered nothing but great support as soon as you arrived in Costa Rica. They made themselves available 24/7 and were really welcoming. My medical experience was truly rewarding as I was able to do direct hands-on patient care with the senior community. Sharing this experience with others from different parts of the world also added to my experience and has provided me with lifelong friendships!

By: Kathy
Nationality: American
Age: 24

Volunteering with Maximo Nivel - Do It

I volunteered on a 4 week construction project in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel five years ago. All the local staff at Maximo Nivel were wonderful and I loved the whole experience. I participated during March which was Holy Week in Guatemala which was so special and I met so many awesome people. I also booked Spanish lessons, weekend trips and spent a week learning to surf in El Salvador which Maximo Nivel organised. This is something I’ll never forget!

By: Cassie Brown
Nationality: Australian
Age: 33

Trip of a lifetime, with a few hiccups

I signed up through IVHQ so I was a bit confused when arriving in Peru and having to work with Maximo. It was a rough start because they put me in a program that had nothing to do with what I had requested (animal care) but once that was cleared up I had an incredible time and really enjoyed myself. Had a few blips with regards to where the money was actually going after seeing the poor state of the shelter I was working at but I tried my best to make a difference and make up for that lack of support from Maximo. Overall a good experience but I wish the communication was a little more transparent and the support more readily available

By: Anonymous
Nationality: USA
Age: 22

Volunteering with Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Peru

My volunteer experience with Maximo in Peru was absolutely amazing. I was located at a hospital with children with leukemia. The experience was very eye opening and fulfilling. Maximo had lots of great stuff to bring to the children and was helpful every step of the way. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

By: Lauren
Nationality: Canadian
Age: 25

Maximo in Peru

I had the best experience with Maximo in Peru. I was really worried about going to South America alone. But they made the process very easy for me. They were always there when I had questions. I had a lot of them and they always were very prompt to answer them. I got there and my host family was incredible! I would highly recommend them for anyone looking to go on a Volunteer trip!

By: Chanah
Nationality: USA
Age: 23

Antigua, Guatemala

I joined Maximo Nivel to do the dental program in Guatemala for 3 weeks and my experience was far more amazing than I expected! The staff in Antigua is so friendly and welcoming. They really make it feel at home! I got along with all of my roommates as we all shared similar goals and similar experiences while we were there. My dad is from Guatemala so I met some of my family there for the first time as well. The food around is delicious and affordable. They have everything in Antigua at walking distance. Night life there was fun as well I just always made sure I stayed with a pack of roommates. Going off to explore other places was fairly easy and such a beautiful site to see! I definitely didn't want to leave this beautiful place, I'm already counting on the days I get to go back! I also felt like such a huge help at the office that I was stationed at. I most definitely recommend this trip!

By: Zuly
Nationality: American
Age: 23

Maximo in Costa Rica = HEAVEN!!!

I volunteered on a coffee farm in Costa Rica with IVHQ, then was partnered with Maximo in Costa Rica. Wonderful experience from start to finish ~ they really take care of you as soon as you get down there. And working on the coffee farm was pure HEAVEN. Link to video of the experience here: https://youtu.be/iE3mw-BU0iM

By: Noelle Bertram
Nationality: American
Age: 39

okay

I signed up through a sister organization so I felt out of the loop and confused when, after planning everything through one place, landing in South America and having to work with Maximo instead. They were helpful, but I still felt like nobody was able to 100% help the people out who were not coming for maximo.

By: anonymous
Nationality: United States
Age: 19

Student

Having the chance to volunteer in Costa Rica has been the most amazing experience of my life and a privileged. I have had the opportunity to immerse in a different culture and learn things that I could not have learned on my own. As a health care student I had the fortuity to assist the medical staff at the nursing home in guadalupe, Costa Rica. As a student I was fortunate to have assisted patients that were in intensive care ass well as taking vitals. The hands-on experience was beyond my expectation. Myself and other students were given the opportunity to launch our own health care campaign in low income areas in the community to help them get the support that they need and make an impact. The Maximo Nivel staffs were amazing they were always there to support and help out whenever I needed something. My host family were so supportive and loving they made me feel welcome. I have nothing negative to say about them because they were extraordinary. Thanks for the opportunity!

By: Woobery Hilarion
Nationality: Haitian
Age: 22

Great Experience

I did a 2-week medical volunteer trip in Cusco, Peru in June 2017. It was an overall great experience. At times the language barrier was tough, but if you bring translation apps and utilize translators, it's manageable. There is also a good balance between the service projects and being immersed in the culture and exploring the cities and towns. It's a great balance of service and cultural immersion! If you like to travel, explore new places, and help people, this is a great program for you!

By: Sam
Nationality: American
Age: 25

Great experience!

Nothing but positive reviews about Maximo Nivel. You guys had been incredibly supportive, helpful, and accommodating. I was welcomed so genuinely and taken care of so well. I had the opportunity to work in a clinic for a week and the experience was absolutely great! It’s definitely an amazing feeling of trying something new that will impact my life forever. I think volunteering abroad with other international volunteers creates a great bond, and you meet people from all around the world. Overall, I was extremely happy with the accommodations and staff. You guys are awesome! Volunteering in Cusco has been the most rewarding adventure so far.

By: Nancy Nguyen
Nationality: American
Age: 27

Guatemala

I had such a wonderful experience as a medical volunteer. I learned so much the few days I was there. I wish I could have extended my time with Maximo Nivel because I enjoyed meeting new/nice people, exploring Antigua, and volunteering with kind hearted people. I met so many incredible people who share the same interests as I do. Everyone at Maximo Nivel made me feel welcomed. This was an unforgettable experience and I recommend it. However it's important to keep an open mind and enjoy everything about this incredible experience. While I was there I was lucky enough to see the beautiful traditions of Holy Week. This made my time there even more special.

By: Valeria Arteaga
Nationality: Mexican/American
Age: 19

Amazing Experience

Maximo and Peru are a match made in heaven! This volunteer trip was amazing! I got to do so many amazing things in the clinic I worked at. I have already begun to plan my return trip to volunteer again. Maximo makes volunteering affordable and enjoyable!

By: Tyler
Nationality: Canadian
Age: 26

Peru

I adored the project in Peru. Everyone was so helpful when it came to details to the site I would volunteer at, and preparing me for what I would be doing for the next 3 weeks. The office staff constantly asked me wether my home stay was comfortable and how I was doing at my site. And it was an amazing experience, I enjoyed every single second of and Maximo made it 10 times more comfortable, especially since I traveled alone. They helped me so much with my trips every weekend too. I can't wait to return and work with their other programs, I already worked with them in Guatemala which was my home country and cried when leaving. You won't regret the programs they help! Definitely good for first time travelers ! Follow my instagram for pictures of my journey @sta.shi :) feel free to ask me for info and help too, I always refer people to this program and won't mind answering questions.

By: Stacey
Nationality: U.S citizen
Age: 22

Maximo Nivel Peru/Guatemala

Nothing but great things to say about Maximo Nivel in both Peru and Guatemala. Volunteer construction through the agency in both countries and Spanish classes in Peru.
Helped out in any way they could to make the experience a breeze. When my bag went missing they must've rung the airline 5-6 times in Spanish trying to track it down... Would definitely considering doing it again

By: James
Nationality: NZ
Age: 24