Volunteer in Sustainable Farming in Guatemala

Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America, is endowed with an abundance of rich ecosystems and fertile land. However, almost half the population cannot afford the cost of the basic food basket, while food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the country. In recent years, sustainable agriculture has seen a sharp rise in popularity as it simultaneously tackles environmental issues and poverty-induced challenges. However, the introduction of these newer farming practices has also generated a demand for more hands in the field to maintain optimal production. Through this project, volunteers will be able to work with local farmers just outside of Antigua, where they can learn about the sustainable farming of coffee and macadamia nuts and participate in every step of the production process, from picking to weeding, planting, processing, and packaging. At the same time, volunteers will gain a deeper understanding of traditional agricultural techniques that have been practiced for centuries. This project also offers participants the chance to immerse themselves within local Guatemalan life and learn more about the rich history and culture of the region.

This minimum 1-week experience starts at $665 per person and includes airport pick-up, host family accommodations, meals, and 24/7 emergency support. Volunteers will work for 3-4 hours per day from Monday to Friday.

Eat Your Way Through Peru

There are many factors contributing to Peru’s unique and widely admired culinary culture. The country's land is subject to extreme biodiversity, allowing for access to a large selection of ingredients. This selection, coupled with Peru’s ethnic diversity and long, rich history, have created a food scene like no other. Peru’s capital city, Lima, is home to four of the world’s top 50 restaurants. Three of them have made the list multiple years in a row. 

Travel to Lima, Nazca and Ica to explore the cultural and historical sites of Peru while enjoying authentic food along the way. On the trip, you will pass through small towns and metropolitan cities, visiting ancient burial grounds and pre-Incan historical sites like the mysterious Nazca lines. The lines are massive geoglyphs of animals, plants and other figures, etched into the sand around 500 BC. End your days with dinner at some of Peru’s most well-known wineries, enjoying the world-renowned food and wine. The tour will last six days and costs $2,495 USD per person. 

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Be a Human Rights Activism Intern in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has one of the most advanced economies in Latin America, and one of the more progressive cultures. They lead the region in education, healthcare and politics, but  communities are still oppressed and discriminated against. These communities include refugees, women and the LGBTQIA+ population. This internship will place individuals, based on their personal interests, with different NGOs, social organizations and government agencies to be a part of a community and work alongside social workers and other experts. In addition, they will develop their skillsets through work like community outreach, education research and fundraising. 

The Maximo Nivel campus in the University District of San Pedro gives its interns great amenities and optimal space to complete their work. The area is also surrounded by restaurants, shopping and nightlife, and has a large student population. The campus is also just a ten-minute drive from downtown San Jose. Internships last 4-9 weeks and participants will leave with valuable skill sets, a deeper cultural understanding of Costa Rica, and a letter of recommendation. 

Explore Sustainable Agriculture in Guatemala

Volunteer in Peru with Indigenous Communities

Peru is known for Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city in the Andes Mountains, and the nearby colonial city of Cusco. Maximo Nivel’s “Volunteer with Indigenous Communities” trip gives enrollees the opportunity to experience local culture and traditions as they serve. Participants are placed in small communities, where they live with an Indigenous Andean family. Volunteer work includes caring for animals and livestock, helping with agricultural work, weaving, creating textiles, learning to prepare traditional dishes, assisting with local construction projects and working with children at the local school. The program’s duration has a one-week minimum and participants must be at least 18 years old. One week of volunteering costs $665. 

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