Support a local Organic Coffee Farm

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Gain insights into Eco-Agriculture.
  • Help local farmers on the coffee farm.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad.
  • Learn more about the Latin American ways, customs and habits.


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Become a coffee hero in Costa Rica! Support local growers, learn sustainable methods, and savor the bean-to-cup journey. ☕️🇨🇷

Eco-Agriculture projects are located high in the cloud forest, surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and near the famous cloud forest of Monteverde. Volunteers work directly with a coffee-farming community to support the families in their daily activities. This includes all aspects of ...

About the program

Eco-Agriculture projects are located high in the cloud forest, surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and near the famous cloud forest of Monteverde. Volunteers work directly with a coffee-farming community to support the families in their daily activities. This includes all aspects of the coffee growing process from planting to roasting, and sometimes working with the final product. Activities may vary depending on the season, as coffee harvesting is from December until early February​, but there is plenty of interesting work to do all year round.

Volunteers at Eco-Agriculture projects may be asked to:

  • Harvest and process coffee beans
  • Tend to the coffee tree nursery
  • Plant and prune coffee trees
  • Package and market the coffee
  • Assist with reforestation projects
  • Support supplemental agriculture projects

Participants are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators but they are not on site at the project. Volunteers work directly with the Spanish-speaking project director and his or her assistants.

The program begins with 1-2 days in San José where volunteers receive an orientation and information about their trip to the project site. At the project site volunteers are housed with one of six families that we work with among the 26 that live on this particular land. These families have comfortable accommodations that include warm showers. Access to ATMs, grocery stores and other common conveniences will require a 15-20 minute taxi ride. 



Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday, in the morning or in the afternoon. If there is additional need for assistance volunteers may work on Saturdays and/or Sundays.

Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday, in the morning or in the afternoon. If there is additional need for assistance volunteers may work on Saturdays and/or Sundays.

Free-time activities

During their free time volunteers can find plenty of outdoor and adventure activities to take part in including hiking, ATV tours, ziplining, and bungee jumping. Within San José, they can take a city tour, see shows at the National Theatre, visit the central market, and go zip-lining. Our local ...

Free-time activities

During their free time volunteers can find plenty of outdoor and adventure activities to take part in including hiking, ATV tours, ziplining, and bungee jumping. Within San José, they can take a city tour, see shows at the National Theatre, visit the central market, and go zip-lining. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let them know of the activities going on around the InstituteOutside of San José, they can hike up volcanoes, go whitewater rafting, and take a trip to the Pacific or Caribbean coasts. There are so many options and our staff is well-acquainted with the area to help advise on the must-see places. Tours and trips can also be easily booked through our on-site travel partner.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Maximo Nivel

Our fees include:

- Airport pick-up
- Host family / Dorm accommodations (shared room with half board in San José and full board at the project site)
- Program and safety orientation
- Walking tour
- Official certificate of volunteer service
- Emergency contact number 24/7
- Program management

While in San José:

- Free Tandem Conversation Program
- Free office-wide WIFI and computer lounge
- Free social activities
- Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
- Maximo Nivel Institute open 7 days/week

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

Airport pick up in San José and public bus transportation to and from the project and San José at the beginning and end of the program are included. Volunteers find our representative outside the airport brining a yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

Accommodation

For the first couple days volunteers stay in San José to receive the orientation. In San José, they in a traditional family-stay where you they are placed with a pre-approved middle class Costa Rican family. Breakfast and dinner are included in their home stay. At the Eco-Agriculture project, they also stay in a traditional family-stay which include breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.

Food & Beverages

The first 2 days in San José volunteers have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner), while at the coffee project they have full board with 3 meals/day.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Every Monday, all year round. Public bus transportation to and from San José and the project location at the beginning and end of the program is included. The taxi ride to and from the bus station and the host family at the beginning and end of your project is also included.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,268€
3 weeks 1,660€
4 weeks 2,013€
5 weeks 2,301€
6 weeks 2,590€
7 weeks 2,878€
8 weeks 3,166€
9 weeks 3,455€
10 weeks 3,743€
11 weeks 4,031€
12 weeks 4,319€
13 weeks 4,608€
14 weeks 4,896€
15 weeks 5,184€
16 weeks 5,473€
17 weeks 5,761€
18 weeks 6,049€
19 weeks 6,338€
20 weeks 6,626€
21 weeks 6,914€
22 weeks 7,202€
23 weeks 7,491€
24 weeks 7,779€
25 weeks 8,067€
26 weeks 8,356€
27 weeks 8,644€
28 weeks 8,932€
29 weeks 9,221€
30 weeks 9,509€
31 weeks 9,797€
32 weeks 10,085€
33 weeks 10,374€
34 weeks 10,662€
35 weeks 10,950€
36 weeks 11,239€
37 weeks 11,527€
38 weeks 11,815€
39 weeks 12,104€
40 weeks 12,392€
41 weeks 12,680€
42 weeks 12,968€
43 weeks 13,257€
44 weeks 13,545€
45 weeks 13,833€
46 weeks 14,122€
47 weeks 14,410€
48 weeks 14,698€
49 weeks 14,987€
50 weeks (max. stay) 15,275€
Average fees 469€/week

Program fees

469€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Maximo Nivel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Maximo Nivel

Brilliant 4.7 rating (110 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Georgie

Spoken languages: English, Spanish

About the project

Maximo Nivel offers Volunteer Abroad and International Internship programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.

Meet your organization

Who we are? 

Maximo Nivel is a family-owned organization that has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru, where we also own and operate 4 intercultural centers in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; San José, Costa Rica.

What we do? 

We offer a wide range of work-study-travel programs, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, TEFL Certification, Gap Year, Spanish Immersion, Adventure & Culture, and more! 

Where we work? 

Maximo Nivel’s work-study-travel programs take place in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; and San José, Costa Rica. We also have off-site programs on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica and Guatemala and in the Amazon Jungle and Sacred Valley of Peru. 

Our mission/vision: 

Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, client, faculty leader, and partner who joins us.

Our goals: 

  • Deliver high-quality, safe, affordable programs 
  • Provide the best Spanish language immersion in all of Latin America 
  • Improve impact at every volunteer project site where we work 
  • Train and certify world-class ESL teachers 
  • Organize excellent internships and other opportunities for international work experience 
  • Help people experience the world through education, adventure, and cultural travel.

Who are we looking for? 

Adventurous people who are passionate about travel, culture, languages, and helping others.

Why choose us? 

Maximo Nivel's program fees are affordable and transparent. We pride ourselves on providing great client service!

110 reviews · rating4.7

Estefania Holt rating5

2018 at Support a local Organic Coffee Farm

The people were amazing and the atmosphere is welcoming. I always knew that they had my back. I did the coffee project and it was very fullfilling. It's always incredible to be able to speak and interact with people from other cultures and I feel like I've learned so much from everyone. I am so glad ...
Wolfgang Oberauer rating5

2024 at Construction and Renovation Assistant

I had the most amazing experience as part of this volunteering programme. Maximo Nivel was great in taking me feel looked after. My hist family was always there for me, kept my room clean, cooked for me and were super reliable. A great benefit was also the Spanish classes which really uplevelled my ...
Martina Gut rating4.4

2024 at Support Local Healthcare

Fue una linda experiencia para mí y me quedé satisfecha de toda manera. La primera semana estaba en un asilo de ancianos y las próximas semanas en un colegio para niños discapacitados, siempre con gente muy amable. En los fines de semana siempre hice excursiones fabulosas como montaña de siete ...
Kathleen Nordstrom rating5

2023 at Community Childcare Supporter

I would recommend Máximo Nivel a million times over. The warm, engaging staff and volunteer/student community make you feel welcome from the moment you step in the door, and I met several lifelong friends. There are lots of opportunities to explore, including around the city and the country as a ...
Daniel White rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

Experiencing an arribada in Costa Rica was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Thousands of turtles arriving simultaneously to lay their eggs was a remarkable sight to behold. As a volunteer, I felt privileged to contribute to the conservation of these endangered ...
Aisha Rahman rating5

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

Observing the hatching of baby sea turtles in Costa Rica was an unparalleled experience. Everyone made me feel welcome and supported. It was great to be able to explore Tamarindo and other beach towns during the weekends and I met so many great people I still keep in touch today. Thank you for the ...

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