• Decent Work And Economic Growth
  • Sustainable Cities And Communities
  • Reduced Inequalities

Work with Indigenous Mayan Communities

location
1 - 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

  • Indulge in a fully immersive cultural and linguistic experience.
  • Gain insights into the village life of a rural farming community.
  • 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
50+

About the program

A unique and authentic cultural immersion experience in Guatemala, where volunteers live and work in a local indigenous community.

Indigenous Culture projects are located in a small, rural farming community outside of Antigua. This project is designed to assist with activities that provide modest income to local Mayan families, such as the creation of woven handicrafts, while offering unique cultural exchange and experience of ...

About the program

Indigenous Culture projects are located in a small, rural farming community outside of Antigua. This project is designed to assist with activities that provide modest income to local Mayan families, such as the creation of woven handicrafts, while offering unique cultural exchange and experience of their daily life. Volunteers support the community in various activities depending on seasonal need in the areas of agriculture, textiles, kitchen and household chores, and language education.

Volunteers at Indigenous Culture projects may be asked to:

  • Plant, harvest, and clean fruits and vegetables.
  • Care for farm animals such as chickens.
  • Collect weaving materials, learn to make different types of cloth.
  • Weave items such as belts, tablecloths, napkins, bags, etc.
  • Assist with cooking and cleaning, learn traditional homemade Guatemalan dishes.
  • Teach small English lessons to family or community members.

Village life is often affected by harvest seasons, weather, and family events. Additionally, it is normal there for work to be divided by gender so male and female volunteers should expect to do different tasks. Volunteers are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators but they are not on site at your project at all times. The residents speak mainly in Mayan-Kakchikel and Spanish is a second language. Participants should prepare themselves for complete cultural and language immersion.

Typical day

The Indigenous Culture program begins with a mandatory 1-2 day orientation session in Antigua, where volunteers receive vital information about their project and trip to the project site. They should expect to work up to 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday. That said, the goal of this project is to ...

Typical day

The Indigenous Culture program begins with a mandatory 1-2 day orientation session in Antigua, where volunteers receive vital information about their project and trip to the project site. They should expect to work up to 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday. That said, the goal of this project is to participate in the everyday life of the host family and the community. This means that schedules can vary greatly. For instance, some days may require 8 hours of work split between morning and afternoon while others require only 1-2 hours. 

Free-time activities

Just outside of La Antigua, there is a lot to explore including nearby coffee farms, volcanoes, and both Mayan and colonial ruins. Further outside the area, participants can visit beautiful Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, and the famous Tikal archaeological site. Our staff are experts on ...

Free-time activities

Just outside of La Antigua, there is a lot to explore including nearby coffee farms, volcanoes, and both Mayan and colonial ruins. Further outside the area, participants can visit beautiful Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, and the famous Tikal archaeological site. Our staff are experts on Guatemala and can answer any questions clients have. Tours and trips can also easily be 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 accommodations (shared room with half board in Antigua 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 Antigua:

- 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 La Aurora International Airport

Airport pick up in Guatemala City and public bus transportation to and from the project and La Antigua at the beginning and end of the program is included. La Antigua is approximately 45 minutes from the airport, while the project is about 30 minutes outside of Antigua.

Accommodation

For the first couple days volunteers stay in La Antigua to receive the orientation. In La Antigua they stay in a traditional family-stay with a shared room and breakfast and dinner included. At the project, they will also stay in a traditional family-stay which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.

Food & Beverages

The first 2 days in La Antigua volunteers have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner), while at project they have full board with 3 meals/day. Specific dietary requests can be accommodated.

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. 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 Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

Every Monday, all year round. For the first couple days volunteers stay in Antigua to receive the orientation. The Mayan Cultural Immersion projects are located approximately 30 minutes outside of Antigua. Public bus transportation to and from the project site is included at the beginning and end of the program.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 775€
2 weeks 1,128€
3 weeks 1,402€
4 weeks 1,665€
5 weeks 1,934€
6 weeks 2,202€
7 weeks 2,470€
8 weeks 2,739€
9 weeks 3,007€
10 weeks 3,276€
11 weeks 3,544€
12 weeks 3,812€
13 weeks 4,081€
14 weeks 4,349€
15 weeks 4,618€
16 weeks 4,886€
17 weeks 5,155€
18 weeks 5,423€
19 weeks 5,691€
20 weeks 5,960€
21 weeks 6,228€
22 weeks 6,497€
23 weeks 6,765€
24 weeks 7,033€
25 weeks 7,302€
26 weeks 7,570€
27 weeks 7,839€
28 weeks 8,107€
29 weeks 8,376€
30 weeks 8,644€
31 weeks 8,912€
32 weeks 9,181€
33 weeks 9,449€
34 weeks 9,718€
35 weeks 9,986€
36 weeks 10,254€
37 weeks 10,523€
38 weeks 10,791€
39 weeks 11,060€
40 weeks 11,328€
41 weeks 11,597€
42 weeks 11,865€
43 weeks 12,133€
44 weeks 12,402€
45 weeks 12,670€
46 weeks 12,939€
47 weeks 13,207€
48 weeks 13,475€
49 weeks 13,744€
50 weeks (max. stay) 14,012€
Average fees 527€/week

Program fees

527€ per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

1 - 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

Allison Smith rating5

2018 at Work with Indigenous Mayan Communities

I had a fabulous time in Antigua. I had wonderful teachers who were fun, patient, and supportive. I had an amazing host mom who cooked amazing food every single day. And I had the opportunity to participate in local activities through the school and other agencies in the area. Despite the tragedies ...
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 ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Guatemala > La Antigua

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Voluntourism  >  Volunteer and Travel in Guatemala
Contact Georgie
  Very high response rate
English, Spanish

Most volunteers ask about

Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Georgie
Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

Book with Flex Option!

Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.