from 764€

Brilliant 4.7rating (108)
  • Sustainable Cities And Communities

Construction & Renovation in Guatemala

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 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

  • Help the local community and work on construction projects.
  • Explore the sourrounding coffee farms, volcanoes, and Mayan ruins.
  • Gain Spanish language practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with local people.
  • Learn more about Latin American customs and traditions.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad!

Especially suitable

Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Help the community and work on high-impact construction projects led by our local Construction Foreman.

Guatemalan construction projects are focused on home building, school, and orphanage renovation, and building playground and bathroom facilities for areas that do not have them. Volunteers work with our foreman, who provides guidance and training, along with families and other volunteers. Volunteers

About the program

Guatemalan construction projects are focused on home building, school, and orphanage renovation, and building playground and bathroom facilities for areas that do not have them. Volunteers work with our foreman, who provides guidance and training, along with families and other volunteers. Volunteers should come ready to work and to work hard, as they’ll be laying brick, mixing concrete, doing carpentry, painting, laying tile, hauling materials, and landscaping/gardening. Depending on the phase of the project they participate in, they may also be asked to help prepare or clean up the construction site. Volunteers are not required to have experience with construction work, but a reasonable level of fitness and strong dedication to the work will go a long way in ensuring that they get the most out of their volunteer project.

Construction volunteers are strongly encouraged to bring work gloves, work boots, safety glasses, and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. It is a good idea to wear a hat and long pants at the project site, and sunscreen is also extremely important.

The majority of our projects are located in and around the city of Antigua. Travel time varies from project to project, but volunteers can expect to spend 15-90 minutes traveling each way, by either walking or using local buses or taxis. For the first visit to the project, volunteers are taken by a Maximo Nivel representative using the local transport and given additional information about how to get to and from your project. Local bus rides are very affordable and a one-way trip will rarely cost more than Q8 (about $1). Taxis & tuk-tuks cost approximately Q10 to Q30 (about US$1.20 to US$3.50) one way within Antigua.

Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project; volunteers should expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project; volunteers should expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

Free-time activities

There is plenty to see and do around Antigua including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let participants know of the activities going on around Maximo. Just outside of La Antigua, there is even more to ex

Free-time activities

There is plenty to see and do around Antigua including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let participants know of the activities going on around Maximo. Just outside of La Antigua, there is even more 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: 16 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

No skills are required. Maximo Nivel's Construction Foreman will teach you all of the necessary skills.

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
  • 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
  • Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
  • Institute is open 7 days/week
  • Emergency contact number 24/7
  • 10-Year Payment Guarantee

Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport

Airport pick up in Guatemala City is included. 

Volunteers find our representative outside the airport holding a yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

Accommodation

Volunteers stay with a local Guatemalan family in a shared room. Breakfast and dinner are included. 

Food & Beverages

Breakfast and dinner are included 7 days / week.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

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, year-round. 

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 764€
2 weeks 1,112€
3 weeks 1,382€
4 weeks 1,642€
5 weeks 1,906€
50 weeks (max. stay) 13,813€
Average fees 519€/week

Program fees

519€ per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 16 - 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 (108 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Valy

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!

108 reviews · rating4.7

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 ...
Erin Taylor rating4.6

2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

I had the best experience with Maximo Nivel, the turtle conservation program is amazing! Maximo Nivel is a very well prepared organization, they are very helpful, they care for you and want you to have the best experience. Thank you so much! Costa Rica and the turtles have my ...
Alexey Carvalho rating4.2

2023 at Support Local Healthcare

Trabalhar no Centro Gerontológico, com os idosos por uma semana que fiquei em Cusco, foi uma experiência muito enriquecedora que recomendo, completada com a visita a Machu Picchu que fiz por conta própria. Acredito que faltaram apenas outras atividades, devido ao horário de saída do trabalho ...
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 ...
Allegra Martin Campo rating2.6

2023 at Help Local Animal Rescue Centers

I wish I would've had more information about the project. There was almost no information about the transportation (duration, costs). The project was super far away and for a longer stay than 1 week it's a lot of money just for this. When I wanted to change to another animal project they only ...
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 > Antigua

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Construction in Guatemala
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