from 664€

Brilliant 4.7rating (108)

Help Local Dog & Cat Rescue Centers

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 preserving cats & dogs in their natural habitats.
  • Provide medical treatment to abandoned animals.
  • 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 suitable

Age 16+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Help dog rescue shelters save abandoned animals and rehabilitate them.

Culturally speaking in Latin America, dogs and cats are not looked upon as integral members of the family the way they are in many other countries. This often leads to neglect and abandonment. The projects we work with promote the value of preservation, of both species diversity and their natural ...

About the program

Culturally speaking in Latin America, dogs and cats are not looked upon as integral members of the family the way they are in many other countries. This often leads to neglect and abandonment. The projects we work with promote the value of preservation, of both species diversity and their natural habitats. The projects also protect the animals and provide medical treatment, shelter, rehabilitation, and training. 

Depending on the project, volunteers may be asked to:

  • Bathe and/or groom the animals
  • Provide basic obedience training
  • Clean cages, feed animals, maintain the project area
  • Help during feeding time
  • Play with and walk the animals
  • Support the treatment of injured or sick animals
  • Observe surgeries and assist in pre-operative and post-operative care
  • Assist with small construction projects
  • Photography and fundraising
  • Educational programs in local schools including conservation work
  • Join spay/neuter programs and/or rabies vaccination clinics

At animal care projects, work may be physically demanding at times. Please note that due to availability and seasonal needs at our projects, we cannot guarantee any particular type of facility. Rest assured, there is a big need for volunteer assistance at these projects and your presence is valued.



Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, in the morning or in the afternoon.

Typical day

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, in the morning or in the afternoon.

Free-time activities

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

Free-time activities

There is plenty to see and do around La Antigua including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let you know of the activities going on around MaximoJust 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)

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 breakfast and dinner)
- Program and safety orientation
- Walking tour
- Official certificate of volunteer service
- Emergency contact number 24/7
- Program management
- 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 private transportation to Antigua are included. Volunteers find our representative outside the airport bringing a yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

Accommodation

Volunteers stay in a traditional family-stay with a shared room and breakfast and dinner included. 

Food & Beverages

Breakfast and dinner are included 7 days a week.

Internet Access

Limited 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, all year round. The animal project is located just outside of La Antigua. Volunteers can expect to spend 20-30 minutes traveling each way by bus. Volunteers travel to and from the project by either walking or using local buses, taxis or a “tuk-tuk” (3-wheeled motorcycle taxi). For the first visit to the project, participants are taken by a Maximo Nivel representative using the local transport and given additional information about what transport to take. 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.

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 664€
2 weeks 917€
3 weeks 1,091€
4 weeks 1,256€
5 weeks 1,416€
6 weeks 1,576€
7 weeks 1,736€
8 weeks 1,896€
9 weeks 2,056€
10 weeks 2,216€
11 weeks 2,376€
12 weeks 2,537€
13 weeks 2,697€
14 weeks 2,857€
15 weeks 3,017€
16 weeks 3,177€
17 weeks 3,337€
18 weeks 3,497€
19 weeks 3,657€
20 weeks 3,817€
21 weeks 3,977€
22 weeks 4,137€
23 weeks 4,297€
24 weeks 4,457€
25 weeks 4,617€
26 weeks 4,777€
27 weeks 4,937€
28 weeks 5,097€
29 weeks 5,257€
30 weeks 5,417€
31 weeks 5,578€
32 weeks 5,738€
33 weeks 5,898€
34 weeks 6,058€
35 weeks 6,218€
36 weeks 6,378€
37 weeks 6,538€
38 weeks 6,698€
39 weeks 6,858€
40 weeks 7,018€
41 weeks 7,178€
42 weeks 7,338€
43 weeks 7,498€
44 weeks 7,658€
45 weeks 7,818€
46 weeks 7,978€
47 weeks 8,138€
48 weeks 8,298€
49 weeks 8,458€
50 weeks (max. stay) 8,618€
Average fees 418€/week

Program fees

418€ 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: Spanish, English

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

Lauren Oldefendt rating4.6

2018 at Help Local Dog & Cat Rescue Centers

So glad we came across Maximo nivel Antigua and we were able to experience this amazing trip in the beautiful Guatemala, so many of these guys were so shy when we started and it was amazing seeing them emerge into happy pups. Can’t wait to come back one ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...

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