Exotic Animal Rescue Center Helper

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

  • Give back to the local communities by providing them with much needed help.
  • 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.

Highlights

  • Give back to the local communities by providing them with much needed help.
  • 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 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Give wildlife a second chance! Volunteer to help injured and orphaned amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals recover and return to the wild.

    The Amphibian and Reptile Rescue Center in Antigua, Guatemala focuses on the 3 R’s of conservation: 

    Rescue, Recovery, and Relocation. The primary mission of the rescue center is to nurse a wide variety of amphibian and reptile species back to health and then release them into the wild where they ...

    About the program

    The Amphibian and Reptile Rescue Center in Antigua, Guatemala focuses on the 3 R’s of conservation: 

    Rescue, Recovery, and Relocation. The primary mission of the rescue center is to nurse a wide variety of amphibian and reptile species back to health and then release them into the wild where they belong. The organization also gets involved with educating the public about the protection and proper respect for wildlife.

    As an international volunteer, you work next to veterinarians and other animal care professionals to help with the general maintenance of the rescue center, feeding, and cage cleaning. You may also get involved with hosting guests and groups at the center. This is a perfect project if you are interested in learning about the amazing animals that occupy the beautiful land of Guatemala!

    Depending on the project, volunteers may be asked to:

    • Bathe and/or groom the animals
    • Clean cages, feed animals, maintain the project area
    • Help during feeding time
    • Play with 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
    At animal care projects, work may be physically demanding at times. 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 Maximo. Just 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 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)

    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) 683€
    2 weeks 943€
    3 weeks 1,122€
    4 weeks 1,292€
    5 weeks 1,456€
    6 weeks 1,621€
    7 weeks 1,786€
    8 weeks 1,950€
    9 weeks 2,115€
    10 weeks 2,279€
    11 weeks 2,444€
    12 weeks 2,609€
    13 weeks 2,773€
    14 weeks 2,938€
    15 weeks 3,102€
    16 weeks 3,267€
    17 weeks 3,432€
    18 weeks 3,596€
    19 weeks 3,761€
    20 weeks 3,925€
    21 weeks 4,090€
    22 weeks 4,254€
    23 weeks 4,419€
    24 weeks 4,584€
    25 weeks 4,748€
    26 weeks 4,913€
    27 weeks 5,077€
    28 weeks 5,242€
    29 weeks 5,407€
    30 weeks 5,571€
    31 weeks 5,736€
    32 weeks 5,900€
    33 weeks 6,065€
    34 weeks 6,230€
    35 weeks 6,394€
    36 weeks 6,559€
    37 weeks 6,723€
    38 weeks 6,888€
    39 weeks 7,053€
    40 weeks 7,217€
    41 weeks 7,382€
    42 weeks 7,546€
    43 weeks 7,711€
    44 weeks 7,875€
    45 weeks 8,040€
    46 weeks 8,205€
    47 weeks 8,369€
    48 weeks 8,534€
    49 weeks 8,698€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 8,863€
    Average fees 430€/week

    Program fees

    430€ 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 (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

    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    Javier Jiménez rating5

    2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

    The project that I was in was the turtle conservation in Junquillal and it was for 3 months. I didn't know what to expect at all but I fell in love with the little town and the wonderful locals that were so loving and caring towards me. When we had to release the baby turtles into the wild I really ...

    Location


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