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MINI
ADVENTURE
COSTA RICA, GUATEMALA, PERU
Maximo Nivel’s Mini Adventures are an excellent way to make your program abroad even more meaningful! These are 6-day itineraries that take you directly to the must-see sites in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. You visit the absolute highlight tours that every traveler must experience while in-country and we do all the work set-up for you. Mini Adventure programs are great add-ons to your Volunteer Abroad, Internship, Spanish Immersion, TEFL, or University program.
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Why I Maximo Nivel
My experience was so enjoyable. I was looking to do a program like this for months and I am so happy I chose MAXIMO NIVEL. You guys were so supportive in everything I wanted to do. People and staff are so friendly and my host family was so kind and generous. I met so many great people here along the way, saw so many cool and interesting things, and I can´t wait to come back and to keep traveling!
COSTA RICA ADVENTURE
7 nights / 6 days
ARENAL VOLCANO & HOT SPRINGS
Arenal is a majestic active volcano in the northern part of Costa Rica. En route, you stop at Sarchi, a town known for its beautiful and intricate Costa Rican arts and crafts, and souvenirs. At La Fortuna you enjoy a typical lunch overlooking Arenal volcano, before relaxing at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa. Wade and swim in mineral pools filled with naturally hot water from volcanic springs. After a delicious buffet dinner, you head back back to San Jose.
BRITT COFFEE TOUR
Learn how Café Britt changed the course of history and coffee beans in Costa Rica! This tour shares the story behind Costa Rica’s most famous gourmet coffee. The guided tour lets you trace the process of coffee production from bean to cup; and discover how Costa Rica’s unique micro climates and fertile soils create the ideal conditions for growing the world’s best coffee beans. You also learn from the experts how to prepare coffee using traditional methods. Of course the tour culiminates in a coffee tasting! Bilingual guide and entrance fees included.
The tour begins with a drive along the Panamerican Highway and passes by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria, and the famous Mango Park. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a nature park and wildlife sanctuary where participants hike along natural and manmade trails in the rainforest, trekking from from waterfall to waterfall. In the wildlife sanctuary, participants visit the largest butterfly observatory in Costa Rica, an impressive hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, and see monkeys, birds, and big cats. The tour ends with a delicious buffet lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
The Pacuare River is a truly memorable whitewater rafting adventure! This tour combines nature, wilderness, and excitement. Rio Pacuare runs through a true river gorge and is flanked by steep rock and filled with wildlife and cascading waterfalls along the route. The whitewater includes Class III, IV and V rapids and it is an exciting descent! Along the way, there is a buffet lunch served on the river bank. Before starting the adventure, there is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! During the route, professional photographers take pictures and shoot video, which can be purchased at the end of the trip. All equipment is provided, inluding helmet, paddle, and lifevest. Expert bilingual river guide and lunch included.
TORTUGA ISLAND
Tortuga Island is located 22.2 km (12 miles) off Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The island is a 48.5-hectare (120-acre) protected nature reserve It has an area of 120 acres, as it remains as a protected forest; and is recognized as an “Ecological Blue Flag site” due to it’s pollution-free, crystal clear waters that are free of pollution. On the trip out to the island, participants may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and aquatic birds. On the island, participants bask on the white sand beaches, take a swim in the ocean, hike the nature trails, and enjoy lunch. Breakfast, and lunch included.
CULTURAL NIGHT
Enjoy a traditional dinner in a restaurant perched high above the mountains overlooking San Jose. From this unique vantage point, you enjoy panoramic views of the Central Valley and explore ‘Tico’ folklore through traditional dances and marimba music.
COSTA RICA BEACH & JUNGLE
7 nights / 6 days
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! You visit pristine beaches and coral reefs amid the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. You make a short hike into the jungle and from there can choose to relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or trek through the park’s trails. In the park, there are multiple species of monkeys, iguanas, birds, and sloths. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and snacks included.
RAINMAKER JUNGLE TOUR
Rainmaker Park is a private biological reserve originally created for scientific research. The Park is located approximately 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio. The tour begins with a short hike through the rainforest, looking for birds, insects and amphibians, as you trek over hanging bridges and natural trails up to the top of Rainmaker Mountain–at the summit there is an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean! The hike continues on trails and through the Canopy Walk bridge system spanning 250 meters (1/4 mile). The suspended bridge design permits minimal forest impact, while giving hikers the opportunity to explore the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. The tour also includes a visit to several waterfalls and an refreshing dip in a natural pool. The tour ends with a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch. Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch included.
A beautiful zipline adventure in Costa Rica! The tour begins with a short 20-minute drive to Santuario Park, which is an extensive primary rainforest. The zip lines are long and fast and Santuario Park Canopy has the third longest cable in the world–approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) long. The tour has over 3.6 km (2.2 miles) of total zip line across 10 lines and 14 tree platforms. Other activities include nature walks, hanging bridges, and a rappelling activity. Bilingual guide and lunch included.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
The tour begins with a 1-hour drive from Manuel Antonio past rural villages and palm tree plantations. The Savegre River is considered the cleanest river in all Central America–the river originates at the the top of the San Gerardo Dota mountains and runs super-cold. The trip is filled with the incredible landscapes and natural waterfalls of the rainforest. Class II and III rapids. There is a safety orientation so everyone understands the basics of rafting–no previous experience necessary! All rafting equipment, expert river guide, and snacks are included. The activity includes snacks and a typical Costa Rican meal after the tour.
NAUYACA WATERFALL
Nauyaca Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural attractions! The tour begins with a 1-hour drive, followed by a 4.8 km (3 mile) hike back to Nauyaca. At Nauyaca Falls, most hikers love to take a refreshing dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Time and weather permitting, the hike may also include a stop at Portalón Waterfall. On the way back to Manuel Antonio, participants enjoy a delicious, traditional Costa Rica lunch. This is a scenery-rich tour and participants always take amazing photos! Bilingual guide and lunch included.
CATAMARAN TOUR
This is an amazing ocean tour sailing along Manuel Antonio’s gorgeous Pacific coast. Participants enjoy free-flowing drinks and snacks at the onboard bar during the cruise to Biesanz Beach. Along the way, participants may be able to spot sea turtles, dolphins, and migrating whales (seasonal); they can also swim, snorkel and explore. Bilingual guide, lifevest, snorkel gear, drinks, and lunch included.
GUATEMALA ADVENTURE
7 nights / 6 days
TIKAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Take a short flight from Guatemala City to Santa Elena, where you meet your guide and travel to Tikal National Park. Explore the “City of Voices” and learn about Mayan civilization and history. The next day you have an early breakfast and visit the Temple of the Jaguar, the Great Plaza, the Lost World, and you climb Temple IV. In the afternoon you fly back to Guatemala City.
LAKE ATITLAN
This 2-day cultural tour combines Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango, and Panajachel. Participants visit the pueblos of San Juan and Santiago around Lake Atitlan by private boat; tour the traditional market in Chichicastenango; and spend the night at a hotel in Panajechel. Hotel is double occupancy with private bath and includes breakfast. Bilingual guide and entrance tickets included.
This is a true cultural immersion experience into one of the largest and most colorful open-air markets in Latin America. You will take in the beautiful sights of the Santo Tomás church and stroll Santander Street. Bilingual guide and entrance tickets included.
PACAYA VOLCANO
Set out on a half-day hike to climb Pacaya Volcano, a fully-active volcano and one of Guatemala’s best national parks. Take amazing photos and roast marshmallows over hot magma.
STREET FOOD TOUR
Embark on a vibrant street food tour in Antigua, Guatemala, where the flavors of traditional dishes come to life. Wander through the historic streets, tasting the best of local cuisine from bustling markets and hidden gems. Learn about the rich culinary heritage from the very people who craft these delights. This tour isn’t just a meal; it’s a gateway into the heart of Guatemalan culture, offering a taste that lingers long after the day is done.
PERU ADVENTURE
7 nights / 6 days
SACRED VALLEY
You visit the beautiful ‘Valle Sagrado’ and the town of Pisac with its famous artisanal market and Inca ruins. You continue on to Urubamba for a buffet lunch and then hike up and down the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Lunch is included.
MACHU PICCHU
You take an early morning train from Ollantaytambo to the village of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. Enjoy the evening in Aguas Calientes with nice shops, good restaurants, and natural hot springs. Very early the next morning you head up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas.
CUSCO CITY TOUR
See the highlights of Cusco—“the navel of the world” and the center of the ancient Inca Empire. You visit Q’oricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, and tour Cusco’s 15th century Cathedral as well as other amazing ruins around the historic city.
LAKE TITICACA
You take an overnight bus from Cusco to the city of Puno. You have a couple of hours to freshen up and then head out on the lake to visit the floating, man-made, Uros Islands. Next, you visit Amantani Island and two Inca temples. Finally, you visit Taquile Island, and head back to Puno.
MORAY & MARAS
You visit the Moray archaeological site, which is an ancient experimental station for growing different crops. Next, you visit the Maras salt mines, where salt has been mined for hundreds of years through a unique method of evaporation.
VOLUNTEER ADVENTURE
Volunteer Adventure programs are 2-week itineraries that include 1 week of community service and 1 week of travel and exploration in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. In the first week, you join the Volunteer Abroad program and then the second week is action-packed with travel and tours to all the most important sites. Choose from different social projects according to your interests and where you would most like to serve: Animal Care | Construction | Eco-Agriculture | Indigenous Communities | Medical & Healthcare | Teaching English | Working with Kids
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