Fresh out of university, my boyfriend and I decided to break away from the ordinary and embark on an 18-month adventure across Latin America. To make this dream a reality, we got TEFL certified and taught English at Maximo Nivel’s language institutes. Leaving Canada behind, we landed in Guatemala, ready to immerse ourselves in the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Central and South America. Our journey began in Antigua, Guatemala, where we planned to teach for the next six months.
Maximo Nivel, where we completed our TEFL certification and secured teaching positions, made our transition into this new lifestyle seamless. Their continuous support, from helping us settle in to providing teaching guidance, made us feel secure in our new environment. Working full-time during the week meant we didn’t have much time for sightseeing, but weekends became our window for adventure. Living frugally was important, so we shared an apartment with fellow teachers from Maximo Nivel, which helped keep costs down while also creating a tight-knit community. Our weekends were packed with exploring all that Latin America had to offer.
Antigua, with its charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, became our first home. Surrounded by volcanoes, it was a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts like us. During the week, we focused on teaching our local students, who were eager to learn English and grow their opportunities. Though we initially struggled with Spanish, Maximo Nivel’s free daily Spanish classes for teachers helped us improve quickly and allowed us to connect better with our students. Fellow teachers in our shared apartment became great friends and an essential support system, making it easy to adjust to life in Guatemala.
Our weekends were dedicated to exploring. One of our most memorable trips was visiting the ancient ruins of Tikal. While the pyramids were a major draw for my boyfriend, I was equally captivated by the history. We saved money by taking public buses and staying in budget-friendly accommodations, which allowed us to splurge a little on guided tours of the ruins. Back in Antigua, we often cooked meals at home using fresh produce from the local markets—a cost-effective and delicious way to enjoy Guatemalan flavors while bonding with our fellow housemates.
After six rewarding months in Guatemala, we moved on to Costa Rica, where we settled in the lively San Pedro district of San José. Known for its bustling university scene, San Pedro offered a mix of cultural experiences. Our teaching roles at Maximo Nivel kept us busy during the weekdays, but we made the most of our free time by exploring the local area. Once again, we shared an apartment with other teachers, which made it easy to swap travel tips, share meals, and keep costs down.
Living frugally in San Pedro was made even easier by the vibrant Sunday Feria, a weekly local market where we could buy fresh produce at affordable prices. Shopping at the Feria became a fun routine, allowing us to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables for the week. The university district offered plenty of affordable dining options, but cooking together with other teachers at home helped us save even more. Weekends were perfect for discovering the cultural gems of the city, including its museums and cafes, or taking day trips to nearby destinations like Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Using local transportation kept our travel costs low and allowed us to explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty.
Our final stop was Peru, where we spent the last six months of our adventure. Cusco became our home base, a city steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes. Teaching at Maximo Nivel Cusco was incredibly rewarding, and our students—local adults and young learners—were motivated to improve their English skills. Weekdays were filled with lesson planning and teaching, but weekends were reserved for exploring Peru’s incredible historical sites.
Machu Picchu was at the top of our list, and hiking the Inca Trail was a dream fulfilled. We saved money by traveling during the off-season and choosing local guides and accommodations. Back in Cusco, we continued to cook at home using fresh ingredients from local markets, which helped us stay on budget while still enjoying the local cuisine. Asking our students for recommendations on the best local restaurants allowed us to experience authentic Peruvian dishes without overspending.
Cusco’s proximity to hiking trails and Inca ruins made it easy to satisfy our love for adventure. On weekends, we joined fellow teachers for budget-friendly camping trips, where we bonded over campfires and starlit skies. The outdoor lifestyle and affordability of Peru made it one of our favorite parts of the trip.
As our 18-month journey through Latin America came to an end, we reflected on everything we had experienced. We weren’t just travelers—we were teachers, adventurers, budget-conscious explorers, and nearly fluent Spanish speakers. Latin America had given us more than we could have ever imagined: a deeper appreciation for its diverse cultures, a passion for teaching, and a love that had grown stronger with each shared adventure. Grateful and inspired, we returned to Canada with memories of our Latin American odyssey forever etched in our hearts.