Full immersion into a culture that you can not get by visiting. I am an older adult and was as welcome as the younger volunteers, which was an initial concern. Everyone at the local team's went out of their way to make sure I felt safe and comfortable.
Volunteer in Guatemala
Discover International Volunteer HQ’s incredible Guatemala volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Guatemala volunteer projects, including Childcare, Medical, Teaching and Construction. Volunteer work in Guatemala is based in Antigua and surrounding rural and coastal locations. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 146,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Guatemala.
Highlights:
- 13 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $453 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, breakfast and dinner and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in local homestays or a dormitory-style volunteer house in Antigua
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Exciting add-ons available, including volcano treks, coffee plantation tours, adventure activities and multi-day tours
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Guatemala
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $453
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Shelters or vet clinics in Antigua
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Assist animal shelters or vet clinics with animal care, working with cats and dogs and exotic animals including turtles, snakes and lizards.
Increases access to education
3-4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $453
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Schools and childcare centers in Antigua
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Assist in local schools and daycare centers to nurture, educate and have fun with young children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $548
- Duration: 1 - 2 weeks
- Only available the weeks of Christmas and New Years
- Based in and around Antigua
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help in a wide range of volunteer projects over Christmas and New Year. Perfect for those wanting to experience the holidays abroad, while helping out where it’s needed most.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $548
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in Antigua
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help with community construction and renovation projects in schools, homes and public places. Roll your sleeves up, embrace the physical work and the tangible results!
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $548
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Clinics and elderly homes in Antigua
- Volunteers aged 18+
Volunteer in dental or health clinics to help improve access to important dental care for underserved communities in Guatemala.
Conserves the environment
4-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $548
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Farms in the highlands of Guatemala
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help local coffee or macadamia nut farmers with seasonal tasks, with an emphasis on sustainable practices to encourage efficiency and conservation.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $548
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a Mayan village near Antigua
- Volunteers aged 16+
Immerse yourself in an authentic local community, living their way of life and contributing to a range of tasks including the production of traditional textiles.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Set Program Fee of $670
- Set duration of 1 week
- Programs start every Monday
- Different communities around Antigua
- Volunteers aged 18+
A project designed for volunteers traveling in groups of 8 or more, involving outreach campaigns delivering basic healthcare in local communities. Campaigns are customizable to your experience and specialty and aim to bring health services to locals in the comfort of their own neighborhoods.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $548
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Clinics and elderly homes in Antigua
- Volunteers aged 18+
A project for medical and nursing volunteers at all levels, based in elderly homes and clinics for the poor. Qualified volunteers can act independently in a hands-on manner, while medical and nursing students assist local staff.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $548
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in group homes and clinics in Guatemala
- Volunteers aged 18+
Provide care and attention for special needs children or the elderly, helping with physical, intellectual and emotional stimulation.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $453
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Schools, libraries and centers in Antigua
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help to facilitate free English classes for children and adults, fostering better language skills and increased opportunities for your students.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1995
- Duration: 1 week
- Only available in July
- Based in a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Volunteers aged 16 and 17
A unique opportunity for 16 and 17 year olds wanting to volunteer solo in Guatemala during the summer. The Teen Volunteer Summer Camp is fully chaperoned and includes an exciting fusion of community volunteering, cultural activities, sports, and tourism activities.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $548
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Nursing homes and senior centers in Antigua
- Volunteers aged 18+
Bring a caring and compassionate attitude to nursing homes and senior centers in poorer areas of Antigua, where elderly people get socialization and help with basic daily necessities.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AS
Anita Simon
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MV
Marcia Vitale
I just returned from volunteering with the Dental program in Antigua Guatemala. It was an amazing experience for me. IVHQ had everything covered. My pick up at the airport was easy to find and the driver was friendly. My homestay was exceptional. My host made the most delicious meals and her family was very welcoming. The room and bathroom were comfortable and clean. The orientation covered everything I needed to know to work in the clinic. The local staff at the clinic was very patient and helpful and there was plenty of work to be done. Although I speak some Spanish, my language skills improved greatly through the immersion. I look forward to returning to Antigua Guatemala to volunteer again.
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LK
Lisa Krupp
I have traveled to destinations with IVHQ that I never would have gone to as a solo traveler. With IVHQ you can have confidence that you will get to experience the thrill of a new culture and opportunity to be of service with the security of airport pick up and housing arranged.
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SS
Sarah Scalzo
I am an adventurous person by nature, and this is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. I did feel terrified going in solo, but I am so deeply glad that I made the plunge. I showed up with an open mind and wanting to do something helpful, have a perspective change and I had nothing short of that. I was in a wonderful group of girls, we had an authentic experience with food, money, travel by foot and bus and it was everything I could have wanted and more. I feel like a different person coming out of this trip and I'm extremely grateful for the kindness I was shown and the opportunities that I had. It was amazing and I can't wait to have another trip and experience in the future. Guatemala was beautiful, colorful, vibrant, cheerful, perspective changing and cultural.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Guatemala
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Guatemala program.
Coffee Farm Tour (Half Day)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
$81
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
$1112
Online Spanish Lessons
Enhance your volunteer experience by mastering the language with our flexible, daily online Spanish Lessons.
From $75
Coffee Farm Tour (Half Day)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
$81
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
$1112
Online Spanish Lessons
Enhance your volunteer experience by mastering the language with our flexible, daily online Spanish Lessons.
From $75
