The kids I taught were amazing. They were enthusiastic, full of energy and were willing to learn. This makes the experience so much easier to enjoyable because you can see the progress the kids are making. They trust and affection the kids shows you is so precious. Every weekend, I was able to see many of the beautiful sites in Guatemala, like Atitlan Lake, climbing Acatenango, Tikal and Semuc Champey. I was also able to learn some Mayan history and culture.
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 144,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Guatemala.
Highlights:
- 13 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from CA$687 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 CA$687
- 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 CA$687
- 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 CA$831
- 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 CA$831
- 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 CA$831
- 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 CA$831
- 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 CA$831
- 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 CA$1016
- 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 CA$831
- 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 CA$831
- 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 CA$687
- 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 CA$3027
- 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 CA$831
- 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
NK
Noritaka Kobayakawa
18 Sep 2024
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TG
Tony Guice
19 Aug 2024
It was important for me to have my team gain exposure to a country and community that we could not easily access. The collaboration between IVHQ, the local team, and community partner brought the exact experience I wanted for my team. As my initial point of contact, IVHQ made the planning and preparation for the trip easy and seamless. I would highly encourage anyone looking to conduct a volunteer opportunity in a foreign nation to give IVHQ a try!
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AV
Alice Villalba
16 Aug 2024
I learned so much during my time volunteering in Guatemala. I learned that I am capable of much more than I knew, I reached beyond my limits and expanded my comfort zone, I met so many amazing people who were supportive and kind, I learned about how much work and effort it takes to sustainably grow a variety of plants and vegetables, and I was able to see/immerse myself in a new culture that I would never have been able to fully understand without living and seeing.
I would 1000% recommend joining this program or one similar for all these reasons and so many more. I would say that if you are hesitant, just go for it!! Don’t hold yourself back from a wonderful experience!!
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JC
Julianna Chancey
28 May 2024
I think the biggest things I gained from this experience was learning Spanish, being emerged into a new culture, and helping people in a way I've never before. I would say stay open to any opportunities that come your way.
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AM
Annette Morgan
23 May 2024
I gained a lot from this experience, an appreciation of the things we take for granted in the western world, an appreciation for what’s really important, it was humbling to see how important family is in the Mayan culture, a time to reflect and gain insights into your own intrinsic motivations and what’s important to you in life, so many great things came from this experience.
My advice would be to “just do it”, it’s the best way to experience a culture, it’s super well organised and life is short, so experience the world before it might be too late.
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KR
Kylie Raynor
16 May 2024
I feel like I gained a more well-rounded perspective on the medical standards of third world countries. This was an amazing experience that I would 100% do again. Not only was I able to help individuals in various communities throughout the week, I was able to interact with different age groups and provide much needed and much appreciated medical support. I could tell that our service meant the world to them and I wish I could express how much of an impact that they made on me as well. I would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone. I feel like everyone could pull something valuable out of this trip.
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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
CA$122
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
CA$1687
Online Spanish Lessons
Enhance your volunteer experience by mastering the language with our flexible, daily online Spanish Lessons.
From CA$113
Coffee Farm Tour (Half Day)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
CA$122
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
CA$1687
Online Spanish Lessons
Enhance your volunteer experience by mastering the language with our flexible, daily online Spanish Lessons.
From CA$113
