During my time in Guatemala, I served as the primary provider at a free municipal clinic delivering essential care to underserved patients alongside social workers, physical therapists, and a translator. Each day involved treating 10–20 individuals for a wide range of conditions, from diabetes and hypertension to musculoskeletal pain and mental health concerns, with a focus on high-impact, resource-conscious interventions. The experience offered profound insights into family medicine, cultural humility, and the challenges of healthcare access in low-resource settings. Beyond the clinic, I participated in community outreach, including food drives and local initiatives, which deepened my appreciation for the connection between health, culture, and community. My homestay in Antigua further enriched the experience through warm hospitality and daily cultural immersion, making this a deeply rewarding and reflective journey.
Christmas Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Guatemala
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who want to try their hand at a variety of different volunteer activities over the holiday period and spread some holiday cheer.
Project details
Want to deck the halls and have a Christmas Holiday Experience as a volunteer in Guatemala? International Volunteer HQ’s Christmas Holiday program enables volunteers to help with a range of community initiatives over the festive season. These could include volunteering with disadvantaged children, coordinating holiday parties for residents in elderly care facilities, or helping in an animal shelter or at a coffee farm. It’s a great way to contribute meaningfully to the community over the holidays in a variety of areas when many volunteer projects are closed, while also getting to enjoy the sparkling atmosphere of Antigua over Christmas and New Year.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The holiday period in Guatemala is vibrant, colorful and exciting. This special project is designed to help volunteers enjoy the festive season while pitching in with valuable community initiatives. Many projects are closed at this time of year, but this provides an inspiring way to still do something meaningful and contribute to the local community.
Please note, the order of this work may be subject to change based on local requirements. In 2024, this project is only available to volunteers who begin the weeks of 23rd and 30th of December - volunteers should arrive on the day before the project starts.
See the Christmas Holiday Experience Schedule for 2024 to learn more about what to expect.
Why do Christmas Holiday Experience in Antigua volunteering in Antigua with IVHQ?
When you volunteer during the holidays in Guatemala you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Bringing the community together over the holiday season
- Connecting with the young and old
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining a variety of volunteer experiences
- Immersing yourself in Guatemalan culture
- Experiencing the festive season in vibrant Antigua
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Those aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Guatemala photo gallery
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
When you walk the cobblestone streets of Antigua it is easy to see why it has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Baroque architecture, Spanish colonial churches and brightly painted buildings can be admired on nearly every corner. The urban environment speaks to the rich history of the city which dates back to the 1500s and includes a number of destructive earthquakes which have seen it repaired and rebuilt over a long period of time.
IVHQ’s Guatemala program is based in Antigua with placements in the city and surrounding areas. At these placements you’re likely to see the struggle faced by many Guatemalans living with limited resources. Despite the beauty of the place and its busy tourism industry, Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Its citizens can benefit greatly from the support volunteers can give local initiatives which strive to improve their lives.
Antigua is located approximately 30 minutes from Guatemala City.
Arrival and orientation
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City on the Sunday before your start date.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Antigua. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Guatemala prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Antigua on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our local team at their office in Antigua. Orientation begins on Sunday and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Guatemala – an introduction to Guatemala, Guatemalan customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Guatemala, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing. Your check out is at 11:00 AM on the last Saturday of your program.
Volunteer schedule example
WEEK 1:
| Sunday, December 22nd | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing and orientation. |
| Monday, December 23rd | Conservation Project - Support eco-sustainable agriculture volunteering alongside local farmers. |
| Tuesday, December 24th | Community Beautification - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
| Wednesday, December 25th | Christmas Day - Enjoy the local festivities or explore on your own. |
| Thursday, December 26th | Holiday Party for the Elderly - Spread the Holiday Spirit at an elderly home by playing games, preparing a special holiday snack, dancing, and providing much needed company and conversation. |
| Friday, December 27th | Children’s Holiday Party - Show the kids a great time for the holiday! Play games, arts and crafts– celebrate by bringing gifts and food to the project. |
| Saturday, December 28th | Departure |
WEEK 2:
| Sunday, December 29th | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing and orientation. |
| Monday, December 30th | Conservation Project - Support eco-sustainable agriculture volunteering next to local farmers. |
| Tuesday, December 31st | Community Beautification - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
| Wednesday, January 1st | New Year’s Day - Enjoy the local festivities or explore on your own. |
| Thursday, January 2nd | Holiday Party for the Elderly - Spread the Holiday Spirit at an elderly home by playing games, preparing a special holiday snack, dancing, and providing much needed company and conversation. |
| Friday, January 3rd | Children’s Holiday Party - Show the kids a great time for the holiday! Play games, arts and crafts– celebrate by bringing gifts and food to the project. |
| Saturday, January 4th | Departure |
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers who are under the age of 27 are accommodated alongside other volunteers in a large, dormitory style volunteer house, and those over the age of 27 are accommodated in smaller local homestays. If you are traveling as a family, the local team will place you in a home-stay.
Living is comfortable with electricity, running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers should be expected and the water is not always heated. You will need to bring your own towel and toiletries, but bed linen is provided.
Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with 2 - 6 other volunteers of the same gender. Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
WiFi is available at the volunteer houses and homestays. However, the connection may not be as reliable as what you are used to at home. You will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in Antigua.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18, in a homestay. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
Meals
Volunteers are provided breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast will be bread or tortillas, spreads, fruit and eggs with tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of meat, beans, starches and vegetables.
Lunches are not provided to Antigua-based volunteers as they are usually away from their accommodation around midday. We recommend budgeting between CA$4 and CA$7 per day to buy lunch at local restaurants recommended by staff.
Filtered water will be available at the accommodation, and bottled water is also easy to purchase and inexpensive throughout Guatemala.
When you apply for the program, please be sure to notify us of any special dietary requirements so we can make arrangements for you.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$431) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $548 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 2 weeks | $905 Equivalent to $65/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$431) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Guatemala generally find US$80 - US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses. Please note this budget is for general expenses and does not include money you will need for any weekend activities you plan to do.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- US$95 per week for supervision, materials and logistics involved in the project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Antigua
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 Antigua program.
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
Enhance your volunteer experience by mastering the language with our flexible, daily online Spanish Lessons.
Affordable Spanish language lessons
No need to be fluent in Spanish to join the IVHQ Guatemala program—but imagine how much more you can get out of your experience by learning some basic Spanish! Our tailored language lessons are designed to meet you at your current level and help you feel more confident in everyday conversations. Classes run Monday to Friday, and the best part? They’re super affordable and available exclusively for IVHQ volunteers. Dive deeper into the culture and make your experience truly unforgettable!
Online lessons:
- 1-hour Private Classes: from CA$108 per week
In country lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: from CA$96 per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: from CA$118 per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: from CA$219 per week
How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: When you apply for your IVHQ volunteer program, make a note in your application of the language classes you’re interested in.
Once you’ve paid your registration fee, your IVHQ Program Manager will be able to book your place on your chosen language classes.
Check what's required to visit Guatemala
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Guatemala City |
| Population | 15.08 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate: Guatemala has a range of micro climates and the high altitude of Guatemala City results in a subtropical highland climate in this region. There aren’t distinct seasons in Guatemala and the temperature is typically mild year round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) during the day, and 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F) at night. The country attracts winds and rain during the months of May to October with the hottest month being April.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a medical campaign in Antigua, Guatemala, and I cannot recommend this experience enough! From start to finish, this journey was both rewarding and eye-opening, providing hands-on medical experience while making a tangible difference in the community.
Partnering with the local team allowed us to combine our resources, medical knowledge, and passion for service with a local organization whose primary goal is to help underserved populations. Throughout the campaign, I had the chance to work directly with hundreds of people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens, addressing a variety of healthcare needs.
One of my key roles was providing education on oral hygiene, including proper brushing techniques, frequency, and cavity prevention. I also gained valuable hands-on experience in lice prevention and treatment by inspecting and treating several school-age children—an intervention that had a significant impact on the community. Additionally, I had the chance to engage with children in a fun and memorable way at a handwashing station. We even created a catchy nursery rhyme-style song to help reinforce proper handwashing habits, which the kids loved!
The most impactful part of this trip, especially as a medical student, was working one-on-one with a local physician. I was able to conduct physical exams, take patient histories, check vital signs, and develop my own diagnoses and treatment plans. This experience exposed me to a wide range of chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, dry eyes, high cholesterol, muscle pain, and even cases of Alzheimer's and dementia. Learning how to communicate effectively with patients and seeing firsthand how my knowledge could impact their lives was truly life-changing.
Beyond the medical work, my homestay experience was wonderful. We were provided with home-cooked breakfast and dinner every day, making it feel like a home away from home. The people of Guatemala are some of the kindest and most welcoming individuals I have ever met—always greeting you with a smile and eager to help. The food, coffee, scenery, and overall atmosphere made the experience even more special.
If you are looking for an opportunity to be a helping hand and a blessing to an amazing community while gaining invaluable medical experience, I 1000% recommend this program. This experience has left a lasting impact on me, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn in such a beautiful country.
Don’t listen to what people say about the experience unless they have done it. I felt very safe and enjoyed every minute.
I gained valuable insight into a developing country and have amazing respect for the fact they are determined to stay positive and hopeful in spite of their challenges. I would recommend anyone hesitant to read the reviews and do their research as I did!
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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