I was so hesitant about this experience because it is SO out of my comfort zone. But it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Being immersed in another culture and working along side them was such an amazing experience and I learned so so much even from my short time of being there. I think I grew so much as a person from this experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested. Even if you are hesitant or nervous to do it, I’d say go for it. So many of the other volunteers feel the exact same way and there is so much support from IVHQ and the local team.
![Mayan Cultural Immersion Volunteer Project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/projects/guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-mayan-cultural-immersion.jpg?auto=format,compress)
Mayan Cultural Immersion Volunteer Project in Guatemala
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Program fees
What's included
!['Who is going' users image](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/avatars/who-is-going-blurred-users.png?w=112&h=40)
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:
Project details
Interested in a Mayan Cultural Immersion volunteer experience in Guatemala? International Volunteer HQ’s Mayan project is an exciting chance for volunteers to join an indigenous Kaqchikel family in rural Guatemala and assist them with business enterprises, domestic tasks and community responsibilities that help them maintain their authentic way of life. Volunteers will live with the family, work with them in the fields and learn to cook traditional Mayan food while getting a rich and rewarding cultural experience and making a meaningful contribution to the community.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The Kaqchikel people are one of Guatemala’s indigenous Mayan groups and strive to keep their traditional way of life and culture alive. The aim of the Mayan Cultural Immersion project is for volunteers to share in everyday life with a local host family and their community.
As a Mayan Cultural Immersion volunteer you will live, work and eat with the family and assist them with business enterprises, domestic tasks and community responsibilities. It will be a rich and rewarding cultural immersion experience that will take you outside your comfort zone while you make a meaningful contribution to the community.
Volunteer activities on this project vary greatly, but can include:
- Working alongside the family in the fields
- Assisting with daily chores
- Making textiles and hand-woven crafts
- Helping families to learn English in an informal setting
- Learning to cook Guatemalan dishes from scratch
Why do Mayan Cultural Immersion volunteering in Guatemala with IVHQ?
When you volunteer in a Mayan community in Guatemala you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Supporting indigenous people to maintain their traditional way of life
- Gaining a range of authentic and unique Guatemalan experiences
- Living with a local family in a farming community
- Practicing your Spanish
- Learning the Kaqchikel language
- Developing your cross-cultural communication skills
- Immersing yourself in Mayan culture
- Discovering Guatemala off the beaten track
Volunteer requirements
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Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
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All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
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?
Get personalized recommendations >
!['Who is going' users image](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/avatars/who-is-going-blurred-users.png?w=112&h=40)
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
![IVHQ volunteers at the Holiday Experience project in Antigua, Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the childcare project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-childcare-volunteer.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Guatemala Teen Summer Camp volunteer project](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-teen-summer-camp-project-4.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the Eco-Agriculture project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/eco-ag-project-guatemala-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
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![IVHQ volunteer on dentistry project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-dentistry-project-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
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![Volunteers working at the Holiday Experience project in Antigua, Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-5.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the Teen Summer Camp project in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-teen-summer-camp-project-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
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![An elder volunteer doing activity at the Holiday Experience project in Antigua, Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-3.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
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![IVHQ volunteers activity at the Holiday Experience project in Antigua, Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-2.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-eco-agriculture-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
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![Holiday Experience volunteer project in Antigua, Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-10.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Guatemala Volunteers on the Teen Summer Camp project in Antigua](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-teen-summer-camp-project-8.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ dentistry volunteer project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-dentistry-project-2.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the Medical and Healthcare project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/medical-volunteer-ivhq-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![A volunteer dancing with local lasy at the Holiday Experience project in Antigua, Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-7.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the animal care project in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-guatemala-animal-care.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Volunteers on the Teen Summer Camp project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-teen-summer-camp-project-5.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Eco-Agriculture project volunteer in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-eco-ag-project.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Holiday Experience volunteer project in Antigua, Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-11.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer on the Medical and Healthcare project in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-medical-project-4.jpeg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![An IVHQ volunteer picking coffee beans at the Holiday Experience project in Antigua, Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-4.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Childcare project volunteer in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/childcare-volunteering-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-teen-summer-camp-project-3.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Medical and Healthcare project volunteer in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-guatemala-medical-volunteer.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Guatemala volunteer project in dentistry](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-dentistry-project-3.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the Holiday Experience project in Antigua, Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-8.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer on the Medical and Healthcare project in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/guatemala-medical-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Volunteers on the Guatemala Teen Summer Camp project](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-teen-summer-camp-project-6.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Holiday Experience voluteer project in Antigua, Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-9.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the IVHQ Guatemala Summer Camp project for teens](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-teen-summer-camp-project-7.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the animal care project in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/animal-care-project-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteering on the Holiday Experience IVHQ project in Antigua, Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-antigua-holiday-experience-6.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer orientation in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-orienation-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
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![IVHQ Salsa class](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/salsa-class-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Guatemala Zip Line](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-zipling-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Guatemala Coffee Tour](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-guatemala-coffee-tour.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
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![Exploring Antigua, Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/guatemala-antigua-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Exploring Guatemala by horseback with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/horse-riding-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Guatemala Zip Lining volunteers during a weekend](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/guatemala-ziplining-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Guatemala Zip Lining during a weekend](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-zip-lining-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Exploring Antigua, Guatemala as a volunteer with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-antigua-guatemala.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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.
Just do it. The hardest step is the first one, these experiences are life changing and will soften your heart. If you take the perceived risk the reward will be 100 fold. This is my 2nd project with IVHQ. I always leave richer emotionally and spiritually then when I arrive. Thanks so much for the opportunity. 😎
I learned more about this culture than I ever would have outside of a volunteer program. If someone is considering it, you have nothing to lose! Go for a week and you’ll have a new understanding of yourself and how big the world is.
I'm very thankful for this experience. It will stay with me forever. Thanks for all the support.
My name is Bailey, and I left my home country (United States) for the first time ever with IVHQ. It was incredible!! It's really hard sometimes, but it's such a learning experience and I feel so confident and excited and refreshed after finishing my program! I met some of the coolest people in the world, tried so many new things, and learned how to handle hard situations and challenges. I feel like I can take on the world now and I couldn't be more excited to take another trip!
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
![Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/pages/academic-credit/academic-college-credit-header.jpg?w=600&h=250&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
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
![Volunteer Abroad in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/projects/guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-location.jpg?w=800&h=500&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
Location
Mayan Cultural Immersion volunteers will be based in a rural village 30 minutes outside of Antigua and an hour from Guatemala City. It is a remote location in a farming community where living conditions are basic. The village is known for its hand-woven crafts made from reeds from a local lake.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala City on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
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 Monday morning 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.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
Due to the immersive nature of this project, volunteers should be flexible and fit in with the daily rhythms of their host family and village.
A typical day might look like this:
6:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family and travel to the farm where you will spend the morning |
7:00 AM | Volunter work begins. You may be planting and harvesting sweet potatoes, peanuts, beans, and corn, or assisting with farm animals |
11:00 AM | Travel back to your homestay and help with lunch preparation |
12:00 PM | Lunch with your host family and take a break |
3:00 PM | Volunteer work continues. You may learn how to weave traditional textiles and teach English to community members |
6:00 PM | Dinner at your homestay |
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll be living with a local family in a rural farming village, approximately 1 hour from Antigua. You can expect accommodations to be very basic with flush toilets and cold showers. Bedding is provided but you will need to bring your own towel and toiletries. Bedrooms in the homestays have single and bunk beds and can typically fit up to 4 volunteers. As the villages are in rural areas where roads are not always paved, this can sometimes result in added dirt/dust in the accommodation which the host family will do their best to keep clean.
Although WiFi is available at the village, it may not always have a reliable and strong signal. Volunteers will still be able to contact their family back home, and get assistance from the local team if needed.
Meals
Due to the immersive nature of this project, volunteers may be able to help prepare and cook meals with their host family. It’s a great way to discover traditional Guatemalan food and learn to cook dishes from scratch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided each day and food usually includes: rice, beans, eggs, fruit, vegetables, tortillas, and meat.
The water on this project is safe to drink.
Volunteers with dietary requirements may be better suited to another project.
![IVHQ volunteer accommodation house in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-accommodation.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer bedroom in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-accommodation-bedroom-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer accommodation bedroom in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-accommodation-bedroom-2.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer accommodation bathroom in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-accommodation-bathroom.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer accommodation kitchen in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/volunteer-abroad-in-guatemala-ivhq-accommodation-kitchen.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer breakfast in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/guatemala-volunteers-breakfast.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer breakfast in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-guatemala-volunteers-breakfast.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteers breakfast in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/guatemala-volunteers-breakfast-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteers dinner in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/guatemala-volunteer-dinner.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer dinner in Guatemala with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/ivhq-guatemala-volunteers-dinner.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer dinner in Guatemala](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-guatemala/guatemala-volunteers-dinner-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately CA$478) 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 | $465 Equivalent to $66/day |
2 weeks | $820 Equivalent to $59/day |
3 weeks | $1,107 Equivalent to $53/day |
4 weeks | $1,378 Equivalent to $49/day |
5 weeks | $1,668 Equivalent to $48/day |
6 weeks | $1,958 Equivalent to $47/day |
8 weeks | $2,538 Equivalent to $45/day |
10 weeks | $3,118 Equivalent to $45/day |
12 weeks | $3,698 Equivalent to $44/day |
16 weeks | $4,858 Equivalent to $43/day |
20 weeks | $6,018 Equivalent to $43/day |
24 weeks | $7,178 Equivalent to $43/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$478) 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, lunch, and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Transportation Antigua - Village - Antigua
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country 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
- 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.
- 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.
Free-time experiences & tours in Guatemala
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Guatemala! 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)](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-guatemala-coffee-plantation.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
![Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-guatemala-mini-adventure.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
![Volcano Tour (Half day)](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-guatemala-volcanoe-tour-half-day.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Trek up Pacaya Volcano, a fully active volcano and national park. Enjoy breathtaking views and learn about Guatemala’s natural history.
Affordable Spanish language lessons
Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Guatemala program, however on certain projects volunteer work will be restricted with limited language ability. We recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our partner staff in Guatemala. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. Volunteers interested in taking Spanish lessons can arrange these directly with the IVHQ Program Manager prior to departure. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers. These lessons are not available for volunteers during the Beach and Turtle Conservation project, Mayan Cultural Immersion project, Eco-Agriculture project or Holiday Experience project due to the remoteness of these project locations. Volunteers on these projects can arrange lessons before or after their projects if they wish to stay longer in Antigua.
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: from CA$94 per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: from CA$116 per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: from CA$218 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 with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/pages/volunteer-health-and-safety/volunteer-health-and-safety-ivhq-hero.png?w=600&h=340&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
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.
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