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.
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 140,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Guatemala.
Highlights:
- 12 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $370 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 $370
- 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 $370
- 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.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $465
- 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 $465
- 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 $465
- 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.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $465
- 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 $465
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a Mayan village near Antigua
- Volunteers aged 18+
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 $590
- 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 $465
- 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 $465
- 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 $370
- 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.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $465
- 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
KA
Katelynn Adams
17 Jul 2024
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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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Leah Rose Alexander
02 May 2024
I feel that I gained a new understanding of healthcare in the developing world and the various health issues faced by individuals who struggle with socioeconomic and environmental insecurity. As I was able to practice a lot of the history taking and physical examination skills I learned in medical school, I definitely think this is a great program for a medical student looking to gain experience in a foreign environment. The only piece of advice I would give to someone prior to joining this program is to try to brush up on their Spanish as best as they can, as I certainly had to put my Spanish knowledge to the test while working in the clinic.
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Sohan Emani
19 Apr 2024
It has been a great experience to understand the type of organic farming and conservation that is followed in Guatemala while actively volunteering. I helped to dig the canal needed for the farm, built a canopy so the young children could play during the hot summer, and helped to weed the spiral plantation.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
$79
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
$1110
Volcano Tour (Half day)
Trek up Pacaya Volcano, a fully active volcano and national park. Enjoy breathtaking views and learn about Guatemala’s natural history.
$49
Coffee Farm Tour (Half Day)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
$79
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
$1110
Volcano Tour (Half day)
Trek up Pacaya Volcano, a fully active volcano and national park. Enjoy breathtaking views and learn about Guatemala’s natural history.
$49
