Eco-Agriculture Conservation Volunteer Project in Guatemala

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!!

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.

There are always a million reasons not to go abroad – finances, time restraints, the unknown. But I would encourage anyone who is considering it to take the plunge and just say “yes.” Not only do I feel like I made a positive impact volunteering on an eco-farm in Guatemala, I also improved my Spanish, made new friends, played various sports in the evenings and experienced the rejuvenating tranquility that comes with traveling to a new part of the world.

Guatemala was my second volunteer trip with IVHQ. It truly was a life changing experience. The locals are so friendly and accommodating. I met so many amazing people and did things that I had always dreamed of doing. Hiking a volcano being one of those things. Anyone who is looking for a city to volunteer in where you immediately feel at home, I highly recommend Antigua, Guatemala.

I recently got back from my first IVHQ volunteer program in Guatemala. I spent a week working side-by-side with three different coffee farmers on various aspects of the production process. From weeding and removing rotted beans in the field to packaging the final product, I experienced first-hand the amount of work that goes into coffee production. When I wasn’t volunteering, I enjoyed exploring the beautiful city of Antigua both with other volunteers and on my own. It’s truly a gem with perfect weather, great restaurants and amazing surrounding scenery. Plus, the locals are very welcoming and I never felt unsafe. It was a great experience and one that I’m so glad I just went for, even in COVID times. I’d encourage anyone, regardless of age, to consider booking a spot in a program. You’ll walk away with a greater understanding of a new culture, appreciation for the day-to-day work of others, fond memories and new friends.

Guatemala will suck you in in minutes, Antigua will charm you, your host family will love you, and your life will change, if you let it. I had the absolute best two weeks volunteering in Antigua, and some of the friendships I made honestly felt like I was there forever. I felt at home at my host family's house, and made great connections with the coffee farmers we worked with each day. I couldn't have appreciated my time with the coffee farmers more - they opened my eyes to the world of coffee, and also the injustice and lack of coordination there is between the coffee suppliers and coffee consumers around the world. My Spanish skyrocketed between the classes I was taking in the afternoons, volunteering in the morning, and conversing with my host family in the evening. An enriching experience, in so many sense of the word!