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.
Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Guatemala - Antigua
Purpose
Support marginalized & low-income communities
Start dates
Only available the weeks of Christmas and New Years
Duration
Choose from 1-2 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Homestay or volunteer house
Program fees
From £380 for 1 week
What's included
Find out here
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 Holiday Experience as a volunteer in Guatemala? International Volunteer HQ’s 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, colourful 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 16th and 30th of December - volunteers should arrive on the day before the project starts.
See the Holiday Experience Schedule for 2023 to learn more about what to expect.
Why do Holiday Experience 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 to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
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?
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 Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer Spanish class
IVHQ volunteer Salsa classes
IVHQ volunteer Salsa classes
Exploring Guatemala during an IVHQ weekend
Coffee tour during an IVHQ weekend
Guacamole party during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring by horseback during an IVHQ weekend
Volunteers Zip Lining during the weekend
Volunteers Zip Lining during the weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
KA
Katelynn Adams
17 Jul 2024
...
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.
...
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.
...
CK
Christina Knollman
18 Jan 2024
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!
...
MP
Megan Phillips
29 Jan 2021
It was wonderful to see our kids so excited about helping. They really threw themselves into the work. My job is stressful and our cases seem interminable, so I really appreciated the instant gratification of hoeing and painting. It was rewarding to know that the locals who passed by the weather-worn clinic in the morning would see a brighter facade on their way home that day and in the future.
...
JM
Juan Manivel
29 Jan 2021
The trip was very organized, dependable and clear; the folks in Guatemala were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. The host family where we stayed were outstanding hosts; everything clean, timely, and tasty! They are wonderful people! I really enjoyed the whole experience - volunteering, and the trips that we took to the Mayan ruins and volcano. Guides for the tours to the Mayan ruins and the volcano were extremely knowledgeable, courteous, kind and friendly; it was a real pleasure to enjoy these places and learn. Everything was really FANTASTIC! I have not said much about the volunteering activities; they were the most rewarding part of the trip. Perhaps we contributed a little, but we received more, way more than we gave.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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
WEEK 1: December 16th start date
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 11am on the last Saturday of your program.
WEEK 2: December 30th start date
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City on the Monday 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 Monday 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 11am on the last Saturday of your program.
Volunteer schedule example
Please note this is a sample schedule based on last year’s activities. We’ll be updating 2024’s schedule once activities are confirmed.
WEEK 1:
| Sunday, December 17th | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing and orientation |
| Monday, December 18th | 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. |
| Tuesday, December 19th | Conservation Project - Support eco-sustainable agriculture volunteering alongside local farmers. |
| Wednesday, December 20th | Community Development - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
| Thursday, December 21st | Mayan Immersion - Enjoy a day of celebration with a local Mayan community and learn more about how they celebrate the holiday season! |
| Friday, December 22nd | 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 23rd | Departure |
WEEK 2:
| Sunday, December 24th | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing and orientation |
| Monday, December 25th | Christmas Day - Closed |
| Tuesday, 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. |
| Wednesday, December 27th | Community Development - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
| Thursday, December 28th | Conservation Project - Support eco-sustainable agriculture volunteering next to local farmers. |
| Friday, December 29th | 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 30th | 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. Private room upgrades are available in Antigua and cost $62 per person, per week.
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 £2 and £4 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.
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Volunteer accommodation kitchen
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately £269), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately £269) 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 |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately £269) 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
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised 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.
- 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.
Free-time experiences & tours in Antigua
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Antigua! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Antigua program.
Coffee Farm Tour (Half Day)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
£64
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
£907
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.
£40
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 £53 per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: from £65 per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: from £122 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.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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