Contribute to healthcare, childcare, teaching and construction projects. There are also opportunities to advocate for animal care and rights and to work in conservation at a lake clean up or on a coffee cooperative.
Best Volunteering Programs in Guatemala
About Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most bio-diverse and historically significant countries in Central America, and the country’s abundance of biologically unique ecosystems makes the entire region a biodiverse hotspot. Guatemala is bordered by Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras, and has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Guatemala has a predominantly mountainous landscape, with narrow coastal plains and limestone plateaus.
Development in Guatemala
Guatemala’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for nearly 15% of the GDP and half the work force. Key exports include coffee, sugar and bananas. Foreign Direct Investment is slowly trickling into the country since the signing of the 2006 Central American Free Trade Agreement; however this has been hampered by a combination of climate, poor infrastructure and a lack of skilled workforce.
Hampered by economic financial crisis in 1998 and the collapse of coffee prices, the economy has improved gradually and Guatemala enjoys a stable macroeconomic management, which has helped to mitigate the impact of the latest recession. The current government is continuing the policy of encouraging FDI and expanding the export and tourism industry. Despite this, Guatemala remains one of the poorer nations in Central America.
Volunteer Impact
Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Guatemalan communities, focusing primarily on childcare, animals, health and education.
As a volunteer in Guatemala you can provide love, affection, education and support to children in need. You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. As a volunteer you can practice and teach preventative healthcare, and hygiene.
Depending on your interests you can also contribute to building projects in impoverished communities, or in an animal rights project. You will also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Guatemalan communities.
Volunteer in Guatemala City
Through all of the political change that has taken place in Guatemala, the capital city has become a place of refuge for many members of the indigenous communities. With this migration came the establishment of a wide range of social services, allowing volunteers to work with the growing and diverse population of local people.
In Guatemala City, volunteers can work with children in daycare centers and orphanages. Volunteers also work with the elderly and disabled. Many of the placements are in the shantytowns surrounding Guatemala City, while other placements are in the downtown areas of the city where many local people converge to receive services, such as care for the disabled.
Volunteer in Antigua and Lake Atitlan
Antigua is an extremely popular destination for volunteers, tourists and Guatemalans alike, famous for the preservation of its colonial architecture and a UNESCO world heritage site. Lake Atitlan is a popular place to visit for conservation projects and a spectacular area to experience.
Popular Projects
Turtle Conservation
Volunteers work to preserve endangered turtle species and other wildlife along the gorgeous Pacific coastline of Guatemala. The species’ populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and poaching for meat and leather. The program gives you the chance to make an important contribution to the preservation of these species, assisting local communities who carry out conservation work and gaining firsthand knowledge of Guatemala’s biodiversity and culture. Please note, the turtle season is from June – November, but that the project is open year round, as there is a lot to do.
Childcare and Orphanages
In the Childcare and Orphanage Project volunteers assist the children with basic hygiene education, homework, organising games and activities, organising workshops and provide the children with love and attention. There are many different childcare placements available in Guatemala, including day care centres, school and orphanages, and many of the children suffer from poor domestic lifestyles and substance abuse in their families.
Teaching English
In the Teaching English Project, volunteers will be assisting teachers in educating local students in English. Volunteers will assist with workshops, organising educational games and activities and tutoring. Volunteers may also participate in fundraising and the collection of educational materials, and will be placed in either poor public schools, community centres or libraries.
Construction
At Construction Projects volunteers assist with the construction and/or renovation of schools and orphanages and the surrounding grounds. Volunteers will typically be involved with laying bricks, carpentry, painting, laying tiles, landscaping and gardening. The building projects are to help the community improve their schools and orphanages. Be prepared to be patient and flexible, and to get your hands and clothes very dirty.
Healthcare
Volunteers work at either one of the rural clinics surrounding La Antigua, or in clinics for mentally and physically disabled children. There are roles for licensed professionals, medical students and pre-med students, however volunteers require at least intermediate Spanish as the staff they will work with have limited English. Volunteers should be aware that the range of activities available to them will depend on their experience as well. Notarized documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials will be required.
Coffee Cooperative
In the Coffee Cooperative Project, volunteers will assist with the sustainable production of coffee in a coffee-farming community in the Guatemalan highlands. Volunteers may be involved with coffee-picking in the fields, roasting the beans and packaging the final product, alongside wider agricultural activities, such as helping in the nursery. As well as various agricultural activities, volunteers will also be involved in marketing of the coffee product to the wider market and with support of the community by helping in reforestation and possible construction projects.
Working with the elderly
Volunteers will work in the nursing homes and senior centres in and around La Antigua, with the aim of creating a compassionate and friendly atmosphere for the vulnerable elderly population. Volunteers will provide one-on-one attention, basic healthcare, assist with meal and medicine distribution and organising recreational activities. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own ideas to this placement as well.
Lake Clean Up and Conservation
In the Lake Clean Up and Conservation program, volunteers will assist to preserve natural resources by raising awareness and educating the population on the proper use of the lake and its basin. The three main areas that volunteers will be involved in are environmental education, natural resources management and environmental cleanup.
Animal Care and Animal Rights
Volunteers assist in the protection of domestic animals such as cats and dogs who do not enjoy the family status as their counterparts in the West. These animals are often neglected and abandoned, and volunteers will provide medical treatment, recreational activity and human contact for the animals. In addition, volunteers may have the opportunity to participate in educational programs for local schools, spay neuter programs, rabies vaccinations, and the construction of dog runs and fencing.
Cultural Activities
Practice Your Spanish
Spanish lessons are offered to international participants and people are usually divided into levels based on your ability, and tailored to your needs. The first lesson is held in a typical classroom style, but then you’ll have a chance to put your knowledge to the test. Your teacher will take you out into the community and challenge you to bargain for fruits, vegetables, and clothing in Spanish at a nearby market. Just another awesome adventure to add to your list!
Say “I Do” to Maya Traditions
Maya weddings are full of tradition and superstition, from the gifts of wooden hair barrettes and a sleeveless dress to an elaborate choreography of steps to seal the bonds of marriage. Try your hand in traditional Maya clothing. You just might fall in love with the Maya people!
Create Pottery in Santa Apolonia
Maya pottery tells the story of a civilization, marking important events, telling the history of cooking traditions, and sharing stories of cultural exchange. In the town of Santa Apolonia, the traditions of creating pottery continues. Join a woman in her home to learn about her craft as you create your own Maya artifact.
FAQ
How safe is it to volunteer in Guatemala?
As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in Guatemala. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by them, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.
In major cities across Guatemala it is important to be wary of pick pocketing, especially in crowded areas. You should also avoid extremely remote areas where you will be alone. Furthermore, you should be aware that there are active volcanoes in Guatemala and Guatemala occasionally suffers from violent earthquakes. Volunteers will be given further safety advice, including for the case of natural disasters, in their orientation session.
What is the climate like in Guatemala?
The climate of Guatemala is broadly divided into 3 sections, reflecting the changes in altitude across the country.
Tropical coastal zone – includes the coastal areas and lowlands up to 1,000m altitude. The climate here is hot and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 20˚C (68˚F) to 37˚C (99˚F).
Temperate zone – Guatemala cools slightly as you reach heights up to 2,000m, in the more moderate climatic zone. Here temperatures, whilst still warm, rarely rise above 30˚C (85˚F), and can cool rapidly at night. La Antigua is situated in this climatic zone, and where volunteers will be based, along with the capital, Guatemala City.
Mountainous zone – This includes the areas of Guatemala above 2,000m. Whilst temperatures are frequently in their 20˚Cs during the day, temperatures drop sharply at night, and can go below freezing.
The rainy season (winter) lasts between May and October, and it usually only rains for a few hours a day during the afternoon during the rainy season. Guatemala enjoys a couple of dry weeks during July, to break up the winter. The dry season (summer) runs through the rest of the year, although there are some rainy periods interspersed.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
The schedule for each project will vary, but most volunteers will work for 4 hours either in the morning or in the afternoon. Those working in the orphanages may find their busiest period is early in the morning, whereas those working in the clinics may be busiest in the afternoon for example.
Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Yes. Volunteers have their weekends free for travelling and we do recommend that you take advantage of being in Guatemala to see some other places of interest, which include the Mayan ruins of Tikal and Peten and Lake Atitlan. Our partners in Guatemala can help you book some of these trips.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Volunteers should dress conservatively at all times, according to the custom in Guatemala. Volunteers need warm clothing for the nights and also light, loose clothing for the day, when it can be hot.
What languages do I need to to be able to speak to volunteer?
For healthcare programs volunteers must have at least an intermediate level of Spanish (i.e. be able to hold a relevant conversation, understand and follow instructions, and so on). For the other programs there is no language requirement, but we do recommend that you learn some basic Spanish before you start volunteering. The staff at our partner organisation speak English, but the locals at your specific project may have very limited English. All volunteers will participate in one week of Spanish lessons and then for the duration of their stay you will practise with a Spanish speaker wanting to learn English, as part of a language exchange program.
Visa
If you need one, you will need to organise your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Guatemala. The information pack includes links to Guatemalan Embassies through out the world. Volunteers from the majority of countries are automatically given a 90-day tourist visa on entry into Guatemala. If volunteers wish to stay longer than 90 days, they have the option of applying for an extension in Guatemala City (which usually takes 1 working day), or visit a nearby country such as Belize or Mexico, and then re-enter Guatemala, where they will be given another 90-day visa.
Getting to Guatemala
The vast majority of volunteers will fly into La Aurora International airport, in Guatemala City. Here you will be collected by staff and taken on the 45 minute journey to La Antigua.
Requirements
As a volunteer in Guatemala you must:
• be at least 18 years of age
• have no health problems
• for the Healthcare Programs volunteers must have at least an intermediate level of Spanish (i.e. be able • to hold a relevant conversation, understand and follow instructions, and so on).
• for the Construction and Animal Care programs volunteers must be physically fit
• obtain a satisfactory police check from your home country prior to volunteering
What immunisations / vaccines will I need?
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Pertussis
• Diptheria, Tetanus & Polio
• Measles / MMR
• Rabies
• Malaria – recommended only for those visiting rural areas below 1,500 m (4,921 ft).
• Yellow Fever – recommended only for those who come from an infected area.
What else can I do in Guatemala ?
Visitors to Guatemala will be delighted by the cultural sights and natural treasures. Visit a remote Mayan village in the mountains, or tour Mayan ruins dotted around the country. Spend a little time relaxing in a hammock on one of the Pacific coast black sand beaches. If shopping is your thing, you can’t go past the Chichicastenango market where vendors come from around the country to sell their hand-made products.