Guatemala Volunteer Programs from $28/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

I wanted to take my 15 year old niece on a volunteer trip to another country while she is still young. IVHQ was the perfect choice! The experience was everything we hoped for and more. The staff was very professional and any concerns I had were quickly put to rest after our first day in Antigua. We were also provided with many opportunities to experience other parts of the country (which we took advantage of) while we were there. We were able to hike up a volcano the weekend before we started volunteering and visit a beautiful lake the weekend after we volunteered. There was also time in the afternoon each day for us to explore Antigua, which was where we were based. The price was very reasonable too for such and memorable experience and we are already talking about doing another IVHQ trip next year!

I went to Guatemala for one week to Volunteer in the child care program. It has been the BEST experience that I have had in my life, I was looking to travel but also to do something special with and meaningful, this trip had that and so much more. I love how everything was very organized and clear from the time I applied online, my arrival to Guatemala and until know after returning home. I had the opportunity to meet people from different countries and cities from the USA, learn from a new culture, and met amazing teachers in the daycare program. I cannot wait to go back and spend more time in Antigua through this program, I will definitely stay longer than a week there is so much to see and learn.
Thank you so much for this wonderful experience.

I got the opportunity to work at a dog shelter that had 90 dogs! It was amazing and i fell in love with so many of the affectionate doggies. I got to help them in a meaningful way by providing them with water I had to carry from a nearby well. The lady who runs the shelter was very appreciative and welcoming. Of course I also took the time to explore guatemala itself and I got to ride a horse for the first time, up a volcano!! The most beautiful place I went to was the Earth Lodge ahhh so peaceful. A tip I'd give to volunteers is to make the most of your evenings/weekends and do as much sightseeing as you can and be very attentive on your orientation day as you have to usually travel to your placement by yourself. Also practice the local language

It is hard to put into words how amazing my trip to Guatemala was. I am absolutely in love with the people, culture, everything about this country. I have done similar volunteer projects in the past, and I’ve learned that going in without any expectations will help you ge the most out of this experience. This time, I did a one week childcare project in Antigua, Guatemala. Monday through Friday, I would be at a childcare center in a town 30 minutes away from Antigua from 8 am to noon . The kids were so loving and affectionate. The moment I stepped into the classroom, I was surrounded by kids all trying to hug me. My job was to help the teachers with any task they needed, help the kids with their projects, and play with them. It was so fun! Since volunteering was over at noon, I had the whole day to do other things. The staff at Maximo Nivel were so helpful with setting up my desired excursions and answering my numerous questions. I stayed with a lovely host family. They provided everything I needed and served delicious meals. I also met some other super cool volunteers through Maximo planned events. The Guatemalan cooking class and salsa dancing were my favorites. I highly recommend them! Before arriving to Guatemala, I highly suggest learning some basic Spanish. It makes everything much easier and more enjoyable. Overall this was a trip I will never forget. I loved it so much!

The stay in Guatemala was great. Every view was like a postcard. My friend and I stayed with the best host family. They were so understanding, sweet, and the meals were the best. I was able to practice my Spanish the whole trip. I loved my site, I was teaching at a school in San Antonio. Amazing kids with so much potential.
My advice for volunteers would be to stay open minded, be aware of your surrondings, and always be respectful of the culture and people. Also, do take Spanish lessons or take every opportunity to speak Spanish. The locals loved it when I at least tried. And explore the town, there is so much to see. Do: take the chicken buses, go hiking, try new things, eat authentically, and go to the markets.
Additionally, keep yourself busy at your site. Overall, my site was a bit disorganized and I had to occupy myself a lot. Because of this, we found new ways to help by fixing their computers and shopping for supplies. If you are teaching, get creative and be engaged because they kids will enjoy that.

Volunteering with IVHQ was one of the best experiences that I’ve had. Before leaving for Guatemala, the IVHQ team answered all the questions that I had about my program. After I left, they followed up and made sure that the local team was in contact with me. During my trip, IVHQ checked in with me to make sure that everything was going alright with my project placement and my accommodation. They were even in contact with me when I got back to make sure that my trip went smoothly. I highly recommend volunteering with IVHQ for a structured and safe volunteering experience.

This was my first time traveling to Guatemala & Central America. It is also one of my first times traveling alone. Like most I was a bit skeptical before arriving. With the support from the team and active social media groups I was able to meet people before going over. There is also an abundance of information on the website and via the program managers. Upon arrival, everything was ready to go. The on-site team were very professional and knowledgeable - Even for organising trips and tours after volunteering hours. This was a brilliant trip.

I felt the support as soon as I left the airport. It was very helpful to have someone there to pick me up and take me where I needed to go. It avoided a lot of initial confussion and frustration. I was shown my placement and it is beautiful. The women there are very nice and helpful. It is awesome to live with people who are volunteering and spend time traveling with them. I can already tell I will be making long lasting friendships.