Location
  • Guatemala
    • Antigua
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
Spanish
Timeframe
Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
385
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $385 for 1 week - this includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Some Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 01, 2024
Apr 27, 2025
32 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Guatemala and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Guatemala.

Our affordable projects start from $28/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-24 weeks. Choose from 12 projects, ranging from Childcare, Medical, Teaching and Construction in the colorful city of Antigua and surrounding rural and coastal locations. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $28/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-24 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Childcare volunteering in Guatemala with IVHQ

As a Childcare Volunteer in Guatemala, you'll provide assistance and care to children from disadvantaged communities. These children often lack support and guidance from their family and schooling, so your support will be fundamental to their development. Work varies according to your specific placement, but generally consists of playing with children, organizing games and activities, helping with lessons and assisting with homework.

Volunteer in Guatemala with IVHQ

Looking for a hands-on volunteer experience? As a Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Guatemala, you'll work alongside locals to improve the infrastructure around Antigua and uplift local economies and communities. Projects focus on home building and school renovation, as well as building playground and bathroom facilities. Your tasks can include laying bricks, carpentry, painting, laying tiles and landscaping.

Volunteer in Guatemala with IVHQ

If you're an aspiring Medical professional, this is the program for you. Volunteers are placed in elderly homes, clinics in under-resourced communities and special needs facilities where you'll be able to make a tangible difference to those in need. Tasks vary based on medical skills & experience (more experienced volunteers are able to act independently with hands-on tasks). For less experienced volunteers, your duties will be mostly observational, assisting local staff with routine jobs.

Volunteer in Guatemala with IVHQ

As an English Teacher Volunteer, you'll help Guatemalans improve their English skills which gives them a better opportunity to find work across a range of careers. Volunteer work varies but generally consists of teaching small groups of children, tutoring local students, setting up workshops, assisting local teachers and organizing educational games and activities.

Volunteer in Guatemala with IVHQ

As an Animal Care Volunteer, you'll work across dog and cat shelters, veterinary clinics and an exotic animal refuge, catering to crocodiles, snakes, lizards and turtles. This one-of-a-kind volunteering experience will allow you to interact with animals of all kinds, helping to improve their quality of life. This project is open to all volunteers and a veterinary background is not required, although is highly advantageous.

Program Reviews

4.91 Rating
based on 67 reviews
  • 5 rating 91.04%
  • 4 rating 8.96%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.95
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 57 - 64 of 67 reviews
Jetricia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Guatemala Volunteer Experience

Having never been out of the country before or never even gone on an airplane before this trip was a bit intimidating for me, especially since I was going by myself. I braved myself and got on that plane anyways and I am so so glad that I did. This trip made such an impact in my life and even though I was only there for 2 1/2 weeks I feel as if it changed my life. I was about to get a new perspective on things and be immersed in a culture while also helping out. The children that I got the chance to meet were nothing short of amazing. They were kind and sweet and so eager to learn and play. They teachers and day care staff were so thankful that we were there that it made volunteering truly worthwhile. I also got the chance to work at an animal clinic and to work on coffee farms and these experiences were just as fulfilling. Guatemala is a beautiful place and the local team there was so supportive and helpful. There are also tons of things to do in your off time, like hiking one of he many amazing volcanoes, jet skiing at Lake Atitlan, viewing Tikal, or taking an awesome journey at Semunc Champey, whatever you do it will be an amazing experience. Of course there were times That I was scared out of my mind and wanted to just go home to my mom lol. I was stuck at the airport for a few hours because of flight changes and traffic so at this point I was ready to check into a hotel and turn right back around the next day and go home but I'm so thankful I decided to stick it out. Traveling or volunteering solo can seem very intimidating and scary but it is so worth it. It's something I will recommend to any and everyone and I can't wait to go on my next IVHQ trip.

What would you improve about this program?
The airport pickups could be a little more structured. Or the drivers should account more for traffic when leaving to pick up volunteers.
82 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sydney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ in Guatemala

I absolutely loved my time in La Antigua! I went for my spring break during my sophomore year of college, and I really, truly enjoyed every second of my time there. I volunteered each day in a nonprofit school for kids with disabilities called Vida in a nearby town (Dueñas) and the children were absolutely incredible! So sweet and welcoming! I highly recommend this program to new travelers, high school and college students and even older individuals! Antigua is honestly such a beautiful ciudad! I went during La Semana Santa, which was an absolutely amazing experience as well!

What would you improve about this program?
As a university student, I am obviously short on money, so making things more affordable is always a lovely option. Máximo Nivel is really incredible though and I loved the location!
83 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Sydney, Thanks for sharing your thoughts and a few photos from your time in volunteering in Guatemala. It's great to hear you had such an amazing experience. Thanks for being an IVHQer!

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Natalie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Animal care in Guate

I absolutely loved volunteering in Guatemala. Having volunteered abroad before in other places, I know that sometimes it can be difficult to adjust to a new environment, but I felt at home the second I got to my home stay with Marta. To start, the home stay is in the heart of Antigua, which is a beautiful colonial town full of culture, markets, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. There is always something going on, whether it be ladies night at the club (free massages and manicures), free salsa and cooking lessons through Maximo Nivel, movie night at a cafe, bike tours, coffee plantation tours, live music...the list is endless! My home stay mom, Marta, made incredible meals (and there was always more if you wanted seconds) and the house was spacious and clean.

My volunteer placement was through Maximo Nivel, at a reptile rescue sanctuary, Antigua Exotic. Originally I had thought I would be working with cats and dogs, but I'm happy I got to do this instead. When else in my life would I have gotten the opportunity to wrestle an crocodile and hold a rattlesnake! I don't have a bad thing to say about my volunteer project. The project director, Danny, was full of interesting information on amphibians, reptiles, snakes and wildlife in general. Everything was super hands on, but you weren't made to do anything you weren't comfortable with. Really, there isn't a bad thing to say about my volunteer placement.

In terms of travel outside of Antigua, there are so many options. My suggestion to new volunteers would be to shop around and bargain before settling on prices for travel packages and shuttle buses. Travel can be really cheap if you are smart about it. During my five weeks, I went to Semuc Champey (beautiful limestone lagoons and waterfalls), Tikal (Mayan pyramids), did surf lessons in El Peredon, spent the weekend at Lake Atitlan, hiked the Pacayan Volcano, and visited 4 different zones of Guatemala.

Overall, this was an awesome experience, and I'm looking forward to volunteering through IVHQ again (which I am now in Peru!) and hopefully visiting Guatemala again!

What would you improve about this program?
I would suggest telling future volunteers to budget a little more for lunches and outside travel. There is a very large time gap between breakfast and dinner, and the restaurants are a little more expensive than what IVHQ suggests.
77 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Natalie, Thanks for sharing your photos and thoughts about your time volunteering in Guatemala. It’s great to hear that you had such a positive experience. Thanks for being an IVHQer!

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Sheri
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Childcare guatemala abroad

This was my first time volunteer travelling abroad so I was very skeptical and approached with caution. I found the IVHQ team to have the informative and best reviewed available with the best prices that went were the funds went to the most appropriate places so I decided to go with them. When I arrived in guatemala city they were there to pick me up with no wait time which immediately calmed my nerves some.They brought me right to my home stay which I was pleasantly surprised with that my family and I had our own quarters (like a mini apartment minus a kitchen) and we would meet at her home for meals. The meals were a nice social event every time as others were staying there as well from all parts of the world for different opportunities in the area. The following day we did orientation where a member from the team came with us the first day and showed us the best transportation options to the placement and introduced us to our placement facility. The workers were very accepting and the children were very loving. We stayed 1 week which barely scratches the surface for this area as there is so much to experience. We spoke very little spanish upon arriving (which is not required) however I wish I had the opportunity to learn more so that I could have taken place in more personal conversations. We brought our 5 year old with us and everything worked out perfect. The travel canada reviews are much more harsh for this area then required. It makes you wonder if the reviewer has been to the area. I recommend travelling smart and safe of course but I didn't feel anywhere like what the reviews advise. I would like to go back again and again and experience more. I truley fell in love. The IVHQ TEAM and the local team Maximo Nivel that handled us in country did a marvelous job together and the staff support is very strong. I highly recommend this experience for anyone wishing to try for whatever reasons your going.

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe provide a bit more info as per placement info and home stay info prior to arriving. Bring a first timer it was a little scarey arriving in a country like that not knowing any.after experiencing I would do it again however it was daunting
80 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Sheri, Thanks for taking the time to share a little from your experience volunteering in Guatemala. We are glad to hear that you felt so supported by IVHQ and our local team in Antigua. It's great to have you as an IVHQer and we hope to welcome you back on another program again in the future.

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Kaylee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Literally perfect

I had a ridiculous amount of fun. I'm honestly just upset that i didn't stay longer than i did. I got to meet a ton of wonderful people and go on a whole bunch of little adventures! Always ride the chicken bus because it's super fun! Just don't ride it to the airport!!! I was so humbled to have worked with young children and babies with HIV. I got to see how the nuns in the school/orphanage cooked and clean and got to help them with that as well as the child care!

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe just get wifi for all of the housing spots; it's hard to be away from family without any contact at all. My cell provider had no service whatsoever.
78 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Kaylee, Thanks for your review. We are so glad to hear that you had such a positive and fun experience volunteering with IVHQ in Guatemala. Thanks for being an IVHQer.

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Tara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Trip of my Life.

My experience with IVHQ Guatemala was unlike anything else. It not only had an amazing impact on the communities in Guatemala, but on myself. Through my time across the continent I found my passion, had a meaningful impact on many peoples lives, as well achieved new found confidence.
The people that you work with here are so real, so down to earth. It gives you a sense of what life can really be like. A lot of these people have so little, but are willing to give and share so much. When I was volunteering at an afterschool program, I slipped and fell while playing tag with the kids. I scraped up my knee and immediately the kids and own ran up to me, patched me up, hugged me and made sure I was ok.
Some days it felt as though the kids were teaching me just as much as I was teaching them. I realized interacting with cultures all over the world is something I would like to continue for the rest of my life. IVHQ helped me achieve this.
Without their constant support embarking on a journey like this would have been so much more nerve wracking. They helped me a long every step of the planning process, and again whenever I had questions in Guatemala. As soon as I got there I was completely relaxed. I was placed with other people my age, and made many life-long friends.

What would you improve about this program?
One problem I had was that I added on a week in El Salvador after my months volunteering. I had thought that I would need a visa extension but was assured by the local staff that it would be unnecessary. As a result I had a hefty fine of $150 USD at the border.
Also food accommodations for vegetarians could be improved. I had to live off of white carbs for 3 months, with little to no vegetables each night. Vegetarian protein was uncommon, which is strange considering how plentiful beans are in Guatemala.
89 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Tara, thanks for sharing your amazing experience from Guatemala. We are so pleased that you found your passion and felt well supported by IVHQ throughout the process. Thanks for being an IVHQer!

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Kerbi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I would go again in a heart beat

My experience in Antigua was fantastic! I was in the medical placement group through IVHQ and my group. We volunteered with a doctor in free clinics and also we were able to shadow him the doctor for the two weeks. It was such a great opportunity to see the healthcare system in another country for insight. To be able to take what I learned from the doctor and experiences I had in Guatemala and apply it to my life as an undergraduate pre-medical student was so great. I also speak Spanish, so this program was a great way for myself to practice my Spanish, not only within the community and with the doctor, but also with my host family. The host family cooked incredible foods, but Antigua also has many restaurants which are incredible. I would love to go back to Guatemala through this program, I learned so much and the atmosphere was amazing.

What would you improve about this program?
If I could change one thing, I would like to be able to shadow more doctors in different surrounding hospitals rather than only one doctor.
84 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Kerbi, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on volunteering in Guatemala on the medical placement. Great photos as well! It seems like you and your group had a rewarding volunteer travel experience and we hope to have you volunteer with IVHQ again in the future.

Default avatar
VeronicaRN
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Guatemala- Medical Placement

I was placed in a homestay in a beautiful neighborhood in Antigua. Olga was my "house mother" and cooked 3 times a day for the 5 of us.

A typical day consisted of leaving the house around 7:15AM to walk & catch a "chicken bus." I would arrive at the clinic in Alotenango by 8:00AM.

My job consisted of calling patients back to the "pre-consulta" room, performing vitals and finding out their reason for presentation at the clinic. The patients would then wait to see the doctor.

I was usually done in the "pre-consulta" room by 10:30AM and spent the remainder of the afternoon in either the "Vaccination/Immunization" room or help around the clinic doing various tasks.

My shift was over at 12 noon and I would take the "chicken bus" back to Antigua and have lunch with the other volunteers at our house.

The late afternoons & evenings were spent sight-seeing with other volunteers and shopping.

Overall, I had a great time in Guatemala and look forward to volunteering abroad again.

What would you improve about this program?
I would institute a "Buddy System" at the clinic which would involve pairing the volunteer nurse, like myself, with a clinic staff member. This would ensure that the volunteer had support and someone they could go to with any questions/concerns that might arise.
81 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hi Henry, The program fee for two weeks is $515, add to that either $50 - $55 a week (depending on if you want a 2 hour small group language class or a 1 hour private one) which bring the total to around $625. Hope this helps!