Volunteer in Guatemala

Join Us Volunteering in Guatemala

Have you ever felt the need to do something extra with your life? Perhaps making a significant change in the world? Then you should read about how to become a volunteer Guatemala with us.

A Broader View is a non-profit organization that helps you help others. We understand that people very often need to take a break from their life, but instead of just going on vacations, we give them the opportunity to start volunteering in Guatemala.

We are currently running 12 different programs in Xela, also known as Quetzaltenango. A stunning city rich in culture, architecture, food, and natural spaces.

Even though Xela is such a beautiful place to live, many of their citizens still live in poverty, suffer from hunger, illiteracy, abandonment, and lack of medical support.

That’s why we are looking for people to volunteer in Guatemala.

Starting your Volunteering Guatemala

All we require from you is to have a flexible personality, resilience, compassion, and strong will to help those who need it the most.

We are looking for those who need to take a break from their routine and daily worries, to recover a little peace of mind while doing something meaningful.

So if you only have little time to share, all our programs work from 1 to 12 weeks. But if you wish to take a gap year Guatemala, just let us know! There’s a place for you here.

We welcome anyone from anywhere as long as they are 17 years or older. We understand the will to help doesn’t imply a specific age, but legally all minors from 12 to 16 must travel with A Broader View if they are accompanied by their parents.

To begin with this mission trip to Guatemala, you first need to read all the information about Guatemala and Xela. It’s essential for us that you understand the socio-historic context of this country before traveling, so your volunteering experience becomes as smoother as possible.

After that, you can check the information about the 12 programs we currently have in Xela. We cover areas like children support, orphans support, medical and dental care, women empowerment, animal rescue, language immersion, and teaching.

It doesn’t matter if you do not have previous experience in any of those areas, nor it matters if this is your first volunteer experience.

We are here to help you help others, and in this journey, you will be working hand in hand with other more experienced volunteers along with A Broader View and other local professionals.

Since all our programs work from Monday to Friday for 6 to 8 hours, you will be making a real change in the world while having plenty of time to know Guatemala as any other tourist would.

You can also stop worrying about the language barrier. Speaking Spanish is not a requirement to travel with A Broader View, but if you would like to dive yourself into this beautiful language, we offer Spanish lessons for those interested.

Contact us now and let’s begin your volunteering Guatemala trip!

By choosing to volunteer in Guatemala you have an extraordinary opportunity to experience the fascinating culture of one of the most diverse countries on the American continent. Though a fairly small country compared with its neighbors to the north, Guatemala boasts a geographic and ecological diversity that far surpasses many larger countries. From tropical rainforests and beaches to volcanoes and pristine mountain lakes, Guatemala has it all!

The area that is now Guatemala was once the heartland of the Maya empire. Many Maya ruins have been discovered and partially restored in recent years which can be visited on your free time. Today Guatemala is the most indigenous diverse country in Central America. Mayan culture and traditions are very much alive and many modern Maya, particularly Maya women, still wear their colorful traditional attire.

By becoming a volunteering in Guatemala you will not only support the poor and disadvantaged, but you will also be fully immersed in the vibrant Latin American culture. ABV Volunteer projects focus on supporting woman, children, and health care centers throughout Guatemala. 

A Broader View Volunteers support in Guatemala have helped hundreds of families in Quetzaltenango with medical and social support projects. A Broader View has arranged medical brigades and international service trips for university groups, for those seeking Doctors without Borders alternative trips, and gap year groups. Volunteering in a healthcare setting in Guatemala can be tailored for student nursing groups, EMTs and other medical professionals. We also offer meaningful short-term group trips for professionals over the age of 50.

If you have a group of 5 or more interested in volunteering together, customized programs can be arranged. A Broader View Volunteers has extensive experience working with medical school groups, physician assistants and student nurse groups providing customized service trips for small groups.

17 years and over. With parents if under

17 years and over.
W/ parents if under

24/7 local staff in country

24/7 local staff
in country

Tax deductible and fundraising options

Tax deductible and
fundraising options

Accommodations safe & friendliness

Accommodations safe & friendliness

Spanish Lessons available if needed

Spanish Lessons
available if needed

Work Schedule 4-8 hours a day

Work Schedule
4-8 hours a day

Airport Transfers included abroad

Airport Transfers
included abroad

Programs start at any day

Programs start
at any day

Language Requirements

No Language
Requirements

Available for Special Groups

Available for Special Groups

Overview

  • Project Length: From 1 to 12 weeks
  • Arrival Airport: Guatemala City (Code: GUA)
  • Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 6-8 hours per day
  • Requirements: Police Check/Clearance report
  • Optional: Spanish Immersion Lesson.. read more
  • Age Limits: Minimum 17yrs or older for solo travelers.
  • Minimum Age: 12 to 16 yrs if volunteering with parents.
  • Airlines: American, United, Delta, Spirit, Avianca, Taca
  • Vaccinations: Routine Vac, Hep-A and Typhoid wwwnc.cdc.gov

Country Info

Guatemala Introduction

Are you ready to help people in need, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and culture of a new country and have the experience of a lifetime? With poverty, disease and a lack of skilled providers putting a strain on important services such as health and childcare in developing countries across the globe, there are many corners of the world which rely on the help of volunteer travelers like yourself.

Volunteer in Guatemala with A Broader View Volunteers a top-rated non-profit charity organization, which works tirelessly to support our wonderful volunteers and serve the local communities where our volunteer programs are located. Placements in Guatemala are based in the cities of Quetzaltenango, Antigua, Alotenango.  Program placements are tailored to the volunteer's different interests and skillsets, but still, allow volunteers time to explore the Central America local culture and activities during their free time.

The type of programs in Guatemala vary widely, offering everything from education to health care. Volunteers can choose between 12 program opportunities in Quetzaltenango, Antigua, Alotenango. International volunteer help is not only appreciated by the local community, but it is also severely needed by the millions of Guatemalans living below the poverty line.  With thousands of children living and working on the streets, as is so often the case in developing countries like Guatemala, our volunteer programs are designed to support the needs of local teens and children in desperate need of assistance.

Many of our volunteers abroad programs cater to underprivileged women and children’s care, education, and health requirements. Our extensive range of social programs in Quetzaltenango, Antigua, Alotenango, Guatemala programs include: Pre Medical, Pre nurses, Pre Dental, animal rescue center, Elderly care, woman support, internships, teaching in primary and secondary schools and volunteering in orphanages and daycare centers and many more programs. To help you settle into your placement, we also provide the opportunity to combine all of our programs with Spanish Immersion Lessons during your time in Guatemala.

Volunteering in Guatemala is an incredibly rewarding experience.  We welcome volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds to join us. Whether you’re seeking volunteer abroad programs for college students or voluntary work for over 60s, as a trusted non-profit organization which prioritizes the safety of our volunteers, we are the go-to for volunteers across the globe. We also offer customized programs with flexible arrival dates to best suit the needs of the remarkable volunteers we depend on to help us make the world a better place.

If you’d like to volunteer, Guatemala is just one of the countries we’ve taken under our wing, supplying a steady flow of volunteers and providing year-round financial support to local projects in Quetzaltenango, Antigua, Alotenango. Wherever you decide to volunteer, A Broader View gives you the opportunity to participate in meaningful community service work, learn a foreign language, make lifelong friends and discover that one person really can make a difference. Your search for the best volunteer abroad programs ends here – volunteer in Guatemala with us and gain A Broader View of the world.

Coordinator

Petra Coordinator GuatemalaJuan Coordinator Guatemala

Welcome to Guatemala 🇬🇹. Our Names are Petra and Juan and we are your ABV coordinators while you are staying in Guatemala. Our country has one big city, Guatemala City. You will be working in Quetzaltenango (Xela). We will be ready for support 24/7 in case you need to contact me urgently. We will introduce you to your volunteer location and staff.

You are most welcome to seek our assistance and don’t hesitate to ask us questions while in the country.

Weather

The temperature and climate vary in Guatemala according to the altitude. The average annual temperature on the coast ranges from 25 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius (77° to 86° Fahrenheit ). When you get to higher places in the country the temperature is much lower with only 15 degrees Celsius (52° Fahrenheit). The rainy season starts in May and lasts until October inland. At the coast, it starts in May and lasts until December.

What's the best time to go to Quetzaltenango in Guatemala? Here are some annual weather facts we collected from our historical climate data:

  • Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
  • Quetzaltenango has dry periods in January, February, March, and December.
  • September is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you don't like too much rain.
  • December is the driest month.

Weather in Guatemala

City: Quetzaltenango | Population: 152000 | Languages: Spanish
Currency: Quetzal (GTQ) | Time zone: UTC−06:00

Volunteer Projects in Guatemala Quetzaltenango (Xela)

Reviews & Multimedia

Reviews

ABV was instrumental in providing me with an experience I will never forget. It was bitter-sweet to see how “the other half” lives. It seems they are satisfied with their lives, even though they don´t have much. I was also glad to have an opportunity to learn Spanish and meet travelers.

ABV Volunteer - Ronald


Ronald

Nationality: USA

Age: 72

Overall it was very good. The online chat persons always seemed to be available and answered all of my questions thoroughly. There is so much to see and do in and around Xela. It´s also relatively easy to get around to the neighboring cities like those around Atitlan and Antigua.

ABV Volunteer - Charles


Charles

Nationality: USA

Age: 39

ABV is a great way to get out and make a difference while knowing you are with a reputable organization that will look out for you, prepare you and ensure a great learning experience. The local support was very thorough and responsive to any questions or help I needed.

ABV Volunteer - Courtney


Courtney

Nationality: USA

Age: 30

Prices for Guatemala

Program Fees

Since A Broader View Volunteers is a 501c(3) charitable organization, You can fundraise (optional) for the expenses of the trip after you get confirmed in our programs. Prices are per person and in US dollars (US$).

Length of programProgram Fee $USD
1 week $895
2 weeks $995
3 weeks $1195
4 weeks $1195
5 weeks $1395
6 weeks $1395
7 weeks $1640
8 weeks $1640
9 weeks $1790
10 weeks $1940
11 weeks $2090
12 weeks $2240
Country / weeks1234
Guatemala - Language Immersion $995 $1290 $1530 $1790

Inclusions

  • Accommodation: Host Families
  • Meals: 3 per day M-F, 2 meals Saturday, no meals Sunday
  • Arrival: Airport meet and greet by ABV Staff
  • Orientation: Project Overview and Orientation
  • Support: Pre-trip written guide, In-country ABV staff available 24/7
  • Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer

Extra costs: Flights to Guatemala. Entry Visa (if applicable). Departure taxes. Vaccinations. Local Transportation. Travel & Health Insurance (approx. us$53). Laundry and Internet (us$10 and us$15).

Meals & Food

Volunteers are provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their accommodation during the week and weekends. Breakfast typically consists of toast, fruit, eggs, cereal accompanied with milk, tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes meat (cow, chicken), potato, rice, vegetables, and a variety of tortillas, pupusas, tostadas. Volunteers can be away from their accommodation mid-day so they take a lunch bag or they go back home. We recommend budgeting between US$5 and US$10 per day to purchase lunch if you don't return to the host family, let the host family know if you change the lunch plans. If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and home-stays can customize to you but be flexible as well.

Start Dates

Most of our programs run year round, you can start any volunteer/internship program on any day. When you apply you will lets know your start and end dates. Our programs run year round and have volunteers arriving almost every day from many different countries.

Since our programs sometimes depend on the local holiday calendar, there are brief occasions when normal programs work is suspended. For example, schools/daycares often close for long winter/summer vacations. During these times, we arrange for alternative work programs that are similar in substance to our ongoing programs, but address the short-term, direct needs of the local communities.

If you would like to arrange your start and end dates around the local holidays, please call us at 1.866.423.3258 or email us at [email protected].

Money Matters

A Broader View Volunteers work tirelessly year round to support our volunteers, and also to serve the local communities where ABV projects are based. As a tax-exempt 501 c(3) organization A Broader View receive 100% of our funding from volunteer contributions. Through your program fee contribution our non-profit charity organization can operate beneficial humanitarian aid programs which are successful and continuous supported year round.

Local, professional full-time coordinators, placement logistics, airport pick up and departure transportation, arrival orientation, food & local accommodations, are a major part of providing a safe, meaningful volunteer experience. When you join A Broader View, you will receive pre-trip visa and vaccination support, assistance with flights, fundraising planning, through our interactive online volunteer portal. Our local partners not only benefit from volunteers valuable contributions at the project, they benefit financially with year-round monetary support from A Broader View. In the last decade A Broader View has donated over 4.5 million dollars in international aid.

By joining A Broader View you are not only helping to make a difference during your own trip, your impact will last even after you go home.

Extras

Tour and weekend trips

Once in country, our local coordinator can help you find the most reliable and safe tour agencies for weekend trips, you can pay in cash or in most locations with a credit card. These tours are not part of the ABV fees.

Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs from Quetzaltenango

Check out the famous hot springs at the Zunil Volcano on this tour of Fuentes Georginas from Quetzaltenango. Relax and indulge in thermal waters that were discovered back in 1902. These communal baths offer up the perfect escape for travelers who want to unwind after epic outdoor hikes or fun-filled city explorations.

Santiaguito Volcano Hiking Tour from Quetzaltenango

Experience spectacular views of Santiaguito — one of the world’s most active volcanoes — on a half-day trekking adventure from Quetzaltenango. Alongside your guide, you’ll embark on a moderately steep hike that soon transforms into flat terrain replete with diverse flora and fauna. On arrival at an ideal vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Santiaguito volcano erupting. Marvel as molten lava and billowing smoke explode from the volcanic crater to form an incredible spectacle. On this small-group tour, limited to 10 people, you’ll receive personalized attention.

Volcano and Lagoon of Chicabal Walking Tour

Spend a day in the fabulous Volcano and Laguna de Chicabal, the most important ceremonial center of the Mam culture. Join a journey through the natural paths of the volcano where you´ll get to know 40 different Mayan altars where the most important ceremonies are celebrated on memorable dates their calendar year-round.

Quetzaltenango Street Food Tour

Uncover the flavors of Quetzaltenango on this street food tour that showcases the best dishes, treats, and snacks of this epic city. Follow your local guide to stands, stalls, and shops. Learn about traditional foods and typical dishes as you sample and savor the best of Quetzaltenango.

Festivals and Festivities

New Year's Day (Año Nuevo) January 1

Easter (Semana Santa; Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday inclusive) March/April

Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) May 1

Army Day (Día del Ejército) June 30

Assumption Day (Día de la Asunción) August 15

Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) September 15

Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución) October 20

All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos) November 1

Christmas Eve afternoon (Víspera Navidad) December 24

Christmas Day (Navidad) December 25

How may we help you?!

How may we help you?!

Our staff has extensive travel and volunteer abroad experience. We have the answers to all your questions about volunteering with ABV. We can customize any of our programs to your needs and dates.

Call/chat with our team members:

(1) 215 780 1845 [email protected]

Language Immersion:
No

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* Price in US dollars
Toll Free: US/CA (1) 866-423-3258