Volunteer in Guatemala

Volunteer in Guatemala

Volunteer in Guatemala with A Broader View Volunteers, our highly rated non-profit charity organization. Volunteer placements are located throughout Guatemala, mainly in the cities of Quetzaltenango, Alotenango and Antigua.  Volunteers can choose between 12 programs options throughout in Guatemala.

Quetzaltenango is the second largest city, located in the highlands of Guatemala, located about 3 hours from the Guatemala City airport.  Volunteers working on the medical project can get hands on experience working with local doctors and nurses in small local clinics for the poor, providing check-ups and basic medical care in poor communities and at orphanages.

Medical brigades including ambulance/rescue, physician assistants and nursing internship can be arranged in Guatemala. With housing available up to 25 volunteers, A Broader View has hosted faculty led medical missions as well as college and high school student groups in the city of Quetzaltenango. 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 students, teachers and families providing tailor-made service trips for small groups.

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 volunteer in Guatemala you will not only support the poor and disadvantaged, you will 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

Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala - Quetzaltenango (Xela)

Language Immersion

Language Immersion classes are available in Antigua and also in Xela. Volunteer in Antigua or Xela and you can take half day of Spanish language lessons. Language Immersion gives you the opportunity to expand and focus your Spanish knowledge, while participating in one of volunteer projects. Lessons are provided by tutors on a one-on-one(two) basis. Lesson plans are created with your input so they can be most effective. Language Immersion lessons can be combined with the children's, teaching or medical projects we offer.

*Volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala in the morning. Last bus to Xela departs at 3:00pm. Overnight in Guatemala city is not included in cost of program. Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 2:00PM.

Program Schedule

  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.  
  • City tour and orientation in Antigua / Xela
  • Morning Volunteer work, 5 days a week for 20 hours
  • Afternoon Spanish lessons, 5 days a week for 20 hours (45min each)
  • Certificate of completion from ABV
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer

Pre-medical / Therapy

Pre-medical / Therapy

As a pre-medical or pre-nursing undergradute this is an excellent opportunity to assist in a medical center. Gain universal knowledge and experience in your future career path. Volunteer with a local foundation that believes in the physical recovery of all individuals, offering rehabilitation to all people from the Guatemalan community. They offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy and special education to children and adults. Patients are disabled from for example car accidents, but also from birth with Down-syndrome, autism, or birth related brain damage.

Volunteers can support in the different areas of therapy. If you´re a specialist in physiotherapy, you can do that, but also volunteers without experience are welcome to assist any of the other therapists (also the psychologist). Proficiency in Spanish is required.  We also recommend our Language and Cultural Immersion projects where you can learn Spanish while working in a health program.

*Volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala in the morning. Last bus to Xela departs at 3:00pm. Overnight in Guatemala city is not included in cost of program.  Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 2:00PM.

Program Schedule

  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.
  • Monday to Friday volunteering. 35-40 hours per week
  • Weekends free to sightseeing
  • Typical shift work can be: 8:00am - 3:00pm
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure: Transfer to Guatemala City airport

Paramedic / Rescue

Paramedic / Rescue

Quetzaltenango, as second biggest city of Guatemala, relies 100% on volunteer firefighters. These firefighters are responsible to attend emergencies and fires in the city. Volunteer with prior training would participate in the ambulance activities. This can include attend car accidents, injured people, general sickness.  On a daily basis, the local firefighters attend approximately 6-10 emergencies, in the area of Quetzaltenango and surrounding villages. In case of big accidents, they also provide assistance further into the country.

Volunteers are welcome to support the ambulances of the firefighters. This involves being present at the station, and when an emergency comes in, volunteers can assist with all of them.

When there are no emergencies, there is help needed with cleaning of the units, check equipment and general tasks. Spanish speaking volunteers are needed.

Program Schedule

  • Accommodation: Host Families
  • Meals: 3 per day Monday to Saturday, Sunday only breakfast
  • Arrival: Airport meet and greet pickup, transport to bus station
  • Bus Ticket: Included and pick up at Quetzaltenango bus station.
  • Orientation: Project Overview and Orientation
  • Support: Pre-trip written guide, In-country ABV staff available 24/7
  • Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer

Teaching / Education

Paramedic / Rescue

for children in western countries it is normal to attend school every day. Unfortunately in Guatemala the reality is different. Children often don't go to school, and their rights to education  is not a household priority. Spanish speaking volunteers work with a local school and help with English lessons and personal coaching with life skills to improve the children's outlook in life. Volunteer teachers and assistance needed for primary school age children. *Schools are closed in December to mid January.

Activities / Requirements: You will help teach English, also teaching sports classes, creative lessons like painting, drawing, crafts and dance. Volunteers encouraged to interact with the kids with cooking lessons, singing, lessons on the environment and nature. This program can be combined with Spanish Immersion lessons.

*Volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala in the morning. Last bus to Xela departs at 3:00pm. Overnight in Guatemala city is not included in cost of program. Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 2:00PM.

Program Schedule

  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.  Bus tickets to Xela
  • Monday to Friday volunteering. 35-40 hours per week
  • Weekends free to sightseeing
  • Typical shift work can be: 7:00am - 3:00pm with lunch break
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure:  Transfer to Guatemala City airport

Children Support

This program is promoting and enhancing the general wellbeing of children, woman and families living in poverty, and because of this poverty live in very difficult circumstances.

This project is active in the deprived area Las Rosas where they support children who work and live in extreme poverty and/or in risk to get on the streets. The project also supports the women and families in the same area, providing them (financial) self-sustainability. They run a kid’s lunchroom, and an afterschool program. Every afternoon, about 70-80 kids come to the project, all aged between 6 and 14 years old.

Volunteers are helpful in many ways. There is the lunchroom, where they prepare a lunch for 50 children every day. There is also the afternoon program, where they organize educational and recreational activities for an average of 80 children daily. Between lunch and the afterschool program, the children receive homework assistance.

The following schedules are available:

  • 10:00am – 15:00pm: lunchroom assistance
  • 10:00am – 17:00pm: lunchroom and afterschool program
  • 12:30pm – 17:00pm: end of lunch, homework and afterschool program
  • 14:00pm – 17:00pm: afterschool program

During the afterschool program, volunteers assist the children in the activities planned by the team, so help the children execute their work, supervise them, teach them to behave, and play with them. Volunteers are also more than welcome to plan and execute their own recreational activity in the area or sports, games or handicrafts.

*Volunteers need to arrive on a morning flight to Guatemala City (no later than 13pm). Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 14:00PM.

Program Schedule

  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.  Bus tickets to Xela
  • Monday to Friday volunteering. 35-40 hours per week
  • Weekends free to sightseeing
  • Typical shift work can be: 7:00am - 4:30pm with lunch break
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure:  Transfer to Guatemala City airport

Medical Project

Medical Project

Volunteer in Guatemala there are networks of public health centers offering free of charge care. One of these centers is located in the town of Xela. Volunteer in an outpatient environment which caters to poor families living in Xela. Spanish speaking volunteers with a health back ground (medical/nursing students, EMT) are welcome. Patients see vary between 200-300 per day.

Medical volunteering will allow you to give patient checkups, examining babies, taking weights, checking vitals, and shadowing the local medical staff.  We need volunteers with Intermediate Spanish knowledge.*This program can be combined with Language Immersion classes.

*Volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala in the morning. Last bus to Xela departs at 3:00pm. Overnight in Guatemala city is not included in cost of program.  Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 2:00PM.

Program Schedule

  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.
  • Monday to Friday volunteering. 35-40 hours per week
  • Weekends free to sightseeing
  • Typical shift work can be: 7:00am - 4:30pm with lunch break
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure: Transfer to Guatemala City airport

Woman's Support Projects

Woman's Support Projects

Volunteer in Guatemala at a Mother-Child Center. This shelter is a government institution for young mothers and their children. This shelter is home to 60 mothers, girls and young children. The teenage mothers and their young infants can stay here, as well as teenage girls who have suffered from sexual abuse. The girls and mothers are all under 18 years old, and the children are aged approximately 0 to 5 years old. There is a lot of emphasis on psychology, as well as learning how to be a mother.

Volunteers are much needed at this shelter. The volunteers are asked to organize their own activities. So together with the staff and ABV Volunteer's help, the volunteer has to make a plan for the time he/she will spend there. You can think of activities like crafts, music, art, sports, or something that you like or that you ́re good at. You can plan activities for the babies or for the girls, according to your preference. The volunteer foresees in his/her own supplies. Also, the shelter understaffed and always short on (economical and material) resources, you will often be on your own with the girls and children.  This is a year round project.  Volunteer houses are typically 830am-12pm, 230pm-430pm Monday to Friday.


Another option is to volunteer with woman in a residential care center for the elderly.

Most of the residents have no other living options. Some have been abandoned by their own family. The home provides these ladies, free of charge, a place to live, meals, clothing, medical treatment and therapy needs. Since most woman in Latin American culture are the back bone of the family, they deserve to live their life with dignity and in a happy environment. *This program can be combined with the medical projects, as volunteers are needed to provide health checks like checking blood pressures, sugar levels, administering medication and physical therapy needs.

You will help with recreational and cultural activities, help to prepare food, and feed some of the ladies, some ladies simply need people to talk to them, or read to them for a few hours. We need volunteers with strong Spanish knowledge. 

*Volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala in the morning. Last bus to Xela departs at 3:00pm. Overnight in Guatemala city is not included in cost of program.  Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 2:00PM.

Program Schedule

  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.  Bus tickets to Xela
  • Monday to Friday volunteering. 35-40 hours per week
  • Weekends free to sightseeing
  • Typical shift work can be: 7:00am - 4:30pm with lunch break
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure:  Transfer to Guatemala City airport

Orphanage

Orphanage

Help support both single parents and their children. This project is for parents of limited resources. This is a daycare center where the (single) parent can bring their child while they work. The kids receive pre-kinder lessons, behavior training and recreational time. The project foresees in breakfast, snack, lunch and snack. The center has capacity for between 15-25 kids. The center has babies, toddlers and pre-school age children between 3 months and 5 years old.

Volunteers are needed to take care of the kids, as they are very young and active. It ́s simply playing, or doing some creative activities like arts and crafts, dancing, or teach them some English. You can also help in the kitchen to prepare the food, and help the kids eat. Or accompany the kids when they have an excursion.

Due to the lack of adequate number of staff onsite volunteers for this project need to be pro-active, willing to work with limited direction, and come with a can-do, enthusiastic attitude. ABV Coordinators will help with direction and suggestions, but this program needs enthused participants.

*Volunteers need to arrive on a morning flight to Guatemala City (no later than 1pm). Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 2:00PM.

Program Schedule

  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.  Bus tickets to Xela
  • Monday to Friday volunteering. 35-40 hours per week
  • Weekends free to sightseeing
  • Typical shift work can be: 7:00am - 4:30pm with lunch break
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure:  Transfer to Guatemala City airport

Animal Rescue Center

Animal Rescue Center

The program is a municipal institution where they receive about 500.000 visitors yearly. The center has 200 animals of 41 species. Many of the visitors are school children coming on a school trip to learn about the animals, but also regular visitors come to the park. The program is currently going through renovations, improving and increasing the animal spaces.

The volunteer can involve in different areas of the park:

  • Work directly with the veterinarian, making daily rounds, administer medication and vitamins and create a healthy environment for the animals.
  • Feed the animals and prepare the food
  • Assist with the tours and conferences for groups (mostly school children in Spanish)
  • Assist with the tours and conferences for groups for English speaking visitors
  • Help in the maintenance of the park, building, painting and also cleaning- for people with experience in the health sector, they can learn how to apply injected and oral vaccinations to the animals.
  • We need veterinarians, pre-veterinarians, and general volunteers.

*Volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala in the morning. Last bus to Xela departs at 3:00pm. Overnight in Guatemala city is not included in cost of program.  Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 2:00PM.

Deaf/Blind Center

Deaf/Blind Center

This educational center provides education to people with a visual and hearing handicap. The center offers pre-primary and primary education in classrooms until 6th grade. There is also a special education classroom. The center accommodates a total of 140 children.

The deaf children come to school every day, and the blind children come as much as they need. They have a specific program that´s different from the deaf children.

Most volunteers involve in the special education department. But also the classrooms for the smaller grades are open for volunteers. Sign language will help you in the program.

Volunteers work as classroom assistants, taking care of the children, make class material, help with the classes and homework. A 10 min bus ride and a 10 min walk is required (each day US$1 a day  transportation).

Program closed:
Holy week
Summer vacation: End of October to 2nd week of January)
Last week of June

Program Schedule

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

Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala - Antigua

Antigua Guatemala Language Immersion

Antigua Guatemala Language Immersion

Language Immersion classes are available in Antigua. Volunteer in Antigua and you can take half day of Spanish language lessons (3 hours a day). Language Immersion gives you the opportunity to expand and focus your Spanish knowledge, while participating in one of volunteer projects. Lessons are provided by tutors on a one-on-one(or two) basis. Lesson plans are created with your input so they can be most effective. Language Immersion lessons can be combined with all the programs we offe rin Antigua.

*Volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala City no later than 3pm. Stay in Guatemala city is not included in cost of program. Departure flights from Guatemala City need to be scheduled after 2:00PM.

Program Schedule

  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.
  • City tour and orientation in Antigua
  • Morning Volunteer work, 4 days a week for 20 hours
  • Afternoon Spanish lessons, 5 days a week total 15 hours (45min each)
  • Certificate of completion from ABV
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer

Child Care / Women Shelter

Child Care / Women Shelter

Guatemala’s young women experience some of the highest levels of sexual abuse, with one out of three woman experiencing abuse before the age of 18. Volunteers interested in working with teen mothers and victims of abuse are welcome at this center. This shelter is a residential home and haven to 85 females. The residents include adolescent mothers and their small children who are provided ambulatory care and a temporary shelter escaping a life of abuse. By spending your time supporting women and girls in need, you can help them towards a better future.

Specific Objectives of the Project
- Provide psychological care and support to those suffering from violence.
- Introduce topics of encouragement and building self-esteem
- Develop training, awareness and prevention activities on health and hygiene

With over 85 residents, focus is stressed on intervention, prevention, education and empowerment. The center provides educational creche and day care services for the small children. We encourage volunteers to introduce workshops in dance, exercise, meditation, and cooking workshops.

Donations needed: children’s vitamins, sanitary products, body wash, personal hygiene products, diapers, lightly used clothing for woman/adolescents, powered milk and medications for cold/cough.

Senior Care Center

Senior Care Center

Elderly family members are most often held in high regard and well respected in Latin American culture, Hispanic culture emphasizes strong family ties and most households have traditional structure of three generations. Rising living standards and better access to quality health care have increased the life expectancy of Latin Americans to close to 75 years.

For those without family means to support them, elderly care homes are becoming more predominant in many societies. While most of the elderly residents have disabilities, which do not allow them to live with their own family, some of the patients have been abandoned, or have mental illness such as Alzheimer’s. Our volunteers help with the day to day activities including personal interactions, stimulation with the residents, including feeding, and physical therapy need. Most residents range between the ages of 67 – 111 years old. There are approximately 185 residents and the center needs help to distribute food, clothing and medicine to those in need whilst trying to keep an adequate standard of living for the elderly. Schedule: 8:00am to 12pm and 14:30 to 18:00.

The ways in which you can help like volunteer are:
- Meals times – most residents will need to be hand-fed.
- Specialized therapeutic care. Physical therapy techniques.
- Reading books, talking together, playing cards
- Laundry and kitchen needs, running errands for the staff
- Nursing care available 24/7.

Donations needed: adult vitamins, Spanish music and books to share with the residents, cognitive games and puzzles for mental stimulations.

Medical / Nurse Programs

Medical / Nurse Programs

A Broader View partners with local hospital and centro de salud centers throughout Antigua. We have built a partnership-based model in Antigua Guatemala to provide support with community outreach programs and preventative health education. ABV makes responsible contributions year-round to our local partners and supports the local communities by using homestay accommodations.

Some of the most common health complications are preventable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cervical cancer. Misconceptions about healthcare and lack of access to culturally appropriate services result in high rates of these preventable diseases. To maximize your contribution, ABV will tailor your experience based on current needs, your interests, Spanish levels, training, and amount of time that you spend with us on-site in Antigua Guatemala. This program is only for trained/licensed medical and nurse providers (license/CV and Spanish knowledge a requirement).

Clinical Activities/Health Education/Special Initiatives in Antigua Guatemala

  • Rounds with hospital staff
  • Attending and assisting with surgeries
  • Nutrition Area, Dermatology, Laboratory
  • Health screenings during community outreach days
  • Post Surgery support and nutricional recovery.

In Guatemala, ABV organizes individual placements, as group medical missions. Spanish proficiency is highly recommended, but not required by ABV Volunteers. However, volunteers may find that any level of Spanish comprehension will enhance interactions with medical staff, patients, and community members. This program is suitable for licensed physicians, registered nurses, physician assistants and physical therapists.

Supplies/donations required: exam gloves, masks, stethoscope, oximeter, medical scrubs, Scissors, Thermometer, Otoscope & Ophthalmoscope Set, blue & red pens

Special Needs Children

Special Needs Children

Volunteers in Guatemala are needed at a special needs center located in the city of Antigua. There are about 250 residents which reside in several homes. All residents suffer from various physical and mental ailments. The center provides care to small children and adolescents. Volunteers work in the therapy rooms and engage them in the outdoor areas for sitting, reading and talking with the residents. As a residential facility bedding and food are provided for all residents, and most of the home's funding comes from donations and international support.

Hours for volunteers are: 8am to 5pm. The mornings are spent with the children who are unable to attend school doing physical therapy, playing, feeding, move the residents to their activity areas and changing. In the afternoon, volunteers help the children with schoolwork, feeding, getting children ready for bed by 5pm and cleaning up after the meal.

Donations needed: adult & children’s vitamins, cognitive games and puzzles for mental stimulations. 

Dental/Dental Assistants Programs

Dental/Dental Assistants Programs

Professional dental providers and licensed dental hygienist are welcome in this program. Assist the local staff with dental health care, oral health maintenance and care. Preventative oral health is extremely important. Volunteers will do check-ups, extractions, treating cavities, cleanings and minor surgery.

  • Set up and preparing an examination area.
  • Providing prophylaxis and fluoride treatments
  • Giving oral health: educating patients on proper cleaning and flossing
  • Pain management procedures, oral cancer screenings, fillings, sealants and extractions..

Non-Spanish speaking volunteers: Language immersion is highly recommended, and lessons are given 5 days of afternoon lessons.

Requirement: Volunteers must supply their own scrubs, gloves, masks, syringes, local anesthesia, head lamp, basic hand tools/instruments. Box of toothbrushes and tooth paste to donate to the local patients.

Pre Medical / Pre Nurse Students

Pre Medical / Pre Nurse Students

Volunteer in Guatemala. If you are an undergraduate studying biology, chemistry or any of the sciences and are considering a career in medicine this is the ideal program for you. This program is as much about learning about universal health care, as it is to offer hands on assistance to the local medical staff who you will be working with in Antigua. This type of experience is a great way to strengthen your resume and application to medical/nursing/PA school.

This center provides specialized care to babies in medical need. Currently the center provides care for about 20 children. Babies are monitored 24/7 by pediatricians and nurses and nutritionists who provide care to babies struggling with malnutrition. Once the baby recovers the hospital provides the families with medication, food, vitamins, and items to keep the baby healthy. Volunteer tasks include:

Feeding babies
Providing mental stimulation
Changing diapers and clothing
Providing support for health education

Donations needed: baby diapers, children’s vitamins, baby clothing, powered milk

Overview

  • Project length: From 1 week to 12 weeks
  • Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
  • Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.  Bus tickets to Antigua
  • Monday to Friday volunteering. 35-40 hours per week
  • Weekends free to sightseeing
  • Typical shift work can be: 7:00am - 4:30pm with lunch break
  • Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
  • Departure:  Transfer to Guatemala City airport

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, San Pedro..  Program placements are tailored to the volunteers different interests and skill sets, 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 22 program opportunities in Quetzaltenango, Antigua, San Pedro. International volunteer help is not only appreciated by the local community, it is 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 volunteer abroad programs cater to underprivileged women and children’s care, education and health requirements. Our extensive range of social programs in Quetzaltenango, Antigua, San Pedro, 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 day care 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 give 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 GuatemalaAna Coordinator Guatemala

Welcome to Guatemala 🇬🇹. Our Names are Petra, Juan and Ana 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 country.

Weather

The temperature and climate varies 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.
  • On average, the warmest month is .
  • On average, the coolest month is .
  • 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

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
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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
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Courtney

Nationality: USA

Age: 30

Prices for Guatemala

Program Fees

Since A Broader View Volunteers is a 501 c(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 $915
2 weeks $1090
3 weeks $1235
4 weeks $1380
5 weeks $1525
6 weeks $1670
7 weeks $1815
8 weeks $1960
9 weeks $2205
10 weeks $2250
11 weeks $2395
12 weeks $2540
Country / weeks1234
Guatemala - Language Immersion $1060 $1420 $1725 $2055

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 Saturday breakfats, no Sunday meals. 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