Gap Year Programs in Guatemala

Impressively situated between four countries, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala has a square mileage similar to Tennessee. Nearly one-third of its population of 16.6 million are centralized near the capital of Guatemala City, but more Mayan archaeological sites are worth visiting outside of the city: Tikal in the Peten, Quiriguá in Izabal, and Iximche in Tecpan Chimaltenango. The majority of the Guatemala gap year programs are located in Guatemala City and Antigua. 

Guatemala City. The capital of Guatemala is situated in the southern part of the country and is the hub for museums, galleries, transportation, and more. Visit the Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing, ogle at animals at the La Aurora Zoo, and mosey around the Parque Central. Stop for a bite at a cafe and savor the flavors of tamales, guacamole, and fried plantains. Programs here are available for gappers interested in volunteering in anything from health to animal welfare to teaching. 

Antigua. The colonial city of Antigua, located an hour southwest of Guatemala City, was once Guatemala’s capital and now is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. Known to be more quieter and safer than the capital, Antigua is a popular tourist place for its Spanish monuments. Marvel at the partially finished Catedral de Santiago, browse handicrafts at Casa del Tejido Antiguo, and take some Spanish classes at one of its many language schools. Three large volcanoes on the horizon create stunning views and provide adventurous activities of mountain biking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

With Guatemala gap year programs, you’ll have opportunities to build leadership and resilience skills, immerse yourself in a new culture, and make a difference for those in need. Many programs even provide its gappers with scuba diving or surfing lessons in addition to visiting Mayan ruins, national parks, volcanoes, and world heritage sites! Some of the most popular Guatemala gap year programs include language immersion and volunteering.

Spanish. More and more jobs are looking for bilingual speakers, so why not acquire this skill by participating in a Spanish immersion gap year program in Guatemala? ¡Sí, se puede! From restaurants to transportation to supermarkets, everywhere you go will be Spanish practice grounds. Immersion + host family + classes = Spanish language acquisition! Some programs even dual as Spanish immersion and adventure travel/volunteering. 

Volunteering. Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Central America and faces many social and economic problems. Your contribution will touch the lives of those around you whether it be building houses for local families, supporting and rescuing animals, or teaching English to children. Wherever your interests or talents lie, you’ll gain valuable skills while having the chance to meet new people and practice your Spanish with the community.

Costs. The cost of living in Guatemala is affordable with food and transportation being relatively cheap (1.5 liters of water is $0.89). The program costs depend mainly on the duration and what it offers. Some programs are less than $100 a week and some are $5,000 a week. Most programs provide visa support, accommodation, meals, and in-country transportation as part of the fee. Recruiting friends and family for help via FundMyTravel can help you raise money. 

Accommodations. The Guatemala gap year program accommodations range from group living, dormitories, apartments/flats, guest houses, independent living, and home-stays. With many of the Spanish immersion programs, staying with a host family is one of the best ways to practice on a daily basis. You’ll also learn more slang, idioms, and common Guatemala-isms with a homestay accommodation as well. 

Visas. The visa requirements vary with citizenship and duration of your stay. For U.S. citizens staying less than 90 days, a passport is all that is needed, and a visa isn’t required. If staying longer, you can apply for another 90 days at the immigration office. Guatemala offers tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and work permits. Programs typically help with the visa process for its participants. Visit the GoAbroad embassy directory for more information on requirements. 

Safety. Guatemala experiences crime like many countries in the world, and it’s best to keep a few things in mind. Make sure you always keep your valuables on you and in your sight (but don’t flaunt them), especially on buses, as pickpocketing is common. Use ATM’s in supermarkets or shopping malls because it’s hard for them to be tampered with easily. Always carry a copy of your passport with you, and keep your passport at your accommodation in a safe place. It’s also advisable to drink only bottled water, get your typhoid and hep shots before coming, and avoid street food.

Why is a gap year in Guatemala a good idea? No matter your age or place in life, your decision to experience a gap year abroad in Guatemala will be one of the best decisions of your life. From needing a year off between high school and college to needing a year off from the rat race, you’ll not only learn a lot about yourself and grow and transform as a person, but you’ll also develop global perspectives.

What is a top travel tidbit for a Guatemala gap year? Compared to an “eternal spring,” the weather in Guatemala can be cool in the mornings and evenings and hot and sunny or humid and rainy during the day. The clothing style go-to is conservative, so it’s best to wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. You’ll also need comfortable flats or athletic sneakers for rough roads and sidewalks. Don’t forget your umbrella/poncho, rain boots, sunglasses, and sunscreen! 

Guatemala will bedazzle gappers from its blue waters of Lake Atitlán to the colorful markets of Chichicastenango to the rafting opportunities at Semuc Champey. Whether you’re interested in touring museums, galleries, cathedrals, or you’re more into volcanic hiking, ziplining, or cave exploring, you’ll be able to do it all. With all the activities and sights this country has to offer in addition to opportunities to change lives and learn Spanish, what are you waiting for?! Take a gap year in Guatemala!  

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