IVHQ Volunteer Programs in Guatemala

As seasoned travelers and retirees, this was our 17th volunteer program, 14 of which have been with IVHQ. As we tell anyone that asks, we feel IVHQ does an EXCELLENT job communicating both up front and during the application, pre and during the volunteer process, vetting their diverse projects in over 50 countries. Their local team partners work seamlessly, so that the experience is smoothe. We have just finished our first Eco-Agriculture project, where we picked coffee, worked in the gardens, mushroom farm and saw the impact of our efforts first-hand. Working side by side younger volunteers is always rewarding as we mutually share experiences and travel highlights. Oh, and although there is an application fee in addition to modest room and board costs, we feel these are reasonable and provide great value in exchange for volunteering, meeting diverse people, and experiencing the local culture, while providing balance to what otherwise, would "just" be traveling. Anyone can do this! The structure is there, you simply need to be flexible, embrace the opportunity and give it a try.

I loved how I was taken care of from the beginning to the end. Really felt safe and comfortable on making the trip happen. I felt honored volunteering and actually learned so much in the process. It will be one of your best experiences in your life.

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.

I was fortunate to have been able to volunteer with IVHQ twice - once in Costa Rica with a sea turtle conservation program and another in Guatemala with their medical campaigns. Those three weeks were some of the best of my life. The volunteer placements are incredible, and I met so many inspirational people, both from the local communities we worked with as well as fellow volunteers. My experience was honestly only positive - I was a little doubtful for both how much me being there was actually going to help. In both cases, it was clear volunteers played an integral role in the success of their programs, but I also realized that I gained so much more from than the experience than I could ever hope to accomplish in a week or two. It helped me reevaluate my priorities in life, and I honestly will never forget the people I met through our work. If you're even considering volunteering with IVHQ, just do it!

I travelled by myself to Guatemala but during my stay I've met an amazing amount of people. I travelled across the boarder to El Salvador with another girl I met in Guatemala who also travelled to GUA alone. I really enjoyed my time with IVHQ in Guatemala. The only thing I kinda regret which was my fault was choosing homestay. While the family I stayed with was wonderful, I could have meet more fellow IVHQers had I stayed in the dormitory. But the honestly was nice as I only had to share a room with one other girl. And no fighting for the shower since it was just the two of us in the homestay. Antigua, Guatemala is small enough to travel around where you don't feel unsafe(just use caution and common sense). I will definitely be using IVHQ again in the future!!