GoAbroad

Volunteer in Guatemala — Build Your Own Trip

by: Local Hope Guatemala

Add first reviewSince 1992

Volunteer with Local Hope Guatemala in a meaningful program that goes beyond service. Gain a life-changing experience through cultural immersion as you work alongside our local staff and connect with children, adults, and seniors in Xela AID programs. Visit families in their homes, hear their stories, and explore the surrounding area. We’ll match your skills and interests with one or more programs designed to foster self-reliance. Training is provided in areas such as: • Montessori Preschool • Study Center • Computer Lab • Special Needs Support • Medical, Dental, or Optometry Clinics • Sports Activities • Food Insecurity Relief • Leadership Training • Adult Literacy • Environmental Programs • Senior Services • ESL or English Practice This Build-Your-Own program is ideal for individuals or groups seeking a custom itinerary. Stay at our modern Eco Guest House with breakfast included. Optional add-ons include meals, immersive volunteering, curated cultural activities, local excursions, and round-trip transportation from Quetzaltenango airport or city.

Program Highlights

Customize your “Build-Your-Own” program with stays of any length, volunteer across various areas, activities, and meal options—arrive and depart at your convenience—for one person or a small group.

Make a meaningful impact while discovering Guatemala’s people, culture, history, and natural beauty through immersive volunteer service.

Apply your skills and passions to uplift villagers and support sustainable community development.

Help improve life for underserved communities in the Guatemalan Highlands through hands-on service.

Benefit from possible tax deductions—Local Hope is a registered 501(c)(3); ask a tax expert to confirm your eligibility.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Guatemala
Starts At: $600-900, $900-1250
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 1-2 Years
  • Multiple Year
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: All Ages
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Business
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Computer Training
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Dental
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Health Care
  • Health Education
  • Medicine
  • Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Senior Citizens
  • Small Business Development
  • Social Work
  • Special Needs
  • Sports
  • Teaching
  • Tourism
  • Water Projects
  • Women
  • Youth
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Awards

great non profitsRotary ClubCandid 2024

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Guatemala

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Business
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Computer Training
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Dental
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Health Care
  • Health Education
  • Medicine
  • Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Senior Citizens
  • Small Business Development
  • Social Work
  • Special Needs
  • Sports
  • Teaching
  • Tourism
  • Water Projects
  • Women
  • Youth

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 1-2 Years
  • Multiple Year
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break

Age Requirement

Open to All Ages

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Starts At

$600-900, $900-1250

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Some Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • Assistance Booking Travel
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Accommodation Options

  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have an all-inclusive volunteer service trip package?

Yes. Our two-week "Volunteer in Guatemala - All-Inclusive Adventure" (running from Sunday to Sunday, all year round) costs $1,939. Each additional week is $855.

Can children and seniors participate in the program?

Yes! We welcome people of all ages. Everyone has skills and interests they can share with the villagers, who range from young children to seniors. Volunteering with Local Hope Guatemala is more than service. It's also a profoundly enriching experience involving cultural immersion and exchange. Our facilities include elevators, making Local Hope Guatemala accessible to all.

Are there are lot of attractions in the area?

Yes. There is plenty to see and experience, such as hiking around the sacred Lake Chicabal in the volcano crater, taking hot baths at Las Georginas set in a lush forest, and a visit to the nearby, colorful, colonial city of Quetzaltenango. We offer a guided tour (for an extra fee) of the magnificent Lake Atitlán and Panajachel to view twin volcanoes, breathtaking scenery, and a colorful marketplace.

Does the program offer special optional activities?

Yes! You can book one or more of the following:

  • Practice for Spanish Speakers 2 – $39
  • Introduction to Back-Strap Weaving – $100
  • Build and Deliver a Chicken Coop – $117
  • Authentic Mayan "Day Keeping" Ceremony – $145
  • Guided Tour to Sacred Lake Chicabál – $60
  • Authentic In-Home Experience – $15
  • Mayan Cooking and Shopping – $25

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