Community Development Volunteering in Guatemala

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

Join Constru Casa and become part of a life-changing mission to build safe and affordable homes for families living in poverty. This volunteer program is based in stunning Guatemala, where vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm communities provide an unforgettable backdrop to your experience. No prior construction experience? No problem! Our team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and valued. As a volunteer, you’ll work with local families and professional builders to construct sustainable, durable homes. Your efforts will directly improve the lives of families by giving them access to safe shelter, reducing health risks, and creating opportunities for a better future. Beyond the construction site, you’ll have the chance to connect with the families you’re helping, explore Guatemala’s rich traditions, and make memories that last a lifetime. By joining our program, you’re not just building houses—you’re building hope, stability, and brighter futures. Make a tangible difference in the world and be part of something truly meaningful!

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey through Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Trek lush rainforests, hike volcanoes, raft wild rivers, and explore ancient Mayan ruins. More than just adventure, this program invites you to live alongside local communities, learn Spanish through immersion, and engage in meaningful sustainability projects that leave a lasting impact. Designed for students and young adults seeking growth, clarity, and purpose, Pacific Discovery blends challenge with support. You’ll gain confidence traveling with a small group and experienced instructors who mentor you through guided reflection and leadership activities. Days balance cultural exchange, service, and personal exploration—so you’re not just passing through, but truly connecting. Whether you’re taking a gap year, looking for an alternative to study abroad, or craving a deeper cultural experience, this program helps you grow, give back, and discover your place in the world.

South of Mexico, Guatemala is a mountainous region that combines ancient Latin cultures with more modern North American influences. Some parts of the country have a real European feel about them, with all the old colonial buildings lining the streets (such as in Antigua). Guatemala also boasts a wealth of jungle to explore, stunning mountains, and historic towns. Despite the poverty and unemployment in Guatemala, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming to visitors. Programs include: - Childcare Support - English Teaching - Stray Dog Rehabilitation - Community Healthcare & Nutrition - Cultural Immersion - Community Construction - Eco Farming & Agriculture - Medical Clinic Internship - *Christmas & New Year Holiday Internships: - Human Rights Internship - Medical Internship - Education Internship - Micro-Business Internship - Hospitality & Tourism Internship - Special Education Internship - Veterinary Internship - Dental Internship

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

Global Dental Relief's Guatemala clinic kicks off in Antigua, the ancient Spanish colonial capital of Central America and Mexico. The first day in Antigua is spent walking cobblestone streets and learning about the vast history of this ancient capital. After Antigua, we begin the journey overland into the Mayan Highlands to set up our dental clinic. Spanish is only one of the languages spoken by our patients and their families, hundreds of indigenous languages are spoken throughout the region. Volunteers tend to pick up a few phrases and practice any Spanish during their work here. The six-day clinic provides essential dental and oral hygiene care to Mayan children. Lines often form before the clinic opens, with eager mothers and children awaiting their turn. After the clinic each evening, volunteers share delicious dinners and enjoy local culture. After a week of complete immersion, volunteers return to Antigua where they have the option of enjoying a weekend of activities (including hiking up to a live volcano) or continuing independently on their own travels.

The primary work of Long-Term Volunteers (LTVs) is to accompany visiting groups, facilitating their experience and interpreting the Mission's work. LTVs help arrange itineraries, accompany groups to work sites, analyze, and ensure all safety protocols are met and logistical needs are arranged. The experience of Long-Term Volunteers at the San Lucas Mission is focused on learning. By working with Guatemalans and accompanying them in their daily activities, they gain insight into the richness of Mayan culture, the Mission's work, and life in Guatemala. LTVs become a part of Mission projects, form relationships in the community, and learn about the community development efforts of the San Lucas Mission. While participating in this cross-cultural exchange, we hope that they become more open, aware, and educated global citizens.

Huge population growth and migration have strained resources all over the country. As a result, its literacy rate is among the lowest in the world and poverty is prominent. Common standards of living, poor sanitation, and even limited access to clean water are all daily challenges faced by many Guatemalans. Work side by side with the locals on addressing the needs they have identified. Our staple activity in this location is the building of a cement floor for a family. The remaining work is divided among other projects, such as: - working with children at a local community library - teaching in an After-School Enrichment program - teaching pronunciation to students and teachers who are learning to write but speak the language These can often be changed (upon arrival) after discussions with the on-site coordinator. Do not hesitate to communicate if you feel like you are doing too much or too little work; our coordinators do their very best to meet the varying abilities of our volunteers.

Volunteer with UPAVIM and support our mission to empower the women of La Esperanza, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Guatemala City. Contribute to initiatives that promote economic opportunities, enabling these women to provide for their families’ needs. You also help improve the quality of life for the entire community. Over the past 33 years, UPAVIM has grown from a small baby-weighing program to a women's cooperative employing over 100 local women and making handmade fairtrade crafts sold around the world. The proceeds from these crafts pay the women's salaries, as well as fund UPAVIM's community health clinic and school. The school offers a daycare, pre-school, and elementary school (K-6th grade). UPAVIM also manages the first public library in the neighborhood. Here, we offer free English classes and tutoring for all ages. We operate a bakery and a soy factory to provide the community with fresh and affordable goods. Are you interested in volunteering in Guatemala? Inquire today to get more information.

Volunteer in Quetzaltenango – Help Out, Stand Out Ready to do something meaningful during your trip? Volunteering in Quetzaltenango (also known as Xela) allows you to connect with local communities and make a meaningful difference, while gaining unforgettable experiences along the way. There are tons of local projects here that need your help. Whether you’re into working with kids, supporting women, protecting the environment, or helping in healthcare, there’s a project that fits you. You could find yourself teaching in schools, helping in a shelter for teen mothers, reforesting the highlands, or supporting women’s textile cooperatives. Most projects require a minimum stay of 2 weeks, and since many people you’ll work with don’t speak English, a basic level of Spanish is necessary. Not quite there yet? We’ve got your back with online Spanish lessons to get you ready before you go. Volunteering in Guatemala isn’t just a way to give back—it’s an experience that will challenge and inspire you. If you’re open-minded, motivated, and ready for something real, Xela is calling.

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.

Of the 97% indigenous Mayan Kaqchikel in the rural town of Comalapa, Guatemala, 57% live in poverty and 27% in extreme poverty. Residents lack access to potable water, food, shelter, and quality education. Severe environmental degradation and climate change exacerbate these challenges. A significant shift in these circumstances requires a heroic and collaborative effort. To address these issues, Long Way Home was founded in 2004. In 2008, our team of educators, builders, volunteers, and administrators established Hero School to ensure multi-generational systemic change. During the construction of the Hero School campus, our team of local builders and over 4000 volunteers transformed more than 500 tons of repurposed waste (including 30,000 used tires) into our 20-structure campus. Today, 175 primary, middle, and high school students attend Hero School, receiving instruction from 25 dedicated educators. Our pedagogy prioritizes systemic thought, critical thinking, innovation, and global citizenship, preparing our local youth to navigate complex challenges with empathy and resilience.

Ready to serve in Guatemala but not ready to organize a big team and all the daily details? We can help! Join our trips, which have been designed to bring people together so they can make an impact. Serve together. Learn together. Be forever changed together. Experience a life-changing week by serving children and families in and around Guatemala City. We work with you to create trips that use your gifts to bless those you serve. Join us today. Our mission trips are designed to educate guests about the worldwide orphan crisis and provide opportunities to preserve families facing a crisis. Have the opportunity to help transform the lives of children and families in need. Your trip focuses on hearing the stories of local community members and serving. We hope this volunteer program changes your perspective on poverty, forever changing your life.