Eco-Tourism 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 155,000 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!

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.

In Guatemala, sustainable farming is growing in popularity, but it comes with challenges. Local farmers need extra hands in the field to maintain strong production using eco-friendly methods. You’ll work alongside them just outside Antigua, learning about eco farming while volunteering on coffee and macadamia nut farms. You’ll take part in each stage of the farming process—from planting and harvesting to processing the crops. This is a hands-on, physical project, so come ready to work hard. Volunteers at the coffee cooperative may: • Plant and prune coffee trees and maintain the nursery • Harvest, process, roast, and package coffee beans • Fertilize fields using organic material like coffee husks • Help with reforestation and supplemental farming projects • Translate for farm tours and assist with marketing and sales • Repair equipment and support basic construction needs • Tend to small farm animals This project offers a meaningful way to support local sustainability efforts while gaining farming experience.

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.

Discover the Wildlife Rescue Centre program in Guatemala, a sanctuary for endangered animals facing threats like habitat loss and illegal trading. Situated by a tranquil lake, our center cares for over 500 animals including scarlet macaws, toucans, howler monkeys, coatis and jaguars. Volunteers play a vital role in feeding, cleaning, and enriching the lives of these animals, with shifts from 6 am to 3 pm daily. Engage in hands-on tasks, like habitat maintenance and educational initiatives, to help conserve Guatemala's biodiversity. Whether you're seeking internship opportunities or interested in learning about Wildlife Rehabilitation Medicine, our program offers personal and professional growth. Forge friendships with volunteers from around the world, and enjoy an over-night excursion to Tikal National Park where you will be immersed in Guatemala's natural beauty. Duration options range from 1 to 4 weeks, offering the flexibilty to fit your schedule and interests.

Dive into community service and a life-changing experience while volunteering with Local Hope Guatemala. Engage in cultural immersion and exchange as you work daily with our local staff and the Xela AID kids, adults, and seniors in our programs. Visit their homes, learn about their lives, and explore the local area. We'll help put your talents and interests to work, training and giving you the flexibility to lend a hand in one or more of our programs that empower self-reliance, including: • Montessori Preschool • Study Center • Computer Lab • Special Needs • Medical, Dental, or Optometry Clinics • Sports • Food Insecurity • Leadership Training • Adult Literacy • Environmental Issues • Senior Services • ESL Your two-week (or longer) all-inclusive trip includes: • Accommodation and three meals daily at our Eco Guest House • Transportation from Quetzaltenango • Monday–Friday volunteer immersion • Curated cultural experiences • “Discovery Saturday” excursions 100% of your program fee directly supports our Empowerment Programs.