Health 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!

Take a medical internship in Antigua, Guatemala, and widen your Spanish language skills! Throughout the duration of this internship, interns will acquire hands-on medical experience; however, specific tasks will be determined by the interns’ education level and previous Spanish language skills. Due to the nature and placement of the internship, interns will primarily work in Spanish, allowing them to add a wider breadth of medical terms in their vocabulary! This internship also offers medical students a broader understanding of global healthcare and patient care systems. To be eligible for this internship, participants must be a pre-med, medical, or nursing student or must have some form of alternative medical license. Interns/Volunteers can take advantage of a variety of free activities sponsored by the local team, such as salsa classes, cooking lessons, a language and cultural exchange program, and more! They also have the ability to take time off for personal travel, engaging in activities such as hiking, visiting historical and cultural sites, and even have the chance to visit a family-owned coffee farm! On this program, the opportunities are endless.

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.

Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive educational journeys to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Tanzania. During these trips, volunteers actively collaborate with local communities on various development projects, including constructing homes, improving access to clean water, and participating in mobile medical clinics that provide essential healthcare to underserved areas. These trips offer a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the communities that MEDLIFE supports, allowing volunteers to witness firsthand the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty. By working side by side with locals, volunteers not only gain invaluable insights into global health and development but also contribute directly to impactful projects that foster long-term, sustainable change. Beyond the hands-on experience, SLTs encourage participants to reflect on the role they can play in addressing global inequities. The trip fosters empathy, awareness, and ignites action, empowering volunteers to join the MEDLIFE Movement and advocate for a world where poverty no longer limits opportunities.

Guatemala’s storied history and rich culture will come to life on this adventure into the “Land of Eternal Spring.” Global Citizen Adventure Corps offers opportunities to interact with a new culture AND volunteer with local partners who share our commitment to realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our service in Guatemala is focused on supporting women and children as we lean into UNSD Goals 1 No Poverty, Goal 3 Good Health and Well Being, Goal 4 Quality Education, and Goal 8 Decent Work & Economic Growth. After some hard work, we turn to a bit of play introducing participants ranging from high school and college students to longtime professionals to the treats of Guatemala City, UNESCO World Heritage Site Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, described by Lonely Planet as “the closest thing to Eden on Earth.” Upcoming program dates: October 2-7, 2024 October 13-20, 2024 Similar GCAC adventures in Guatemala are available for groups to charter.

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.

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

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.

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.