GoAbroad

Volunteer Programs in Guatemala

If you have a heart for travel and a passion for volunteering, why not give back to the country where the first chocolate bar was invented? Not only is Guatemala home this key ingredient of any delicious dessert, it is also home to many unique ecosystems, making it Central America’s biodiversity hotspot. Volunteering in Guatemala will give you the chance to enjoy and help preserve the nation’s fragile environmental resources. When you’re finished saving the planet, you could stop by the Chichicastenango (say that five times fast!) or spend your evening browsing through Guatemala’s most vibrant shopping center filled with handmade goods. Vamonos!
Read More

45 Volunteer Programs in Guatemala

Maximo Nivel volunteers

Featured Provider of the Month

Maximo Nivel volunteers wearing dirty clothes from doing construction work
9.5487 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL logo
Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guate...

See All 7 Programs
104 reviews

Constru Casa

Constru Casa logo
Travel, Build, and Transform lives in Guatemala

Join Constru Casa and become part of a life-changing mission to b...

9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

See All 3 Programs
9.55793 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

See All 9 Programs
8.6916 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

See All 3 Programs
8.3321 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey throug...

00 reviews

Involvement Volunteers International

Volunteer in Guatemala with IVI - Homestay Programs!

South of Mexico, Guatemala is a mountainous region that combines ...

See All 2 Programs
9.8142 reviews

Bright Light Volunteers

Global Service Learning Program

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country ...

9.867 reviews

Global Citizen Adventure Corps

Service Learning in Guatemala

Guatemala’s storied history and rich culture will come to life on...

9.65 reviews

Global Dental Relief

Volunteer With Children in the Mayan Highlands of Guatemala

Global Dental Relief's Guatemala clinic kicks off in Antigua, the...

82 reviews

Friends of San Lucas

Long-Term Volunteers in Guatemala

The primary work of Long-Term Volunteers (LTVs) is to accompany v...

101 reviews

Globe Aware

Giving Guatemala Program

Huge population growth and migration have strained resources all ...

00 reviews

Unidas Para Vivir Mejor

Volunteer at Unidas Para Vivir Mejor

Volunteer with UPAVIM and support our mission to empower the wome...

00 reviews

Do Guatemala

Volunteer in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Volunteer in Quetzaltenango – Help Out, Stand Out Ready to do s...

See All 3 Programs
00 reviews

MEDLIFE

Classic Service Learning Trip (SLT)

Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive ed...

See All 3 Programs
00 reviews

Animal Experience International

Wildlife Rescue in Guatemala

Discover the Wildlife Rescue Centre program in Guatemala, a sanct...

00 reviews

EWE Tours

House Building in Guatemala

Serve as a volunteer in Guatemala, helping to build a new home fo...

00 reviews

Local Hope Guatemala

Volunteer in Guatemala — Build Your Own Trip

Volunteer with Local Hope Guatemala in a meaningful program that ...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

Natucate

Volunteer in Guatemala: Rescued Animal Rehabilitation

Get involved in endangered wildlife protection in Guatemala and e...

00 reviews

Long Way Home

Green Building at Hero School Guatemala

Of the 97% indigenous Mayan Kaqchikel in the rural town of Comala...

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Guatemala

Locations

Despite being the most populated country in Central America, Guatemala is still a developing country with a long road ahead, so they need all the helping hands they can get to reach their goals; the less time they spend on developing their infrastructure, the more time they’ll have for chocolate creation! Antigua and Guatemala City are two of the most popular destinations to volunteer in Guatemala, and both locations are in need of individuals to assist in environmental, health, and education placements. 

Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in Southern Guatemala, known for its Spanish baroque-style architecture and mass amounts of colonial church ruins. It is the perfect place for a set of curious eyes to wander and explore. Although Antigua is a growing tourist attraction, due to its close proximity to Guatemala City, it is deemed much safer and calmer than the latter. Out of all the cities in Guatemala, Antigua has the largest amount of volunteer opportunities, from teaching children how to speak English to putting those geometry skills into use and teaching kids how to complete tricky geometrical proofs; who knew high school math would be handy afterall?

Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, is known as the country’s political, cultural, and commercial hub. Even though the buildings and architecture still have a traditional colonial style, modern buildings with a more fresh, sleek style, are starting to emerge within Guatemala City’s skyline. Guatemala city is Guatemala’s most popular tourist destination, with many foreigners coming to visit the traditional and well-preserved Mayan culture and artifacts in museos located throughout the city. Those who are interested in the more historical side of the city will have the opportunity to volunteer with children and spend time learning the depths of Mayan culture and history as part of their volunteering in Guatemala. 

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteers can help with projects like construction, healthcare, and education. You may collaborate with NGOs or find in search engines some organizations that offer volunteer programs in Guatemala.

Antigua and Guatemala City are two of the best destinations to volunteer in Guatemala, both in need of volunteers to help with placements in the fields of education, health, and the environment.

Volunteer programs in Guatemala can range from one week to several months, depending on the program and organization chosen. Nonetheless, both long-term and short-term programs can give an impactful experience and make a good difference.

A visa is not necessary for volunteers who will stay in Guatemala for less than 90 days. If you intend to volunteer for more than three months, take into account asking your program provider about the most recent visa requirements.

Latest Program Reviews

IVHQ Christmas Program in Guatemala

November 26, 2025by: Patty Urda - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I volunteered with IVHQ for their Christmas program in Antigua, Guatemala. This was my first experience with IVHQ and I will definitely volunteer with them again. I stayed with a local family who were kind, thoughtful and made me feel right at home. The accommodations were modest but clean and comfortable. The Christmas program was a great experience because we had the opportunity to do a variety of activities including working with seniors and children, picking coffee beans, and a cultural immersion. I appreciate that IVHQ partners with local organizations on the ground.

Deals Banner Image
Apply for Scholarships & Deals on GoAbroad

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!

Apply Now

Recent Volunteer Abroad Articles