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Get Free Quotes From 7 Best Cheap Guatemala Volunteer ProvidersAre you interested in volunteering in Guatemala? Are you open to reading about the most highly rated and affordable opportunities in Guatemala organized by trusted and credible companies?
Guatemala is the country of volcanoes, mountains, and beaches. It has coasts on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean and is proud of its Mayan history, evidence of which still remains. Home to scattered Mayan ruins, the locals are very proud of their indigenous culture. It houses many beautiful tombs, graceful churches and several other tourist attractions just waiting to be explored.
While joining a Guatemala volunteering program is a life-changing opportunity, it can be very confusing when you start searching the internet for a safe and affordable organization. Several organizations are unreliable and demand thousands of dollars fees. In order to really ensure that you land on the right provider, you need to scour through endless reviews, company histories and all the prices, which can turn into a very tedious job.
At TravellersQuest, we want to see you join a reputable, safe and affordable volunteer program in Guatemala where you can be sure you’ll make a valuable difference. So, we spent hundreds of hours researching and finding the best and safest volunteer providers for you. Based on company reputations and histories, reviews and price points, here we present an unbiased selection of the best and affordable Guatemala volunteer providers.
| Company Name | Starting price | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| MaximoNivel | $685 |
Go overseas: 1,303 reviews Go Abroad: 1,843 reviews |
| IFRE Volunteer | $679 |
Go Overseas: 116 reviews |
| Global Crossroad Volunteers | $679 |
Go overseas: 93 reviews |
| Love Volunteers | $948 |
Go Overseas – 140 reviews Go Abroad – 271 reviews |
| International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) | $714 |
Go Overseas – 2,227 reviews Go Abroad – 1,675 reviews |
| A Broader View Volunteers | $915 | Go Overseas – 178 reviews |
| Integrated Learning Experiences | $669 |
Go Overseas – 78 reviews Go Abroad – 57 reviews |
Table updated: April 12, 2024
Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel is one of the leading volunteer and educational travel companies in South and Central America. The organization works with more than 4,000 participants, students, clients, and travelers every year. They own and manage four different learning institutes located in three South American countries. Their aim is to deliver high quality, safe, affordable and meaningful volunteer trips in Guatemala, Peru and Costa Rica. They try to help people experience the world through education, adventure, and cultural travel.
Maximo Nivel’s Guatemala programs are based in the city of Antigua, Guatemala on the Pacific coast. You will stay in a home base house with other international volunteers once you join the project. Their Guatemala programs include:
Guatemala childcare volunteer project - You will help to take care of disadvantaged and vulnerable Guatemalan children through this program. These children need constant nurturing to help overcome the adverse effects of their difficult past. You are expected to work and play with them, help keep these children off the streets, and provide them with a happy and productive childhood.
Exotic Animal Conservation - Maximo Nivel offers many types of animal conservation projects in Guatemala. As per your interests and skills, you can join turtle conservation program, Dog and Cat care program, Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation program and more. When you join, you will have an awesome opportunity to get up and close with these amazing animals and take care of them on a daily basis.
Guatemala English teaching program - English learning classes are provided at small community centers, orphanages, or shelters for street children. You will work in these places and will assist in teaching regular English to help students with their grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking, writing, and listening.
Medical / Dental Volunteers - As a volunteer in Guatemala, you will work in local hospitals and clinics providing healthcare facilities to the patient. Depending on your medical experience and Spanish language skills, you will usually assist the doctors, nurses, therapists, or other medical professionals present there in their daily work. Dental volunteers will help dentists and offer dental awareness techniques to patients.
Construction Project - Volunteers on this project have the responsibility of working on repairing or building new homes and schools for orphaned children or for rural villages. They are led by professional foremen, architects, and engineers who determine the work program.
Volunteers have had a great time being a part of Maximo Nivel’s volunteer effort in Guatemala. Many past volunteers have expressed their volunteer trip to Guatemala as being life-changing and memorable. You can view some of Maximo Nivel’s reviews and testimonials on their website. Maximo Nivel has 1,303 reviews on Go Overseas and 1,843 reviews on Go Abroad.
Read all reviews of Maximo Nivel on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of Maximo Nivel on Go Abroad.
Maximo Nivel offers reasonably priced programs to volunteer in Guatemala, starting from just $685! Volunteers can stay for one to eight weeks. Their prices include shared volunteer accommodation on site and two meals a day.
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IFRE Volunteers is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization founded in 2005 in Texas, USA. They are a large-scale volunteer organization with over 200 projects in 18 different countries. They have already catered to over 22,000 volunteers, placing them across Asia, Africa, and Latin America at really affordable rates. They work dedicatedly towards establishing a strong bond between volunteers and locals to achieve progress and meet target goals efficiently. Their Guatemala volunteer programs are well organized and they offer an enlightening travel and cultural experience.
IFRE offers meaningful programs in Antigua, Guatemala. Most of their programs recruit all year round, with placements to begin on a Monday - the dates are pretty much flexible. Here are some of their top programs:
Turtle Conservation - IFRE’s Antigua turtle conservation volunteer program is a perfect fit for volunteers who love working with turtles and spending time on soft, sandy Guatemala beaches. The project offers more than you expect - you get to witness astounding attractions, learn Spanish, get yourself immerse in Spanish culture and on top of everything, you get to give your helping hand to conserve the rare and endangered turtle species.
Medical Volunteer – IFRE’s medical volunteer opportunity in Guatemala is indeed a life-changing program for medical students. You will be placed in large hospitals or rural health centers where your tasks include: calculate the patients' vitals such as blood pressure, temperature, lend a hand in setting up health camps, distribute medicines, provide tips to patients on health, nutrition and sanitation, or provide counseling to patients.
Working with Kids – On this program, you’ll get to help out at childcare centers and daycare facilities. Help kid with their homework, arrange fun activities and games for them to engage in and help with general maintenance of the daycare center. This is an excellent program to deeply connect with impoverished children while helping to bring a smile on their face.
Eco-Agriculture – Volunteers that join the eco-agriculture program will help out local farmers maintain sustainable farming practices. You’ll get to work on many coffee, mushrooms and nut plantations. Other tasks include reforestation efforts, light construction and equipment repairs.
IFRE Volunteers has gained the favor and gratitude of many due to their excellent service and commitment. Volunteering in Guatemala is not only affordable, but also accessible, with the help of this company. IFRE Volunteers has 116 reviews on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of IFRE Volunteers on Go Overseas.
IFRE offers some of the most affordable volunteer programs in Guatemala. Their tax-deductible fees may be divided into two separate parts: an application fee of $299 USD - which covers advertising, staff and office expenses among others. You pay the weekly program fees directly to host families and projects as a part of IFRE's transparency policy. In this way, it reaches the needy directly with no middlemen claiming profit. The program fee is inclusive of three meals a day, accommodation, airport welcome, airport to project transfer among others.
Global Crossroad is one of the best and most highly rated US registered non-profit volunteer organizations. The organization was established in 2003 by a group of passionate philanthropists. Global Crossroad offers programs in 18 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Apart from volunteering, they also provide other opportunities like internships, summer escapes, mini-ventures, paid teaching, cultural immersion trips. A key thing to note about this company is that they have ground staffs that are directly involved in grassroots projects thus ensuring maximum impact and minimal fees. Your volunteer experience in Guatemala will definitely be worthwhile with Global Crossroad.
Global Crossroad offers flexible, affordable and meaningful programs in Guatemala. You can join from 1 to 12 weeks as per your availability and interest.
Childcare - Global Crossroad’s childcare program offers a helping hand to childcare centers and orphanages in Guatemala. Your main responsibility as a volunteer is to help and assist children residing in the orphanages and care centers in every possible way.
Teaching English - As a volunteer teacher in Guatemala, you will teach English or assist local teachers in Guatemalan community schools. The main objective of this program is to help in developing English-speaking skills of the children. You may also arrange and lead various learning-focused activities and support local teachers in developing the curriculum.
Medical - Medical volunteers in Guatemala shadow local nurses and doctors to gain some hands-on experience about Guatemalan healthcare. They help in organizing health camps and actively participate in various other activities. Other duties include taking patients’ vitals, recording patient records, helping with vaccinations and conducting simple check-ups.
Construction - Their construction project is apt for volunteers who love physical activity and have a basic level of physical fitness. You will help in orphanage and school building reconstruction, renovation and painting programs.
Exotic Animals - Global Crossroad has the most exciting exotic animal conservation program for all the animal lovers out there! Get to work in an Amphibian and Reptile Rescue Center under the guidance of veterinarians. Rescue, Recovery, and Relocation, the 3Rs is the theme of the project and you will actively contribute to achieve their goal.
Global Crossroad has been operating for a long time in the industry and they have yet to earn a bad rep! All of their volunteers in Guatemala come back satisfied and yearning for more. Global Crossroad has 93 reviews on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of Global Crossroad on Go Overseas.
Global Crossroad’s programs are inexpensive and you could get a lot done on your trip. The program fees depend on the length of stay as well as the program. Global Crossroad’s program fees are divided into two separate fees:
The weekly fee covers meals, accommodation, the cost of an in-country coordinator, pre-departure information, certificate of completion and fundraising ideas.
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Love Volunteers has long stood as a pioneer when it comes to volunteering abroad. This prestigious organization was established in 2009 in New Zealand and they provide affordable volunteer programs in over 35 developing countries in America, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Love Volunteers always encourages its volunteers to strive for social change and make as much of an impact as they can. Their support, impact and reception make them one of the best volunteer providers in Guatemala.
Love Volunteers offers two affordable yet impactful volunteer programs in Guatemala. Volunteers contribute directly in improving the lives of people affected by political instability, poverty and poor health.
Education Support - In this education support program, you will be working in rural schools and helping out in after school programs. You will teach the subject of your expertise, assist teachers and handle a class of their own. Volunteers should be enthusiastic and have at least a conversational level knowledge of Spanish to effectively communicate and teach the children.
Childcare - You will work with children under the age of 12 from underprivileged families, providing care and playing with the children to make them happy and aid in their development. You can also act as a teacher of the day-care center. When in the program, you should plan activities such as educational games, songs, recreational activities and the program for the week.
Love Volunteers is an esteemed organization with many positive reviews about it on the Internet. You can read some excellent reviews on their website as well. Generally, volunteers in Guatemala are pleased about the quality of service that Love Volunteers offers. Love Volunteers has 140 reviews on Go Overseas and 271 reviews on Go Abroad.
Read all reviews of Love Volunteers on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of Love Volunteers on Go Abroad.
Love Volunteers provides affordable volunteering opportunities in Guatemala and many people choose their programs each year. Their Guatemala program fees are $649, with an added registration fee of #299. These costs will include your stay with a host family, meals, airport pick-up, in-country support, program orientation and volunteer certificate.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is one of the world’s leading non-profit volunteer organizations, first established in 2007. The organization offers a variety of volunteer abroad programs in 30 different countries around the world. Each year, thousands of volunteers are placed in many different struggling communities of developing countries, and each year, volunteers help facilitate growth and positive change. IVHQ’s relentless efforts to prosperity and growth are commendable and we sincerely believe that IVHQ is one of the best volunteer providers in Guatemala.
IVHQ’s programs are all located in Antigua and its surrounding towns and villages. Volunteers can choose to stay for durations ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks. They need to be 18 years or older to participate, and the younger volunteers are allowed to volunteer with a parent or guardian.
Medical - You will shadow nurses and doctors and assist them while treating patients with minor injury. You will also accompany the doctors and nurses and help out in poor communities and orphanages. Your Guatemala medical volunteer work varies vastly depending on the level of experience, but normal tasks include measuring weight, height, blood pressure, counseling, taking histories and documenting etc.
Animal care/animal rights - While volunteering in animal care in Guatemala, you will help to protect animals and provide human company to them. You may also provide veterinary treatment, run neuter programs, rabies vaccination clinics and fund-raising events, and also lead educational programs pertaining to animal care in local communities.
Construction and Renovation - You work alongside local foremen and work on various projects such as home-building, school renovation, orphanage renovation, and building playground and bathroom facilities. As a construction volunteer in Guatemala, you should be physically fit and be able to take part actively in labor work.
Eco-agriculture conservation - There is a coffee farming community, where you work with farmers and help provide support. You also participate in every step of growing coffee, including harvesting and the marketing process. Moreover, you work in the nursery; help in picking, removing weeds, planting shade trees and also in the packaging of the final product for local and international sales.
Special needs care - You work in homes and clinics for mentally and physically disabled children and babies to assist with the personal care of the children. You will provide specialized attention and help with physical therapy, feeding, clothing, bathing, and organizing crafts and games for playtime.
Teaching English - Volunteers provide free English lessons to adults and children so that they can learn English, which benefits their employment opportunities. Volunteers can also participate in cleaning and fixing the teaching areas as well as fundraising and collecting donations of books and other educational materials.
A stream of positive reviews about IVHQ has flooded online review platforms. It can be said, without a doubt, that they are one of the top volunteer companies in the world. Past volunteers in Guatemala also speak highly of IVHQ’s provision of services and excellent placements. You can read more of these volunteer reviews on their website. IVHQ has 2,227 reviews on Go Overseas and 1,675 reviews on Go Abroad.
Read all reviews of IVHQ on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of IVHQ on Go Abroad.
Part of the reason why IVHQ is so popular is the fact that their program fees are some of the most affordable in the entire market. Their volunteer work in Guatemala (Antigua) begins at just $385 for 1 week. You’ll need to pay a registration fee of $329 before you begin your journey. These fees cover the cost of accommodation, meals, staff support, program orientation and airport transfer.
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A Broader View (ABV) is a top-tier non-profit charity volunteer agency with exciting and immersive volunteer programs in Guatemala. They are an international organization, having some of the most diverse and numerous volunteer programs in the world. Volunteers working with ABV get a global experience – they are fully immersed into a country’s culture and traditions on their trip. Their projects allow for volunteers to live and work with local people. They are currently working in 32 countries while catering to thousands of volunteers every year.
ABV’s Guatemala volunteer programs are set in three locations across Guatemala: Quetzaltenango (Xela), Alotenango and Antigua. They have 10 highly rewarding projects that cater to volunteers from all walks of life. You can choose your own travel date, duration, location and project.
Teaching English (Quetzaltenango) – Volunteers working on the teaching English project will help out at underfunded primary community schools in Guatemala. When you join, you will help children with English lessons; teach sports classes and arts and crafts like painting, drawing, music and dance. Volunteers should be able to converse in Spanish for better result.
Childcare (Quetzaltenango, Antigua) - Childcare volunteers help malnourished children by providing necessary medical intervention, education, food and a place to recover completely. You will also feed babies and change their diapers. As most children here are below 6 years of age, the activities should be tailored around them.
Healthcare (Quetzaltenango, Alotenango) - ABV’s healthcare volunteers in Guatemala offer care and support to patients in public health centers. You help with routine tasks like making charts, examining patients, helping with injections, and shadowing the local medical staff.
Women Empowerment (Quetzaltenango) - You can either volunteer at a mother-child center or in a residential care center for the elderly. The former is home to 60 mothers, girls and young children with the girls and mothers being under 18, and children aged up to 5 years old.
Animal Rescue (Quetzaltenango) - The wildlife center there has 200 animals belonging to 41 species. Volunteers working in this animal conservation program in Guatemala may work directly with the veterinarian staff present there and help feed the animals and prepare their food. They may also help with tours that have been arranged, along with maintenance of the park, building, painting and cleaning.
A Broader View has received substantial praise regarding their programs and services abroad. Volunteer trips to Guatemala have been made easier and more comfortable with ABV’s array of facilities. You can read some volunteer feedbacks on ABV’s website as well. This top-rated organization has 178 reviews on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of A Broader View on Go Overseas.
Volunteer programs in Guatemala offered by ABV begin at $915 a week and the program fee is 100% tax deductible. ABV offers advice and assistance with flight planning, affordable travel insurance, as well as procuring a visa if necessary. Volunteer Registration Fee includes ongoing support from ABV staff, program marketing costs, information pack, administration costs, ABV donation fund, airport pick-up, orientation, program supervision, accommodation and meals during the volunteer program period.
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Integrated Learning Experiences (INLEX) is a well-reputed volunteer organization based in Latin America that works for the betterment of needy and impoverished communities. Their mission is to bring people closer, focus on real human connections and strive for sustainability. The company was initially founded by former Peace Corps members in Guatemala in 2005. INLEX has been operating many different volunteer programs in Central and South America. Their volunteering opportunities in Guatemala have gained some major traction and continue to foster growth in the areas they operate.
INLEX has a wide range of volunteer programs for you to choose from. Each of their programs offers a meaningful and authentic experience that is bound to stick with you for life.
Women Empowerment - Help alleviate gender inequality and discrimination in Guatemala through the women empowerment program. You’ll help in educating women and teaching them about income-generating skills as well as entrepreneurship. You can also help by providing psychological support to abused women.
Coffee Production – An interesting choice, for sure, is INLEX’s coffee production program. You’ll be fully involved in the coffee making process, learn about sustainable farming - all the while getting to explore Guatemala’s spectacular landscapes.
Special Education – This program offers a unique opportunity to help mentally or physically disabled people deal with the challenges faced in their lives. As a volunteer, you’ll provide education, engage them in recreational activities and hold support sessions.
Sea Turtle Conservation – Volunteering in Guatemala on the sea turtle conservation program is an interesting prospect in itself. Sea turtles thrive on Guatemalan coasts and it is important to preserve their population. As a volunteer, your duties include maintain hatcheries, feeding turtles and releasing them into the wild once they are healed.
Childcare – As a childcare volunteer, you’ll spend time in childcare centers in low-income neighborhoods, where parents are off to work and there is nobody to look after the children. You’ll be tasked with educating them and engaging and entertaining them through various songs, activities and games.
INLEX is praised by volunteers and contemporaries alike. Past volunteers talk fondly about their volunteer experience in Guatemala. The company has made some great changes in local Guatemalan communities. INLEX has 78 reviews on Go Overseas and 57 reviews on Go Abroad.
Read all reviews of INLEX on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of INLEX on Go Abroad.
INLEX has some really affordable programs that you can get involved in. The company wants you to not worry about prices and instead focus on the impact you have. Program fee for Guatemala for 2 weeks is $469 with an additional charge for registration costing $200. These prices include accommodation with a host family, meals, program orientation, support and airport transfer.
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If you’re planning to go to Guatemala for volunteer work, fret not for there are a lot of opportunities to choose from! You can get involved in the teaching, childcare, medical, education and even some special needs programs. There are also a few institutions offering sea turtle conservation and wildlife sanctuary volunteering programs if nature conservation is your thing.
Yes, you will need a valid visa to volunteer in Guatemala. Guatemala does not have a separate visa category so you can volunteer on a tourist visa as long as you are not involved in any income generating activities.
Foreigners can stay up to 90 days in Guatemala. If, due to any circumstances, you need to extend your visit, then you can extend it for 30 days by providing a notice. After that, you may need to apply for a permit of temporary residence.
All most all locals speak Spanish in Guatemala. In total, there are 22 different Mayan languages as well as two Indigenous languages - Garifuna and Xinca spoken in Guatemala.
These are all incredible volunteer opportunities in Guatemala for everyone to join. You may get as much information as you require regarding everything about these programs from their websites, helplines and other volunteers. This is one of those rare opportunities to make a difference in the world, so seize it!
If you have experience of volunteering with one of these top organizations or have chosen one after reading this article do leave some feedback to help others make their decision.