Getting involved can be a memorable vacation or a life-changing experience. Living amid third-world poverty can profoundly alter the way you look at the world and your own life. And you may want to get involved on a long-term basis. We have accommodations for short-term volunteer teams, both large and small. We occasionally use long-term volunteers and individuals wanting to do an internship or immersion. Speaking Spanish is always an asset, but we can make alternative arrangements. The local Mayan culture is very traditional, and we expect modest dress and conservative behavior.

Upcoming Trip Dates:

July 12th – 18th

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Aug 16th – 22nd

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Nov 8th – 14th

Ways to Get Involved

Short-Term Volunteers:

We regularly handle teams for a week and sometimes two. Some of these teams have been coming for many years and can provide a reference. We do our best to help you plan your week with the right mix of work and play.

For educational and medical-type teams we put the word out via loud speaker ahead of time. We want to make sure you’re booked up. For construction teams we match your skills and budget with the local need, which is endless.

Family Teams:

We love seeing grandparents, parents and grandchildren do a volunteer vacation. It is a teaching moment that will stay with the youngsters forever. And what a legacy to leave your progeny!

Tell us where your skills are and we will make it happen. Bunk bed construction is one of the most popular and very rewarding.

Long-Term Volunteers:

We have had longer term volunteers build up our library, teach the children how to read and work on building up the gardens. You may have other ideas.

We are entertaining the idea of Spanish emersion. You would take lessons in Spanish in the mornings, work with the local children in the afternoon and then branch out to see our programs in action and merge in the local culture.

Accomodations

Lomas:

This house is in a gated community overlooking beautiful Lake Atitlan. Most houses are second homes for folks living in Guatemala City. Most are unoccupied except at Christmas and Semana Santa (Holy Week). It is safe and private with miles of walking trails. There is a fully-stocked kitchen with a living room and dining area and a nice covered porch.

There is a master bedroom suite complete with bathroom and fireplace. There is a second bedroom downstairs that can be adjusted from one queen bed to 4 bunk beds. There is a second floor bedroom with 5 bunk beds. It is quiet and very relaxing.

Although not large we have had groups of over 20 people staying there.

We can provide cooks that will prepare meals and do the shopping so that you can work and play.

Los Robles:

Los Robles is the old orphanage grounds, which is surrounded by an eight-foot-high cinder block wall. It is not a safety issue but a remnant of the orphanage. It consists of the third floor, which has three large rooms with three or four bunk beds each. There is plenty of room and separate men’s and women’s bathrooms equipped with showers. 

Also, on the orphanage grounds is what we refer to as the volunteer house. It has four bedrooms, each with two bunk beds. And one smaller bedroom with a double bed. Again, there are separate bathrooms with showers.

There is a dining area, a laundry room, a bodega (warehouse), and office space.

Frequently Asked Questions

If we volunteer, what will we be doing?

We try to match your skills with local needs. We perpetually have construction projects or repairs. Carpentry, masonry, and painting projects are always on the agenda. One of the most requested is putting together 2 and 3 level bunkbed kits. These are Ikea-like kits and very easy to assemble and VERY rewarding. The children attending our programs always enjoy a little extra attention, and the school next door loves to get an English class. We also regularly host medical, dental and educational teams.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. We have translators who assist in volunteer projects. It does help in understanding the local culture. When shopping, most booths/stores speak enough English to complete a sale.

What length of time can I come for?

Most volunteer teams come for about a week, or a few two weeks. Let us know if you want to stay longer and if you have special useful skills. We have had interns who stay longer and are planning Spanish language immersion.

I don’t have any special skills to offer, can I still be useful?

The Ikea-like bunkbed kits are very simple to put together and we have staff to help. There is always something that needs to be painted. The children love to sit in your lap and have you read to them or draw pictures or sing songs. You can always sponsor a piñata filled with candy and the kids will love you.

Should we be concerned about safety issues?

As with any third-world country, you should take certain precautions. Leave any expensive jewelry or watches at home. Don’t travel at night unless you know the roads. Be discreet when handling money and don’t give money to strangers or in public. We have more detailed guidelines that we send to visitors, but in general, if you follow basic commonsense rules, you will enjoy your trip without incident.

How far are you from the airport?

Our projects are located about 2 1/2 hours from the Guatemala City airport. We have an excellent shuttle service that we have been using for over 10 years, and they can handle an individual or a large team. They pay attention to safety concerns, and we have had no problems when using them.

What points of interest are there nearby?

The town of Panajachel is about 15 minutes away. There are many nice restaurants to suit a variety of tastes, and the main street is lined with native craft booths. (Don’t forget to bargain.) From there you can travel anywhere on beautiful Lake Atitlan. Google those two names for more details. From Panajachel you can take a shuttle to a number of other points of interest.

What is the weather like?

Guatemala is called “the land of eternal spring.” In the Highlands where we are located the temperature usually ranges from the 50s at night to the mid-70s during the day. A light jacket or sweater will be the most you will need. The rainy season starts in May and lasts through October. Come prepared for an afternoon shower each day. If you leave the Highlands the temperatures can increase by 20 degrees.

What is the food like? Can you accommodate food allergies? Is the water safe?

Our cooks are used to cooking for volunteers from first world countries. We always rinse our vegetables in a clorox solution and use purified water for cooking and drinking. If you tell us ahead of time what you want or don’t want to eat, we will work to accommodate your requests.

Can children come? What ages?

Yes. We love family teams with grandparents, parents and children. We have personally brought children down who were less than one year old. Even as young as six months.

Contact Us To Get Involved!

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