Toll Free in USA/Canada 1-888-988-7897
Assist with construction and education in Guatemala
Join our volunteer team in working with children, helping them with computer skills, numbers, crafts, and playing soccer! Volunteers with some knowledge of Spanish can also assist younger children with their reading skills. There is also plenty of work in construction such as building homes in the village of San Miguel Dueñas, on the outskirts of Antigua. No special skills are required. Our host partner, the Open Windows Foundation, works to provide free education to disadvantaged members of this community. The population of about 9000 survives primarily on the coffee and flower industries and many of its citizens are subsistence level, transient farm labourers. San Miguel Dueñas is a very traditional Guatemalan community surrounded by the beauty of rural countryside with a great active volcano visible from throughout the town.
In addition to volunteer work, we recommend exploring the center of Mayan civilization, including its ancient archaeology, rich culture and diverse landscapes. Although the natural landscape of lush jungles, rainforests and highlands lends Guatemala the title “Land of Eternal Spring”, its indigenous villages and markets capture the blend of ancient Mayan culture with the aristocratic architecture of its colonial past. In Antigua, visit museums and art galleries, or spend time shopping at traditional Mayan markets. Visit Lake Izabel and the 400 year old Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Felipe. Travel by boat down the Rio Dulce, meandering past coastal fishing villages, through mangrove forests inhabited by manatee and crocodiles. Visit the 2000 year old Mayan ruins in the Tikal National Park and take a guided tour through a coffee plantation.
Upcoming Trips
November 3 - 17, 2012 all ages
January 26 - February 9, 2013 all ages
May 5 - June 2, 2013 student age
June 8 - July 6, 2013 student age
August 3 - August 17, 2013 student age
November 3 - 17, 2013 all ages
Trips are available year round.
Printer-friendly version
Send by emailWhat to Expect?
Developing World Connections offers both 2 week short-term trips (any age) and 4 week student trips (16-29 year olds). Working with local in-country non-profit organizations, we take great care to ensure all volunteers have a safe, fun and rewarding experience. Our volunteers work as part of a team. When you sign up, you go with a group. Each group is accompanied by a volunteer Team Leader. Team Leaders make all the difference by supporting the team from start to finish. They are experienced travelers and past participants and possess a comprehensive understanding of the volunteers’ needs.
Volunteers work side by side with locals on each sustainable project. These physical infrastructure projects fill an important need and can be completed by teams in a short period of time – a great way to experience the tangible fruits of your labour. Never built something before? Don't worry! No training or special skills are required, and you can take breaks whenever necessary.
You won't have to sleep in a hut or survive on energy bars the entire trip. We take great care to pre-screen your accommodations so they are clean, comfortable, and acceptable by North American standards. Restaurants providing everything from local to Western cuisine are chosen for their high standards in food preparation. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated.
Program cost is approximately $2,000. These costs include in-country meals, accommodation and transport, as well as a substantial direct donation to the Host Partner. This cost does NOT include airfare; however, the entire trip cost, including flights, is 100% tax deductible which means you'll get a significant amount of money returned to you. The opportunity to fundraise for your trip is also available.
Program costs include:
- Access to a dedicated travel agent
- Issuance of charitable receipts
- Pre-trip resources/orientation
- Administrative resources
- Accommodation (double occupancy)
- Meals and bottled water
- Group airport and ground transport
- Trained team leader
- Cultural components
- A substantial donation to the project
- 24/7 staff support
Please visit our website to apply for this program.
- Program ID: # 2075
- duration: 1 to 2 Weeks2 Weeks to 1 Month
- location: San Miguel Dueñas AntiguaGuatemala14° 33' 10.8468" N, 90° 44' 0.0132" W
- Fitness level: Moderately Fit
- Closest Airport:
- Costs From: $1500 to $3000
- Program Type: Community Development ProjectsWomen's & Youth Programs
- Program Url:
Map Location
Reviews
Testimonials
No Testimonials at this time
