Volunteer in Guatemala, March 2025

C$2,650Trip cost qualifies for charitable tax receipt in Canada and the USA

Mar 8, 2025 → Jun 15, 2024 Antigua, Guatemala Adult & Family Trip handUp for Education

Build classroom space in a overcrowded schoolEducation is the ticket to family success

Working with our local host partner OPEN WINDOWS FOUNDATION, community leaders, and local tradesmen, this DWC project will expand the Learning Center attended by hundreds of local children. New, individual classrooms will provide a secure and pleasant environment for numerous activities.

This project will see the completion of a second story on a two-story building. The first level was constructed in 2020 with space for two classrooms. It is made of masonry block with reinforced concrete. Rebar was installed for a second level, but work was left unfinished through the pandemic. The second story would be accessed by an outdoor staircase on the side of the building. There is potential for a small washroom or storage room under the stairs.

This project will consist of general construction activities needed for building a brick, cement and plaster building. Depending on when the team participates, the volunteers should be ready to participate in various construction activities including digging holes and/or removing boulders, hauling brick, mixing and/or hauling cement, building brick walls, plastering and/or painting walls etc. It would be recommended that all volunteers wear quality closed toe shoes and bring along personal work gloves, dust masks and eye protection.

MAKE AN IMPACT
In Guatemala

Indigenous peoples in Guatemala face disproportionate levels of poverty and human development than non-indigenous people. With 60 percent of indigenous Guatemalans living in extreme poverty, it is clear that the government must address the institutional practices contributing to their social exclusion and economic deprivation.

There is an extreme level of income disparity in Guatemala, with less than 1 percent of the population in control of half of the country’s wealth.

Volunteer to make a differenceA Typical Workday in Guatemala

In Guatemala, DWC works with Open Windows Foundation, our in-country host partner. All beneficiaries and projects are chosen in partnership with them according to local needs and priorities. Poverty reduction is the ultimate goal.

The volunteer team will travel to Guatemala to work on a community development project in San Miguel Dueñas. San Miguel Dueñas is an agricultural community of about 12,000 people who live 15 kilometers from the tourist city of Antigua.

San Miguel Dueñas is an agricultural town of 12,000 people. For most families, sending their children to school presents significant financial difficulties. Although San Miguel Dueñas is a mere twenty-minute drive from the prosperous tourist center of La Antigua, very few residents of the town benefit from its proximity. The town has a substantially lower standard of living, with most members of the community working in the local coffee plantations and flower nurseries. The average monthly income is less than $200 per month.

In general, expect to work 6-8 hours per day. Breakfast starts at 6:00 or 7:00 am. After breakfast, the team is transported to the project site (by private bus) and the workday begins, between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. There will be lunch in the middle of the day, which is either provided by our host partner. Your workday will end around 4:00 pm. You will be transported back to your hotel for an evening filled with a dinner out, cultural experiences, team bonding or R&R.

Your group will be led by a trained DWC team leader and will be working with a local site supervisor, translator and laborers to complete this project. The worksite will have various types of task to support all skill and strength levels of your team. No building experience is necessary, but a desire to connect with the locals and pitch in as you can is one of the best parts of DWC projects.

This trip includes all accommodations, airport pickup/drop off, in-country transportation and 3 meals a day for the duration of the trip dates.

Antigua is a Center for Guatemalan History

You can expect a warm and humid climate during your stay in Guatemala. It’s an excellent time to visit with temperatures averaging between 20°C to 30°C (70°F to 80°F) making it comfortable for indoor or outdoor pursuits.

There is plenty to see and do. Antigua, where our volunteers stay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Spanish Baroque style of architecture and church ruins. The region was hit by several earthquakes in the 1700s (hence the historic ruins). Not to worry, though, there haven’t been any quakes of note in the past couple of hundred years or so.

Past teams have visited a chocolate maker, open markets, monuments, fountains, plant nurseries and even volcanoes. Some have gone for wilderness hikes or ziplining. There are lots of options for your free time.

Trip Details

Itinerary

Saturday, March 8 – Team arrives at Guatemala City airport, and is transported to the hotel in Antigua.
Sunday, March 9- Cultural activities such as riding an ATV, hiking a volcano or salsa dancing.
Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14 – PROJECT WORK on the school.
Saturday, March 15 – Return to Guatemala City to fly home or continue to travel in Guatemala.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?
The cost of this trip is displayed at the top of the page. This cost includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, program costs, and a donation to our host partner in their respective country. It does not include airfare and you are responsible for booking your own flights. The entire trip is 100% tax deductible. A $1000 non refundable deposit is due once the trip is confirmed which is then credited towards your trip cost. Your trip cost is due in its entirety 45 days prior to departure. Select trips may be subject to additional cultural activity fees. As of 2025 airfare will no longer qualify for a tax deductible receipt on our open trips. US volunteers may be subject to administrative fees/exchange rate adjustments.

Are accommodations included and what are they like?
DWC books your accommodations for you, and it is included in your Trip Cost! Your team will stay at a local hotel that is comfortable and clean. Rooms are booked as shared double occupancy. You may upgrade to a private room for an additional cost, where possible. We will do our best to accommodate adjustments.

Are meals provided and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
All meals are included in your trip cost. Some meals will be at the hotel, while others at local restaurants. The food is prepared hygienically, and dishes range from local to standard western fare. Volunteers submit a health form to DWC and all requests for dietary restrictions will be provided to the Team Leader, hotel, and host partner, to be accommodated wherever possible. Your Trip Cost does not include tips, alcohol, or snacks.

Can I add personal travel onto this trip?
Absolutely! We want you to have the best travel experience possible. If you choose to add personal travel onto the front or back end of your trip, you are welcome to book your own accommodation and transportation arrangements for early arrivals or late departures, however you are required to arrive in time to fully participate in the volunteer experience with your team. Personal travel would not be covered in your tax-deductible receipt.

Can my family come on the trip with me?
The trip cost listed is a per person rate. Family members can participate in the trip as part of the volunteer team by paying a separate trip cost. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

What is the minimum age requirement to volunteer?
Children under 12 are unable to participate in our program due to the nature of the volunteer work involved. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

Do I need construction experience and how much will we work?
You don’t need special skills or training to be able to help. We hire local skilled labourers who will give training onsite for construction and team leaders. You will work at your own pace, within your own comfort level, five days a week from about 8AM to 4PM. Your evenings and weekends are free for cultural activities and relaxing.

What is the work site like and what is the intensity of the labour?
There is a building manager and translator on site. Tasks on the work site vary and you will only be asked to do what you are comfortable with and within your physical abilities. There is no pressure!

Why should I volunteer?
Support sustainable change with us. Learn about the world and yourself, lend a hand and build hope. Every bit of time spent on a DWC project is helping a person, a family, or a community. You’ll know that your contribution will make someone’s life better. DWC matches teams of volunteers and resources with people and organizations in developing nations to alleviate poverty and inspire hope and your efforts do have impact. The experience is enhanced by working as a team. Simply put, there is joy and self-discovery that comes with giving to others. And you’ll have fun doing it, too.

Are DWC trips religious or political in nature?
DWC has no religious or political affiliations.

Meet the Trip Leader

Each trip is coordinated by DWC with the help of a Team Leader, who has travelled with DWC previously, is First Aid Certified, and has completed a Criminal Record Check. Your Team Leader will liaise with DWC and ensure all your questions are answered. Your Team Leader will handle all team finances through the trip and travel with you to ensure the best possible travel and volunteer experience for their team! They also facilitate fun, cultural experiences where possible, ensuring group cohesion. See your Team Leader Biography here:

Hélène Ferreira

More Trips to Guatemala

Mar 15, 2025