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I embarked on the Guatemala trip with a slight feeling of remorse, as it was an experience well outside my normal comfort zone. Immediately upon landing in Guatemala my attitude changed, and I realized this trip would be a positively memorable life experience. The VIDA staff were fun, helpful, and supportive throughout the trip. The cultural immersion and dynamic team building throughout the stay made for a revitalizing break from studies, while providing care to underserved rural communities gave purpose to our stay.

Why Guatemala?

Guatemala is the biggest country in Central America. Unfortunately, it also sets a record by having one of the highest disparities between rich and poor as well as one of the highest poverty levels worldwide, with 54% of the population living below the poverty line in 2006 and 54% in 2011.

According to USAID, Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world, and a large prevalence of diabetes and heart disease. Despite the urgent need, it is estimated that basic health services meet less than half of the rural population needs.

As a result of the lack of pre-natal care, the proportion of maternal mortality is 113 deaths per 100,000 live births. The lack of effective referral systems also limit the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system, and presents an important barrier to effective care in emergency situations.

Ready to save precious lives? Volunteer in Guatemala and join our team! Contact us today.

Quick Facts

Capital: Guatemala City

Population: 17,263,239

Language: Spanish (indigenous languages spoken all over the country)

Nationals: Guatemalan or Chapin for short

Exchange rate: 1 Dollar equals 7.20 Quetzales.

The name «Guatemala» comes from the Nahualt language that means «Land of Trees».  Its landscape consists of beautiful mountains and volcanoes. There are over 8,000 species of plants and Mayan communities use many of them as natural medication due to its low cost. Minors from rural and underserved regions seek care from traditional healers, such as ‘curanderos’ or folk healers.

Spanish is the official language but there are 22 Mayan languages spoken by at least 6 million Mayan people, which is why we also have Mayan interpreters at our clinic sites.

Our local office is located in the city of Antigua, which is a living museum of Spanish colonial history. As the former capital of Guatemala (built in 1543), Antigua remains one of the country’s must-see destinations.

What to expect as a Volunteer?

Our volunteer in Guatemala opportunities start in Guatemala City, where our teams spend their first night at one of our partner hotels. Orientation is held the next day and right after it, our teams will head to their designated communities.

Guatemala is rich in culture, which enhances the learning experience for our internship abroad students, who will have the opportunity to become familiar with Mayan customs and traditions. Therefore, recreational and cultural activities such as the visits to the Weaving Association, the Antigua Colonial City tour, the hike to Cerro de la Cruz, the Casa de Jade tour, or the Choco-Museum are undoubtedly highlights in our itineraries.

Recreational and cultural activities

  • Dancing Lessons in Antigua, World Heritage site and a place of major historical significance
  • Cultural immersion through homestays which offer a unique look into the country’s lifestyle
  • Boat tour in the impressive Lake Atitlan
  • Weaving Association in San Juan, La Laguna where indigenous women weave traditional clothing, handbags, shawls, and other products.
  • Iximche Maya Ruins
  • Casa de Jade Tour
  • Antigua Colonial City tour
  • Choco Museum
  • Zip Line in the amazing Antigua Colonial City
  • Coffee Plantation Tour
  • Snake House

Where do we work in Guatemala?

The majority of health services are located in the most developed cities, not easily accessible for rural and indigenous populations. This is why our volunteer work in Guatemala is focused on rural communities populated by indigenous people, as they generally suffer the worst health outcomes.

We have partnered with several communities in Sololá, Chimaltenango, Ixtahuacán, Santa Lucía Milpas Altas, and Sacatepéquez.

Vida has addressed different health necessities in our community. People are more aware of hygiene and education and they are also more open to talk about health issues

Our Communities

Xeabaj I, Sta. Cta. Ixtahuacán

Community located in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán where homestays are used. The three programs are offered. Climate oscillates between 14 ° C and 21 ° C, reaching at 7 ° C at night. Coordinator: Mariana Tuy

Santa María, Aldea El Tablón, Sololá

Community in Sololà. We work with the three programs. It is 45 minutes or 1 hour from Panajachel and we use the community room that is in front of cornfields to work. Coordinator: Tomàs Bocel

San Miguel Milpas Altas

Community in Sacatepequez, the three programs are used. Located in front of a church and is 1 hour from Antigua Guatemala. The Community Room is used. Volunteers stay at Posada Los Búcaros. Coordinator: Erick Canel

San José El Yalú, Sacatepequez

Community in Sacatepequez is 1 hour from Antigua Guatemala. We use the school of the community to work with the three programs. Coordinator: Hermenegildo Raxon.

San isidro, Sololá

Community in Sololá where the program of Veterinary Medicine is used. Coordinator: Jesús Noj

San Felipe, San José Chacayá, Sololá

Community in Solola that is used for the three programs. Volunteers stay at Hotel Kakchiquel. Coordinator is Jesus Noj

Paraxaj Chimaltenango

Paraxaj in the region of Chimaltenango is located in Guatemala - some 21 mi (or 34 km) North-West of New Guatemala, the country's capital city. The night temperature is 14°C / 57 °F

El Tunino, Chimaltenango

Community in Chimaltenango that is visited with dental and medicine programs and sometimes with the Veterinary program. We work in the School of the community. Coordinator: Matías Patzan.

El Cuntic, Chimaltenango

Community where the 3 programs are used. Volunteers stay at Homestays in Parramos. Coordinator: José Marroquín.

Chiquisis, Sta. Cta. Ixtahuacán

Community located 1hour from Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán. The programs of General Medicine and Veterinary Medicine are used in this community and has two different rooms for clinics.

Chaquijya, Sololá

Community located in Sololá. It is a very dry place, the community suffers a lack of water. We work with all the programs. Coordinator Jesus Noj

Caserío Chipotón, Chimaltenango

Community located in the municipality of Chimaltenango. The three programs are used. Coordinator: Matías Patzán.

Aldea San Rafael El Arado, Sacatepequez

Community in Sacatepéquez. It has a length of 8.6 km and connects with the Interamerican Highway CA-1 between its km 43 and 44. The town has a school. We work with Dental and Medicine program. Coordinator: Hermenegildo Raxón.

Check Upcoming Trips

Mon / 28 / Apr

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Guatemala
11 Days
Apr 28, 2025 - May 08, 2025
GPGT042825 TRIPCODE
Thu / 22 / May

Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Guatemala
13 Days
May 22, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
UAGT052225 TRIPCODE
Sat / 24 / May

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Guatemala
11 Days
May 24, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
OTGT052425 TRIPCODE
Fri / 30 / May

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Guatemala
13 Days
May 30, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
UHGT053025 TRIPCODE
Thu / 12 / Jun

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Trip to Guatemala

Guatemala
9 Days
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
OTGT061225 TRIPCODE
See full Trip Schedule Here