Volunteer in Antigua, Guatemala

Are you searching for an affordable and safe way to explore the colorful and culturally rich city of Antigua while also doing something charitable? RCDP offers amazing volunteer opportunities in Antigua, Guatemala for all different interests and passions.

Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala, is a vibrant city with a fascinating history. Here you will find beautiful churches, thriving markets, coffee plantations, magnificent volcanoes, and a resilient population of friendly people. Antigua is a place that shouldn't be missed!

During your volunteer program in Antigua, Guatemala, you will not only share your love and passion for children and community but you will also explore the city and surrounding areas. We invite you to join a volunteer program in Antigua and embark on the journey of lifetime.

The Fee and Dates

RCDP’s Antigua, Guatemala Volunteer Programs start every Monday throughout the year.

Every year hundreds of volunteers sign up for UK and UK based organizations and pay up to $2500 to volunteer for two weeks in Guatemala. Unfortunately, only a small portion of that money actually goes to the local projects and host families. The local projects (childcare centers, school, and local NGOs) in Guatemala are poor and need external support to run their programs. In our program, you will pay your fee directly to host families and projects upon your arrival in Guatemala. When you join our program, we make sure that all of your money goes to the projects and host families. Part of your fees also helps us cover our expenses. The program fee is divided into a registration fee $279 and weekly fee for room, food, coordination, and project donation.

Click to find the allocation of $279

Weekly fees are divided between accommodation, 2 local meals (breakfast & dinner) a day (50%), and project donation/support of local project staffers (50%). This allocation may differ depending upon the location, project type, etc. Our coordinator will explain the specifics for your program before you pay the fee. Below is the breakdown of costs on a weekly basis.

Antigua Volunteer Program Fees (US$)

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years) »
• Spanish Lessons (2 hours per day) $55 per week

The Antigua, Guatemala volunteer program fees cover expenses from the first day of your program to the last day of your program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for any additional expenses.

Accommodation/Meals/Supervision

During your volunteer program in Antigua, Guatemala, you will be provided comfortable accommodations with a welcoming local host family. Staying with a host family is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and practice your Spanish. You will have a clean bed, bathroom, and living space.

You will also receive two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) that consist of local ingredients and feature traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Our meal program can accommodate vegetarian needs; however, we are not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Food and drinks outside of mealtimes are your responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets near the homes in which our volunteers stay.

Study and Learn Spanish: Volunteer in Antigua, Guatemala

Learn Spanish during your program and improve your overall volunteer experience in Antigua, Guatemala!

If you are interested in learning or improving your Spanish while volunteering in Antigua, Guatemala, RCDP offers an affordable Spanish language program in partnership with a reputable local Spanish school. These classes are exclusive to those participating in RCDP International's a volunteer program in Antigua, Guatemala. You will be taught Spanish by qualified and experienced Spanish teachers who will provide you with intensive and effective Spanish courses.

We make it simple to learn Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala, while you volunteer. During our Language Studies program, you can simultaneously work at your volunteer project and study Spanish. It is possible for volunteers to design a personal schedule. You can take your lessons before or after your volunteer duties. RCDP invites you to improve your Antigua, Guatemala experience by learning or improving your Spanish.

Free Time Options: Volunteer in Antigua, Guatemala

During your Antigua, Guatemala volunteering experience, you will have plenty of time to experience all that Antigua has to offer, which is a lot! Antigua is a colorful, historical, and culturally rich city in Guatemala. You will find yourself on picturesque cobblestone streets passing beautiful churches, parks, and marketplaces. Outside of the city are vast coffee plantations and towering volcanoes.

There are also plenty of day trips you can take from Antigua, like a trip to Lake Atitlan, the Chichicastenango Market, or some Mayan ruins. You can sign up to go volcano hiking, zip lining, or bird watching. There is something for everyone! It is worth checking out the Valhalla Experimental Station (a fascinating eco-tour) or the Chocolate Museum. Antigua has an array of outdoor, cultural, and learning experiences.

During any of the Antigua, Guatemala volunteer trips, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique city. There will never be a dull moment! You can click on the links below for more fascinating free time options.

19 great things to do in Antigua Guatemala
Welcome to Antigua
Top 10 List of What to See and Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala

Safety and Field Support

Our number #1 priority is the safety of our volunteers. RCDP International is a leading organization serving thousands of volunteers. We pride ourselves in providing the safest, highest quality, and most professional programs to our volunteers since 1998. Our dedicated team works closely from start to finish with each volunteer (and parents/guardians) to ensure a successful, satisfactory, and safe volunteering experience.

Below is a list of our safety and field support features that will demonstrate the level of support and safety each of you will receive while volunteering abroad.

1. Country Coordinator and Field Staff: :

In each country we operate in, we have a very strong and dedicated team of country coordinators and local staff members to support and take care of you. All of our country coordinators and field staff are highly experienced and responsible individuals. They have been running volunteer abroad programs for many years. They have served thousands of volunteers, so they understand your needs and know how to run a safe, rewarding, and meaningful volunteer abroad program for you.

Our In-country staff is responsible for a number of things. Below are some of the main services that they will provide:

• Airport pick-up and transfer to host family or work site
• Management of room and food in host family/hostel
• Orientation of local country, culture, host family, safety, and related issues
• Introduction to your host family and project staff
• Periodic follow up visits or calls (1-2 week intervals) to ensure everything is going smoothly
• Advice for solving any issues, problems, or concerns

2. Airport Greeting

We are dedicated to keeping you safe and comfortable from your arrival until your departure. We meet our volunteers at the airport and transfer them safely to the host family. Depending upon the country in which you choose to volunteer, our coordinator, local staff, or a professional transfer company employee will greet you at the airport.

3. Orientation and safety discussion

Regardless of where you join the RCDP International volunteer program, our program starts with an in depth discussion on safety, history, culture, religion, life, and do’s and don’ts. Depending upon the country, these orientation programs range from a few hours to three days. During orientation, we explain the different aspects of safety and general guidelines to help keep yourself safe while volunteering abroad.

4. Safe Host Family and Accommodation

While volunteering abroad, the majority of the time you will reside with a local host family, hostel, or similar accommodation. We always carefully select the host families and other forms of accommodations to make sure that you will be safe and comfortable. In all destinations, we have selected host families who are socially respected and responsible. Most of our host families have hosted international volunteers before, so they completely understand your needs. Your host family will always take care of you and keep you safe.

Similarly, all of our accommodations are located in very safe locations. You will also be staying with other volunteers from all over the world. This is a great opportunity to make friends and share your experience abroad!

5. Comprehensive Insurance and Evacuation Plan

While volunteering abroad, you will be covered by international insurance. This protects you in case something unforeseen happens. It is mandatory that all volunteers obtain a travel insurance policy when volunteering abroad. RCDP International offers one of the most comprehensive insurance packages from a third party. Our insurance policy provides excellent protection in the event that a health-related issue occurs, an accident, or other unpredictable incidences.

6. International Travel & Health

Any international travel requires caution and awareness; volunteering abroad is no exception. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own government advisory office before making the decision to participate in any overseas volunteering opportunities. International travel presents risks. , especially with the modern day threat of international terrorism.

The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings and advisories in many countries for American travelers. These travel advisories and warnings frequently change, as situations in each country transform.

These links provide valuable travel information:

• British Foreign Office Advice
• Australian Government Advice
• Canadian Government Advice

It is also wise to consult the Center for Disease Control for health related information and issues that might come up during your time volunteering abroad. Check out www.cdc.gov for possible health risks. One must also keep in mind that the sanitary conditions in developing countries are likely very different from those in your home country. It is also strongly advised that you do not drink the tap water and do not eat food from street vendors.