Mayan Cultural Immersion

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Live and stay with a local family!
  • Working on the local farms
  • Learning to weave textiles

Highlights

  • Live and stay with a local family!
  • Working on the local farms
  • Learning to weave textiles
  • Learn to cook traditional food
  • Learn the language, interact with locals, and become part of the family


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    50+

    About the program

    Live with a Mayan Kakchikel-speaking family and assist with everyday life. Work includes helping in the fields, cooking traditional Guatemalan dishes, caring for animals.

    This project will let you experience a true Mayan hospitality and in-depth overview of local life. The project in based in a traditional farming community, around 33 minutes outside of Antigua, in a rural and ‘off the bean path’ location. You will live with a local Mayan Kakchikel-speaking ...

    About the program

    This project will let you experience a true Mayan hospitality and in-depth overview of local life. The project in based in a traditional farming community, around 33 minutes outside of Antigua, in a rural and ‘off the bean path’ location. You will live with a local Mayan Kakchikel-speaking family and assist within everyday life. Work includes helping in the fields, cooking traditional Guatemalan dishes, caring for animals, assisting with local construction projects, agricultural work and making handwoven textiles and crafts. Work will vary based on seasonal needs, weather conditions, and location.

    Within the indigenous community and culture, some of the work is gender specific, so please be aware that your daily tasks could vary accordingly. We ask that you respect the community’s way of life and customs with sensitivity. Please note- the local people on this project do not speak English, so it is helpful if you have some understanding of Spanish. During the project, you also have the chance to learn Kakchikel, one of the main Mayan languages.

    Volunteers at Indigenous Culture projects may be asked to:
    • Plant, harvest, and clean fruits and vegetables.
    • Care for farm animals such as chickens.
    • Collect weaving materials, learn to make different types of cloth.
    • Weave items such as belts, tablecloths, napkins, bags, etc.
    • Assist with cooking and cleaning, learn traditional homemade Guatemalan dishes.
    • Teach small English lessons to children, family, or community members.

    Location
    Indigenous Culture projects are located in a small, rural farming community, around 30-60 mins outside of Antigua.This location may not have reliable internet, but a phone is available in case of emergencies. Our local coordinators will check in with you by phone and in-person throughout your project.


    Typical day

    You should expect to work up to 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday. That said, the goal of this project is to participate in the everyday life of your host family and their community. This means that schedules can vary greatly. For instance, some days may require 8 hours of work split between morning ...

    Typical day

    You should expect to work up to 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday. That said, the goal of this project is to participate in the everyday life of your host family and their community. This means that schedules can vary greatly. For instance, some days may require 8 hours of work split between morning and afternoon while others require only 1-2 hours. Please continue to help out with basic tasks over the weekend.

    Sunday – Arrival / Welcome and Home Stay Introduction
    Monday – Orientation day
    Tuesday to Friday
    Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
    • Breakfast 
    • Volunteer work
    • Your own lunch at project site
    • Volunteer work
    • Dinner 

    Free-time activities

    There is so much to see and do around Antigua, including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. The local coordinators regularly post a monthly events calendar to let you know of the activities going on nearby. For more ideas on things to do in Guatemala…

    Tikal Ruins
    The

    Free-time activities

    There is so much to see and do around Antigua, including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. The local coordinators regularly post a monthly events calendar to let you know of the activities going on nearby. For more ideas on things to do in Guatemala…

    Tikal Ruins
    These Mayan ruins are set amidst the jungle of northern Guatemala and close to the borders between Belize and Mexico. The incredible ruins are a little hard to get to but have a spectacular backdrop. The ruins used to be one of the most influential cities in the Mayan empire.

    Semuc Champey Pools
    Another destination a little hard to get to (think long and windy bus ride) but definitely worth it for the incredibly blue pools of water you will find here, all surrounded by Guatemalan jungle. You can go swimming in the pools too!

    Acitve Volcanoes
    Pacaya, Santiaguito and Fuego are active volcanoes which visitors can climb up. These 3 are still active but Guatemala also has 37 volcanoes dotted around the country. If you love hiking, then make sure to try one of these treks for spectacular views.

    Lake Atitlan
    Lake Atitlan is a place where you can easily spend several days. This pretty lake has the backdrop of volcanoes and pretty wildflowers around the edge of the water. There are lots of small towns around the lake to explore, or you could simply relax by the sparling water or try SUP and kayaking.

    Indian Nose Hike
    This is a spectacular viewpoint which will only take around a 45 minutes climb. Situated close to San Pedro, this mountain is known for incredible sunrises, but we would recommend going with a tour group for this, for safety reasons. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Airport pick-up
    Host family accommodations
    Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
    3-4 hours/day practical work, Monday-Friday
    Program and safety orientation
    Walking tour
    Official certificate of volunteer service
    Letter of recommendation
    Spanish language tutoring table
    Tandem Conversation Program
    Office-wide WiFi and computer lab
    Salsa dance classes
    Cooking classes
    Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    Institute is open 7 days/week
    Emergency contact number 24/7

    Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport

    Airport pickup is provided. If arriving Sat an extra night will be charged. Full information in the welcome pack or feel free to contact us. 

    Accommodation

    While in Antigua for your orientation, you stay in a shared room with a pre-approved middle class Guatemalan family or in a student residence. You share with 1-3 other people of the same gender.

    At your project site you stay with a local family in their simple farm house at the foot of a scenic volcano. Families often have children of all ages and you should expect there to be many pets and farm animals around. The village has a small park, a church, a school, and some shops.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner are provided 7 days a week and will be of local cuisine (which you may be asked to help prepare). Corn, rice, beans, beef, pork, chicken, cheese, and tortillas form the basis of the typical local foods. Meat stews and soups are very popular also.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 862€
    2 weeks 1,171€
    3 weeks 1,411€
    4 weeks 1,705€
    8 weeks 2,727€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 3,725€
    Average fees 586€/week

    Program fees

    586€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Lauren

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


    WHO WE ARE

    Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

    We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

    SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
    All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

    Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

    AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
    As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

    We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

    The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

    In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

    SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
    With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

    All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

    Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

    Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

    SUPPORT

    From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

    On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

    FUN!
    Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

    GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

    204 reviews · rating4.7

    What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked ...
    The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
    What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...
    I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
    There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
    hannah rupp rating5

    2024 at Primary Teaching Support

    I had such a great time in Zanzibar. The accommodation is really good, it’s clean, you have a very sweet balcony and the bedrooms are good. Also the roommates and coordinators are were really nice 🥰 I really enjoyed my time at the school and I loved to work with the kids 🥰 I made so many ...

    Location


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    Contact Lauren
      Excellent response rate
    English

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