Antigua, Guatemala, is a Spanish colonial town that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its colorful buildings, cobblestoned streets, and numerous restaurants, museums, and artisan shops. The city’s architecture is a fascinating mix of Spanish and Mayan heritage, with many indigenous foods, arts, and languages still part of daily life. However, Guatemala’s popularity as a tourist destination has resulted in growing pressure on infrastructure and resources. This volunteer construction project has a significant positive impact on local communities by helping residents build public buildings such as healthcare clinics, community centers, and schools. The project, which takes place near the city's historic center, will be overseen by local Spanish-speaking project managers who will support volunteers during training and daily activities. During their free time, volunteers can explore the old colonial town of Antigua, including visiting the cathedrals, convents, and museums. On weekends, they can join tours to hike Acatenango or Pacaya volcanoes. During their visit to Acatenango, participants have the chance to see a volcanic eruption up close from another nearby volcano. Lake Atitlan is also a destination where travelers can immerse themselves in indigenous Mayan culture and cuisine.
This is a minimum 1-week and maximum 4-week trip that costs $845 for one week, led by Maximo Nivel, a Latin America-based travel company that offers volunteer travel opportunities, Spanish immersion, study abroad and gap year programs in Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.