House Building in Guatemala
In the most impoverished regions of Guatemala’s highlands, many indigenous families reside in fragile shelters made from cornstalks, corrugated metal, or cardboard, often with only dirt floors. These unsafe living conditions not only undermine a family’s sense of dignity and security but also contribute to long-term health issues, compounding the daily challenges they face.
About this project
The first home was built in 2005, and the founders soon realized that housing, education, and healthcare must go hand-in-hand to break the cycle of poverty. A school has been founded, and many of the families whose children attend the school live in homes constructed by our charity partner.
Main volunteering activities:
- Helping the experts
- Laying bricks
- Mixing and carrying cement and mortar
- Digging the foundations
- Helping construct the roof
Key information:
- The house can be completed in 5 days
- It involves 7-8 hours of helping each day, starting at 9:00am
- November to April is recommended, but you can help anytime, though there are set dates
- This volunteering project blends well with activities in Antigua, such as hiking up Pacaya Volcano, ATV tours, chocolate making, and cooking classes
Nearby activities:
- Hike Pacaya Volcano
- Chocolate making
- Explore the villages dotted around Lake Atitlan
- Be in awe of the indigenous markets of Chichicastenango
- Discover the Mayan ruins of Tikal
- Wander through charming Antigua, one of the world’s most beautiful colonial cities
Successes to date:
Our charity partner has built over 2,000 homes in Guatemala. More profoundly than simply providing a safe & secure place to sleep at night, the home gives families the dignity needed to face the future with hope.
The positive impacts of good housing include:
- Better health outcomes: a dry roof and cement floor result in far fewer family members getting sick. A good home also improves sleep, with positive health benefits
- Improved education: being sick less means better school attendance, along with providing a safe, stable place to do homework
- Higher income: entrepreneurship rates increase, especially amongst women, and improved health outcomes mean more days earning income
- Dignity: families’ feelings of self-worth improve, as well as pride in having a home you are comfortable welcoming people to.
This project is for you if:
- You are looking for a project that enables you to meaningfully engage with Guatemalans and gain insights into their lives
- You would like an experience that has a variety of activities
- You are happy rolling up your sleeves and don’t mind getting dirty
Suggested Itinerary for Guatemala
Price: US$6,000 per adult, $3,800 per child under 12
Your family will bond closer together as you help alongside each other to build a home for a Guatemalan family in need of a decent place to live, plus you get to explore charming Antigua and stunning Lake Atitlan
Trip Highlights
- Meaningful interaction as you build a home for a family
- Explore charming colonial Antigua, one of the most beautiful towns in the Americas
- Hike up Pacaya Volcano
- Discover stunning Lake Atitlan and its fascinating villages
Price Includes
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Expert local guides
- Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Volunteering costs
Note: International flights are not included, but we can arrange these for you
Day by Day Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Guatemala City, transfer to Antigua, stay at Villa Bokeh
- Day 2: Explore Antigua on a customized tour, late afternoon hike up Pacaya Volcano, with a mule (B)
- Day 3-7: Build a home for a family in need (B,L)
- Day 8: Transfer to Lake Atitlan, stay at La Fortuna (B)
- Day 9: Private guided boat tour of the villages around Lake Atitlan (B,L,D)
- Day 10: Transfer back to Guatemala City and fly out (B)
Note – this is a sample itinerary, designed to give you a flavor of Guatemala, and we delight in crafting trips to your exact preferences.
You can customize this trip to suit your specific requirements, in fact any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation.
Got a crazy request, or an off-the -radar place you have longed to visit? Just let us know – we delight in delighting you!
Here are some suggestions to customize this itinerary:
- Discover the spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal
- Explore the indigenous markets of Chichicastenango
- Experience an epic overnight hike up Acatenango volcano
- Kayak on Lake Atitlan
- Extend into Belize or Mexico
