Building Houses in Guatemala

Volunteer to build houses for families in Guatemala who would never have the means to do so on their own. The planning and construction are led by local Guatemalan masons and their assistants. At least one member of the beneficiary family also helps to build the house. You work under the close supervision of the masons doing tasks like digging foundations, carrying materials including concrete block, sand and rocks, and mixing concrete. The program takes places in rural mountainous villages surrounding Antigua.

Program Overview

1. Project Length: 2 – 4 weeks
2. Project Dates: Year round. Choose any date to arrive (weekend preferable)
3. Arrival Airport: Guatemala City (GUA)
4. Project City: Antigua
5. Accommodations: Guatemalan host family
6. Meals: 3 per day Monday-Friday, 2 on Saturday, none Sunday
7. Airlines: American, Avianca, Delta, Spirit, Taca, United
8. Ages: 16+ for solo travelers; < 16 with teacher/parent only
9. Language Required: None but basic Spanish is very helpful
10. Vaccinations: None required. Routine Shots, Hepatitis A, Typhoid
11. Visa: None required for stays of less than 90 days

Program Schedule

1. Flight arrival in Guatemala City (GUA)
2. Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City
3. Orientation and walking tour in Antigua
4. Volunteer work, Monday-Friday mornings (35 hours/week)
5. Nights and Weekends free for Excursions and Cultural Exploration
6. Guidance and 24/7 Support during placement
7. Program Wrap-Up and Certificate from Cosmic Volunteers
8. Airport Transfer for Departure Flight

Program Fees

  • 2 Weeks: $1,125
  • 3 Weeks: $1,245
  • 4 Weeks: $1,355

What’s Included

  • Meals and Accommodations
  • Airport Pickup & Drop-Off in Guatemala City (GUA)
  • Volunteer Placement
  • Daily transport to construction site
  • 24/7 Support from local staff and US staff
  • In-Country Orientation on arrival
  • Pre-Departure Support
  • Volunteering Handbook
  • Guidance with Excursions & Shopping
  • Cosmic Volunteers T-shirt
  • Certificate of Participation
  • An experience that will last a lifetime!

Not Included: Flights, Visa fees, Vaccinations, Insurance, Mobile Internet, Personal Expenses (Restaurant Meals, Extra Sightseeing, Laundry etc.).

Language Lessons: Included only with the Language and Cultural Immersion Programs.

Guatemala Volunteering House Building Emma Shovel