International Volunteer Travel

The language of business in Guatemala is Spanish. A few people in the area, your program coordinator or some of the program staff will speak English. Except the nature and reforestation project, medical teams, and the adventure programs so long as the project of interest is reforestation, all Guatemala programs require one week of Spanish study in Guatemala for those fluent in Spanish and two weeks for all others. We offer Spanish study under the Survival Spanish Program and the Guatemala Study Abroad programs.

Q2. When is the best time to participate in your programs?

Ans. Guatemala is a good place to visit any time of the year. Some say that the best time to visit Guatemala is November though April when there is no rain.

Q3. When do the programs begin?

Ans. Beginning dates are Second (2nd) and Fourth (4th) Wednesday of each month. Please plan on arriving the day before.

Q4. Where can I read more about Peru?

Ans. You can click here to go to the Peru Country Profile Page, where you can read more about Peru.

Q5. What is the Weather in Peru like?

Ans. In Quetzaltenango (Xela) where you will be based, the climate is pleasantly cool, with cold nights and warm sunny days, and an average temperature of 16°C / 68 F. In winter, from November to February, night time temperatures dip as low as - 1°C / 30° F, and because Guatemalan houses and buildings are unheated you will need warm clothes for the evenings and mornings. During the rainy season, from June to August, afternoon or evening downpours are frequent, but there is always sun for a good part of the day.

Section 2: Traveling and Visa Issues

Q6. What kind of visa do I need? Do I need a work permit?

You MAY need a tourist visa since you are categorized as a tourist because you do not get paid for any services you provide while in the country. For the same reason you do not need a work visa or a work permit.

At the moment, US, Australia, Canada and EU citizens do not require visa to enter Guatemala for 90 days – you will ask for a TOURISTS permit at the airport. Citizens of these countries who want to stay longer in Guatemala may get a visa before arriving in Guatemala or come to the country and seek a 90-day stay at the customs, then renew the stay permit before the 90 days expire. The Guatemala country coordinator will normally provide assistance with this. Citizens of other countries need to check with the Guatemala embassy in their countries for visa requirements. Everyone needs a passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, to be allowed into Guatemala.

Q7. How much do I need to pay for a Guatemalan visa and how do I get one?

A tourist Visa when required will normally cost USD 25. To find out if you need a visa to enter Guatemala and where to apply for one, please go to http://www.worldtravelguide.net/data/gtm/gtm040.asp

Q.8. What Airport should I fly to?

Ans. You will fly to Guatemala City International, also called La Aurora (GUA) in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The conventional airport name is GUATEMALA and the Airport Code is GUA.

Section 3: Fees and Money

Q9. How much money should I bring for my personal expenses in Guatemala?

The amounts of money you bring depend on you. Transport to Xela from Guatemala City is about USD 7.00, one-way bus ride. Meals during adventure tours will be in the range of USD 10-13 for a good meal and USD 5 for a snack. If you spend the night in Guatemala city, airport pickup plus one night bed and breakfast will cost you about USD 30. Airport drop off will be in the range of USD 15.00. A weekend out will cost you between USD 250 and 500.

Q10. What does my payment cover?

Ans. Please go to the Peru Fees page and our terms of service page to find out what the fee does and/or does not cover.

Section 6: Living In Guatemala

Q11. If I take the Guatemala Survival Spanish program, will I need an extra two weeks to participate in other programs?

Ans. The Survival Spanish program is offered in Guatemala. The program takes two weeks.

Q12. How much time must I spend in your programs in Guatemala?

Ans. You can spend a minimum of 3 weeks if you are fluent in Spanish (1 week taking Spanish class and 2 weeks volunteering); or 4 weeks if you are not fluent in Spanish (2 week taking Survival Spanish class and 2 weeks volunteering).

Q13. What are the living conditions like in Guatemala?

Ans. If you are looking for a unique experience, this is the program for you. You will live with a Guatemalan family to experience first hand, life in Guatemala. The families are typical, middle class Guatemalans. Middle class homes in Guatemala are not luxurious but they do have the main essentials. You will have a private room, a key for your room and the front door, a hot shower, three meals per day. Vegetarian meals are available on request.

Q14. What is the food like in Guatemala?

Guatemala offers various styles of food, from U.S.-style fast food in the capital to the native dishes served in the countryside (featuring chicken, pork, lean beef, corn, avocado, zucchini). Among the local favorites are pollo asado (grilled chicken), chuchitos (tamales) and frijoles con arroz (beans and rice). In Guatemala you will find many restaurants serving various types of Latin American cuisine. Traditional Guatemalan dishes are not as spicy as Mexican food, but hotter than European cuisine – you can specify your taste to your local mom. If you are a vegetarian the Señora of the house can plan your meals to include vegetables, fruits and grains.

For questions of general nature, please go to the International Volunteer Travel general questions page. If you cant find answers to your questions or would like clarification, please Contact Us.