Guatemala is the hidden gem of the Americas with amazing cities, ancient ruins and scenic towns and lakes. Guatemala is far less touristy compared to similar countries in the region, but you will be rewarded if you travel here.
Work, Volunteer, Study, Travel in Guatemala
TEFL Course in Antigua
• 4 weeks
• Price from $1,600
Mayan Discovery
• 15 days, 3 countries
• Price from £1,049
Caribbean Encounter Tour
• 10 days, 3 countries
• Price from £1,972
Epic Centra America Tour
• 45 days, 7 countries
• Price from £3,499
Travel & Backpacking in Guatemala
There are lots of things you can do on a gap year in Guatemala including volunteering programs, teaching jobs and adventure group tours. If you want to travel, go backpacking, volunteer, work, study or book an adventure, we can help you plan a dream trip to Guatemala.
For more options in this region view our guide to taking a gap year in Central America.
Guatemala Tours
On a trip you can experience the rich cultural history and tradition of the Maya, climb to the crater of one of Guatemala’s many volcanoes, relax on the black sand beaches of the Pacific coast, find ancient pyramids and temples hidden in the jungle.
Other highlights include hanging out in picturesque, cosmopolitan Spanish colonial towns, hiking through the many microclimates of the highlands, and sharing in local festivals full of color, sound, and excitement.
There is truly something for everyone in Guatemala and a small group tour allows you to experience the highlights of the country including Antigua, Tikal and Lake Atitlan. Guatemala is also very affordable and there are low cost gap year programs and Spanish language courses available to book all year round.
Volunteer in Guatemala
Spend a gap year volunteering in Guatemala and experience first-hand the unique and ancient culture of the Maya while improving, or gaining, Spanish language skills. There are a range of Guatemala volunteer experiences from teaching, to working on organic farms, helping animals or communities.
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Antigua, about an hour from Guatemala City, is where a lot of volunteer placements are located. Some projects are on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a 12 mile diameter lake created by a dormant collapsed volcano. These small, unique and charming lakeside villages are geographically connected and volunteers are able to meet regularly via boat, creating an intertwined community of placements in a truly magical location.
During your weekends and time off, there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore the region around your placement as well as other parts of Guatemala!
Additionally, if you would like to explore more of Central America, you can easily get to many unique locations in Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.
Study in Guatemala
Keen to learn a language on a gap year? Guatemala is a great place to study Spanish and find out more about Latin American culture. Take lessons in the historic city of Antigua and you’ll be able to see wonderful sights, such as Saint Joseph Cathedral and the 18th-century La Merced Church, as well as try salsa dancing. Classes are great value for money and can be booked all year round.
