Still have questions about volunteering in Guatemala?
We’ve got answers.
Thank you for considering a service trip with us in Guatemala! We are so grateful for a community of volunteers who so generously give of their time and talents to help those in need.
We’ve compiled some helpful information below, grouped into categories. Please click through to learn more about what your trip to Hope of Life will be like!
What to Expect:
- All meals are served buffet-style in a common outdoor dining area; each person can serve themselves as desired.
- There are always peanut butter and jelly sandwiches available throughout the day.
- Soft drinks, sports drinks, ice cream, and snacks are available for purchase at the gift shop.
- All meals are served in a common outdoor dining space at regular times, and can be scheduled per team needs in certain circumstances.
- Examples of a typical meal are as follows:
- Breakfast: fresh fruit, eggs (various styles), black beans, salsa, meats, omelets, pancakes, french toast.
- Lunch: tacos, chicken salad sandwiches, rice and meat, hamburgers, fried chicken, potatoes.
- Dinner: chile rellenos, tostadas, hamburgers, vegetables, rice and meats, pasta dishes.
- Approximately 90% of volunteer rooms have air conditioning. Please be mindful to turn off AC units and conserve power when not in your room.
- Towels (1/guest), toiletries, and bedding is provided.
- Standard and Deluxe rooms include a private bathroom.
- Bunk Rooms are available for large groups. Each room can accommodate up to 12 people.
- Bunk Room areas have separate bathrooms for male and female volunteers: a large bathroom with multiple stalls and showers. Be aware that you will likely share a bathroom with members on your team, and possibly members of other teams of the same gender if you are in the Bunk Rooms.
- For questions about specific room types, please contact us.
- Immunizations that the Hope of Life recommends follow the recommendations of the CDC:
All routine vaccines, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, and Yellow Fever. - Please be aware that any or all of these vaccines can make you feel ill and should be administered in the recommended time frames.
- Should you choose to take Malaria medication while visiting Hope of Life, be sure to check with your physician regarding which medication would be best. It is our experience that any of the Malaria medications that cause sensitivity to sunlight should be avoided.
- Should you or anyone in your groups have a medical emergency, experience a reaction to a medicine, or have a reaction to a food or allergy – there are medical professionals available at all times and we are within driving distance of a private hospital.
- WiFi is available in eating areas and in the housing areas on campus, at an additional cost of $10 per device- due upon request of connection information.
- WiFi and cellular service is not available in the villages, and the use of your phone and hotspots is discouraged while you are ministering to the people. We recommend being as present as you can during your time with us and limiting your internet usage.
- When you arrive, you will first go through immigration; this will require a form given to you by your flight staff and your passport. It is a very simple process and will just take time, depending on the length of the line.
- When you reach baggage claim, you will find your bags, locate your checked luggage receipt, and line up to go through security and customs.
- Once through security, you will enter a final foyer before stepping outside the airport. We suggest you wait in this area for your entire group to gather together before exiting the doors of the airport – upon exit, you may not go back inside.
- When your whole team is assembled, exit to the RIGHT SIDE DOOR. Our staff will be next to the barrier you will have stepped into: a driver and translator will be waiting for you. They will be watching the doors and will assist with team luggage.
- After leaving Guatemala City, the bus ride to Hope of Life is approximately 3.5 hours. There is a bathroom stop halfway; please plan accordingly.
- Schedules and activities are arranged through HOL’s Volunteer Coordinators with your team prior to departure.
- Some examples of service opportunities are:
- Packing Food Bags
- Construction of school, homes, and churches
- Medical Assistance (including dental, vision, and specialist care provision)
- Distributing food bags, shoes, toys
- Facilitating Vacation Bible School on campus or in a local community
- Leading a craft for adults or children on campus
- Visiting Kelly’s House, Oasis Del Eden, or St Luke’s to interact with residents
- and SO much more!
- Active wear (appropriate for hot weather and outdoor activity that may be ruined during work)
- Undergarments
- Sleepwear
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Work gloves
- Tennis shoes (may be ruined during work)
- Flip-flops or sandals (for shower or evenings)
- Sunscreen and aloe vera
- Reading materials (Bible, journal, Spanish dictionary, reading book
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, contact solution, brush, etc.)
- Bug spray with DEET
- Medicines (Rx, antidiarrheal, headache, etc.)
- Towel and washcloth
- Flashlight with batteries
- Hand sanitizer
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera
- Ear plugs/Eye mask
- Modest bathing suit
Mens Attire –
- Work/Casual – modest shorts, pants, jeans, and tshirts.
- Church – khakis, jeans, button up shirts or polos.
Womens Attire –
- Work/Casual – modest shorts, capris, pants, jeans, and tshirts.
- Church – skirts or dresses (knee length) with a sleeved shirt, light sweater/shrug.
Modesty –
- No short shorts or skirts, no halter tops.
- No string bikinis or revealing swimsuits.
- No male racing swimsuits or speedos.
- $1 = 7.5 Quetzales.
- Exchanging of brand new bills that are $20 or higher is available on campus.
- Amount of spending money is determined upon your discretion.
- There is a gift shop on campus and refreshments available for purchase.
Hope of Life International is located in Zacapa, Guatemala – it is quite warm year round.
- May to October is rainy season: temperatures are typically in the 90’s and 100’s and there is a mix of sunshine, clouds, and short tropical downpours throughout the evening and night.
- November to April is the dry season: it is coolest during this time where it ranges from low 70’s to high 80’s.
- December – January has the coolest nighttime temperatures of the year.