Guatemala

Known for its diverse indigenous culture, colorful Maya heritage and mountainous landscape, Guatemala promises adventure for any traveler. You’ll find warm local residents who are open to tourism yet are proud to share their ancient traditions.This program is based in Xela (pronounced “shay-lah”)—a local nickname for the vibrant town of Quetzaltenango—which is a hub for volunteer opportunities in education and children’s issues. With very little English spoken throughout the city, residents of Xela welcome volunteers to take leadership roles in their classrooms, both through teaching and school facility beautification. You’ll become close with the Xelaju people as you plant important seeds for the community’s future in education.

Xela is located near many of Guatemala’s cultural and natural treasures. You’ll explore the famous archaeological ruins at Iximche, hike to Laguna Chicabal at the base of a volcano, and also zipline against the region’s lush, mountainous landscape. To get a taste of city life, you’ll venture to Antigua, a colonial masterpiece that boasts gorgeous architecture, pastel alleys and cobblestone streets. For a weekend excursion, you’ll spend a night at the sacred Lake Atitlán and visit the bustling Chichicastenango market, the largest Maya craft market in the world.

Highlights

The YOLA Promise

YOLA will tie in with the best-in-class youth travel and education providers that follow rigorous safety and health standards.

YOLA will promote only those travel and education programs that are committed to the highest environmental, fair trade and human rights standards.

YOLA will create ethical experiences designed to have maximum, long-term impact on the communities we partner with.

YOLA and its partners are committed to travel to locations where tourists rarely go, buy goods from locally-owned businesses, and respect local cultures and customs. Our programs provide direct support for education, infrastructure development, conservation, and other community projects.