Quick Facts
Program code
GL-VOL107
Category
Volunteer Work, Social Work, Community Development, Farm Stay
Country
Guatemala
Location
San Felipe de Jesús, Antigua
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible (except for December to mid-January and during the Easter week)
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
This interesting Eco Farm project was launched in 2017. The Eco Farm is a place that values sustainability, healthy living, community work, ancient Mayan traditions and environmental protection. It beautifully combines aspects of ancient Mayan culture with the challenges of modern society. Approximately 25 people work at the Eco Farm and the doors are open to the habitants of San Felipe de Jesús and surrounding communities.
For example, the farm uses ancient Mayan techniques and their sacred geometry to plant fruit and vegetables. In the Eco Farm, community members can learn more about this technique, actively participate or use it on their own small farm. The rich harvest of the Eco Farm is sold in the farm shop. Volunteers interested in learning more about Mayan culture can expand their knowledge here.
Of course, there are also animals on the Eco Farm and dogs, ducks, geese, rabbits, chickens, roosters, pigeons and chompipes (turkeys) find a home on the farm.
In addition to the sustainable production of fruit and vegetables and the care of the animals, the Eco Farm serves as a community center. Here the community members, especially children and women, find a place to develop personally and physically. Exciting workshops are offered on topics such as construction, crafts, arts, games, sports, yoga, permaculture, photography, cooking classes, healthy food, entrepreneurship, English classes, dance, recycling, first aid, survival techniques, astronomy, etc.
The aim is to provide women and children with skills and practical knowledge for daily life in a simple and dynamic way, so that they can be more independent in the future and improve their quality of life. A clear focus is on environmental education - a major challenge in our time.
Children are encouraged to connect with themselves through wonderful holistic, dynamic and artistic activities. A unique and fun experience where they can enjoy nature, play freely, flourish and learn for life. There are also fun activities such as soccer, volleyball, rock climbing, capoeira and an area for yoga and meditation.
Tasks
The Eco Farm offers a wide range of possible tasks and activities. Volunteers can help where their interests and skills are best used. Projects and workshops and areas of work include:
Farm work:
The volunteers help on the farm, with cultivation, planting, sowing and harvesting. They also take care of the care and feeding of the animals that live on the farm.
Workshops:
Volunteers with appropriate skills and knowledge can give workshops in yoga, crafts/crafts, arts, sports activities, English classes, etc.
Construction and carpentry:
Ecological building is carried out on the farm as prototype constructions. Various materials are used, such as bamboo, wood and ecological bricks. The constructions are currently all being erected on the Eco Farm site. However, the aim is to use this construction method in other areas or in our own community in the near future.
In the area of carpentry, volunteers mainly help with the manufacture of chairs, tables, shelves, children's games, toys, planters, animal enclosures and repair work.
Kitchen/Cooking:
Here the volunteers are usually involved in cooking classes and workshops for the women and children of the community. The aim is to show the parishioners and children how to eat nutritiously and healthily and what great things can be prepared with the vegetables, herbs and fruit grown in the area. In addition, hygiene standards in the kitchen, the handling of food and basic rules in kitchen organization should be taught.
The large farm kitchen also produces products for sale in the farm shop, such as sauces, jellies, fermented foods, etc. The products are almost exclusively vegan or vegetarian.
Eco Fashion:
In this area, the women of the community learn how upcycling works, i.e. how to make something new out of old. Garments such as bags, purses, accessories, blouses, hats, dresses are made with used clothing. The women make alterations to the clothes to give them a new use. For example, an old pair of trousers can be converted into a bag, and an old pair of jeans into a purse. Sewing workshops are offered for the children and women of the community to learn an occupation. This allows them to earn an income by selling their products.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
For our volunteers, typical homestay accommodations are available in the beautiful city of Antigua.
An important part of our volunteer work projects in Guatemala has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the everyday life and culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers in Antigua live in homestays so that they immerse into local customs, taste authentic meals, and experience the daily life of a family in Guatemala. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day.
Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with foreign guests.
In addition to a hospitable accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included from Monday to Saturday. You will be provided with a single room- Private bathrooms are available at a surcharge.
Location
The Eco Farm is located in the community of San Felipe de Jesus, just 5 minutes from Antigua. San Felipe de Jesus is known for the church "Iglesia de San Felipe de Jesús", one of the most distinctive churches in all of Guatemala. This temple has beautiful colors, its central bell tower stands out with its bells and clock. This colorful church looks like it stepped out of a children's book.
Antigua is a beautiful colonial town in the south of Guatemala about an hour from the capital, Guatemala City, and surrounded by perfectly shaped volcanoes. Antigua is one of the most visited places in Central America. The city is famous for its Spanish colonial buildings, picturesque courtyards, interesting markets, beautiful churches and a colorful labyrinth of streets.
The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. Antigua is located in the highlands of Guatemala at about 1,600 meters above sea level.
Antigua has an abundance of tour operators and agencies that offer exciting tours to all parts of the country. Whether you want to get to know the jungle, the Mayan culture, the Pacific coast or you are looking for cultural activities, in Antigua you are guaranteed to find someone who organizes exactly what you are looking for.
Antigua has an average daily temperature of 20 °C all year round, while the nights are quite cool. The rainy season is from June to October, the dry season from November to May.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Guatemala, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Guatemala directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Guatemala!)
- Minimum age 17 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Criminal record check
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Guatemala located in Antigua.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer work on the Eco Farm in Guatemala includes:
- Single room in a Homestay
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (except on Sunday)
- City tour through Antigua on your first day
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 875 (minimum stay 2 weeks)*
Each additional week: US$ 160
*Program costs include a US$ 100 donation to the program site.
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Guatemala City US$ 40
- Spanish course in Guatemala
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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