Worker for Local Construction & Renovation

Guatemalan construction projects are focused on home-building, school and orphanage renovation, and building playground and bathroom facilities for areas that do not have them. Volunteers work with our foreman, who provides guidance and training, along with families and other volunteers. Volunteers should come ready to work and to work hard, as they’ll be laying brick, mixing concrete, doing carpentry, painting, laying tile, hauling materials, and landscaping/gardening. Depending on the phase of the project they participate in, they may also be asked to help prepare or clean up the construction site. Volunteers are not required to have experience with construction work, but a reasonable level of fitness and strong dedication to the work will go a long way in ensuring that they get the most out of their volunteer project.

Construction volunteers are strongly encouraged to bring work gloves, work boots, safety glasses, and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. It is a good idea to wear a hat and long pants at the project site, and sunscreen is also extremely important.

The majority of our projects are located in and around La Antigua. Travel time varies from project to project, but volunteers can expect to spend 15-90 minutes traveling each way, by either walking or using local buses or taxis. For the first visit to the project, volunteers are taken by a Maximo Nivel representative using the local transport and given additional information about how to get to and from your project. Local bus rides are very affordable and a one way trip will rarely cost more than Q8 (about $1). Taxis & tuk-tuks cost approximately Q10 to Q30 (about US$1.20 to US$3.50) one way within Antigua.

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

There is plenty to see and do around La Antigua including cultural events, tours and treks, and exploring the various markets. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let participants know of the activities going on around Maximo. Just outside of La Antigua, there is even more to explore including nearby coffee farms, volcanoes, and both Mayan and colonial ruins. Further outside the area, participants can visit beautiful Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, and the famous Tikal archaeological site. Our staff are experts on Guatemala and can answer any questions clients have. Tours and trips can also easily be booked through our on-site travel partner.