Antigua is a prized possession of this country that is proud of its impressive past. A beautiful city, streets lined with cobblestones and an abundance of authentic colonial buildings, it has been given the rare World Heritage title by UNESCO preserving the charming and unique atmosphere. It is easy to understand why this relaxed environment attracts students and other visitors to come and enjoy all the court cafes with flourishing gardens and fountains, very affordable high class international cuisine or delicious local food as well as the lively nightlife at the many bars, salsa clubs and discoteques. There are also plenty of outdoors activities to do, apart from the colourful markets and interesting museums all deserving a visit. The climate is mild, warm in the days and fresh in the evenings.
Surrounded by majestic volcanoes and green-clad mountains that border the highlands of Guatemala, Antigua is also an excellent base to travel from if you want to see more of the country. Tours to the whole country originate from here and being located near Guatemala City it is a very safe and inexpensive alternative.
It is an extraordinary experience of both living and savouring the past and the present that this jewel of a city offers. It is no surprise that Antigua is loved by anybody who has visited once and why students find it such a great place for studying Spanish!
Give an impoverished family the keys to a house you’ve just built for them. You’ll be working to build safe, solid houses to replace their cardboard shelters. An extremely rewarding project - no building experience needed.
Play a vital role in rehabilitating wild animals that have been maltreated. Get involved in their daily care, feed them, monitor their behaviour and make sure their enclosures are clean.
Make a valuable, long lasting contribution to a village in Guatemala. Give the children some basic lessons in English, maths, computing or crafts, or help with healthcare.
Take fun, innovative and fruitful Spanish lessons at our language centre. Learn from experienced teachers and take advantage of cultural activities and a home-stay to practise outside of lessons. ¡Olé…!
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups provides Career Break Voluntary Projects and Culture & Language programmes throughout South America and Central America. They have the best available Community voluntary projects as well as a number of Conservation Volunteer Projects to choose from. Combine these voluntary work placements abroad with learning Spanish in South America.
For useful volunteer travel advice to South America from Gap Year For Grown Ups, use the following links:
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