Our Guatemala Fact File will give you background information on certain areas of Guatemala. We are constantly updating the Guatemala Fact File with new information so you can get a great insight into Guatemala before you decide to travel there.
Guatemala is a country full of colour and history. The cultural mix between the descendants of the ancient and intriguing Mayan civilization, Spanish descendants and African influences is evident in all parts of society. Guatemala is a country full of colour and history. The cultural mix between the descendants of the ancient and intriguing Mayan civilization, Spanish descendants and African influences is evident in all parts of society.
Full country name:
Republic of Guatemala
Area:
108,890 sq km
Population:
13.9 million
Capital City:
Guatemala
People:
56% mestizo/latino descent, 44% Mayan descent
Religion:
Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Mayan-Catholic fusion
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:
