Guatemala: Organic Agriculture

Guatemala, meaning “land of trees,” is a heavily forested and mountainous nation—and the most populous in Central America. With its high and active volcanoes, scenic beauty and impressive Mayan ruins, Guatemala is often known as the Mayan heart of Central America. The indigenous culture survives in the ancient ruins of Tikal, rituals of Chichicastenango and blazing colors of Mayan dress. Deeply rooted in the rural highlands of Guatemala, many indigenous people follow traditional religious and village customs and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts. Guatemala’s culture is a unique product of Native American ways and has a strong Spanish colonial heritage.

The project is in a fair trade, organic coffee and macadamia plantation owned and run by a cooperative of Guatemalan families. All profits raised by the community are divided among the community members and are used to improve the health, education and living conditions within the cooperative. Third generation plantation workers, the members are incredibly generous and curious group of people who will welcome you into their family.

 

The collective works according to principles of Direct Democracy, and currently boasts within its organizational structure a Women’s Committee, and Education Committee and other groups dedicated to ensuring that all workers have equal rights and the principles of collective well being are the ultimate goal of the collective. They have been running a very successful tourism business out the newly renovated colonial mansion once occupied by the land owner. Taking advantage of a natural spring within the community the collective is introducing their purified water into the national market. The process used by the community is environmentally sensitive and the plan is to compete with other large producers who extract water using pumps and wells rather than tapping a natural source.

You will have the opportunity to participate and learn agricultural tasks such as collecting macadamia, picking coffee, planting trees, sorting and classify macadamia. Also you can work in eco-lodge renovations activities such as painting, sanding and decorating. Community service assists delivering water to the near communities, water collecting process, teaching English or another language, promotions and publicity for the community’s products.

The project is located about 1000 meters above sea level in Guatemala - Quetzaltenango. It is about 45 minutes drive into the mountains north of the tropical coastal town of Retalhuleu.

Accommodation and Food

You will live at the lodge located within the project. Typical Guatemalan food (tortillas, beans, vegetables, fruits)can be expected. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided by the association.

Travel Arrangements and Transportation

Booking air travel to your destination is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed. For domestic traveling and specific logistics RJI will provide the respective information at the time.

•    Individual or group volunteering (minimum 6)
•    Duration 1 to 4 weeks
•    Age 18+

Spanish is desired but not mandatory. The most important requirement is to bring a positive attitude, be willing to get involved in our Central America culture. You must love the outdoors and not mind working in any weather, be easy going and be able to work alongside the local community as much of your time will be spent with the locals and families and finally  be ready to enjoy this experience.