Do I need any special immunizations before I go to Guatemala?
Check with your Doctor about necessary immunizations.
What kind of documentation do I need?
You need a current passport with at least 90 days before expiration.
(US requirement to leave the country)
How much money should I plan to spend during my one week in Guatemala?
Plan on $150.00 for the week, even though you can live on as little as 5 US dollars a day if your meals are provided in your homestay.
Restaurants and entertainment cost less than the US, but prices are rising. There are many crafts, silver and textiles that might catch your eye. Remember, Guatemala relies heavily on tourism for it's livelihood.
Where can I exchange currency? Some ATM's in Antigua have been compromised recently. If you have used any ATM's, please check your bank statements for several months after returning home to see if your card has been compromised. Changing US currency to Guatemalan currency maybe time consuming and banks often have long lines and short hours but it's the safest way. You will need to present your passport to exchange currency.
You will find many banks around Central Park. Check with your bank to see that they don't charge extra if you use ATM 's in Guatemala.
How do I pay for my participation in the house building?
Each volunteer needs to send the donation for the poor of $500.00 before they arrive to volunteer.
Please send it to:
From Houses to Homes
PO Box 85
Mt. Tabor, New Jersey, 07878-0085.
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What airport will I be flying into?
Guatemala City
What city will I be staying in?
Antigua, Guatemala. It is in the mountains at an altitude of approximately 5000 ft above sea level. Map of Antigua - Map
Will someone be there to meet me?
Yes, we will pick you up at the airport and bring you back.
Where will I live?
We can arrange for you to stay with a host family. The family will rent a room for approximately $75.00 per week, per person, including 3 meals a day, except not on weekends. You will pay this to them directly. They would like it in Quetzales, the local currency.
What are the accommodations in a home stay? Will I have a private bathroom? Will there be hot showers?
The home stay with a Guatemalan family is a modest room in their home, with the use of the home's bathroom. There is hot water most of the time.
Can you arrange a home stay for me and my friends?
Yes, we can.
Can you arrange a hotel for me? What are the prices?
Yes we can recommend several hotels with the rates starting at around $35.00 per night. You should make reservations online yourself.
What about health insurance and medical care?
Check with your health provider about insurance for out of country emergency care. Antigua has very good health care providers. We recommend Hospital Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro, 6a Calle Oriente No. 20, Antigua. Telephone 502-7832-0883.
Is the work difficult?
Yes. The work is hard, the hardest work you will ever love. Your work will be mostly manual labor – mixing concrete and mortar, moving block, shoveling sand and gravel, painting, helping fill cracks between blocks with mortar, etc.
Is there toilet facilities at the worksite?
Toilet facilities will be very primitive. Typically an outhouse sided with tin, containing a concrete toilet. Do not expect running water or toilet paper [always take some toilet paper with you].
What do I need to bring to wear and carry with me to the worksite?
(some of these may be purchased locally)
Your lunch (ask your host family to prepare one or buy a sandwich at a deli, or buy one at your hotel)
Work boots or sneakers, jeans/shorts and t-shirts are what most volunteers wear at the worksite.
Sunscreen
Work gloves
Hat
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Camera
Rain jacket, with hood during rainy season, which is April to October. It may rain in the late afternoons or evenings.
You may need a light jacket or fleece for mornings and evenings.
Backpack to carry you personal items
We cannot be responsible for you while you are not volunteering with De Casas a Hogares, such as evenings and weekends. We recommend you use reputable tour guides while sightseeing and can recommend some if you like.
You are welcome to bring used clothes, toys for the children (marbles, jump rope, tops that spin, yo-yo's, kites, soccer balls). Avoid toys that require batteries.
Also needed: school supplies, pens, pencils, rulers, whiteboard markers (wide tip) in black, red and blue colors, erasers, extra work gloves, hand sanitizers, first aid kits, etc..
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