Mayan Indigenous Immersion

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A unique and authentic cultural immersion experience in Guatemala, where volunteers live and work in a local indigenous community.

Indigenous Culture projects are located in a small, rural farming community outside of Antigua. This project is designed to assist with activities that provide modest income to local Mayan families, such as the creation of woven handicrafts, while offering unique cultural exchange and experience of their daily life. Volunteers support the community in various activities depending on seasonal need in the areas of agriculture, textiles, kitchen and household chores, and language education.

Volunteers at Indigenous Culture projects may be asked to:

• Plant, harvest, and clean fruits and vegetables.
• Care for farm animals such as chickens.
• Collect weaving materials, learn to make different types of cloth.
• Weave items such as belts, tablecloths, napkins, bags, etc.
• Assist with cooking and cleaning, learn traditional homemade Guatemalan dishes.
• Teach small English lessons to family or community members.

Village life is often affected by harvest seasons, weather, and family events. Additionally, it is normal there for work to be divided by gender so male and female volunteers should expect to do different tasks. Volunteers are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators but they are not on site at your project at all times. The residents speak mainly in Mayan-Kakchikel and Spanish is a second language. Participants should prepare themselves for complete cultural and language immersion.