Be a part of the magic in Lake Atitlán Guatemala!

4.5
(101 reviews)101

The experience

Imagine waking up to epic volcano sunrises, hopping on a lancha across the most mystical lake in Guatemala, and ending your day with new friends & travelers from every corner of the world. That’s daily life at our lakeside boutique hotel & hostel in Jaibalito, Lake Atitlán’s precious gem.

We’re a cozy, creative space built for connection: yoga, delicious food, insane views, fun events, great music, cultural exchange and sharing the magic!


What you offer

30 hours of help per week

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Tour Guide: Organize and lead tours around the city.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

Reception: Help with check-ins, check-outs and guest assistance.


What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Discounts on Restaurants: Get discounts at nearby restaurants.

Discounts on Drinks: Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.

Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.

Yoga classes: Take free yoga classes at our place.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely


Requirements

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers


What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa


Program Details

Our volunteer program is an exchange: you contribute your time and energy to help us run our boutique hotel & hostel on Lake Atitlán, and in return you receive accommodation, community, and the chance to live in one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala.

Volunteers join our small team and support daily operations in reception, guest experience, bar/restaurant service, light cleaning, and activities. Tasks can include checking in guests, answering questions about the area, helping organize and host events, supporting yoga sessions, tours and activities, and helping keep common areas and rooms tidy (making beds, basic cleaning, etc.).

You’ll usually rotate between morning, afternoon, and/or evening shifts according to a schedule planned in advance, with fixed days off so you can explore the lake. We value responsibility, communication, and respect: in return, we offer a welcoming environment, a shared dorm bed, use of common areas, and the opportunity to connect with travelers and locals through genuine cultural exchange.

This is a place for people who enjoy nature, hospitality, and community life. We expect volunteers to arrive on time for their shifts, stay for the agreed minimum time, and bring a positive, proactive attitude to the team and our guests.


Activities & Shift

Typical activities may include:

Reception & Guest Check-in

Welcoming guests on arrival and helping with check-in/check-out

Explaining house rules, Wi-Fi, facilities, and local tips

Answering questions about transport, tours, yoga, and village life

Events, Yoga, Tours & Activities

Helping set up and promote events (movie nights, dinners, live music, etc.)

Assisting the yoga teacher with set-up (mats, space, ambiance)

Informing guests about tours, hikes, and activities around the lake

Supporting group outings when needed (guiding guests to boats, trails, etc.)

Light Cleaning & Housekeeping: Helping make beds and reset rooms between guests

Tidying common areas (lounge, terrace, garden, bar area)

Keeping the reception and guest areas organized and welcoming



Bar & Restaurant Support:

Assisting staff at the bar and restaurant during busy times

Taking simple orders, serving drinks/food (depending on experience)

Clearing tables, washing basic items, keeping the bar area clean

Cultural Exchange & Guest Interaction

Spending time talking with guests and sharing stories, culture, and languages

Encouraging respectful interaction with local community and staff

Helping create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere for everyone

Shifts:
Shifts are usually divided between morning, afternoon, and evening, and may combine reception, light cleaning, and bar/restaurant support depending on the day. The schedule is organized in advance so everyone knows their responsibilities and has time to enjoy the lake and surroundings.


Rules

To keep the space safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone, volunteers agree to the following rules:

Commitment & Punctuality

Arrive on time for all scheduled shifts.

Respect the agreed minimum stay and notify us as early as possible if travel plans change.


Professional Behavior with Guests:

Always treat guests, staff, and locals with respect and kindness.

No harassment, aggressive behavior, or discrimination of any kind.

During shifts, focus on your tasks: no being drunk or under the influence while working.


Use of Alcohol & Substances:

Alcohol consumption is allowed in moderation outside of shifts.

No hard drugs or illegal substances on the property at any time.


Cleanliness & Shared Spaces:

Keep volunteer and staff areas clean and organized.

Help maintain common spaces (kitchen, bathrooms, lounge, terraces) in good condition.

Respect house systems for laundry, food storage, and trash/recycling.


Respect for Local Culture & Community:

Dress and behave respectfully in the village and around local residents.

Keep noise low during quiet hours, especially late at night and early morning.


Bar, Restaurant & Cash Handling:

Follow house procedures for orders, tabs, and payments.

Do not give free drinks/food or discounts without authorization.


Communication & Teamwork:

Communicate clearly if you are sick or unable to attend a shift.

Be open to feedback and willing to help teammates when needed.

Bring ideas for events, activities, and improvements in a respectful way.

By joining the program, volunteers agree to follow these rules and represent the hotel in a positive, respectful way with guests, staff, and the local community.