Skip to main content

Central America

Guatemala

Mission Trips

The Basics

POPULATION

16.58 million

LANGUAGE

Spanish

RELIGIONS

Roman Catholic
Protestant Christian
Non-Religious Mayan Beliefs
Known as “The Land of Eternal Spring”, Guatemala is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Central America. Tourists travel from all over the world to climb its volcanoes, drink its coffee, and zip line through the rainforest. However, the true beauty of Guatemala is its people. Gripped by poverty, the people of Guatemala hunger for the Kingdom of God. The majority of Guatemalans practice a form of Catholicism, and it’s estimated many also mix in ancient tribal religions and cultural traditions into their faith. Will you share the beautiful truth that there is so much more to this life with people in Guatemala?

Culture

Shaking hands is the customary greeting in business settings for both men and women. Women may shake hands, alternatively patting one another on the left arm instead and air-kissing on both cheeks. In casual settings, people may greet each other with a hug and kiss, but foreigners are not expected to do this.

Although most Guatemalans pay little attention to punctuality in daily living, it is expected from foreigners.

Guatemalans often cast their eyes downward during conversation as a sign of respect, especially when a man is addressing a female stranger.

Explore

Hike the Pacaya volcano and go ash boarding down.

Depending on the time of year, Antigua is famous for festivals, celebrations, parades, and events. Go shopping at the Artisan Market, walk up to the cross overlooking the city, or just hang out in the Plaza Central.

Go explore real Mayan ruins near Guatemala City called “Tecpan”.

Visit the beautiful Santo Domingo monastery in Antigua.

Upcoming Guatemala Mission Trips

These trips help make a difference in this country by serving alongside local ministries. You can join them!

Gap Year | 9 Months | August 2025

Now Open
4 countries

August 2025

AGES 17-20

Central America | Semesters | August 2024

Now Open
2 countries

August 2024

AGES 18-30

Gap Year | 9 Months | August 2024

Now Open
4 countries

August 2024

AGES 17-20

Gap Year | 9 Months | August 2024

Now Open
4 countries

August 2024

AGES 17-20

Strategic Partners

  • Adventures Guatemala Base

    The Adventures Base in Guatemala works to build relationships with locals and host and disciple teams that come through. Adventures Guatemala has a passion for reaching local villages with the empowering message of Jesus Christ. They aim to activate the Guatemalan Church to reach their community and send their own missionaries to the world. The Adventures Base sends teams to come alongside men and women of God in local villages to teach English, disciple children and families, pray for the sick, empower women, evangelize in homes and on the street, and provide basic needs for the very poor.

  • New Generation Centroamerica

    Meet Juan! He is 100 percent Mayan and now serves the indigenous Mayan people in his home community in Chichi. As Chichi is a major tourist destination, Juan has a thriving ministry with the tourist police, teaching them English and doing Bible study with them. Juan also runs a soccer ministry and has a large presence in local schools teaching English and Biblical values.

  • YWAM Guatemala City

    The staff at Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Guatemala City are passionate about training and discipling followers of Christ to make their own disciples and live like Jesus. They are active in their community doing Bible distributions, serving at safe homes, doing kids ministry and outreach, ministering to women, and serving the poorest areas of their city.

Go deeper with God than you ever imagined possible.

Start your journey. Apply now for the World Race.