VOLUNTEER FAQ’s

La Reserva Itzá is located in the Petén region of northern Guatemala, near Lake Petén Itzá and the towns of San Andrés, San Benito and Santa Elena.

The closest airport is Flores (FRS), and the island town of Flores is about a short drive away.

The area is surrounded by jungle, wildlife and Mayan archaeological sites.

Here you can check our location on the map.

La Reserva Itzá is a jungle-based Living Lab in the Petén region of Guatemala. The land hosts several interconnected initiatives including Corazones en Acción, Itza Wood, and the emerging La Reserva Itzá project.

We are currently in an early stage of development, so daily life is quieter and more focused on building foundations rather than hosting large numbers of visitors. Much of the work involves preparing spaces, strengthening systems, documenting the project, and supporting land care.

Volunteers may help with a variety of activities such as maintaining trails, working in gardens and nurseries, organizing shared spaces, supporting communication efforts, or helping with outreach projects. Some tasks are practical and hands-on, while others are creative or communication-focused.

Life here is simple, collaborative and nature-centered. Most of the time you will be surrounded by forest, wildlife and a small team working together to grow the project step by step.

La Fantástica is our bright teal school bus converted into a mobile jungle library. It travels to rural communities across Petén bringing books, storytelling and educational activities to children.

Some volunteers may have the opportunity to participate in these outreach visits alongside our team. These trips usually take most of the day and are one of the ways the reserve connects with surrounding communities.

Volunteers stay in our staff house within the reserve.

The house includes a shared kitchen, common areas and shared sleeping arrangements. One private room is used by the project coordinator, while the second room can host up to four volunteers in bunk beds.

The environment is simple but comfortable and surrounded by nature. Check the space here so you can see exactly what the accommodation looks like.

Because we are still in the early stages of the project, we usually host a small group of volunteers — typically between 2 and 4 people at a time.

This keeps the atmosphere calm and collaborative, allowing everyone to work closely together and take part in different aspects of the project.

Our work-exchange follows a simple structure:

• 4 working days per week
• 3 days off per week
• approximately 24–26 hours of contribution weekly

Workdays may include outdoor tasks, hosting support, creative communication work, or other operational activities depending on the role.

We value flexibility and initiative. While each volunteer usually has a main role, we often collaborate across tasks depending on what the project needs that week.

Our kitchen team prepares meals Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Volunteers typically receive meals during working days. After kitchen hours, food is usually left ready on the stove so everyone can serve themselves later in the evening.

Volunteers also have access to the staff house kitchen. Basic ingredients from the reserve kitchen may be used for cooking, but everything must be noted so we can keep track of supplies.

Petén is one of the most historically and ecologically rich regions in Central America.

Nearby experiences include:

• Tikal National Park (day trip)
• Yaxhá archaeological site (half or full day)
• The Mirador archaeological expedition (multi-day jungle trek)
• Exploring the island of Flores
• Visiting El Remate on the lake

From Petén you can also travel to:

• Belize (about 4 hours by bus)
• Río Dulce (about 5 hours)
• Semuc Champey (about 8 hours)

Yes. We usually organize one weekly trip to Flores so volunteers can buy personal items, explore the town, or spend time outside the reserve.

If staff vehicles travel to nearby towns such as San Benito or Santa Elena for errands, volunteers may also join those trips when space is available.

This project works best for people who are adaptable, respectful, and comfortable living in nature.

Life here is simple and collaborative. We value initiative, responsibility and a willingness to contribute to a growing project rather than a finished destination.

If you enjoy nature, small teams, meaningful work and learning by doing, you will likely feel at home here.

We value maturity, respect and personal responsibility.

Alcohol is permitted in moderation on days off or after working hours, and preferably within private areas of the house. Excessive use that affects work performance or the community environment is not tolerated.

Smoking is allowed only in designated areas.

Quiet hours are observed from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM to maintain a calm and respectful environment.

Internet is available in most common and administrative areas, including a co-working space and a small media room (“mini cinema”), but due to our remote location, connection may occasionally be limited.

Personal relationships between volunteers are not prohibited, provided they do not create drama, affect work performance, involve inappropriate situations (such as relationships with married individuals), or include excessive public displays of affection.

We currently do not accept couples, as we do not have accommodation capacity or guaranteed roles for two people simultaneously.

Recreational substances are not permitted in public areas. Discreet and responsible behavior is expected at all times. If substance use becomes excessive, disruptive or affects work performance, it may result in immediate termination of the work-exchange.

Flexibility and mutual respect are fundamental. If either the volunteer or the project feels the arrangement is not working, we prefer open communication and transparent adjustments.

At the reserve we have several things happening, but the main highlights are:

- Itza Wood Operates from here
- La Fantastica Mobile Library
- Hearts in Action Headquarters