Projects

Constru Casa House Building Project, Guatemala

Help build a home for a family in need

More than half of Guatemalans live in poverty. Many are homeless or have homes that are unsatisfactory. Constru Casa is an organization that builds simple, solid homes for families in need. The families work together with workers and volunteers to build their house and pay back 25% of the cost over four years to take full ownership. Houses are built in many different parts of the country and the fun excursions vary depending on the location.

With this VolunTour, not only do you help build the house, you help fund it. Approximately 35% of the tour cost goes directly to Constru Casa to pay for the materials and wages to locals who help you build it. When volunteering on this project the volunteers help the construction team build the house from beginning to end. By the end of the project the family become the proud owners of a safe, solid home for theirs and future generations. In return, they have a memorable and meaningful holiday, knowing they have made a real difference in the lives the local family.

No construction experience necessary.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day into Guatemala City. You will be met at the airport by your tour leader who will hold a sign with your name on it at the arrivals area and then transferred to the hotel in Antigua. Your tour leader will then hold an orientation with the entire group that evening.

Day 2: Travel day. This morning, after breakfast, we leave Antigua for the project location to be determined at time of booking. The evening is free to enjoy at your leisure. (B)

Day 3: Workday. After breakfast, the group will head out to the project site to begin construction work. Together with the project coordinators and the family, we will begin construction on the house. Each workday will be an average eight hour day with breaks. Evenings are free to enjoy at your leisure. (B,L)

Day 4: Workday. (B,L)

Day 5: Workday: (B,L)

Day 6: Excursion day. Depending on the location of the work site, a fun day excursion will be planned to break up the work week. Examples of excursions include, volcano hikes, village markets, Mayan ruins, beach parties, lake boat excursions, and more. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Workday. (B,L)

Day 8: Workday. (B,L)

Day 9: Workday. (B,L)

Day 10: Excursion day. To be determined.

Day 11: Workday. (B,L)

Day 12: Workday. (B,L)

Day 13: Travel day. The group will head back to Antigua for an evening of leisure. This is a good evening to celebrate what you have accomplished!

Day 14: Excursion day. The group will go to Volcan Pacaya and begin our hike up the volcano. With a little luck, we will be able to roast marshmallows on the flowing lava! (lava flow is not guaranteed) Tonight, enjoy your last night in Antigua. (You may want to go out and party some more.) (B)

Day 15: Final day of the tour. Today, your tour leader will help you find your way back to Guatemala City for your flight home, or suggest other fun things to do in Guatemala if you plan to remain in the country for longer.

* Itinerary subject to minor changes if necessary.

Available Dates:

Subject to interest. Generally we need a minimum of 8 people and 2 months advance booking. If you are interested in the Constru Casa House Building VolunTour, please contact and provide us with the details of when you would like to go.