Join us in an isolated eco-jungle project on the shore of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Guatemala
Stay with us by a beautiful lake, wake up to the sound of birds, enjoy the sunrise from our beach, disconnect from the noise, become more sustainable, feel the essence of nature and climb the volcano where we live.
We are looking for self-sufficient and collaborative individuals to join our team of four volunteers dedicated to maintaining and guarding the property. If you value independence, don't mind routine tasks, love being surrounded by nature and embrace a self-directed way of living, this could be the perfect fit for you!
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๐ข ๐ข ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐: ๐๐ฒ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐, ๐๐ฒ ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ธ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ณ๐๐น๐น๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ณ๐ถ๐น๐ฒ. ๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป ๐ด๐ผ๐ฎ๐น ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ถ๐๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฒ๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐, ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฒ๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ป๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ. ๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต๐น๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ข ๐ข
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๐ข๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ช๐ข๐ฅ๐: a very small workload
๐ช๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ideal for digital nomads
๐จ๐ก๐๐ค๐จ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐๐ง: secluded, nature, lake beach, stunning views
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Hello! My name is Hugo and I live on the slopes of San Pedro volcano in Guatemala, in a wild and truly isolated area of Lake Atitlan, accessible only by water. There are no roads, no close neighbors and no noise. Just pure nature, the songs of birds and a stunning beach. Iโm on a journey to build a home in this paradise. Most of the time, I share this space with volunteers, some chickens, a cat and two dogs.
Over the past four years, Iโve welcomed more than 100 volunteers, and together weโve worked on a variety of projects aimed at becoming more self-sufficient and sustainable, while continuously expanding our knowledge along the way. The following activities wonโt be part of your assigned tasks, but during your free time, youโll have the chance to explore them and deepen your understanding if you're interested:
-Beach creation: we constructed two massive natural retaining walls that not only help us collect an abundance of sand for future construction but also allow us to create our very own beach. A serene spot where the lake meets the land, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the breathtaking views.
-Bulrush cultivation: along our lakeshore, weโve introduced bulrush, a remarkable aquatic plant. Its roots help reduce water contamination and when dried, its leaves become versatile materials for crafting mats, pillows and more. Itโs a perfect example of using natureโs gifts to enhance both our environment and daily life.
-Multi-grafted trees: weโre preparing rootstocks for 10 different fruit tree genera (citrus, prunus, persea, mangifera, malus, pyrus, solanum, morus, ficus and annona). In just a few years, these trees have the potential to produce over 50 different types of fruit, creating a diverse and bountiful orchard that nourishes both body and soul.
-Vermicomposting: we manage a thriving population of over two million Eisenia fetida (red wigglers/Californian red worms) that diligently process 100% of our food waste, turning it into rich, fertile compost that feeds our gardens and plants.
-Dry toilet composting: thanks to wild Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly larvae), weโve successfully achieved 100% feces processing. This sustainable approach not only eliminates waste but also contributes to a healthier environment.
-Chickens: Weโre developing a resilient, semi-autonomous breed of chicken adapted to local conditions. Now in its second generation, this hardy lineage plays an important role in our ecosystem and long-term sustainability goals.
-Living mulch: to keep our soil healthy and protected, we use four different species as cover crops: white clover, comfrey, baby sun rose, mint, tradescantia and asthma plant. These living mulches enrich the soil, prevent erosion and support biodiversity.
-Plant diversity: in addition to the native species of the area, weโve introduced a wide variety of other plants: cacti, palms, succulents, orchids, medicinal and aromatic herbs that weโve gathered from friends, local nurseries and places weโve visited. This rich diversity not only enhances the beauty of our surroundings but also supports a more resilient ecosystem.
-Species identification: we are actively documenting the animal biodiversity on our land using the iNaturalist application. To date, we have recorded over 350 species, contributing valuable data to the scientific community and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world around us.
-Nursery: weโve created a dedicated plant nursery space where we care for over 5,000 small seedlings and propagate numerous plant species. This nursery is the heart of our reforestation and gardening efforts, ensuring a continuous supply of healthy, vibrant plants.
-Irrigation systems: we use a variety of efficient irrigation methods, including sprinklers, drip tape, blind hose drippers and oscillating sprinklers. These systems ensure optimal water distribution, promoting healthy plant growth while conserving resources and enhancing sustainability.
-Tree forest: half of our land is being reforested with a diverse mix of trees: pine, cypress, cedar, teak, eucalyptus, jacaranda, matilisguate, mango, lychee, jackfruit, papaya, lemon and other firewood, fruit and medicinal trees. This growing forest will provide resources for generations to come and restore the natural balance of the land.
-Solar system: we have a renewable energy setup consisting of solar panels, an inverter and a battery, ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply. Additionally, a submersible pump with an auto-filling tank and level control provides a consistent water source. The entire system, including piping and wiring, is designed for maximum efficiency and self-sufficiency.
-Transforming raw materials: from jams and tinctures to soaps, shampoos and lipsticks, weโre committed to making the most of the abundance nature provides. We transform raw materials into a wide range of products: syrups, glycerates, balms, wines, vinegars and incenses, oils; ensuring nothing goes to waste and everything is cherished.
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Help is 2 hours per day, always from Monday to Friday, usually from 7:00 to 9:00 or from 10:00 to 12:00. This schedule is fixed and not flexible. All volunteers choose one of those shifts and share the same days off (Saturday and Sunday).
Depending on the day or time of the year, the tasks may be organized by me, a local worker, or someone else, such as my partner, a close friend, or a lead volunteer. Sometimes Iโll be there to guide the tasks directly; other times, another person will take the lead. In some cases, one of us will explain the work in advance, and youโll carry it out independently.
Currently, Eliseo, a local worker, is in charge of coordinating the volunteers. He speaks Spanish and Tzโutujil, but no English. He has extensive experience working with volunteers who donโt speak Spanish and communicates effectively through gestures, examples, and a patient approach to make sure everyone understands the tasks.
The tasks vary throughout the year depending on the seasons and since the property is very large, tasks often require consistent focus for extended periods. For this reason, itโs very likely that you will be doing the same task for the entirety of your stay.
During the rainy season, tasks primarily involve clearing vegetation, while in the dry season, the focus shifts to building dry stone walls, moving rocks and sand or digging trenches and holes. However, depending on the needs at the time, your tasks may vary depending on the priorities during your stay, as other types of work may also be required. Regardless of the exact nature of the work, meeting the following key physical and mental requirements will help you determine if you're well prepared for the job. Feel free to ask us if you have any specific questions.
Physically
-Ability to lift 25 kg and walk 100 m: Ideal for those who enjoy staying active and fit.
-Work in the sun for up to 4 hours (max 26ยฐC): Enjoy a pleasant outdoor environment.
-No allergies to bees, mosquitoes, dogs or cats: Interact with nature worry-free.
-Paddle for 45 min in a flat bottom canoe (applicable only if you canโt pay for a motorboat ride or adapt to isolation): A chance to enjoy canoeing.
Mentally
-Adapt to isolation (applicable only if you canโt paddle or pay for a motorboat ride): Develop independence and mental resilience.
-Perform the same work each day: Ideal for those who prefer routine and stability.
-Follow precise instructions and accept feedback positively: Ensure tasks are completed accurately and consistently.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Forestry
Wild foraging
Flower farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Traditional crafts
Renewable energy production
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
No-till farming
Permaculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
Former WWOOFer
1
Hectares
|
2.5
Acres
Hugo
Member since 2022
Languages spoken:
Catalan, English, French, Spanish
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 1 day
Guatemala
Santiago Atitlan
Reviews
Kenji
Japan
โข
May 2026
Hola Hugo hermano amigo
Gracias a ti, estaba muy disfrutado por quedarme por 4 semanas
This is the 3rd time for me to volunteer for staying though, this is the best place to do other 2 places I did were respectable but the Paziapa is the best so that motivated me to return here this around
Hugo and his partner Bebรญ run the place with 3 lovely dogs one chimador, nature surrounded, and with their Love โค๏ธ
Thanks to you, i got a lot of lovely friends who theyโre calm who has beautiful mind as well me๐
Iโm looking forward to next staying at Paztiapa to help each others and spreading and digging my Love with lovely amigos de mundial muy hermoso.
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Eliza
United States
โข
May 2026
My month at Patziapa was more relaxing and enjoyable than I ever expected! The volunteers and Hugo are such kind and interesting people, and I loved meeting new people each week or so, and also staying for enough time to fully soak in the tranquility of the lake and the rhythm of life. Hugo and Eliseo, the project manager who comes to the project 6 days a week, work very hard to make the work organized and the expectations very clear. I always appreciated the very open style of communication that Hugo fosteredโhe truly wants whatโs best for the volunteers and our little community! I would highly recommend renting a cayuco (less than $0.50 per day!) for exploring the area and getting to Santiago if you are up for a bit of exercise! Each weekend I liked to explore the surrounding towns, which was super accessible and fun to get a sense of the different vibes around the lake. Also huge shoutout to all of the delicious and creative vegetarian meals we made/ate! ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ
I would recommend Patziapa to anyone who wants to connect with other cool people, is willing to practice Spanish (it doesnโt have to be perfect, itโs just about a good attitude!), live with the rhythm of nature, contribute to community food/tasks, and enjoy a peaceful and beautiful part of the lake. I hope to be back soon ๐๐
๐
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Luca
Italy
โข
April 2026
Hugo's property is such a cool and quiet place to spend some time in nature, connect with a lot of other young volunteers and travelers from all over the world. I truly enjoyed every day i spent there and i'll forever remember the nice chats around the bonfire with everyone that was there, the 3 adorable dogs that'll keep you a lot of company (Milpa especially!) and the amazing lake view and daily swimming.
The work was just as described from Hugo: repetitive and easy, but for the free time you recieve in exchange it's incredibly worth it! I highly suggest this project if you want to reconnect with nature, spend some chill time far away from the crowds and make friends!
Thank you everyone and thank you Hugo for hosting me๐๐๐ฟ
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Anthony
France
โข
November 2025
La ferme de Patziapa est un endroit paisible et ressourรงant. Avoir travailler avec une vue imprenable sur le lac Atitlan et ses volcans a รฉtรฉ une expรฉrience merveilleuse. Les diffรฉrentes cultures sont bien entretenues et donnent envie de continuer ร se dรฉvelopper. Les installations communes sont correctes avec un net potentiel d'amรฉlioration qui selon moi, pourrait faire partie intรฉgrante d'une des missions du wwoofing. Le seul point nรฉgatif, j'ai du payer l'intรฉgralitรฉ de mes รฉquipements de camping car il n'y en avait pas de disponible lorsque j'ai rรฉservรฉ mes dates 4 mois ร l'avance ; j'ai cependant appris ร mon arrivรฉe ici qu'il y avait des tentes de disponible ... Malgrรฉ รงela, je suis fiรจre d'avoir participรฉ ร l'รฉvolution de ce beau projet et d'avoir rencontrรฉ un trรจs belle รฉquipe ! Merci ร Hugo de la confiance accordรฉe et bonne continuation.
Anthony
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Dustin
United States
โข
November 2025
Hugoโs place is built with such love and attention to detail, and comfortโฆ whatever you are searching for in a work escape, you can find it here. The location is amazing, the work is more than fair, and the accommodation is very warm and welcoming. Be prepared to get sweaty, but also create amazing bonds, learn something new, and eat and sleep well! Each day of work was followed with a very filling homestyle cooked meal between the team, and sometimes a nighttime fire with a swim by the lake. Hugo is a great host, never more than a few minutes away.
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Ayden
United States
โข
March 2025
So far favorite place I've been to traveling. The view is stunning, everyday was bright and sunny. The work is not overbearing whatsoever and the access to ingredients for cooking makes the place a perfect destination for anyone to try out. Lots and lots of different places to go around the lake so you'll always have something you can do. Everyone I met was super kind and friendly, and also very patient for someone who spoke very poor Spanish. I would recommend this place for anyone!
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