Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
16 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
25
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are a women’s weaving cooperative based in the highland city of Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala. Our organization is run by and for Indigenous women from five regions across the Western Highlands. We work collectively to preserve the ancestral art of backstrap weaving — a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Founded in 1988 after the civil war, Trama was created as a response to the devastating loss of husbands, fathers, and brothers. Women needed a way to sustain their families while holding onto their culture — and weaving was that lifeline.
Today, we offer fair wages, training, and a dignified livelihood to over 150 weavers. Our main goals are women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and ethical production. We sell handmade woven products, host workshops, and run a volunteer program to help support the cooperative’s ongoing work.
Our team is made up of Indigenous women, our program Coordinator, and international volunteers who bring their energy, creativity, and passion for slow fashion and Mayan weaving techniques. We love sharing our knowledge and daily life with visitors, and we welcome Workawayers as part of our extended Trama family.
By volunteering with us, you’ll not only support our mission — you’ll live and learn alongside us, becoming part of a slow, intentional movement rooted in tradition, community, and resilience.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Writing
Art & design
DIY & crafts
Languages
Gardening
Cooking & food
Animals
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers will experience life in Xela while working closely with Indigenous women who preserve the art of backstrap weaving. You'll learn about Mayan culture, ethical fashion, traditional techniques, and grassroots organization. Through daily interaction, language exchange, and shared meals, you’ll gain deep insight into a resilient and to work as a community member.
Registered charity
This host is a registered charity in their country and is looking for volunteers to help with their project(s).
Help
We’re looking for volunteers to help with the maintanience of our store and weaving school in Xela. Tasks include assisting with photography, content creation, helping with weaving classes, and supporting visitors or weaving workshops. No experience required — just motivation, creativity, and a passion for ethical fashion and community work!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
We provide comfortable private accommodation for our volunteers, asking for a commitment to stay 4-6 months. Our facilities are located in the heart of Xela, surrounded by the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Guatemalan highlands. Here, you can explore local markets, traditional festivals, and beautiful natural surroundings, making it an ideal base for your adventure in Guatemala. Staff and other volunteers are also more than happy to share recommendations for local hikes and cultural experiences.
Staying with us you can have a cultural immersion, experiencing the warmth of Guatemalan hospitality and learn about Mayan traditions firsthand. Moreover, you can improve your Spanish skills through daily interactions with our team and community members. During your stay you can gain practical skills in weaving and other crafts while contributing to our mission of empowering women and connecting with like-minded individuals from around the world and build meaningful, lasting friendships.
What else ...
While volunteering with us, you’ll have plenty of time to discover the rich culture and natural beauty of Quetzaltenango (Xela) and its surroundings. Here are just a few ways you can make the most of your free time:
Fuentes Georginas: Relax in natural hot springs nestled in the lush highlands.
Lake Atitlán: Spend a day exploring this breathtaking crater lake, dotted with vibrant Mayan villages and surrounded by volcanoes; perfect for hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking in the views.
Xela’s historic center: Wander through colonial architecture, colorful markets like Mercado la Democracia, and landmarks like the Catedral del Espíritu Santo.
Mayan heritage: Visit nearby ruins like San Andrés Xecul close to Quetzaltenango or Zaculeu in Huehuetenango to connect with Guatemala’s ancestral roots.
Volcano adventures: Hike iconic peaks like Santa María or Santiaguito for unforgettable panoramic views.
Coffee tours: Discover how world-renowned Guatemalan coffee is grown, harvested, and brewed on local fincas.
Cultural immersion: Take extra classes in traditional cooking, weaving, or even folkloric dance to deepen your experience.
Getting around:
Public buses: Affordable and efficient for reaching local towns and destinations like Lake Atitlán.
Shuttle services: Ideal for day trips—easy to book and comfortable.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have Wi-Fi
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (16)
unfortunately i noticed that 3 weeks is too little to get to know the organisation, the weavers and to realize a whole project. although i am so happy and thankful for being part of this beautiful… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
unfortunately i noticed that 3 weeks is too little to get to know the organisation, the weavers and to realize a whole project. although i am so happy and thankful for being part of this beautiful… read more
There are a range of jobs available to help out with, from fundraising to social media to writing blog posts about a relevant topic of interest so there is definitely something for everyone. I helped to design a nutrition and… read more
I volunteered here only for three weeks but was already well introduced into the structure and beautifully supervised by Hannah the coordinator!
I… read more
I spent 3 weeks there... far too short! I was working on lots of projects aligned with my own interests in community development which was great.
I made the most of getting involved in learning back strap weaving and doing a home stay with a family which was fab.
It's great to see a true… read more
Our work was very interesting and we felt like we contributed to a cause that is in line with our values. Working with the coordinator and the other volunteers was enriching and working with the president and vice-president of the cooperative taught us valuable lessons. We will… read more
Corina also helped with the sales in the physical shop and helped organize two… read more
She developed two projects of her own and was able to… read more
The two founders welcomed me so warmly ! I was working with the coordinator, Janina, who is so lovely, patient and passionate about her work. She will always be here if you need help or… read more
I worked… read more
