This image shows a spacious, open-air café or restaurant with wooden tables and benches, plants, a rustic design, chess boards, and people gathered in the background.
This is a dormitory room with multiple wooden bunk beds, white mattresses, pillows, ceiling fans, fluorescent lights, and neatly folded colorful blankets stacked near the entrance.
A group of people are gathered around a table, sharing food and smiling. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and communal, with delicious flatbreads being served.
This aerial image shows a lush, green landscape with dense trees surrounding a small village or resort featuring various buildings, huts, and a road winding through.
A large, white building with a stone foundation sits surrounded by lush green trees and plants. There’s a stone pathway and benches in front. Peaceful atmosphere.
1 / 5
new host  

Join our living lab in the heart of the Mayan Biosphere, Guatemala

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: 1 month or more

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hi, I’m Jon, part of the team at a jungle-based Living Lab located in the heart of the Petén forest, within the Mayan Biosphere region of Guatemala. We live and work on-site as a small, committed team, developing a long-term project that combines rewilding, alternative education, community life and regenerative practices.

    The land is home to several interconnected initiatives: a rewilding and land-restoration project, an educational collaboration with local families through The Jungle School (Montessori-inspired), small-scale conservation efforts, creative and educational outreach, and the gradual development of shared spaces for learning and retreats.

    Rather than a single activity, is an evolving ecosystem — a place where different disciplines, people and ideas come together to regenerate land, rethink education and experiment with new ways of living in balance with nature.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Hospitality/Tourism
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Self development
    Sustainability
    Culture
    Charity work
    Music
    Photography
    Carpentry
    Animals
    Cycling
    Hiking
    Outdoor activities
    Yoga / Wellness
    Camping
    Nature
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    By living and working alongside our team and local collaborators, Workawayers gain first-hand experience in:

    Alternative, nature-based education
    Rewilding and land restoration practices
    Community life in rural Petén
    Guatemalan culture, daily rhythms and local perspectives
    Collaborative living in a long-term regenerative project

    There are also opportunities to visit nearby towns, interact with local families and better understand life in the Mayan Biosphere region.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    We are looking for motivated, conscious people to support our Living Lab through a structured work-exchange.

    The exchange is divided into two main areas:

    Jungle School – Alternative Education (about 50%)
    Supporting a Montessori-inspired education project with local families. Tasks include assisting educators, accompanying children during learning activities, preparing simple materials and supporting outdoor, nature-based education. This is not babysitting and requires responsibility, presence and respect for educational guidelines.

    La Reserva – Rewilding & Community Life (about 50%)
    Helping with land care, trail maintenance, planting, composting, cleaning and preparing shared spaces, light kitchen support, small DIY projects and general maintenance.

    Creative skills such as photography, design or social media are welcome as an optional contribution, always secondary to education and rewilding.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    We enjoy sharing both English and Spanish in daily life and see language exchange as a natural part of living and working together in a multicultural environment.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Shared dorm-style accommodation with shared bathrooms, kitchen and lounge areas.
    There is plenty of natural space to walk, rest and disconnect, surrounded by jungle and wildlife.
    One served meal per day included during working days, and kitchen access with supplies for the rest of the time and meals

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    On days off, Workawayers can rest, explore nearby towns, swim, read, write, create, or simply enjoy the jungle. The surrounding area offers a unique mix of nature, culture and history, including access to lakes, forest trails and nearby communities.

    Because of our remote location, we encourage people who enjoy calm environments, meaningful routines and intentional living. This is not a party place, but a space for learning, contribution and genuine exchange.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    - Yes, we are in a remote jungle area, so connectivity can be limited or slower than in cities. - While this is a living, natural environment with animals around, we have certain restrictions around allowing pets beyond the animals that are already on-site. - Smoking is limited to designated areas only. - Families are welcome, and mostly if they are aligned with education, nature and community life. - The exchange includes supporting an alternative education project with children. - We have shared co-working areas. At the same time, your presence will help us continue shaping the space into something functional, balanced and respectful of the environment. This is a great place for focused work, but flexibility and patience are important due to our remote location.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Campers and motorhomes are welcome. There is plenty of space and nature around to park, rest and connect with the environment.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 855215739469

Website Safety

Photos

This is a dormitory room with multiple wooden bunk beds, white mattresses, pillows, ceiling fans, fluorescent lights, and neatly folded colorful blankets stacked near the entrance.
A group of people are gathered around a table, sharing food and smiling. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and communal, with delicious flatbreads being served.
This aerial image shows a lush, green landscape with dense trees surrounding a small village or resort featuring various buildings, huts, and a road winding through.
A large, white building with a stone foundation sits surrounded by lush green trees and plants. There’s a stone pathway and benches in front. Peaceful atmosphere.
This image shows a spacious, open-air café or restaurant with wooden tables and benches, plants, a rustic design, chess boards, and people gathered in the background.

Feedback

Join us at our small family lodge on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Experience my home and spend time with sweet dogs in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala