Hiking Guide Volunteers
Fred
Hello! My name is Fred, and I’m from Germany, close to the Bavarian Alps. I’ve loved the mountains all my life — whether hiking, mountain biking, or climbing via ferrata. Now I’m thrilled to be part of Quetzaltrekkers, where I can share my passion for trekking while contributing to the amazing work of EDELAC.
Fun facts & favorites
- Ska & rocksteady
- Chess
- Everything with chocolate
- Coffee
Will
Hey there! I’m Will from the United States. After a beautiful experience volunteering for Quetzaltrekkers in 2024 I decided to come back to this special place. I’m incredibly passionate about this organization and deepening my understanding of the diverse peoples and cultures of Guatemala. I’ll see you on the trail. ¡Buen camino!
Fun facts & favorites
- Knows a lot about wine
- Classics
- Loves jazz
- Kann ich mein Deutsch mit dir üben?
- Documentaries
Joe
How’s it goiiing bud? I’m Joe from Dublin, Ireland! I heard about QT from two friends who’d guided years before and I’ve wanted to join the cult and their amazing cause ever since.
I always loved the outdoors back home, whether running, hiking, swimming or camping in some field and I’m excited to explore somewhere where the altitude is a little higher, of course alongside my wonderful son, Conrad 😘. Can’t wait to hike with ye!
Fun facts & favorites
- Got a dodgy finger
- Loving mother
- Bed Bug expert
- Temescal menace
- I make a mean spicy marg xx
Isaí
¡Pura vida! My name is Isaí and I’m from Costa Rica. I studied ecotourism so since some years ago my life has been marked by been always in nature. I’ve done a lot of volunteering in some national parks of my country and communities.
During the last years I was working on as a trek guide/coordinator and that’s why QT is the perfect place for me.
Fun facts & favorites
- I am a nature nerd
- Have seen more than 500 species of birds
- Almost got bitten by venomous snakes likes two times
- I love wildlife photography and can spend hours taking photos of hummingbirds
- I smell nice
Julian
Oh hey there, I’m Julian from Germany! I grew up around the Black Forest, a real hikers’ gem, but I never paid much attention to it as a child. My passion for hiking and all things outdoors kicked off later in life – and today I can’t get enough of it!
My heart also skips a beat for a good match of Ultimate Frisbee and for cooking and munching myself through the universe.
I am so thrilled to be part of Quetzaltrekkers! To me, this wonderful organization means the perfect blend of outdoor adventuring, contributing to a meaningful social and sustainable impact, and being part of a caring, fun and a little crazy community.
Fun facts & favorites
- Successfully overcame a phobia of tomatoes after 30 years
- Cooked Käsespätzle on 5 different continents
- Registered gummy bear addict
- Lived in 10 countries
- Would love to soak in a bathtub full of broth one day
Allison
Hi there I’m Allison! I’m from the United States, representing the mitten state (Michigan). I’m currently taking a gap year and will be going back to school to get my masters in social work. After years hiking throughout the states and backpacking in India, I became interested in being a guide. After hearing about QT’s mission I was hooked. I love to hike for a good cause! Hope to meet you on a trek, happy trails!
Fun facts & favorites
- Guinness devotee
- Postcard collector
- Cross stitch enthusiast
- Meat master
- Hates velvet fabric
- 80s music
- Bed bug survivor
Hailey
hi KING! I am Hailey from Chicago. After my first backpacking trip at 15 on the superior hiking trip I have been hooked on sleeping under the stars. From creating a raft out of logs and pan lids with kids in Washington, walking from Mexico to Canada, collecting chicken eggs on a farm in Louisiana, to spending 150 hours on amtrak across the US I feel so grateful to have spent the past few years exploring the world and building community. I love learning new things: dancing salsa in xela and refining my cheffin- mashed potato volcanoes is my specialty! Happy trails :):)
Fun facts & favorites
- Still has a baby tooth
- Always down to play cards
- Knitting
- Pun master
Laila
Heya! I’m Laila, and it took me 7 years thinking about Quetzaltrekkers after my first hike with the organization to finally make it back here and become a guide. The idea of combining my love for the outdoors with supporting this amazing educational project long term is what made me come back – as well as working with enthusiastic, interesting people on a common cause. Back home in Germany, living next to the Alps I love going on hikes and cycling up and down these mountains. Having spent quite some time in Mexico I finally made it one country down, still hoping to travel South America at one point, working my way down there one by one.
Fun facts & favorites
- Hates Christmas songs and Reggae
- Knows how to whistle like an owl
- Give me a word and I will find some lyrics including that particular word in under 10s
- Always more bruises and scars on my shins than intact skin
Joy
Hi! I am Joy, from the Netherlands. I’m usually found somewhere outside, hiking up a mountain, kitesurfing when there’s wind, or just dancing during sunrises. I love meeting people on the trail and sharing the kind of conversations that only happen when you are all a little tired and happy.
Fun facts & favorites
- Unprompted random animal facts
- Dancing for no reason
- Hugs = top-tier life medicine
- Is the sunshine baby from Teletubbies
- Has been licked by a giraffe
Abby
Hola, I’m Abby from the United States! I was raised in New England but called San Francisco home for over a decade before relocating to Guatemala. I’ve spent a while working in the energy tech world, but wanted to get more hands-on in helping people and the environment. I love reading, hiking, baking desserts, and playing ultimate frisbee. Quetzaltrekkers is a great fit with its mission and outdoor focus, with the bonus of a fantastic community and a great home base in Xela. If you’re reading this far, hopefully I’ll see you on one of our treks soon!
Fun facts & favorites
- Blueberries
- Loves reading (all genres; favorite book is The Fifth Season)
- Board games & jigsaw puzzles
- Runs a fantasy Iditarod league
- Learning wildflower identification
- Identical twin
- Not a big same day laundry folder
Carlos
My name is Carlos Mazariegos. Florida, USA born and raised and a first generation Guatemalan American. Came to explore the mystical land that is Guatemala, home of my
family. Interested in nature, gym bro, art admirer, coffee lover and thriving alcoholic. Mostly looking for the next tattoo idea and adventure. Calm cool and collected, but don’t mind a little craziness from time to time.
Fun facts & favorites
- Chocolate, coffee, cigar enjoer
- Bilingual Spanish/English
- Makes mean empanadas
- Toyota fan
- Certified Florida man
Mira
Hello! I’m Mira, from New York! I’ve worked as a hiking guide for kids for the past three summers, and now I get to do it with adults! I’ve been hiking since I was a kid in the white mountains in New Hampshire. I love chatting with new people, talking about the world, passions, hobbies, and everything in between. I’m also a painter so I love meeting other artists on trail 🙂
Fun facts & favorites
- I love Remi Wolf
- Going dancing
- Just kids by Patti Smith
- Nothing like a good fart joke
- I can do a good Botox face
- Marc Chagall
Sam
Hi, I’m Sam from the UK! I first came to Quetzaltrekkers in January of 2024 and loved it so much that I stayed 7 months. Even after that, I decided that wasn’t enough so I’m back for more, hoping to stay another 8+ months at this amazing organization. From hiking and spending time outside in the mountain air, to connecting with the amazing community we have here in Xela, there is nothing about this place not to love! I hope to see you all on the trails and best of luck with your travels!
Fun facts & favorites
- Tottenham Hotspur fan (annoyingly)
- Literature & history
- Can make a mean cocktail when needed
- Trivia tryhard
- Sort of Scottish but not really
- Obscure comedy films
- Owl Legs
Haris
Heya, I’m Haris! I’ve come from Brighton, UK. I worked a summer after uni before deciding to travel, and found this beautiful cause with QT. I’m a big action sports guy – climbing, mtb, SCUBA, cliff-jumping, windsurfing, and more haha – if you introduce me to another, we’ll be friends:) If I’m not doing that, I’m behind the camera – keep your eyes peeled on the QT social media for that tasty content!
Fun facts & favorites
- Chess
- Movie nerd
- Photography
- Philosophy
- MASSIVE big toes
- 6+ min plank
- Going to die by too many eggs
This Could Be You!
We’re looking for another Social Media Volunteer! A curious traveler with a camera, a storytelling whiz, or someone who loves connecting people to good causes.
They’re the kind of person who knows how to turn muddy hiking boots and misty volcano views into engaging stories. Between trail days and tamale lunches, they bring the Quetzaltrekkers mission to life online—crafting posts, chatting with our community, and capturing the unforgettable moments that make volunteering here so special.
We’re looking for someone like you to fill this role—someone with a creative eye, solid social media skills, and a passion for meaningful travel and grassroots impact.
Fun facts & favorites
- Favorite Color: Sunset orange
- Chasing golden hour light for the perfect shot
- Anything with Avocado
- Go-to Spot in Xela: Café Habitual—for the vibes and the captions
- Work Vibe: Lo-fi beats & Espresso Tonic
Ready to make an impact with your creativity?
Help Quetzaltrekkers and EDELAC share our story all across the world while living amongst the volcanoes.
Coordinators
Conrad
Hola, I’m Conrad from the North of England! I originally came here as a guide in 2024 with plans to stay for a short time, and I’ve somehow ended up here for the long haul, though I wouldn’t have it any other way. I get to spend time in the outdoors and work with an incredible team to support the unique mission of EDELAC. When I’m not in the office correcting Ben’s mistakes or out on a trek, I enjoy reading about history, watching football and a proper cup of tea. Hoping to see you out here soon!
Fun facts & favorites
- Sunderland A.F.C.
- Consumed 50 tortillas on one QT hike
- Boring History Books
- Whisky
- Enjoys queueing
- Very bad credit score
Ben
Hi! I’m Ben from the United States, Colorado more specifically. I originally found myself volunteering as guide with Quetzaltrekkers in 2024 but have since shifted roles into that of a coordinator. I fell in love with the project and mission of Quetzaltrekkers immediately and am incredibly grateful at the opportunity to dedicate even more of my time and energy to the organization.
Fun facts & favorites
- Vietnamese food
- Past Chocobanano record holder
- Salt
- Has 0 chest hairs
- Very Good Credit Score
Want to meet us in person?
We’ll be on the trail—come hike with us! No one does tours through the highlands like us. Read our reviews on Google or TripAdvisor to see why people love to trek with us. Come hike volcanoes and help kids while doing it!
Social Media Volunteers