Hiking Guide Volunteers
Bea
Ciaoooo:) My name is Bea and I come from a beautiful town in the Italian Alps. I landed in Guatemala after years wandering around Europe and Asia, mostly Nepal, the place that completely stole my heart. As an anthropologist, I could live in remote villages in the high regions of the Himalayas and there my love for hiking deepened more and more. I could learn how to experience walking through the highest peaks of the world as a spiritual practice rather than a physical one and that changed me forever. Anyway, it was time to discover America Latina and what better way than hiking in the lands of Guatemala with Quetzaltrekkers?! I hope to see you soon on one of our treks, nos vemosss!
Fun facts & favorites
- Huge shoes hater
- I speak Tibetan and some Nepali (very useful 😉 )
- Thrifting is my hidden talent
- Italian and onion and garlic allergic
- Wine lover
Annelie
Hola my name is Annelie. I grew up in Germany very close to the Baltic Sea in a very flat area with the biggest hill of 180 m. Since that time I am in love with the ocean and recently a passionate diver. BUT two years ago my heart started to fall for hiking and mountains too when I was walking from Germany to Spain for a few months. In Quetzaltrekkers I am happy to share this passion here with other people here in Guatemala and supporting the mission of QT. I love being outside in nature and learning about the environment and local culture. If you join us on a hike, I am looking forward to meet you and share this amazing experience with you.
Fun facts & favorites
- Former balloon artist-i can make almost every animal you want
- Currently on a challenge for preparing the best guacamole
- Overalls are my favorite clothes
- Night sky lover
Corinna
Hi!! My name is Corinna, I was born in the misty lands of northern Italy but ever since I have memory I’ve dreamt of faraway lands and adventures, first in my beloved fantasy books and eventually in real life. I lived and volunteered in many countries and explored many more on the saddle of my precious mountain bike. After my first big solo bikepacking tour through Western Europe I embarked on another adventure through Latin America, and my pedals drove me to Quetzaltrekkers! I decided to set my bike aside for some time and become a QT guide attracted by a new type of challenge (I had never been on any multi-day hike before!) and wanting to learn how this amazing NGO manages to raise money for kids’ education by providing fun outdoors activities. It’s a win-win!
I’ll be looking forward to talking to you on hike – if you can keep up with me at the head of the group 😁
Fun facts & favorites
- Tiramisù is my love language
- My favourite movies are all very sad and heavy (I guess I go for the cathartic effect). Probably not the best person to pick something for movie night…
- I know 6/7 languages and heading for more - any Portuguese speaker out there
- I’ll be stretching, working out or practicing my handstand at random times and random places
- Basically a cat in human form
Lizzy
Hi, I’m Lizzy! I grew up outside Austin Texas, where I fell in love with the outdoors as a kid, running through wildflower fields and covering myself in mud at the creek behind our house. My favorite way to travel is with hiking boots on my feet, a tent in my backpack, and a one way ticket to my destination, and I’ve been fortunate enough to spend this year exploring Asia and Europe in this way. I’ve dreamt of learning Spanish for several years now, so when I found out about Quetzaltrekkers and its incredible mission, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to end my gap year as a QT guide. Looking forward to seeing you soon on the trails
Fun facts & favorites
- Prefers to run when it's raining
- Will enthusiastically identify rocks along the trail (with varying accuracy)
- Toothpicks stress me out
- Once raced a half marathon with a graduated cylinder as a water bottle
- Physics nerd!
Gia
Hi! I’m Gia, I’m from the okay state of Indiana in the US. My whole life I’ve loved to travel and since January 2026 I’ve been wandering down Central America and exploring. I found Quetzaltrekkers online and instantly knew that I wanted to volunteer. I’ve worked as an Outdoor Educator/Guide since 2022, starting at my university outdoor program (shoutout Indiana University Outdoor Adventures!) and since then I’ve led trips everywhere from Costa Rica to Maine to Wyoming to California. When I found out there was an opportunity to guide for an organization that not only explores the beautiful volcanoes and highlands in Guatemala but also supports the local community, I knew I had to pause my travels and hang out in Xela for a bit. So far, I have loved learning more about Guatemala and seeing the magnificent nature here, I hope to see you on a trek soon!
Fun facts & favorites
- Certified Yoga instructor
- BIG NPR Tiny Desk Concert fan
- I triple majored in college, so I have degrees in Linguistics, International Studies, and Spanish
- I love watching any sunset
Susy
¡Hola! Mi nombre es Susy y soy de Guatemala. Me apasiona el senderismo y la naturaleza, pero lo que más me motiva de estar en Quetzaltrekkers es poder apoyar el futuro de los jóvenes a través de la aventura. Me encanta compartir historias en el camino y aprender de cada persona.
Mi vida es un puente entre la neblina de Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán y las cumbres de Quetzaltenango, donde cada ascenso es un tributo a mis raíces K’iche’ y a la resistencia que el frío de “Alaska” me dio desde niña. Inspirada por el servicio de temascales de mi familia, decidí unirme a Quetzaltrekkers como guía, transformando el respeto por nuestras tradiciones en una misión para motivar a más mujeres a conquistar las montañas. Actualmente, complemento esta pasión con mis estudios en Agronomía, fusionando el conocimiento ancestral con la ciencia para proteger los suelos que recorro, demostrando que nuestra herencia y nuestra indumentaria son la fuerza más grande para alcanzar cualquier cima.
“Nací entre las nubes de Ixtahuacán y hoy conquisto las cimas de Xela. Mi indumentaria es mi orgullo y la montaña es mi libertad.”
Fun facts & favorites
- Me gusta escuchar el kpop
- Películas de terror
- Amante de las bebidas calientes
- Hablo kiché y español, y estoy aprendiendo inglés
- Mi deporte favorito es voleibol
Ellie
I’m Ellie! I’m from the United States and grew up in Idaho (haven’t heard of it, that’s okay neither had anyone else). I was raised on potatoes, dirt, and fresh mountain air. I’ve chased the thrill of adventure as a climber, a river rafter, a novice surfer, an avid side-quester and as of late as a backpacker here in the highlands of Guatemala. I’m grateful to be here and excited to see you on the trails!
Fun facts & favorites
- I took myself on my first national trip when I was 16. I came to Guatemala.
- My favorite movie is Brother Bear.
- I love the feeling of being sunburned!!
- I used to like eating worms.
- My name is actually Lizzie, but I arrived second so I'm now Ellie...
Katy
Hola soy Katy ! Soy 50% guatemalteca y 50% gringa ? Nací en Estados Unidos pero he vivido en Guatemala casi toda mi vida, específicamente en Xela agradezco haber crecido entre tantas hermosas montañas y volcanes alrededor, No hace mucho descubrí mi pasión por el senderismo y cuando descubrí Quetzaltrekkers súper que quería estar aquí la función de la organización es la perfecta combinación entre ayudar y disfrutar! No hay mejor satisfacción q ver a los niños felices! Espero verte pronto en una caminata!
Fun facts & favorites
- Amo justin bieber
- Siempre hago buenos postres
- Soy una Qt baby
- Odio cortar cebolla
- Soy una baby temazcal
- Siempre estoy durmiendo
Raul
My name is Raúl, a Spaniard born on the Mediterranean coast, although I now live in Mexico… well, I don’t really know where I live… I guess I’ve become a nomad again, like our ancestors. Just two years ago, I left my entire life in Spain behind to move to Mexico and start a life more aligned with who I am.
Now 41, I’m passionate, adventurous, and endlessly curious, a lover of nature, sports, adventure, and also of human behavior.
In Spain, I worked for 18 years as a police officer, but in recent years it was a draining profession that wasn’t aligned with me, so I decided to start studying human behavior (NLP, Hypnosis, Breathwork…) to help others from a different perspective. At the same time, I love to travel and lead trips as a way to discover who I am, something that changed my life… that’s why I’m currently with Quetzaltrekkers as a volunteer mountain guide, sharing this with others… want to join me?
Fun facts & favorites
- Life and Health Coach, can i help you with your goals?
- I love animals, I'm looking to see a jaguar in the wild
- My nahual is Kat what it means web, I'm good at connecting people, places...
- Asaditos mi Ternerita is my favorite place in Xela—don't miss it!
- Breathwork, short workouts, and cold showers are my three daily habits wherever I go.
Local Guides
Rudy
¡Hola soy Rudy Tebalan de Xela! Soy un guía de senderismo del altiplano guatemalteco por más de 20 años. Nací, crecí y vivo en Quetzaltenango, creo que soy muy afortunado de tener muchas montañas y volcanes en Guatemala porque desde muy joven comencé con ascensos a volcanes y hacer senderismo por las montañas. Me identifico como persona indígena kiche, me encanta visitar los pueblos de la región, porque ahí puedo practicar mi idioma kiche, también porque ellos aun conservan las tradiciones ancestrales y sobre todo si puedo disfrutar del temascal después de un día de caminata.
Fun facts & favorites
- Idiomas: español, kiche e ingles
- se algo de futbol de la liga de Guatemala especialmente del Xelajú
- Me encanta beber una cerveza fría des pues de caminar
- Musica: abrazar la niebla de viernes verde
Santi
Hola! Soy Santi, de Guatemala. Soy maestro en la secundaria y también estudié turismo. Soy amante de escalar volcanes. Soy uno de los chicos beneficiados de esta maravillosa organización. Después de terminar mi bachillerato. Fui voluntario en QT. Por tres años, tengo buenas memorias de ese tiempo, allí empezó mi aventura como guía. y conocer a gente de todo el mundo. Me encanta, trabaje en el hogar hovde, con la idea de orientar a los niños que sigan estudiando para un mejor futuro. Sigo apoyando este increíble proyecto educativo a largo plazo. Espero guiarlos en los senderos, va ser una linda experiencia.
Fun facts & favorites
- Absolutamente muy malo para recordar los nombres
- No me gusta celebrar mi cumpleaños
- Mi nahual ho animal espiritual es el cocodrilo
- Soy un buen corredor
- No tengo barba. Por que soy descendiente de los mayas kiches
Dámaris
Hola, soy Dámaris (Dama), mujer indígena Maya K’iche’ originaria de Cantel, Quetzaltenango. Mi camino en el senderismo comenzó con un propósito mayor: contribuir a mejorar la vida de la niñez en mi región. Aunque no tenía experiencia previa en montaña, mi tiempo como voluntaria en Quetzaltrekkers transformó mi vida; ahí descubrí que mi verdadera pasión es sentir y vivir la naturaleza.
Hoy, como guía local y estudiante de Administración de Empresas Turísticas, combino mi conocimiento técnico con el amor por mi tierra. Además, soy maestra de español, por lo que me encanta aprovechar las caminatas para practicar el idioma y compartir nuestra cultura de una forma auténtica y cercana.
Fun facts & favorites
- Adicta a la aventura... y a las gomitas
- Cine y baile
- Aprendizaje constante
José
Hola soy José López, soy guía local de Quetzaltrekkers, me gusta explorar las montañas por que es una forma de sentirme vivo. Me gusta formar parte de Quetzaltrekkers.
Fun facts & favorites
- Bebidas favoritas, cerveza y café
- Pasatiempo futbol 5
- Libro favorito antología de escritores quetzaltecos
This Could Be You!
We’re looking for a 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 three months, 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 enjoying 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
- Very small feet
- Has 0 chest hairs
- Very Good Credit Score
- Responsible HR Manager
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