Thinking about volunteering with us?
We know the deal sounds awesome. We know the place looks incredible. But you just want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you sign up. That’s cool!
Here’s some reviews from a bunch of our past volunteers so you can get a better feel for what we’re all about!
Harriet (UK)
Free Cerveza baby!! Words can’t even describe the insane time I had volunteering at this hostel but I will give it a try. The food, the sunsets, the laughter, the hiking, the yoga, the work, the friends will be memory you carry with you forever. I loved volunteering here, it was hands down the best part of my 8 month trip. I also found it is very well run from the most organised bar I have ever worked behind to the amazing activities they have to offer for guests and volunteers. It is like a home away from home.
Sophie (USA)
Volunteering at Free Cerveza was one of the best decisions I ever made! The volunteer program is extremely organized and they are really great at making you feel at home at FC! The hostel is a gorgeous place to live and you will meet so many amazing people from all over the world. Also, the additional benefits that come with being a volunteer at FC are really great, like the food and perks at other hostels in Guatemala. All in all, my experience at FC was unmatched compared to any other hostel volunteer experience. So much love for FC.
Santiago (AR)
One of the best experiences that I had as a volunteer. I didn’t even arrived at the hostel and I was already amazed by lake Atitlan, the volcanos and the beautiful towns sorrounding it.
Once there it just took me a few minutes to feel like home. There was party time, quiet time, adventure time and a great team work with partners that became friends and eventually family. Thanks Free Cerveza! A place to always come back.
Corey (USA)
Volunteering with Free Cerveza is easily one of the top experiences that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys life in general. The atmosphere is amazing from both the views and the people. It is an environment that I always felt very comfortable in. I feel like I got so much more from them than what they asked of me. I like when people are having a good time, leads to me enjoying my time. If you are someone like me then you wont feel like its work at all. Everyday is an opportunity to meet new people and make someone’s trip as amazing as yours.
Amor hacia Free Cerveza
Camila (ITA)
Solo traveling can be tough and finding a place like Free Cerveza was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me. I met the craziest, most lovely people who are one of the many reasons I call this place home.
I wish I could explain with words how amazing my time in this place has been!
First thing that comes to my mind when I think about FC is, besides the breathtaking view, the people working there; from the kitchen staff (shoutout to their laughter that always made my day) to the managers and the owners, they will instantly make you feel like a part of one big family.
The working environment was so positive and open minded that it didn’t even feel like work.
furthermore I found extraordinary the balance that this place has, it’s a great fit for anyone. From people who want to have a more relaxed stay to people that are more party animals, you will always find it as if it’s the place just right for you.
I will always carry FC and all that came with it deep rooted in my heart!
Megan (NZ)
Volunteering at Free Cerveza is everything I ever expected and so much more. Joining the team here has been like gaining a family. One of the kindest, most compassionate and fun loving families you could ever hope for. You feel supported and appreciated every single day and the exchange for volunteers is a dream come true. The work doesn’t feel like work, the food is absolutely incredible and the lake is the most stunning destination to stay for a while. I honestly don’t know how I will ever leave this paradise.
Dorothy (USA)
Volunteering at free cerveza was one of the best decisions I have made. From the moment I arrived I felt loved, appreciated, encouraged, and like I truly belonged. Each staff member, manager and volunteer brings something unique and invaluable to the team. This hostal not only attracts an incredible staff but amazing guests as well. The sense of community and connection that you’ll make here is truly magical and something to be cherished. Aside from the amazing people, the volunteer deal is incredible in assuring that you are receiving a fair exchange for your hours, the property is absolutely beautiful and the food is delicious. It’s so hard to express my love for this place in such a few words. I’m so lucky to have found a place and people that make saying goodbye so hard, although I know that I’m leaving with lifelong friends 🙂
Kennedy (HN)
I’ve been pretending to live in a world which I thought wasn’t my home. One day I just came up with the idea that I had to stop and take a new direction, and this was the moment when my adventure started.
When I got the confirmation about my volunteering request, I was a little bit confused and frightened, anyway there was something inside that pushed me to go for it.
Sometimes you get opportunities that only come once in life and this has definitely been an amazing experience for me.
I have made the most incredible group of friends, I’m naturally a very introverted person but at Free Cerveza I felt so close to everyone, appreciated, supported and they gave me the freedom to be the best version of myself.
This is definitely my second home, it’s the place I would always come back in a heartbeat.
Este catracho mochilero llevará siempre a esta gente en su corazón.
Caroline (CA)
When I started to feel homesick during my trip, I didn’t return to Canada, I returned to Free Cerveza. I came as a guest for 2 days, stayed for 5 weeks, returned for 3 months. I went travelling alone and I’ve somehow ended up spending a year surrounded with people I love, all met at Free Cerveza. I’ve travelled for months with other volunteers, returned for more months because of how much I love the owners, and thought for even more months about how I should probably go back. I’ll love FC forever, and the dogs will always be my faves. People as far as Colombia and Peru are yelling “FREE CERVEZA” at me, and I absolutely love it.
Marla (USA)
I had the absolute best time volunteering at Free Cerveza! The hostel is located in the most gorgeous area and provides a fun place for all staff and guest. The owners are absolutely amazing, making all volunteers feel comfortable and included. The work was as excepted, I loved working with local staff as well. Can’t recommend volunteering here enough!
Michael (NZ)
One might assume that working at Free Cerveza would be a few weeks of excessive drinking and partying, but it’s so much more than that! It is not simply a volunteering position to fill in time between destinations but an opportunity to experience everything the lake and wider communities around the lake have to offer. The destination is unbelievably beautiful but it pales in comparison to the people that live and work there. I have never met more wonderfully happy and kind individuals. You are instantly welcomed by both the curious staff and friendly volunteers. I was always in a positive mood, even when working busy shifts, painting, gardening and any task that was required of me. It really doesn’t feel like work at all. Without fail volunteers always extend their stay, commenting on the positive and uplifting energy of the hostel. After planning on only staying for 3 days I ended up spending seven months working FC and I truly loved every moment of it. I am eternally grateful to Dani for giving me the opportunity to experience all that is FC. I cannot recommend working here enough.
Barnabé (FR)
I volunteered one month at Free Cerveza in July 2017. This month is unforgettable for me, that was such a great experience !
I chose FC, firstly because I was amazed by the view and as soon as I get there, I realised that it was a really good place to enjoy the lake and to have fun. I really enjoyed this month thanks to all the staff (managers and vounteers) and the locals (cooking and cleaning staff). Also all the guests that I met while working, made this experience so unique.
Regarding the work, it’s really not complicated and what FC offers us in exchange is totally worth it ! Food is so great !! And the view that you have at the frontdesk takes away your lasts doubts ! I really advise you to join FC, you won’t regret it !!!
Matty (AU)
My experience with free cerveza was nothing short of truly amazing, I loved everything about being there being apart of an awesome team full of beautiful people; if I could have stayed longer there is no doubt I would have. Thank you to the whole team at free cerveza for letting me be apart of your family! Much love always!
Flora (IE)
I chose to volunteer at Free Cerveza not only for the incredible scenic setting, delicious food and a gorgeous pooch but definitely for the people who work there. I had the best time being a part of the FC family, working with local staff and feeling as though you were part of something that felt like home. Honestly, you are made feel so welcome there. You are given all of your food for free, a place to stay and a-ma-zing showers. The team at FC always make sure there are things on for you to get involved in, they consistently ask if you have any feedback and allow you to contribute to the business as much as you want! All of this in the most stunning part of the world. Seriously. Why wouldn’t you?
Jamie (UK)
So I was already volunteering at another hostel in the coast and thought it was time to leave there, all the Free Cerveza crew at were so welcoming and excited for me to be there.
I ended up volunteering for 6 weeks and then stayed in total for 4 and a half months. Obviously I loved it so much I couldn’t leave.
Super chilled at times and then crazy fun at other times.
The most beautiful location and a true family atmosphere created by the owners and everyone working there.
Everyday was a new adventure in one of my favourite places on earth.
Julián (AR)
My time as a free cerveza volunteer was spectacular! An excellent work environment, where my colleagues, guests and bosses became my friends. The place is a paradise, and every day was a new experience. The combination of work and free time is perfect, and the food is very good. I learned a little from everyone in my time there. I hope to come back some day! Greetings from Argentina.
AJ (AU)
I had an epic month volunteering at free cerveza, it is as picturesque place as you can find in the world, beautiful lake Atitlan on your doorstep framed by volcanos and the warmest team of volunteers and owners. Great accommodation provided along with 3 gourmet meals a day. I’ve volunteered all over the world at various hotels and hostels none coming close to the experience I had here. Dani and Chris have a wonderful place in free cerveza and you would be lucky to come and join them for a while. Lots of love guys see you again some time!
Lucy (AU)
I had the absolute best time volunteering at Free Cerveza!! I initially decided to do a month at FC because of the beautiful location and awesome perks, but ended up staying for two months because I fell in love with the people. The owners, managers and staff just made my time there so special. There was always something fun and exciting going on, and I was actually able to go on mini vacays and see a lot of Guatemala while I was there! The work was super fun, there was always a fun activity to get involved in, and being a hike leader was an awesome and rewarding experience! I never wanted to leave and would go back in a heartbeat! xx
Georgia (AU)
Volunteering at FC was honestly one of our trip highlights! We were backpacking for 7 months and it was nice to stop in one place for a few weeks and put down some roots, make some friends and have a temporary home. We were so lucky to have an epic crew of volunteers that made “working” so much fun – absolute legends. The work itself hardly felt like a chore, and when we weren’t on a shift it was so nice having a routine (something you don’t get while backpacking, and weirdly crave after a while). My routine was wake up, do yoga, swim in the lake, sunbathe, work a shift, have a family-style dinner, then have some drinks with new friends. Then on days off there was so much to explore around the lake, it was actual heaven. Having food, accommodation covered and drinks subsidized made for a VERY cheap few weeks. Cannot recommend volunteering here enough – Can’t imagine many other hostels offer such a good set up, not to mention in a location so beautiful that you pinch yourself every morning when you wake up.
Stephanie (AU)
Volunteering with Free Cerveza was literally the highlight of my entire backpacking trip through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize last year. I was initially only scheduled to volunteer there for a few weeks, but it turned out to be months because I just didn’t have the heart to leave. I fell head over heels with daily life at Free Cerveza – waking up to breathtaking sunrises at over Lake Atitlan, showering with hummingbirds (seriously!), swimming in the most beatutiful lake, spending my mornings kayaking and days sunbaking on the jetty, enjoying the company of beautiful guests and ensuring they have an amazing time, devouring the most delicious food day and night and making memories to last a lifetime with some of the best people I’ve ever met (special shout out to Dani, Chris, Walter, Mia and Rhi!). Thank you all forever for the good memories – I literally can’t wait to come back and visit!
Liam (AU)
After almost six months of traveling around the world, I can honestly say that my time at Free Cervesa has been the highlight!
Staying as a guest for only one night, I instantly fell in love with the vibe, the beautiful hostel and above all the amazing staff who immediately made me feel like part of a family.
The amazing property right on the lake, communal dinner and free beer, events and activities available and the location away from the larger lake towns created a fun, engaging, caring and unique atmosphere that I haven’t found at any other hostel i’ve stayed at.
The days seem to just fly by relaxing in the sun, paddleboarding out on the lake, hiking to see sunrises and sunsets, waking up for morning yoga, drinking with hostel staff and guests, getting involved in events and parties and having fun volunteering behind the bar!
This place will always hold a special place in my heart, and I couldn’t reccomend highly enough for anyone looking for a volunteering experience!
Louise (DK)
Working at Free Cerveza was one of the most fun and exciting experiences of my life! From day one you’re treated as an equal and as a part of a big, crazy extended family. Waking up to stunning sunrises and gorgeous volcanoes every day with the promise of a fun workday ahead makes this place worth returning to again and again. It went way too fast and far beyond my expectations: being housed and fed three times a day for easy, varied work is an awesome deal! It’s a beautiful life and easy to get stuck ♥️
Jared (USA)
Free Cerveza is a hostel I will never forget. Both the people and location are what make this place special. And plenty of beer. If your looking for a hostel to volunteer at in Guatemala then this is it. One night as a guest turned into almost three months at this amazing hostel. You can’t beat the perks they offer volunteers at Free Cerveza.
Lars (NL)
Free Cerveza… the best experience of my entire life
Wonderfull place full of wonderfull people! Take the risk and go !! Xoxoxoxoxo lil larsh
Kieran (AU)
Much love to Dani, the staff and crew at free cerveza.
They welcomed my best friend Greg and I with open arms, from the moment we arrived we felt at home. Great vibes, chilled days spent sunbaking by the lake. You get to meet new people every day from all over the world who you share incredible connections with. It’s the best place to kick back and enjoy your surroundings while travelling through Central America!
Miss you guys
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Nadine
(GER)
I came to Free Cerveza as a volunteer after being there as a guest 3 times before. I came back because I fell in love with this hostel and the vibe that comes with it🤍. Already as a guest I realized the cool bond the volunteers had. And luckily I became part of that bond very fast.
I arrived and a day later it felt like I’ve been at Free Cerveza for 2 weeks already. Everybody – volunteers, managers and owners – gave me such a warm welcome and made me a part of them within such a short amount of time🤍. It’s like you get an extra family for the time you volunteer here, which is so so nice (which makes it quite hard to leave in the end🥲). Everyone cares for each other and jumps in if someone isn’t able to do his or her shift. I found the connection that volunteers, managers and owners have with each other very special as everybody was so caring.
You work 5 shifts a week, each for 6 hours. But everybody makes sure that work always comes with a huge portion of fun:) So even though you’re working, most of the time it just doesn’t feel like it and the 6 hours pass by super fast. It’s either bar shifts or – my favorite one – the SUP shift where you hand out kayaks and SUPs to the guests (plus hang out by the lake and tan😬). The volunteer manager also made sure to respect personal requests regarding the shifts if possible. So if you wanna have a day off on a particular day or a particular shift, they try their best to make that happen. I got the feeling that the managers take care of the needs of the volunteers, so that everybody has the best time here:)
You get free accomodation (a dorm room shared with 10-12 other volunteers), 3 delicious meals per day, 50% off the whole menu, free nights at partner hostels in Guatemala and you can collect points by doing extra tasks. The points can be exchanged for drinks at the bar or other things like hostel merch or a night in a private tent/casita. In total you have SO many perks as a volunteer at Free Cerveza – next to all the fun that’s happening and the amazing views you have every day. I’d say more perks than a lot of hostels would offer their volunteers.
During your time off you can visit the other villages around the lake or just chill by the lake and go for a dip. Or hang out with the other volunteers that are off too and play cards or any of the other games the hostel offers.
The vibe of the hostel is a perfect mix of chill and party, depending on the guests also. Having a family dinner every evening brings together everyone. As there are quiet hours after 10 pm, it never becomes too crazy, except for when we were heading to after parties. As the common area is right in front of the bar, there is always something happening. I loved to hang out there and have talks with either the volunteers or the guests.
I’m very happy that I got the chance to work at Free Cerveza as a volunteer – I really don’t wanna miss a second of this month. I made new friends and memories that I’ll keep forever. So many laughters, so many precious conversations and so many great people. I can’t put into words how much this volunteering job taught me. Not only on how to work behind the bar, but mostly about life. The time flew by and I wish I could’ve stayed just a tiny bit longer. But who knows, maybe I’ll come back once:)
Thank you Free Cerveza family for everything! I love you forever🤍🍺
Domenic
(AU)
Upon arrival – I was completely awestruck of the atmosphere this magical place brought – through the synergism of Free Cervesa’s location, facilities , activities and above all the people that this hostel seems to attract are next to no one you’ll ever meet… in a lifetime, a special kind of energy radiated throughout the lake front property – the kind of adventure and zest for life you have as a child, discovering a new found passion sparked within me at free cervesa. I had been on the road for 6 months prior to starting my time here at FC, and the sincerity and genuineness of the volunteers and managers that occupied this space was rare, so rare that I hadn’t come across it in my 6 months of backpacking Central/South America – the beauty of this energy is that it was reciprocated between the guests and workers, which created this overall social sphere of a good time.
My time volunteering here was by far near the top of my favorite experiences in life, everyday was filled with this child like excitement and adventure that I hadn’t felt since I was a youngin’ – for the most part, something was always happening whether it’d be an internal activity hosted by cervesa or one of the volunteers/guests were introducing some strange weird game or hobby from their country. There is so much to explore around the lake, I spent 2 months volunteering here, and I still didn’t get through all the surrounding lake cities/activities that you could do around the lake.
I was 6 months into what was meant to be a 6 month getaway from life however, I knew after spending my first couples days at Free cervesa, that I wouldn’t be hopping onto my return flight back to Australia (Adios $1100! that’s how great this place is, I sacrificed my $1100 ticket to Australia for working for no income) and f_#k was that a good decision, looking back nearly 6 months later, makes me want to book a ticket back and retire at this magical little haven.
Take me back Dani!! miss n love everything bout this place. Forever has a place in my heart
Yvonne
(NL)
I could tell you an incredible cheesy story about how it was the time of my life and a place like no other, but how would that convince anyone, since everyone says this about their favourite hostel..
What FreeCerveza truly gave me, was a place to totally relax, charge up my battery and it gave me way more energy to go travel the rest of Latin America. It also thought me the meaning of ‘hostel family’, since it is not just the lovely people you meet and work with at FC, but also all of the volunteers you meet from other hostels around Guatemala. The days I remember best from FC are the days spent with my colleagues, who I learned to call family real soon. Days when we just sat to watch the sunrise or sunset, ate way to much cheese and wine in fancy dresses, days I lost bets because I didn’t want to work out, the times we had girlsdays and days one of us called dibs on a guest but someone else was more successful.
FreeCerveza is a place of which I had the hardest time leaving, because it is just a place, but a way of loving the shit out of every day with always the most incredible people with whom you quickly grow close even if, in the beginning, you think they are total weirdos, in the end, you’ll realize you’re the weirdo and they love you for it. The most magical thing is when I call one of these friends, even if it’s been some months, it always feels like it was just yesterday when I saw them for the last time.
A place I truly call my home away from home. I know that when (not if) I come back, will feel the same awesome way, even though a whole new crew has made this place their own
p.s. sorry for being sentimental
p.p.s. big shoutout to Dani, Chris, Walter and Mia (and Stewie, but he is a kiwi)
p.p.p.s. the birthdayparty is the best
Danielle
(CA)
I visited Free Cerveza as a guest in November 2018, (booked in for 2 nights, ended up staying for 7), and came back as a volunteer the following February. I’ve never felt such a connection to a place and a group of people. Guests, volunteers, staff, and their friends from around the lake and beyond quickly became my new family. I committed to volunteering for a month, and one month turned into three.
Imagine waking up every morning, stepping outside, seeing volcano silhouettes, a clear blue sky, and a serene, glassy lake. You can start your day with a hike, yoga or a paddle, maybe a dip in the lake before you have your morning coffee and perhaps a trip in the sauna to detox from the night before. It’s like summer camp for adults!!
Although the views and activities are what may draw you there, it’s the people who make you stay. Saying goodbye to my FC fam was one of the hardest goodbyes in all my travels. I’ve made so many lifelong friendships with people I still speak to every day, and I plan to go back as soon as I can. If you’re thinking about volunteering I highly recommend doing it at Free Cerveza.
Kate
(CA)
When I first saw the name “Free Cerveza” I wasn’t sure how I felt about staying there. I’m all for a good time but I thought it was going to be pretty rowdy based on the name of the hostel. After biting the bullet and booking anyway, I was pleasantly surprised. There is genuinely something for everyone at Free Cerveza. What’s nice is it’s not really a party hostel so much as it is a social hostel.
The Social Vibe
Free Cerveza does a great job of bringing people together. Arriving as a solo traveler like myself can be intimidating- especially when there are tons of people around. The amount of morning and afternoon activities definitely foster this. The hostel offers 3 alternating (guided) sunrise activities: Yoga, stand-up paddle boarding/ kayaking and a morning hike. I really used to be more of a sunset kind of girl but after my experience seeing bright orange and pink sunrises with massive volcanoes in the backdrop, I am officially an advocate for an early-rise. The afternoon activities are super fun and inclusive. They offer things like trivia night, speed dating, ultimate frisbee, cornhole tournaments, beer Olympics and more. Like I said, there’s something for everyone.
The actual free cerveza for two hours before dinner allows you to mingle with the crowd and get to know other travellers before you sit down to eat. That way, when you do, you already have a few familiar faces to enjoy the feast with. There is something really special about sitting down at the same time as everyone else to enjoy an insane 3-course meal which consists of a soup, a main and a dessert. I’ve never been so full (although content) in my life.
The Natural Beauty
Without exaggeration, I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere as beautiful as Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan. From the Free Cerveza dock, there is an unbeatable view of Volcan San Pedro and Volcan Toliman. The volcanoes and grassy mountains envelope the lake with a lushness I’ve never seen before. Especially early in the morning (you know how I feel about sunrises now), the clarity of the volcanoes is truly breathtaking.
The hikes around Free Cerveza are also really special. The sunrise hike offers almost a bird’s eye view of the lake with such a beautiful quietness that you can quite literally hear insects moving through the grass and birds calling to one another from the trees. The valley (which looks more like a jungle) on the way up the hike showcases hundreds of different species of plants and highlights the incredible biodiversity of Guatemala.
Speaking of plants… Wait until you get to the Free Cerveza property. I’m talking papaya trees, hundreds of flowers and a massive vegetable garden. The veggie garden is cultivated using all of the organic compost from the kitchen. I feel like I didn’t even know the meaning of ‘organic’ until actually watching the staff pick fresh cilantro and celery and onions for the meal of the day. The property faces the lake and hosts massive Jurassic Park- like mountains behind it. I enjoyed simply walking through the property and looking around every day. A lot of the time, I would take a seat to just take it all in. One of the best parts is watching the hummingbirds feeding on nectar- even from the shower.
Eco is In
It’s 2019 and I’m a millennial. Of course I care about the environment. I was glad to see that this hostel does too. Not only is the property beautiful and green- they’re actually doing something really positive for the environment in Santa Cruz. As an eco- hostel, Free Cerveza not only composts and uses it towards the veggie garden, they are also home to 6 eco-toilets (which means there is no septic tank). They recycle 95% of glass and cans and do not sell or use any plastic on property. Having an ice-cold Pepsi in a glass bottle made it feel retro and I also feel like it actually tasted better… Even the shower heads are eco, allowing only a certain amount of water to be released from the head while you enjoy a hot shower (yes I said hot) surrounded by nature.
These are only a few reasons why I feel like if you are on Lake Atitlan, you Debes pagar make a stop at Free Cerveza in Santa Cruz. Whether you like a chill vibe to cozy- up and read your book or you want to hype it up for a round of flip cup, this hostel has something for everyone. It is for the adventure lovers, activity enthusiasts and for all those who appreciate an incomprehensible amount of natural beauty. If you’re going to be around, make a stop here. I promise it’ll be worth it.
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