Join a qualified wildlife veterinarian and an award-winning biologist at Guatemala's premier wildlife rescue centre, located deep in the heart of the tropical rainforest. This Wilde Tracks Collaboration offers an immersive opportunity to work at the frontline of wildlife rescue and conservation while developing practical skills and experience in animal care, wildlife biology, veterinary medicine and conservation science.
See what it is like to join this conservation mission! --> VIDEO
You'll stay on-site at the rehabilitation centre, surrounded by rainforest and wildlife at your doorstep. From hands-on animal husbandry and enrichment to learning wildlife handling and restraint techniques, you'll work alongside experienced professionals caring for a variety of rescued species. You'll also have the opportunity to develop a mini behavioural research project focused on primates and parrots, while contributing to long-term biodiversity monitoring and conservation research.
The experience extends beyond the rescue centre with exciting field activities, including nocturnal crocodile spotting and telemetry tracking to monitor wildlife in the field. Expert-led sessions will explore wildlife conservation, animal behaviour, husbandry, enrichment, wildlife management and handling, baby animal care, and One Health and wildlife conservation medicine.
When you're not working with wildlife, explore the incredible Mayan ruins of Tikal on a guided excursion, with time to discover the beautiful island town of Flores. This is a truly immersive conservation experience combining hands-on wildlife work, professional learning, rainforest adventure and unforgettable travel.
Guatemala is a country of incredible biodiversity, vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, from lush tropical rainforests and volcanic highlands to beautiful lakes and Caribbean coastlines. Home to jaguars, pumas, monkeys, crocodiles, parrots and hundreds of other species, Guatemala is a remarkable destination for wildlife and conservation. With ancient Mayan traditions, colourful communities and a rich cultural heritage, the country offers a unique combination of nature, conservation, history and adventure. From the extraordinary wildlife of the rainforest to the ancient ruins of Tikal and the picturesque island town of Flores, there is something incredible to discover around every corner.
This is more than observing wildlife. You'll be actively involved in the daily work of a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, gaining practical experience alongside experienced wildlife professionals. From caring for rescued animals to conducting research and heading into the rainforest after dark, you'll experience conservation in action.
Get directly involved in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and daily animal care
Gain practical experience in animal husbandry, welfare and environmental enrichment
Learn professional wildlife handling and restraint techniques
Conduct behavioural research with primates and parrots
Contribute to long-term biodiversity monitoring and conservation research
Use telemetry equipment to track and monitor wildlife in the field
Venture into the rainforest after dark for nocturnal crocodile monitoring
Explore wildlife conservation medicine and One Health alongside experts
Contribute to real-world conservation and research projects supporting local wildlife
Your accommodation is part of the experience. Stay on-site at the rehabilitation centre, surrounded by lush tropical nature and immersed in the sights and sounds of Guatemala’s jungle. Comfortable shared rooms provide a welcoming place to relax and recharge after days spent working alongside wildlife, with modern Western-style bathrooms for convenience.
All meals are included throughout your stay, featuring fresh, satisfying dishes and delicious local Guatemalan flavours. Enjoy a taste of the country’s vibrant culinary culture while having your meals taken care of throughout your adventure.
It’s simple, comfortable and wonderfully connected to nature - your base for an unforgettable wildlife conservation adventure.
Next Mission
4 - 16 January 2027
8 - 20 February 2027
17 - 29 May 2027
31 May - 12 June 2027
5 - 17 July 2027
2 - 14 August 2027
Private Group missions available - contact for details!
Who Can Join
Anyone studying or qualified in animal care and conservation industries
Shared rooms on site at the wildlife rehabilitation centre
All meals and non alcoholic drinks
Including airport pick-up and drop-off from Flores Airport (FLW)
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wildlife—advancing veterinary care, and training future conservation professionals through sustainable, hands-on practices
Animal care, enrichment, behavior studies, wildlife handling, field tracking, crocodile surveys, conservation lectures, Tikal excursion
Qualified English-speaking professionals
Enjoy a two-day excursion to Tikal National Park, where ancient Mayan ruins meet rich jungle biodiversity in an unforgettable archaeological and wildlife adventure
International flight to Flores Airport
Mandatory
If applicable
For social outings as well as the Tikal Excursion. The cost is approximately 40 Quetzals for a return ride
Click the Book Now button to secure your place on the mission. Select the departure date and the applicable package.
A deposit is required to confirm your spot - spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment
The remaining balance is split into three instalments, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure
If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
Once your deposit (or full payment) is received, you’ll be sent a detailed information pack covering everything you need to know - including program details, travel guidance, what to expect, and a packing list
This mission may have specific requirements, offers multiple departure dates, or has alternative mission lengths available
Click Ask A Question and complete your details to register your interest
A Wilde Tracks team member will contact you via email
If you don’t hear from us within 3 business days, please email info@wildetracks.com
No payment is required to register your interest
Our team will help guide you through the best options available for you
Some of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event the minimum isn’t met, we’ll let you know no later than 60 days before departure. If you haven’t heard from us by then, your trip is good to go. To keep things flexible, we recommend booking your flight after this point or choosing a flexible ticket.
📧 Email us: info@wildetracks.com
📸 See the experience in action: Follow @wildetracks on Instagram for footage from past missions, conservation work and behind-the-scenes moments.
💬 Have a question? Send us an email or DM on Instagram, or use the “Ask a Question” button at the top of this page - our team is happy to help.
Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the travellers who have joined Wilde Tracks missions around the world.
From hands-on conservation work and unforgettable wildlife encounters to meaningful connections with local communities, our guests share what it’s really like to travel with purpose.
⭐ 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
⭐ 34 five-star reviews
⭐ Travellers’ Choice recognised
Read their stories, see what they experienced and discover why so many of our guests are already planning their next Wilde Tracks adventure.
Wilde Tracks is a conservation organisation with a different approach to funding wildlife protection: our conservation work is funded through travel.
We work alongside wildlife veterinarians, conservation organisations, reserves, researchers and local communities around the world, helping fund vital work including veterinary interventions, wildlife monitoring and tracking, anti-poaching initiatives, research, habitat protection and community-led conservation.
Rather than relying on donations or traditional fundraising, the people who travel with Wilde Tracks help make this work possible. The money generated through our trips directly contributes to the conservation projects our guests may be part of, while also supporting important work continuing behind the scenes.