Ancient Wisdom & Modern Impact in Guatemala – 11 Days

Today you’ll depart on your flight to Guatemala City, where you’ll meet your tour manager outside the airport.

You will board your private transportation that will drive you to your lodging in the Antigua area.

This evening you’ll have dinner as a group.

On your first full day in Guatemala, you’ll have breakfast at your lodging and then head out for a tour.

You’ll take a tour of the nearby Mayan ruins of Iximche, where you will learn about the history of the impressive stone structures and their significance in ceremonies that the modern Maya perform here.

You will have lunch as a group.

This afternoon you will gather for an orientation with your tour manager to discuss your community service project as well as life and culture in Guatemala.

In the afternoon you’ll go on a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of colonial Antigua. See historic ruins, temples, public buildings, and observe how Guatemalan history and culture have shaped modern-day Antigua.

You will have dinner as a group.

This morning you’ll have breakfast at your lodging.

Today you’ll spend the whole day exploring the gorgeous Pacaya Volcano National Park. You’ll get the chance to hike up one of the most active volcanoes in Central America! You will have a packed lunch to eat during your hike.

You’ll return to Antigua and have dinner as a group.

You’ll have breakfast at your lodging.

Today you’ll be introduced to your service community and start to work on your service project at a public secondary school. Upon arrival you will be briefed on the community project and talk with the local leaders who will be working with you. This service project is the heart of your program and an excellent way to bond with your peers and the people in the community!

Get the inside scoop on one of Guatemala’s most important exports this afternoon as you take a tour at a coffee plantation. Later you’ll get the chance to learn about Mayan music.

You will have lunch and dinner as a group.

You’ll have breakfast at your lodging.

You’ll head over to continue working on your service project.

Guatemala’s Pacific South coast provides the perfect environment for macadamia trees, with its nutrient-rich volcanic soil and year-round tropical rainfall. You’ll tour a macadamia nut farm to learn about creating ideal conditions for producing these delicious nuts!

You will have lunch and dinner as a group.

You’ll have breakfast at your lodging.

You’ll continue work on your service project.

This afternoon you will participate in a chocolate workshop and learn how this delicious treat is created from bean to bar!

You will have lunch and dinner as a group.

You’ll have breakfast at your lodging.

Today you’ll wrap up your work on your service project.

This afternoon you will have a dance class! Salsa and merengue are both Latin dances and music genres that are known worldwide – in this class you’ll get to experience the unique contributions that Guatemala has made to these popular dances.

You will have lunch and dinner as a group.

You’ll have breakfast at your lodging.

Today will be a celebration with the local students including piñatas, games, and fun!

In the late afternoon, you will join a cultural organization to learn about the customs and traditions of modern Mayan culture, including a presentation of a Mayan wedding ceremony.

You will have lunch and dinner as a group.

You’ll have breakfast at your lodging.

Today you’ll board a private bus for a trip to Panajachel, a town located in the southwestern portion of Guatemala. Set between steep mountains and the San Pedro and Toliman volcanoes, this lively town is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan. A number of very traditional Mayan villages surrounding the lake.

When you arrive in Panajachel, you’ll take a boat tour across Lake Atitlan and visit a local village to have lunch at a lakeside restaurant.

You’ll return to Panajachel and have free time to explore this afternoon.

You will have dinner as a group and then check into your lodging in Panajachel.

You’ll have breakfast at your lodging.

You will check out of your lodging and set off for Chichicastenango, home of the most spirited and colorful market in Central America. Chichi, as it’s known by the locals, hosts a market attracting vendors from all over Guatemala. The market is located in the central plaza and spills into the side streets as vendors begin setting up the night before. In the morning, small firecrackers are set off announcing the opening of the market. You’ll be able to walk amidst the vendors selling handicrafts, food, flowers, textiles, masks, and wooden carvings.

You will have a delicious typical lunch at a local restaurant near the Chichicastenango Market.

This afternoon you’ll head back to Antigua.

Tonight, you will share laughs and memories as you celebrate your time in Guatemala with a farewell dinner.  For dinner you will enjoy a delicious feast of local delicacies unique to Guatemala.

On your final morning in Guatemala, you’ll have breakfast at your lodging, check out and load your baggage onto the bus that will transfer you to the airport.

You will check in for your flight and return home.