Mini-Adventure - Guatemala

  Guatemala

Quetzaltenango

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: all year round

Description: Quetzaltenango is a city of about 150,000 in the highlands of Guatemala, a city where Mayan and Latino families meet and interact daily. It is a center of commerce and there you will find some of the most colourful markets in the world. In this Volunteer Guatemala project, Global Crossroad provides a unique opportunity to participate in two local projects: volunteer with at-risk or orphaned children and work in a reforestation project. Two of the most important items for the future of our planet are our children and the environment. In this Mini-Adventure/volunteer in Guatemala project, volunteers will work with at-risk children and with the environment while living with local families.

In between volunteer work, Global Crossroad takes you on two 2-day discover Guatemala Tours, to discover why Guatemala is famous for its Mayan culture and natural beauty, both of the people and the landscape.

Program Outlines

Day 1: Volunteers will arrive to Quetzaltenango. Introductions will be held with the staff and the host family; volunteers will spend the rest of the day with their host families.

Orientation of Global Crossroad at the Quetzaltenango office. Orientation covers environmental issues (1-hour guest lecture), field conditions, host family or anticipated living conditions, safety issues, climate expectations, working projects, and related topics.

Day 2: Our leaders will take you for a visit of the reforestation project and to begin work.

Day 3- 5: Work in conservation/reforestation project.

In this part of our unique Volunteer Guatemala Mini-Adventure project, volunteers will work alongside Guatemalans to plant seeds, tend seedlings, and plant young trees on the land set aside by the Guatemalan government for replanting. Volunteers are free to explore the surrounding areas and participate in afternoon excursions to nearby villages, markets and other interesting spots. Volunteers, please feel free to explore the culture and life of Quetzaltenango in your free time. Our local field staff will support you for any assistance that you may need.

Discover Guatemala (2 Days)

Day 6-7: Vamos A La Playa and Volcanoes. The first day is a visit to the coast, stopping at a coffee farm to explore the process from the coffee plant to the product that is exported. Guatemala is famous for the high quality of its coffee and this is a special opportunity to see first hand how coffee goes from the bean to your cup. Volunteers will also speak to some of the workers and have the opportunity to see the living and working conditions on a coffee finca. Continue on toward the beach for a seafood lunch and relaxation in the sun. Bring lots of sunscreen and a hat to enjoy the gorgeous beach to its fullest. In the evening return to Quetzaltenango.

On the second day meet at 6 a.m. sharp for a spectacular trip to the top of the volcano Santa Maria or yGagxanuly. Be prepared to hike; bring comfortable hiking shoes, a packed lunch and lots of energy! Altitude 3772 meters.

Day 8-12: Work in orphanage with at-risk children
Share your love and smiles with these "forgotten" children. As a volunteer in Guatemala, you will be working with local underprivileged children, teaching them English and helping them with sanitation, health education, and food distribution. Help the children develop their creative talents by working with them to draw pictures, play games, and perform various related activities. With your service to these children, you will be giving hope to Guatemala's youth and altering their perspectives on life. Additionally, the work is a great mission and provides you with a chance to reach out to those who need extra love and attention. We promise that this experience with be life changing for all - the community, you, and the children.

Most of these children have been deprived of educational opportunities. Because of the destitute situation of the families, some children must work as child laborers in restaurants, factories, and other places. Our volunteer Guatemala projects with these at-risk and orphaned children, hope to make an astounding difference in the life of this community, and these kids.

On day 12 in the evening we will hold a certificate ceremony to thank volunteers for their work.

Discover Guatemala (2 More Days)

Day 13-14. Leaving early in the morning, volunteers in Guatemala will take a two-day trip to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lago Atitlyn. Renowned for its beauty, highland Mayan culture and the volcanoes surrounding the lake, this will be a spectacular two-day visit. Breakfast on arrival in the town of Panajachel on the lake, then head out in a boat to tour three villages around the lake, stopping in one of these to eat lunch and relax. In the afternoon volunteers are free to explore Panajachel where they will stay overnight. Dinner will be in a local restaurant.

Next morning volunteers will get up early to visit the famous market, Chichicastenango, an amazing outdoor market in a conservative village where it is often possible to see Mayan processions.

Qualifications: no qualifications are needed

Cost in US$: please inquire for more information

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 or above

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Global Crossroad's Mission Statement: Global Crossroad offers many remarkable and challenging volunteer, internship, mini-adventure, and cultural immersion opportunities to interested international volunteers in marvelous countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Mongolia, Ghana, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya. Our unique programs are creative and exciting, as they engage volunteers in breathtaking journeys. Here, a volunteer can become involved in service projects while they explore remote villages. A volunteer can also learn a wonderful new heritage as the Global Crossroad provides language training courses and cultural tours.

Year Founded: 2002