The Nicaragua Charity Challenge - Charity or Group Voluntourism - Bespoke groups

  Nicaragua

Leon,  Managua

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: bespoke group requests: most dates available

Description: How do you fancy this for a charity fund raising or bespoke group trip idea? Do something different and make a difference with this week in the little-visited Central American country of Nicaragua. Climb two striking volcanoes before spending time in the capital, Managua, on the volunteer opportunity to improve life for the street children who eke out a living from the city's rubbish dumps. A jam-packed week and challenge with a difference, all whilst potentially fund raising for a charity of your choice!

Highlights: Nicaragua is home to some of the world's most stunning volcanoes, and this is your chance to climb two of them, as well as visit the country's two main historical cities and help improve conditions for some of the country's poorest citizens.

The first challenge is the Telica volcano, where you will hike past bubbling mud pools and through dense jungle to reach the summit from where there are incredible views of another three volcanoes and even the Pacific Ocean! The steep-sided crater contains still-glowing lava which we view at dawn on the second day.

After a night in the old colonial capital of Leon, we then climb the very volcano which destroyed it back in 1625! This is a challenging trek and ascent, climbing over rocky, volcanic debris, but the views from the summit make it all worthwhile!

Finally we spend three days in Managua, volunteering alongside a team who are determinedly working to improve the conditions for the families who live on the city's rubbish dump.

Around 1500 people currently live at the city dump in Managua, 53% of whom are under 18. The people build their homes out of scrap metal - each piece tied together by barbed wire. Plastic, cardboard and rotten food sustain the families that live and work in the mountains of burning waste. Different Travel work in conjunction with a series of local NGOs to help support a small clinic which has been set up to alleviate some of the problems.

Qualifications: This is a group challenge. Bespoke, tailored options for your group are available - please get in touch.

No specific skills, education or certifications are necessary - just a desire to do something different and make a difference. However, as several days will be spent hiking at altitude, which is physically challenging, a good level of fitness and physical ability is required.

Cost in US$: $2800 approx

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Anyone can be eligible: Our bespoke group challenges are for anyone who wants to use their time to have a great time and do something positive, altruistic and with a meaningful purpose, as well as potentially raise funds for a charity of choice.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview

Different Travel's Mission Statement: We are a volunteer and adventure travel and tourism group specialist, set up in the wake of the Asian Tsunami on 26th December 2004, offering bespoke group challenges and volunteer opportunities to work alongside local people on international development projects abroad combined with responsible travel and great accommodation. We make sure we work to meet the needs of the communities who welcome us into their world - and at the same time offer our travellers amazing experiences which will stay with them a lifetime.

Year Founded: 2004