"Journey to Guatemala: Learn, Serve, Lead with Colleen Biggs" - April 13 - 24, 2023

Trip Leader:  Colleen Biggs

Logistics: Leslie Baer Dinkel and Mel Dinkel, Local Hope Guatemala

Featuring: High-Quality, Authentic Accommodations: San Martín Chiquito, Atitlán, Antigua

Details: 11 days/10 nights

Orientation (required): January 14, 2023 by Zoom, 9 - 11 AM

Note: Our orientation will make sure that you experience the full value of this trip, and that you are well-prepared for our adventure!

Colleen Biggs is proud to offer with Local Hope this exceptional opportunity for men and women to “Learn, Serve and Lead!” in the extraordinary setting of a Mayan village AND the most beautiful places in Guatemala. This custom service trip will match your interests and talents to meet the needs of indigenous women living in extreme poverty. They will welcome you with open arms! Like a time traveler, you will go behind the scenes to listen and learn about the centuries-old Mám-Mayan culture, including their sometimes-magical understanding of the world. We will serve together alongside the women of the community, powerful in their own way while still working to overcome the shackles of poverty and the scars of colonialism and a brutal civil war. Incorporating your new understanding of the plight of women of the developing world, those who wish to be a “Global Speaker and Presenter” may design and lead a workshop to empower your brave sisters of this community. Over the course of this journey, you’ll enjoy fellowship with other powerful women while volunteering and exploring the beauty of the country. We’ll enjoy lovely, comfortable accommodations in the authentic spirit of Guatemala.

Included: All accommodations, entrance fees and many meals, as well as a deeply enriching service experience working side by side with the Maya of “El Area Mám”— a culture-rich, resource-poor enclave in the Guatemalan highlands. Air travel is not included.

Cost: $3866 double occupancy*

Service Trip Overview:

Pre-Trip (April 13, 2023) - Airport to Guatemala City – Participants may choose a daytime flight and spend the night in Guatemala City, or take a late-night flight to meet the group in the morning.

DAY 1, April 14 - Guatemala City to Antigua - We will convene in the morning at La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City and after a delicious breakfast, will visit the world-renowned Popul Vuh Museum, showcasing fascinating artifacts of the cosmology that is at the heart of Mayan culture. We will then make our way to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua where we will check into our lovely, hacienda-style, family-run hotel La Aurora to rest. We will gather in the late afternoon to walk to Nim Pot, a Mayan marketplace featuring handicrafts from all corners of the country, then enjoy hosted dinner including a Baile Folklorico at a well-known eatery. Hosted: Breakfast, Popul Vuh Museum, Dinner

DAY 2, April 15 - Antigua  - After breakfast, those up for a hike will gather together to trek and take in city views from Cerro de la Cruz.  We’ll take you to a Jade Factory and for a Chocolate experience, including a delicious cup of Mayan hot chocolate! From there, we will visit a suite of exquisite museums, and have dinner at the magnificent Santa Domingo Monastery. Hosted: Breakfast, Jade tour and Mayan chocolate refreshment, Monastery Museums, Dinner

DAY 3, April 16 – Antigua to San Martin Chiquito – After breakfast we will travel by comfortable bus into the village of San Martín Chiquito nestled in the Guatemalan highlands. We will check into our accommodations at the top-rated Eco Guest House@San Martín. We will rest for a while, then meet for happy hour and gather for a delicious dinner.  Hosted: Breakfast, Dinner

 

LEARN • DAY 4, April 17 – Cultural Tour of Quetzaltenango – Early risers will enjoy a village walk and tour, culminating in a delicious breakfast together. After breakfast, settle in with a tour of Local Hope's Xela AID Complex and the many health, education and social services programs it hosts. After our tour, we will head to the charming colonial city of Quetzaltenango where an expert guide will take us on a combination bus and walking tour exploring historic Central Park and the 16th Century Catedral del Espiritu Santo, El Calvario cemetery, and a local museum. We will lunch at a hilltop restaurant with stunning views of Quetzaltenango. At 4 PM we we will return to San Martín Chiquito and relax into a Happy Hour while we learn more about the community and local projects. Hosted: Breakfast, Tour and lunch, Dinner.

SERVE • DAY 5, 6, 7, April 18, 19, 20 - Service Days in the Highlands, San Martín Chiquito –  After breakfast we will begin to undertake individual projects customized to match your skills and interests. Here, the rich traditions of the past are still practiced even as the young people work to become competitive in the job market so they can create a better life at home for their families. As just some of the options, build and deliver chicken coops, deliver clean water filters, work in a clinic, teach English, visit a local market, learn a Mayan recipe or teach your favorite one; learn to backstrap weave or take Spanish (additional costs) and more. Each day promises fulfilling work! Each evening, enjoy a delicious group dinner at El Comal, the diningroom associated with our accommodation. Hosted: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

LEAD • Day 8, April 21  – For those who wish to, use what you’ve learned about the people, place and culture to design and present a 30-minute workshop to meet a local needs. Themes could include leadership, self-esteem, or could teach practical skills like writing a resume, managing household finances, starting and growing a small business, and other subjects to address needs you’ll recognize as you learn and serve.  Hosted: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During our stay at the lake, your nightly dinner is included as well as optional kayaking, a hiking tour and other activities.

DAY 9, April 22 – Quetzaltenango to Lake Atitlan – This morning we will get packed, eat breakfast, and make our way to Lake Atitlán—one of the world’s most stunning destinations! Enjoy a scenic boat ride to our hotel, La Casa del Mundo, featuring chalets amidst a garden paradise. After checking in, we will rest a bit from our journey or explore the beautiful grounds, a botanic garden. In the evening we’ll enjoy an always-amazing dinner then, if you like, relax in a fire-heated hot tub that overlooks the Lake reserved for our group. Hosted: Breakfast, Dinner, Fire-Heated Hot Tub

DAY 10, April 23 – Lake Atitlan – Today you may hike to the colonial church at Santa Cruz approximately 1,000 feet above our hotel, kayak to your heart’s content, take a launch to visit Mayan villages, or lay in a hammock and read a book! In the evening you will again enjoy a homemade, delicious course dinner. Hosted: Kayaking, Exploration of Lake Villages, Dinner

DAY 11, April 24 – Atitlan, Guatemala City – Mid-morning, we’ll say goodbye to our beautiful hotel, and to Panajachel, one of the countries largest marketplaces, where you can grab a smoothie and watch the people go by or shop’ till you drop for last-minute purchases. In the early afternoon we will head back towards Guatemala City, stopping along the way for stretches and snacks before we reach La Aurora Airport, and await our flights to return home.

You’ll take with you memories and new friendships sure to last a lifetime!