April 15 - April 26, 2021 – Lead Up for Women’s Journey to Guatemala: “Learn, Serve, Lead!”

Trip Leader: Colleen Biggs, Founder and CEO, Lead Up for Women
Logistics: Leslie Baer Dinkel and Mel Dinkel, Local Hope Guatemala
Featuring: High-Quality, Authentic Accommodations: Quetzaltenango, Atitlán, Antigua
Details: 11 days/10 nights
Orientation (required):
Saturday, January 13, 2021, 9-noon PST by Zoom
Note: In order to receive the full value of this trip and so you are well-prepared, please join us!
Lead Up for Women is proud to offer this exceptional opportunity 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 along side 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 colonial cities of Antigua and Quetzaltenango, and the magnificence of Lake Atitlán. 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*

DAY 2, April 17 - 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 18 – Antigua to Quetzaltenango – After breakfast we will travel by comfortable bus into the Guatemalan highlands and to the beautiful city of Quetzaltenango, known locally as “Xela.” We will check into our accommodations at the top-rated family-run Pension Bonifaz, rest for awhile, then meet for a happy hour and to get to know Local Hope’s senior staff. After happy hour, an optional group dinner will be planned, or you may choose to dine on your own or relax. Hosted: Breakfast, Happy Hour
During our stay in Quetzaltenango, all breakfasts and lunches are included, and optional group dinners will be arranged at a variety of local eateries.

LEAD • Day 8, April 23 – 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
During our stay at the lake, your nightly coursed-dinner is included as well as optional kayaking, a hiking tour and other activities.

DAY 10, April 25 – 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 26 – 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!
Note: Trip cost per person is based on 18 participants. Should fewer enroll, trip itinerary and/or activities may be adjusted with notice.
Event Properties
Event Date | 04-15-2021 |
Event End Date | 04-29-2021 |
Application Start Date | 03-17-2020 |
Cut off date | 04-15-2021 |
Cost (Dbl/Tpl Occu.) | $3866 double occupancy* |
Location | Xela AID Guatemala |