March 26 - April 5, 2020 – Rotary Clubs Volunteer Service Trip

Theme: "Rotary Clubs Volunteer Service Trip"

Registration Deadline: December 26th, 2019

Trip Leaders: Rotarians Orin Abrams and Kevin Padilla

Trip Cost (Double/Triple Occupancy): $2880

Nights: 11

Thursday, March 26 - Airport to Guatemala City – We will meet in the afternoon in Guatemala City, and upon our arrival, take a shuttle to our comfortable accommodations. After checking in we will enjoy a hosted happy hour and meet all trip participants. We will then gather for a delicious hosted dinner and rest for our next day of activities.

Friday, March 27: Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango – After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we 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 travel by luxury bus into the Guatemalan highlands and to the beautiful city of Quetzaltenango, known locally as “Xela.” There we will be housed in the area’s top-rated accommodation, a family-owned and operated Spanish-style inn just off the historic Parque Central. Time permitting, we will take a walking tour of the park, home to a 16th Century church, government buildings and quaint shops.

Saturday-Tuesday March 28-31 - Service Days in the Highlands Village San Martín Chiquito - Each day we will travel to the village of San Martín Chiquito 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 for their families. Projects will likely include implementation of the Rotary Global Grant “San Martin Tots Preschool.” Experience the thrill of making a head-start preschool education a reality for children and their families, while getting to know the youth and adults of this Mám-speaking Maya village. As an option, build and deliver chicken coops, install clean water filters, work in a clinic, teach English, visit a local market, learn a Mayan recipe, learn to backstrap weave, and more. Each day promises fulfilling work! Surprises await, as well, as we explore the local culture. It is our heartfelt intention that this trip will include the joyful inauguration of the preschool made possible by Rotary, with local officials, grateful parents and students!

During your stay at the lake, our next stop, your nightly coursed-dinner is included.

Wednesday April 1 – To Lake Atitlan - After breakfast and packing up, we will head for magnificent Lake Atitlan, one of the world’s most stunning destinations! Enjoy a scenic boat ride to reach our hotel, featuring chalets amidst a garden paradise. Lunch will be available at the hotel where everything is homemade and mouthwatering. Each evening, enjoy a delicious, home-made multi-course dinner, included.

Thursday, Friday April 2, 3 – Lake Atitlan – 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 around the lake, climb a volcano, zip line, or lay in a hammock and read a book! After a day of exploring, enjoy an always-amazing dinner then relax in a fire-heated hot tub that overlooks the Lake.

Saturday, April 4 – Attitlan to Antigua - In the morning we’ll pack up and catch our private launch back to the world-renowned marketplace, Panajachel. You can relax and watch the world go by from the patio of a restaurant, slurping down a smoothie or latte, or shop till you drop. We will then make our way to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, founded in the 16th century. In the afternoon you can take a top-rated, guided photography and cultural tour by Rudy Giron. Or you may choose to shop, visit jade and chocolate museums, explore ruins, or relax on the lovely grounds of our hotel.
On our last night we will celebrate with a special farewell ceremony at dinnertime at the magnificent Santa Domingo Monastery, included.

Sunday, April 5 - City Views, and the Magnificent Organic Carpets of Antigua, Unique to Easter Week! - If you’re up for a moderate, early-morning hike with your trip leaders, take in the extraordinary views of the city from Cerro de la Cruz high above the landscape! Spend much of the day touring the city’s world-renowned organic “carpets” that line the streets during this much-anticipated pre-Easter celebration. In the late afternoon, we’ll begin to make our way to the airport for our journey home. You’ll take with you memories and new friendships sure to last a lifetime!

Flight information to come.