Unique Programs: Winter Break Program

Introduction
Opportunity Overview

Tentative Itinerary
Description of Sites and Summary of Activities

          Guatemala
                        Antigua
                        Lake Atitlan
                        Nebaj

Set Up Your Experience

---

This is unique opportunity for the socially conscious participant to truly experience Guatemala. This program is a top notch development experience, adventure and means to participate in Mayan culture. You will be guided by our development professionals and gain a unique insight from individuals working in the field every to effectuate positive change.

Back to top>>>

Opportunity Overview

Back to top>>>

Tentative Itinerary

Track One

Track Two

Back to top>>>

Description of Sites and Summary of Activities

Guatemala
It is difficult to imagine that any other country in the world can offer such diversity of wonders as Guatemala. Despite its relatively small size, (roughly that of Tennessee) Guatemala boasts landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to highland sierras, jungles to dry lowlands. Sharing this land are dozens of ethnic groups, all with unique cultures and customs, and speaking over 20 different languages. The wonderful strength and vibrancy of Mayan culture has allowed it to survive remarkably durability, and its richness and colorfulness will delight any visitor. Between its dramatic landscapes and warm inhabitants, Guatemala will be a country you will never forget.

The majority of the population lives in the highlands of the western part of the country. The highlands offer the traveler incredible mountain ranges, interspersed with towering volcanoes, upon which fall atmospheric clouds and mists. Here is your opportunity to truly live 'above the clouds. The average altitude here is over 1500 meters above sea level, producing a climate ideal for the cultivation of all sorts of crops, especially maize, the sacred corn of the Mayans. This altitude also ensures a delightful climate of warm, sunny days and cool evenings, earning Guatemala the name "Land of Eternal Spring". Travelers could spend years exploring the highlands and still not tire of its scenery and cultural richness.

Back to top>>>

Antigua
Antigua is an exquisitely beautiful colonial town situated in a spectacular valley, nestled below the three looming volcanoes. Along its cobbled streets you will find historic ruins and houses built around courtyards, all painted in delightful pastel colors. As well as being full of fascinating historical sites, Antigua is also a lively, international town. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Antigua area - Highlighted activities

Pacaya Volcano Hike:
Perhaps the most climbed volcano in Guatemala, the Pacaya Volcano hike begins with a climb through a wonderful pine forest up to a spectacular lava field. On occasions you can even see lava flow depending on the activity of the volcano. All along the hike enjoy amazing 360 degree views.

San Antonio Aguas Calientes Artisan Tour:
The textiles of San Antonio Aguas Calientes are perhaps the most famous in the country and the village's weaving is considered to be the finest in all of Guatemala. Spend hours shopping in the market, taking advantage of the beautiful and prominently displayed textiles, enjoying local cuisine and even participate in a Maya wedding if you are so inclined.

Back to top>>>

Lake Atitlan
For many, there is no more spectacular site in the world than the sun setting over the Lake Atitlan as the evening mist descends. Dotted around the shore of the lake are dozens of towns, from busy Panajachel, with its international scene and restaurants, to sleepy indigenous towns such as San Juan La Laguna.

Atitlan area - Highlighted activities

Bio Reserve and Zip Line:
This lakeside nature reserve, a former coffee plantation, makes an ideal outing. You can walk the main trail in an hour, over swing bridges and past waterfalls to a platform for viewing spider monkeys. The reserve also has a butterfly enclosure, interpretive center, zip lines and an aviary.



Asociacion Maya de Desarollo - Sololá (A Thread of Hope):
See the artisans making¨Wearable art and accessories” made of rayon chenille and cotton yarns, woven on traditional, back strap looms. (Artisan Textiles) New product ideas which can be produced from Chenille and Cotton on back strap looms are constantly being sought. Collaborations with other Guatemalan Fair Trade and ´fairly traded´ groups such as U.P.A.V.I.M. are somewhat common, with such collaborations taking the form mainly of training, networking, and relationship-building.

MayanKe:
The ceramics cooperative makes mugs, plates, and a variety of other wares, all of which are available and veryaffordable. The cooperative is located in beautiful San Antonio Palopó, just a short pickup ride from Panajachel heading south. In the factory, one can watch artisans carefully paint and sculpt intricate works, most with beautiful blues and greens - reflections of the proximity to Lake Atitlan.

Back to top>>>

Nebaj
Nebaj is the home of the Ixil Maya group, one of the most distinct Mayan cultures. The Ixiles are world famous for their stunning, intricately woven traditional clothing.  The people are warm, and travelers can take part in traditional customs, such as the local sauna, a tamascal , or make the traditional food, boxboles. The combination of spectacular landscapes, great hiking and local culture makes Nebaj the favorite spot in Guatemala for many visitors.


Nebaj area - Highlighted activities

On the way….Chichicastenango Artisan Market:
The small town offers possibly the most expansive traditional artisan market in Central America.  Two days per week the cobbled streets of Chichicastenango fill with traditionally-clothed artisans selling ornate masks, woven hammocks, clothing and jewelry.


Hike to Acul and visit a local cheese factory:
We take the most direct path to Acul, up the mountain footpaths, avoiding the noise and bustle of the highway. As we climb out of the Nebaj valley ever more expansive mountaintop views will unfold themselves before your eyes. Just before reaching the village of Acul , we will pass by two large dairy farms on the right-hand side of the road. If you'd like you can stop for lunch at Hacienda San Antonio and sample what is said to be the finest cheese produced in all Guatemala . After touring the Hacienda we'll go Acul itself where you can appreciate mayan culture in its finest,most pristine form. After seeing he sight we will head back to Nebaj in bus.

Hike to La Pista, traditional Box’bol meal:
The hike from Nebaj to La Pista crosses beautiful green pastures with a view of rivers and mountains. First established as an army post, La Pista was tremendously affected by the Guatemalan civil war, but today is home to a growing community with a desire to succeed.  Travelers to La Pista are rewarded with Boxboles with a local family, the traditional hallmark meal of the Ixil region.

Work in the Community Enterprise Solutions “Centro Explorativo”:
In response to community needs, CE Solutions “Centro Explorativo” began through the combined efforts of Peace Corps Volunteers and motivated local educators.  The Centro now has a library offers free computer classes, and provides free after-school classes five days.  Meet the kids of the Centro and help out for an afternoon.                        

Back to top>>>

Set Up Your Experience

If you are interested in this Social Entrepreneur Corps program please contact us at [email protected].

Back to top>>>