THE PROS
Guatemala offers volcanoes, jungles, diving and trekking all in one beautiful country. Birthplace of the ancient Mayan people this country is defined by the history of this early civilization. Tradition and religious rituals make this a fascinating country to visit for those that love history and archaeology.
Wander through the Tikal National Park and the many museums Guatemala offers. Live the culture as you visit traditional villages of the Mayan people and learn about the colourful history of these people.
Architecture is picture worthy as you visit some of Antigua’s crumbling ruins. From traditional Mayan dress, to cobblestone streets, dramatic horizons and warm hospitality, the natural beauty of this country and its people make it a compelling travel destination for many.
THE CONS
Guatemala suffers from a level of inequality and widespread poverty that is extreme even within Latin America. It is among the most unequal countries in terms of wealth distribution with most of the population being in the “low income” category. Two thirds of children live in poverty due to the high fertility rate and malnutrition in children is one of the highest in the world.
Guatemala has the second lowest literary rate in the Western Hemisphere. Only 35% of Guatemalan youth attend middle school and even fewer attend high school. Time spent in school could be time better spent working to sustain a poor family. It is especially hard for children living in rural areas to attend school. Most drop out due to the lack of access and largely inadequate facilities.
OUR WORK
Guatemala no longer allows international adoption and as a result the orphanages are overflowing. Workers and other resources are all stretched. Your accommodation is on the grounds of an orphanage that has over 100 children in it’s care. One day will be spent helping the house mothers, painting, preparing food and anything else that is needed. The remaining 3 days will be spent in a local barrio (slum) building a home. The home will consist of two windows and a door. We will equip the house with a wooden stove and water purifier. The joy of watching the home owner step into their ‘fully equipped’ house will be the highlight of your trip!
Those that do not wish to build the home can stay on the orphanage grounds as there is always work that needs to be done.
Guatemala offers volcanoes, jungles, diving and trekking all in one beautiful country. Birthplace of the ancient Mayan people this country is defined by the history of this early civilization. Tradition and religious rituals make this a fascinating country to visit for those that love history and archaeology.
Wander through the Tikal National Park and the many museums Guatemala offers. Live the culture as you visit traditional villages of the Mayan people and learn about the colourful history of these people.
Architecture is picture worthy as you visit some of Antigua’s crumbling ruins. From traditional Mayan dress, to cobblestone streets, dramatic horizons and warm hospitality, the natural beauty of this country and its people make it a compelling travel destination for many.
THE CONS
Guatemala suffers from a level of inequality and widespread poverty that is extreme even within Latin America. It is among the most unequal countries in terms of wealth distribution with most of the population being in the “low income” category. Two thirds of children live in poverty due to the high fertility rate and malnutrition in children is one of the highest in the world.
Guatemala has the second lowest literary rate in the Western Hemisphere. Only 35% of Guatemalan youth attend middle school and even fewer attend high school. Time spent in school could be time better spent working to sustain a poor family. It is especially hard for children living in rural areas to attend school. Most drop out due to the lack of access and largely inadequate facilities.
OUR WORK
Guatemala no longer allows international adoption and as a result the orphanages are overflowing. Workers and other resources are all stretched. Your accommodation is on the grounds of an orphanage that has over 100 children in it’s care. One day will be spent helping the house mothers, painting, preparing food and anything else that is needed. The remaining 3 days will be spent in a local barrio (slum) building a home. The home will consist of two windows and a door. We will equip the house with a wooden stove and water purifier. The joy of watching the home owner step into their ‘fully equipped’ house will be the highlight of your trip!
Those that do not wish to build the home can stay on the orphanage grounds as there is always work that needs to be done.
BE PART OF SOMETHING GREAT
Tour Date:
Date Build Tour
TBA 4 DAYS 11 DAYS
Price
TBA
Deposit 30%
TBA
Fundraise Target**
TBA
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
We support two organisations in Guatemala which work hand in hand.
The 1st organisation is an orphanage that was founded in 1986. Boys and girls come to their home after being orphaned, abandoned, abused or neglected by their families. Sometimes the families are simply too poor to care for them.
They provide the children with 3 healthy meals per day, health care, clothing and a clean and safe environment when they can thrive. They also seek to meet the educational needs of the children from pre-school to high school. Some have even had the opportunity to go to university.
The 2nd organisation provides housing and water wells to those living in the barrio’s (slums). The water in Guatemala is not good enough for drinking and many people get sick; because of this they have a water purification program.
Housing is made from corrugated iron. Every home has 2 windows and a door. The houses are equipped with a water purifier and a wood burning stove.
We support two organisations in Guatemala which work hand in hand.
The 1st organisation is an orphanage that was founded in 1986. Boys and girls come to their home after being orphaned, abandoned, abused or neglected by their families. Sometimes the families are simply too poor to care for them.
They provide the children with 3 healthy meals per day, health care, clothing and a clean and safe environment when they can thrive. They also seek to meet the educational needs of the children from pre-school to high school. Some have even had the opportunity to go to university.
The 2nd organisation provides housing and water wells to those living in the barrio’s (slums). The water in Guatemala is not good enough for drinking and many people get sick; because of this they have a water purification program.
Housing is made from corrugated iron. Every home has 2 windows and a door. The houses are equipped with a water purifier and a wood burning stove.
