2020 Alice Deal Guatemala Service Adventure
| Travel Dates: | February 15, 2020 - February 23, 2020 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,350 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $648 |
| Deadline(s): | Pre departure meeting on February 5 at 6:30PM |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| DATE | DAY | LOCATION | ACTIVITY | LODGING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 15 | Saturday | Washington DC and Antigua, Guatemala | Today we fly from DC to Guatemala City, Guatemala. After our afternoon/evening arrival, we'll travel to Antigua, one of the most idyllic cities in all of Latin America! Upon arrival we'll check in to our hotel, eat dinner and rest after the long day of travel. | Hotel Posada Hermano Pedro |
| February 16 | Sunday | Antigua – San Juan La Laguna | After breakfast, we will travel to our host community on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Upon arrival, we will meet our host families, tour the village, and learn about our service project. Group activities will follow this afternoon, or we may possibly begin work on our project. | Host Families |
| February 17 | Monday | San Juan La Laguna | Service projects, village activities, and family time. | Host Families |
| February 18 | Tuesday | San Juan La Laguna | Service projects, village activities, and family time. | Host Families |
| February 19 | Wednesday | San Juan La Laguna | Finish service projects, enjoy some additional family time, and a fiesta de despedida! | Host Families |
| February 20 | Thursday | San Juan La Laguna – San Marcos | After breakfast and goodbyes, we will depart our host community and cross the lake by boat and relax at beautiful hotel on the shores of the lake. We will have the afternoon free to swim, relax and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the world. | Hotel El Dragon |
| February 21 | Friday | San Marcos – Antigua | Enjoy the beautiful views by swimming in the lake in the morning. After lunch, we will do an exciting zipline canopy tour! In the late afternoon, we will travel back to Antigua and enjoy some more time in this beautiful city. | Hotel Posada Hermano Pedro |
| February 22 | Saturday | Antigua | After breakfast, we will discover Antigua Guatemala on a walking tour. This afternoon/evening we'll check out a renowned chocolate factory where you get to try your hand at making your own delicious treats! In the evening, we will have our final farewell dinner together. | Hotel Posada Hermano Pedro |
| February 23 | Sunday | Antigua - Guatemala City - Washington, DC | We'll have a relaxing morning in Antigua before we make our way back to Guatemala City for our afternoon flight home. | Your own bed, eventually! |
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Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe. We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.
Hotel Euro Maya
As the name suggests, this hotel respects the blend of indigenous and European cultures as reflected in Antigua’s history. A modern structure in the Spanish colonial style, the warm and friendly atmosphere and relaxing gardens on site make this a special accommodation for our students. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
El Dragon Hotel
This boutique hotel is located directly on the shores of the stunning Lake Atitlán in San Marcos La Laguna. The unique location, quaint rooms, and artistic garden spaces will make any guest feel like they are in paradise. Free Wi-Fi throughout the facilities keep everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped according to gender in their rooms.
Hostel Posada Hermano Pedro
Hostel Posada Hermano Pedro offers spacious rooms and comfortable beds, each with its private bathroom, hot water, television and the special attention of their staff that will make your stay a pleasant rest. Free Wi-Fi can be used throughout the building and students will grouped according to gender in double or triple rooms based on availability.
Group Flight
| Type | Carrier Name | Carrier Code | Flight Number | Departure Airport & City | Departure Date and Time | Arrival Airport & City | Arrival Date and Time |
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Outbound
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Avianca Airways
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AV
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581
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IAD – Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, United States
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February 15, 2020 at 09:50 AM
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SAL – Monsenor Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport, San Salvador, El Salvador
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February 15, 2020 at 01:25 PM
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Outbound
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Avianca Airways
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AV
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578
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SAL – Monsenor Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport, San Salvador, El Salvador
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February 15, 2020 at 03:00 PM
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GUA – La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala
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February 15, 2020 at 03:46 PM
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Inbound
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Avianca Airways
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AV
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579
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GUA – La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala
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February 23, 2020 at 12:57 PM
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SAL – Monsenor Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport, San Salvador, El Salvador
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February 23, 2020 at 01:45 PM
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Inbound
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Avianca Airways
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AV
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580
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SAL – Monsenor Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport, San Salvador, El Salvador
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February 23, 2020 at 03:01 PM
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IAD – Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, United States
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February 23, 2020 at 08:10 PM
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Once your flight has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala
VILLAGE DESCRIPTION
Lake Atitlán is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. On it’s shore, surrounded by rolling hills and jagged peaks, lies the pueblo of San Juan La Laguna (1600msnm/5250ft), the place where the Tz’utujil people live. This town made up of approximately 5,600 inhabitants located NW in the shore of Lake Atitlán. The primary language is Tz’utujil, with most locals being able to communicate and understand Spanish, the secondary language is K’iché and it is spoken in other towns such as Pasajquim, Panyebar and Palestina.
Xe’kuku’Abaj (Abajo de la Tinaja de Piedra) is the original name of San Juan La Laguna in Tz’utujil mayan language.
San Juan La Laguna was founded between 1618 – 1623 during the Colonial Epoque, an example of this “colonial style” architecture can be seen at the Main Church built in 1700, it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in April 2, 1902, and 74 years later it was hit by another earthquake (1976).
The town is centered around a plaza with a roofed basketball court. San Juan La Laguna is a traditional village. Most inhabitants are religious (some deeply so), and the primary religions are Catholicism and Evangelists, on sundays many businesses are closed, due to mass celebrations. Most women are amas de casa, or housewives, small entrepreneurs, and as a cultural norm, women in the society do not drink alcohol. Clothing is very modest. Older people wear traditional dress, while more and more children dress in modern clothing, mainly secondhand clothes from the United States.
Packing List
CLOTHES:
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts, tank tops or work shirts
Long sleeve shirts
Sweatshirt/jacket
Shorts
Jeans/pants
Swimsuit
Rain jacket
Sturdy shoes (appropriate for lots of walking/athletic activity)
Sports sandals ie Chacos/Tevas etc. (optional)
Flip flops (optional)
Hat
For the farewell dinner in Antigua please bring a casual outfit
TOILETRIES
BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
Band aids, Neosporin and other basic first aid supplies
Hand Sanitizer
Medication in properly marked original container
Lip balm
MISCELLANEOUS
1 small backpack for day trips, community service days
Sunglasses
Journal and pen
Book/s
Camera
Ziplock bags to keep valuables out of humidity and water.
Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
Durable water bottle
1 quick-dry towel
Flashlight/headlamp
Batteries and/or portable cell phone power banks
Deck of cards or other portable games
STUDENT ID
Spanish/English Dictionary
HOMESTAY GIFTS
Travelers often contact us regarding what an appropriate gift might be for their student’s host family. Host families are often curious about where our students come from and their families in the U.S. As such, we recommend a simple gift that describes, represents or depicts your home. Well-received gifts in the past have included calendars or picture/coffee table books from your city or state, a framed picture of your family, paraphernalia from a local sports team, toys, soccer balls, school supplies, or something produced or grown in your hometown, like chocolate, local candy, t-shirts, etc. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to worry about this… Anything, no matter its value, will be well received!
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional support staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find a list of the team members involved in the planning, organizing, and leadership of your program.
Guillermo Montoya Berganza
Guatemala & Belize Country Director
Universidad Rafael Landivar – B.A. Marketing with emphasis on Advertising
Postgraduate studies in Business Management, Costa Rica and India
Guillermo was born and raised in Guatemala. He has traveled throughout North and Central America, and parts of Europe and India. His first intercultural experience took place in North Dakota and Canada as an exchange student. He then volunteered with an international organization in Guatemala that provides educational opportunities to young students. Through this organization, he became a guide for a Latin American student group in Norway and Denmark, giving him the opportunity to explore several European countries and find his traveler spirit. Guillermo lives in Antigua, Guatemala, where he works to support independent coffee farmers and an artisan community and leads programs throughout Central America. He speaks both Spanish and English and enjoys adventure travel, photography and history.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. After this experience, he moved to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Luke has since traveled to over 60 countries on five different continents. Now settled in Denver with his family, he continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Baldewin Bokus
- 2 Devan Tatlow
- 3 Elyse Lerum
- 4 Elyse Lerum (Group Organizer)
- 5 Felix Shareno
- 6 Gabriel Dowd
- 7 Gabriela Lujan
- 8 Gabriella Ferrigno
- 9 James Hamilton
- 10 Jorge Delgado (Group Organizer)
- 11 Kimberly Perez
- 12 Lucaya Navas
- 13 Luther Hoy
- 14 Micah Wimbish
- 15 Petra Debelack
- 16 Rami Noursi
- 17 Stephanie Tran
- 18 Thomas Shepard
Blog and Communication
During travel we will work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blogs and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, giving parents a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will receive an email notification when the first blog is posted, after which we recommend you check in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this page.
Beyond this proactive approach to communication during the trip, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants semi-regular access to WiFi so you can also expect to communicate with your traveler directly. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is important that we create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in our programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavioral conduct.
ABSOLUTE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of, or are consuming, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety.
- This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Guatemala website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.
Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.
We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.
To provide families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.