8 Weeks Guaterica (Start Guatemala)

Arrival at the airport and pickup
Have you arranged an Airport Transport to Antigua with us? Then our driver will wait for you at the exit of the airport. Take the one on the right side. Here our friendly driver will be waiting with a sign containing your name.

Welcome Walk Antigua
Antigua: Meeting point is Monday morning 08:30 in Adra hostel where your guide will receive you.

The first walk around this colourful new city is the most important, and is designed to make you feel comfortable and confident in your new surroundings and environment. We will point out the main facilities such as the ATMs, pharmacies, and grocery stores as well as places of historical significance. (approx. 2 hrs.)

Spanish Classes
Antigua: Located close to Adra Hostel, your Spanish lessons will be 2 x 45 minutes. Tuition is delivered by licensed teachers from the indigenous community. You receive a short test to establish your level and objectives on your first day. These lessons are tailored to suit all levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Classes are designed to help you interact and immerse with the local community and enjoy being in a Spanish speaking country. You will also have a chance to learn some of their native tongue.

Volunteering
Close to Antigua, on the way to one of the most famous viewpoints, we help by supporting a greenhouse-project to reforest the mountains. Working on this exclusive project includes gardening, cleaning of the environment, and helping to return the land on the mountain to its natural state. Due to the invasion of the non native Eucalyptus tree, the whole mountain suffers from dryness. Every person who volunteers there also means a immediate donation from 10$ per person and two more hands which are priceless.

A lot of non-native butterflies have found themselves migrating here meaning they can't find the right plants and flowers to live on so they struggle to survive in the foreign environment. The work they do at the farm is to accommodate these new butterflies so they have a safe and familiar habitat to live in. This involves trying to eradicate trees that have damaged the environment and instead plant native ones to give habitats back to the butterflies and birds again.

Guided Historical Tour of the City & Jade Museum
Antigua: La Antigua Guatemala, the first capital of Central America, is rich with culture and history. This city of nostalgic cobblestone streets represents in its ancient walls the rich heritage of the Hispanic colonial era. Churches, convents, monasteries, and large family houses are a beautiful and evocative monumental architectural complex. Included in the tour is a stop to the Casa Del Jade, where you will learn the secrets of the amazing and unusual ancient jade artefacts carved by the Mayans. (approx. 2-3hrs.)

Guided Hike to View Point Cerro de la Cruz
Antigua: Famous throughout the region, weaving through the colourful markets of Guatemala is an experience you won’t forget. Learn to navigate the isles and haggle like a local, be hypnotised by the colours, smell and taste of the delicious traditional clothes, jewellery, foods and spices available. Find anything you want among the array of goods available! (approx. 3hrs.)

Guided Tour of Markets
Antigua: Famous throughout the region, weaving through the colourful markets of Guatemala is an experience you won’t forget. Learn to navigate the isles and haggle like a local, be hypnotized by the colours, smell and taste of the delicious traditional clothes, jewelry, foods and spices available. Find anything you want among the array of goods available! (approx. 3hrs.)

Coffee Tour
Antigua: Our signature Coffee Tours are led by the coffee growers themselves who will lead you through their fields, explain the work behind cultivating coffee, walk you through each step of processing from bean to brew, and finish the tour by joining you for a cup of De La Gente coffee. Along the way, you’ll learn more than just the process behind coffee - you’ll have authentic and transparent conversations to hear first hand from a small-scale producer about the obstacles, triumphs, and hopes that his/her family and community has experienced within the coffee industry and the persisting enthusiasm and dedication that they have to this livelihood.

Included in the Coffee Tour
- Round-trip transportation from Antigua to the producer’s home
- Spanish-English interpretation
- Tour through the coffee fields including a demonstration of traditional roasting and grinding
- Cup of coffee at the producer’s home
- 12 ounce bag of roasted coffee

Coffee Tour Schedule
The shuttle picks up participants at 08:45 from Cafe Estudio which is located a few steps from Adra Hostel. The entire experience typically takes three and a half hours. You can expect to return back to Cafe Estudio at 12:15.

Chicken Bus and Chocolate Factory Tour
Hop on a local ‘chicken bus’ for a magical drive to San Juan del Obispo to immerse yourself in the local culture and visit an authentic artisanal Chocolate Factory to learn about the production process.

Monday morning around 08:00, you will be picked up in Adra Hostel and start the second chapter of your Guatemala Adventure. I could talk forever about Lake Atitlan but you will see it yourself. The ride takes about 3 hrs. and you will get dropped off at the pier of Panajachel, where our guide will receive you. You will jump on a Lancha (a little boat) and head to the Iguana Perdida with your guide.

Welcome Walk Lake Atitlan
Arriving at the dock in Panajachel, our guide will receive you and you will cross the lake by speedboat to Santa Cruz: The Iguana Perdida Hostel will be your home away from home. After your arrival, you will be taken on a tour of the beautiful steep and winding streets of Santa Cruz. Here you will be shown important points of interest such as the ATM, pharmacy, and grocery store. The guides will be on hand to point out/show you anything you would like to see!

Spanish Classes
Right beside the Lake, your Spanish Lessons will be 2 x 45 minutes (usually from 14:00-16:00). Tuition is delivered by licensed teachers from the indigenous community. These lessons are tailored to suit all levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Classes are designed to help you interact and immerse with the local community and enjoy being in a Spanish-speaking country. You will also have a chance to learn some of their native tongues.

Cooking and weaving classes in Santa Cruz
These two activities are designed to support the local community and help them perserve their ancient culture. We will be divided into small groups to work with local famlies who will show us how to turn local ingredients into a delicious lunch and how to weave their colorful fabrics!

Kayaking SUP and Yoga by the Lake Atitlan
Drifting across the water of Lake Atitlan, surrounded by panoramic views of multiple volcanoes brings you a truly unique experience. From your perspective point on your paddle board or kayak, the views of both the renowned Volcanoes and gazing back toward Santa Cruz are unrivaled. Equally, what better place to ‘breathe in, breathe out, when surrounded by such calm and tranquil scenery?

Volunteering
Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz: At the lake, the days of volunteering in week 3 are designed to help and give something back to the local community of Santa Cruz, repainting and maintenance to the elementary school, basics English classes for kids, sports and games, recycling and conservation work around the lake and the surrounding landscape.

We encourage all participants to bring something from home to donate to the local schools and children, it is always very much appreciated by the local community and a great way to start thinking about volunteering and making a difference before you embark on this trip. As some of these projects include getting your hands dirty, we ask that you bring gloves with you to be prepared to get stuck in!

This group of women collects recyclable material to protect the environment around the lake, but also to empower them by getting an income for their families and gaining experience in working on environmental-related issues. You will be volunteering also in other places around the Tzununa village which is about 10 minutes away from Santa Cruz by boat.

Weaving Classes with Indigenous Families
Delve into the ancient art of Mayan weaving, taught by those who have had the skill passed down through generations. Guatemalan weaving dates back more than 1,500 years to the Maya culture. Legend has it that the Maya were taught to weave by Ix Chel, the moon goddess and cosmic weaver. Collaborate with craftspeople to produce contemporary items that combine traditional manufacturing techniques with modern aesthetics. It’s a touch of both old and new mingled together!

Kayaking, SUP and yoga by the lake of Atitlan
Drifting across the water of Lake Atitlan, surrounded by panoramic views of multiple volcanoes brings you a truly unique experience. From your perspective point on your paddle board or kayak, the views of both the renowned Volcanoes and gazing back toward Santa Cruz are unrivaled. Equally, what better place to ‘breathe in, breathe out, when surrounded by such calm and tranquil scenery?

Canyon Waterfall Hike - Lake Atitlan
If the weather allows, hike the Pumpatin Canyon on the secluded north shore of Lake Atitlan. The Hidden Waterfalls flow along a small creek which attracts birds and wildlife and is abundant with exotic plants and flowers. This is an easy hike that is great for all abilities that provides unrivalled views of your surroundings.

During the last week, it’s time for the group to be a little more independent, so you won’t have a personal guide doing all the activities with you anymore, but the group will still have 24/7 support through the Whatsapp group. All your activities in part 1 and part 2 are still pre-booked, so you should just present yourself at the reception of your accommodation for the day’s activity.

Your shuttle will pick you up Saturday at 07:30 in PanajachelPier and arrive in Shemuc Champey approx. 9 hours later. You will be picked up byt he Zephyr Lodge transport team, bringing you to your accommodation. Enjoy this scenic transfer which is truly unique. We recommend bringing a snack in the morning.

Tubing in Zephyr Lodge
Zephyr Lodge is a one-of-a-kind oasis hidden away in the hills so you can enjoy your peace with a beautiful view. Experience stunning views while floating down the beautiful and refreshing waters of the Lanquin River while enjoying chilled beers. For games and lunch, there are two stops. Demonstrate your bridge jumping skills towards the end of the journey for an unforgettable finale on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Shemuc Champey
Hidden in the lush mountainous jungle landscape lies a turquoise paradise of the natural pools, caves, and waterfalls of Shemuc Champey. Tucked up in the densely forested mountains of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, is an incredible limestone paradise that, despite the arduous hours of off-road forging required to reach it, is one of the world’s most magnificent hidden natural beauties. The Semuc Champey natural monument, which is virtually inaccessible to all but the most hardy four-wheel drive vehicles, features six beautiful tiered turquoise pools, an enormous cave network with underground waterfalls, and breathtaking views. The azure blue waters are perched on a natural limestone bridge that spans a section of the Cahabón River.

Tuesday morning around 08:00, you will be picked up for a scenic transfer to Flores. Look forward for the island feel.

Flores
Take a trip to the gateway to nearby Mayan ruins, where you’re sure to find plenty of things to do… visit the mesmerizing ancient ruins of Uaxactun and Tikal, take a canoe trip, practice your Spanish, go zip-lining in Ixpanpajul Natural Park, have a go on Jorge’s Rope Swing, take a sailing trip, enjoy a peaceful walk around the island, enjoy the sunset and end your day by chowing down on traditional 'pupusas' in one of the country’s best restaurants for them, popular with both locals and tourists. Be careful though… this island offers so much to do and see, you might never want to leave!

Tikal sunrise hike
Experience the jungle waking up; new sounds, sights, smells, and colors that you’ll never forget. Listen to the chorus of each unique sound rising from below you as every animal wake in turn, creating a raucous as you’ve never heard before. Against the backdrop of the slow-rising sun, watch as the ruins of Tikal light up before you. The 02:00 wakeup is worth it for this unforgettable experience!

Please note: Travel on the weekends, or any of the extra activities is at your own expense and risk. We cannot be responsible but, if anything happens, we will of course be there to assist. Please ensure that you have adequate medical insurance before you carry out any activity.

You will arrive at 06:00 in Antigua, and then transferred to the airport depending on your flight time at the end of Week 4. You need to book your own flight (not included) on that Saturday to arrive in Costa Rica on the same day (we can help you with this). This is so you can be transferred to Santa Teresa with the group on Sunday morning. You will be provided a night's accommodation in San Jose before departing to Santa Teresa the next morning. Arrival transfer from airport to the project in Costa Rica is included.

Monday and Thursday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - Spanish Class
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
14:00-16:00 - Surf Lesson or Yoga Session

Tuesday and Friday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - Spanish Class
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
14:00-16:00 - Volunteering Session

Wednesday
07:30-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - All Day Hike
12:00-13:00 - Picnic
14:00-16:00 - Interactive Spanish Class

Wednesday is a full day out, the hike is about 7-10 kms walking (depending which hike we are doing ) and everyone can do it. It's not just hiking; we stop along the way to swim and picnic on a secret beach. In the late afternoon or evening, there is a group Interactive Spanish class. This interactive class can be cooking, games, or cultural activities. It will be either on the beach or back at the Jakera camp in the evening.

Evenings
In the evenings, we provide budget-friendly dinner choices (approximately $15), and multiple times a week we host various complimentary events such as dance classes, cooking sessions, game nights, karaoke and more.

Saturday
Morning - Little Breakfast
11:00-12:00 - Brunch
12:00-16:00 - Free day. If you want, you can try the additional weekend activities (not included)*.

*Additional weekend activities are available for an extra charge between $40 to $100. These includes horse riding, fishing, waterfalls and island tours.

Sunday
Brunch. The day is free for you to spend as you like!

Monday
Departure to CIRENAS

In your third week, you'll spend 4 days in a Turtle Conservation Sanctuary engaging with Permaculture, Reforestation and activities aimed at protecting the ecosystem. In the high season (August to January), the primary focus is on Turtle Conservation, where efforts are concentrated on safeguarding the eggs and hatchlings of Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Hawksbill and Leatherback species. This involves protecting adult female turtles and their nests from various threats, including human predators, wildlife, beach erosion and flooding caused by high rainfall. Depending on the season, there may be a shift to work more in other sectors such as Permaculture.

Weekend
Your stay at the Turtle Conservation Sanctuary for 4 days, you'll return to the Jakera Jungle Camp to enjoy the weekend.

During week 8, you’ll embark on an overland adventure to explore Monteverde’s unique cloud forest, discover her rich biodiversity and experience high adrenaline activities. We have two accommodation options for our groups in Monteverde, Santa Elena Hostel right in the heart of the village and the other is Catleya Hostel 20 minutes walking from town, both very cozy and secure.

Monday - Breakfast / Travel to Monteverde/ Lunch in Monteverde/ Welcome walk, Ficus tree & Sunset Hike. (The welcome walk takes about an hour and the sunset hike activity around 2 hours.)

Tuesday - BreakFast / Finca Lantana - Cloud Forest Exploration with nature guide* / Lunch /Extra activity not included (Zipline- Bungee- Horse riding)

Wednesday - Breakfast / Valle Escondido Guided Exploration (this is a 3-hour hike with beautiful waterfalls, jungle and incredible views/ Lunch / Extra activity not included (Zipline- Bungee- Horse riding)

Thursday - Breakfast / Reforestation Project in Finca Lantana* / Lunch / Transfer back to Jakera.

Friday plus Weekend - You will stay in Monteverde for 4 days, then you will return to the Camp.

Cloud Forest Reforestation in Monteverde*
We have joined forces with Finca Lantana for our new project that all our students in the All in Program will participate in. The preparation of soil, tree planting and maintanance of sapplings. Our goal is to reforest this land previously clear for cattle to its original glorious cloud forest state over the coming years.

During weeks 5 and 6, you can enjoy either surfing lessons OR yoga sessions..

4 surf lessons (approx. 2 hours) are delivered by a local professional surf instructor. As well as showing you the basics - or taking you to the next level - you learn basic safety principles taking into account local issues such as rip tides. Boards are provided for surf lessons (guided/supervised surfing). Additional lessons are available on request as well as board rental.

Alternatively, you can enjoy 10 professional yoga sessions. For a long time now, this magical place has been a destination for yogis from all around the world. What better place to learn or practice yoga than on a wild beach with the sound of waves crashing on the soft white sand, or in our jungle lodge surrounded by lush foliage to the sounds of the river and birds? Many people come here every year to practice and teach yoga so there is a class to for every level from absolute beginner to advanced yogi.

Popular classes include Yoga for all, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow, Ashtanga, Hatha, Deep Restorative, Relaxing & Mediation. You are invited to try a variety of forms of yoga during your time with us. Each class is 90 minutes - a combination of group and private classes depending your needs. Yoga provides mental balance, body control and it will help you to relax and enjoy every part of your journey in Costa Rica. Enjoy the mantras and discover a new way to relax and be in tune with your body (and nature) by doing yoga and living the pura vida lifestyle

Weeks 5 & 6 in your program include 2 x 45 minute Spanish lessons from Monday to Friday (usually between 09:00-11:00 with breaks but subject to change depending on surf conditions). Tuition is delivered by accredited and licensed teachers and on the first day you will receive a short test to establish your level and objectives. These lessons will be tailored to suit all levels from beginner to intermediate and are designed to help you interact and immerse with the local community and enjoy being in a Spanish speaking country.

We would like you to enjoy Nicoya Peninsula - an area of outstanding natural beauty - so on selected Wednesdays we will explore our surroundings on foot. The first is a 2-hour ‘jungle river trek’ along a river that runs by Jakera Jungle Surf Camp and into the lush tropical forest that surrounds us. You will quickly find yourself ‘lost’ and wondering which direction the seemingly nearby beach is. This hike helps us to understand how the whole ecosystem works. There is a vast range of flora, including trees with specific medicinal applications. We begin to understand the beauty of this truly diverse location.

On the second Wednesday, we hike along the beach (approx. 1 hour) to the rock pools that the low tide exposes to discover the multitude of sea life that lives there and to enjoy a relaxing dip in the warm pools. The hikes will be in the camp’s surroundings and can vary upon time, weather and tide.

During weeks 5 and 6 (2-3 hours per day), you participate in volunteer projects designed to conserve and respect local natural resources. Project work is varied and priorities are seasonal and weather dependent.

However, most of our efforts are focused on the following areas:
Recycling & Bionics
We are leading the charge in our local community to create as many recycle stations and collection points for plastic waste in particular so that Bionics can easily collect it all once a week from main road. We have built two recycle stations on our street and this has reduced the normal garbage by 30 % or more. As a result on our street alone we collect a huge amount of plastic for Bionics each month. We clean the beaches of plastic once a week at least and participate in community clean ups on a monthly bases and this month collected close to a ton of recyclable rubbish in one day with the help of about 100 volunteers. We go once a week to the Bionics Depo 30 mins away in Cobano to help them clean, organise and package the plastic for shipment to the USA where they turn it into shoes, T-shirts, building blocks and a whole variety of consumer goods , hence giving real value to this recycled material. This is the future and this is what may just save the planet or make a difference at least. Once this "rubbish" has value people will start to take notice and collect it and turn it into something useful. This way we show our students the full cycle of events, how plastic gets into the eco system, how hard it is to take it out once it's in there, and finally the light at the end of the tunnel, what we can do with it once we collect it.

Beach Conservation
Here we work alongside the ‘Santa Teresa Lifeguards’. Having seen the amazing beaches of Santa Teresa, and adjoining Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen, the recreational opportunities are clear. However, beaches need to be maintained to keep them clear of debris that not only looks unsightly but can cause harm to people and wildlife. Work includes promoting Lifeguard issues with regard to beach safety and etiquette (through signage, presentations and speaking to visitors), organizing clean ups with focus on recycling. We also invented a “Public Microplastic Collection” where we encourage beach walkers to collect some microplastic whilst they walk the beautiful beaches of Santa Teresa.

Reforestation
Our main focus is the forests' most important resource - water! You help with the maintenance and supply of our tree nursery; planting carefully selected saplings, gathered seeds and ongoing support of recently planted trees to ensure their success. We support the local Waterkeepers who patrol the river systems of Santa Teresa and neighboring tropical forest resources by helping to report any contamination, clear forest debris and litter from streams before it is washed out to sea and can cause further damage to wildlife, and by maintaining walking/hiking trails that allow visitors to access this beautiful area. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of flora and fauna in this special part of the world.

You will spend 4 days at Cirenas Playa Ario and depending on the season, also be working on our Sanctuary close by.

You’ll be protecting the eggs and hatchlings of Olive Ridley, Black Turtle, Hawksbill and Leatherback species, who visit local ‘semi intensive’ nesting beaches at night to nest. The principle objective of the project is to protect adult female turtles that frequent beaches along this coastline, and their nests, from human predators and wildlife, natural events such as beach erosion and flooding due to high amounts of rainfall in nesting season.

This is achieved by maintenance of infrastructure and surroundings, beach cleaning, night patrols to look for nesting female turtles (in season), transport of food and water, collection of data and releasing baby turtles into the ocean (in season) and the construction of a ‘hatchery’.

At Cirenas, all three meals are included.

*As an alternative to turtle conservation (off season), we also support animal conservation at Natuwa and help in other works.

Seasonal Support
It is important to note that although turtles nest frequently in peak nesting season (July to November), there will be times where turtle activity is very low. We still need help during most of the year for the construction and maintenance of the hatchery, critical for the upcoming season.

Besides the Turtle conservation you will do in Cirenas, there will be some other works you will do:

Caletas-Ario Mixed National Wildlife Refuge
- Maintenance and Hikes on the trails
- Bird watching
- Monitoring of Wild Fauna through camera traps
- Identification of native trees

Permaculture and Healthy Eating
- Sowing and planting
- Composting
- Biomass
- Irrigation installation for plants
- Prune fruit trees and harvesting
- Hen house

Forestry Reforestation
- Collection of seeds of native trees by dry season
- Sowing in seedbeds
- Reforestation of native tree species on and off campus

In week 8 we go on a 4-day 4x4 overland adventure to explore Monte Verde National Park from Monday to Thursday. We will stay in the picturesque town of Santa Elena and enjoy hikes to explore two national parks - one in Cloud Forest and the other in Tropical Forest. Depending on season and availability, you will usually spend 4 to 7 days at Monteverde. If you don't spend 7 days there, you will come back to the Selina camp to enjoy the free weekend here. The transport to camp is included. An airport departure transfer from either destination is not included.

Day 1
After an early morning breakfast, we load up the jeep and drive east approximately one hour in time for the 09:00 Paquera ferry. Enjoy the 1-hour voyage to the ‘mainland’ and Puntarenas, before continuing a very scenic jeep transfer with amazing views across Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains roughly north for 2 hours to Monteverde arriving in time for lunch.

We will spend the next four days in the town of Santa Elena, staying at a hostel (breakfast and lunch provided with lots of local options for dinner). Each morning we will get up early to enjoy a 2-3 hour hike exploring this unique biosphere including guided tours of two national parks, Cloud Forest and Tropical Forest. After we explore the village of Santa Elena and surrounding area to get our bearings and discuss the plan for next couple days - for those who have a head for heights and want to ‘hug a tree’ there is a huge ‘Stangler’ fig tree that we can climb inside. Back to hostel for chill time before dinner.

Day 2
After breakfast we enjoy a guided hike to the Monte Verde Reserve to explore Cloud Forest and find out about its inhabitants and flora. This is one of the few places on earth where you can see the rare Quetzal bird and get spectacular views of both the Caribbean and the Pacific Oceans. There are three kinds of monkey, medicinal plants and a plethora of insects and bird life. Back to the hostel for lunch and then your afternoon is free to chill or enjoy one of many activities including rope bridge, bungee jump and zip lining (from USD 50 per person), or visit to a coffee, cocoa and sugar cane plantation (from USD 30 per person), horse riding (from USD 50 per person), ATV tour (USD 60 per person) and canyoning (USD 70 per person).

Day 3
After breakfast we enjoy a guided hike to the Curicancha Reserve. This is primary rain forest hosting an array of animals plants and insects. Our guide will be able to identify and explain medicinal plants and wildlife, many unique to this environment. Back to the hostel for lunch - afternoon and evening free!

Day 4
Free morning to enjoy the activity of your choice before we head back to Puntarenas and the 14:00 ferry and return Santa Teresa early evening.

During the weekends, there are a lot of opportunities to explore the area and try out different activities. If you're into yoga, try a beach session on Sunday mornings: get up a little earlier than usual to enjoy a pre-breakfast yoga session on the beach. Yoga is very popular in this part of the world and 45 mins costs around $15. You can also try white water rafting, horse riding, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, a jungle canopy tour etc. There is always something to do and if it all sounds to active, you can just enjoy the beach or pool.

Please note: Travel on the weekends, or any of the extra activities is at your own expense and risk. We cannot be responsible but, if anything happens, we will of course be there to assist. Please ensure that you have adequate medical insurance before you carry out any activity.

Police Clearance Certificate

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.