GUATEMALA
WHY WE GO
Despite being a poor country overall with an average income of $5200 a year, Guatemala also ranks #11 in the world for the highest inequality of income. This extreme disproportion of wealth leaves 59% of the population living below the national poverty level, defined as $700 per year.
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Guatemala experiences one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world leaving 50% of Guatemalan children under the age of five chronically malnourished. Guatemalan children are more likely to remain in the same income bracket as their parents more than any other country in the world. 98% of Guatemalan families attempting to cross the US border through Mexico are doing so because of poverty.
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Guatemalan government aid and social services are practically non-existent. Guatemalans in need depend on charities and churches for help. Children with special needs are often abandoned.
WHAT WE DO
Food distribution is a priority. We shop for, then deliver this food directly to their door and visit with the families. Oftentimes these families have children with special needs such as Down's Syndrome that have been abandoned by the father. Compassion, love and hugs go a long way. Listening to, and understanding their situation provides a foundation for hope.
We assist teachers and help within the classroom at a privately run schools established specifically for children with special needs. Children and staff love visitors! It adds fun and excitement to the day and gives kids a chance to show off, and teach you some of their skills!
WHAT WE DO FOR FOOD AND FUN
With the exception of departure and arrival hours, three meals will be provided each day by a local Guatemalan cook. Traditional local cuisine is prepared daily with a few American styles dishes too. Traditional meals are Mayan influenced with corn, chicken, chiles, and beans. Purified drinking water is provided at all times at all locations we serve at. Guatemalans are especially proud of their world class coffee, which is a considered dietary staple at most meals. Typically two afternoons or evenings are reserved for fun and exploration. Mayan ruins, the old capital of Antigua Guatemala, and Lake Atitlán are popular options.
LOGISTICS & COSTS
Guatemala serving trips include the option of floor sleeping at a local school, community center or church at NO CHARGE. Depending on the size of your group, one or more locally based bilingual staff representatives will be with your group, 24 hours a day, for the entire duration of your trip. Pricing includes all meals, ground transportation within Guatemala, purified drinking water, group t-shirt, materials, and relief supplies necessary for your trip. Airfare is not included in price. Major credit cards are readily accepted throughout Guatemala.
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Safety is our top priority. Like most large cities, criminal activity is usually confined to specific urban areas among locals. We only serve and visit areas identified as being safe and secure. Generally speaking there will be a language barrier, but only at times. Approximately $100 per participant is dedicated towards relief supplies, and is included in your trip cost.
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Serving trips are 7 days and 6 nights.
Trip availability: Year round. (5 person minimum group size)
Registration fee: $595 (per group) *
Trip cost: **
Option 1: $795 (floor sleeping)
Option 2: $895 (cot or bunk accommodations at a dormitory or camp)
Option 3: $1145 (hotel accommodations)
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Arrival Airport: GUA Sample Itinerary Register Now
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*The registration fee is non-refundable, but in the event of a cancellation can be applied to another trip within one year of the original departure date.
** Individual trip costs are 100% refundable up to 60 days before departure less a $50 cancellation charge.
Individual trips cancelled within 60 days of departure receive no refund.