Unique Programs: Alternative Spring Break

Under Construction for updates 6.23.10 - 6.25.10

Introduction
Opportunity Overview
Sites and Summary of Optional Activities
            Guatemala
                        Antigua
                        Lake Atitlan
                        Coban
                        Quetzaltenango
                        Nebaj
Set up your trip

"The Social Entrepreneur Corps team is deeply respectful and understanding of the cultural diversity inherent in their work, and thus work extremely hard to build relationships and communities of mutual understanding and enlightenment. Without a doubt, there are few better ways to have a holistic, educational and exciting international experience in just one month."   Matt C., UNC Chapel Hill

 

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Introduction

Perfect for alternative spring break, this is unique opportunity for the socially conscious traveler to truly experience Guatemala and all it has to offer. Within this program you BUILD YOUR ITINERARY WITH OUR PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT. Forget about Florida and Cancun, this program is a top notch 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 development work in the field everyday to effectuate positive change.

Guatemala has traditionally attracted travelers because of its dramatic landscapes, award winning artisan products, amazing Maya culture, and broad diversity of adventurous opportunities.  Our programs are designed specifically to provide the traveler with the opportunity to participate in all that Guatemala has to offer while learning about some of the incredible development work that is being achieved. Our programs promise adventure and fun but also leave the traveler with a true understanding of the country, its people and its place in our world.

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Opportunity Overview

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Sites and Summary of Optional 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.


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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.

Filadelfia Plantation Coffee Tour:
This old world plantation sits on the edge of the city of Antigua, and its 8000 feet high location offers visitors a bird's-eye view of the Antigua valley.  See how 200 acres of "arabica" coffee has been grown for generations under environmentally friendly conditions. Enjoy the coffee museum at tour end and have a fresh cup of estate coffee. 

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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 very affordable. 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.

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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.

Visit 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.                        

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Coban
Coban is situated at the heart of the unique, highland tropical region of Alta and Baja Verapaz. It is therefore the ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, with such an incredible wealth of natural wonders to explore. The region is home to spectacular wildlife and incredible landscapes. Highlights include Semuc Champey, a series of idyllic lagoons, the mysterious crater-lake of Lachua, the vast caves of Candelaria and of the course the majestic bird the quetzal, the national symbol of Guatemala. Coban itself is a pleasant, sleepy town where the Kekchi Mayan group are dominant. There are many fine restaurants, and also of course the famous Coban coffee, perhaps the finest in the world!

Coban area - Highlighted activities

Semuc Champey:
This is a series of Travertine pools and waterfalls in virgin rainforest, located 11 kilometers from Lanquin. The place is incredible; you have to see it to believe it.  Many people call this their favorite place in Guatemala. When the water (which is rich in calcite) passes over the lip of a dam, it is agitated, which causes the water to evaporate and deposit calcite on the top of the dam. Thus the dams are being built up faster than normal erosion can wear them down. The pools and waterfalls occur on top of a huge cave through which flows the Rio Cahabon.

Candelaria Caverns:
The Candelaria Caverns are sacred to the K'ekchi Mayans. French explorer and current operator of the local eco-lodge, Daniel Dreux, claims that the caves and the subterranean river that runs through the nearly thirty kilometer extension are the home of Xibalb, the Mayan Underworld depicted in the creation epic, Popul Vuh. In 1998, the cave complex was declared a national park. The Candelaria River passes through a series of mountains via a subterranean network of grottos. The principle gallery is monumental, with a width of 20 to 30 meters and a height of up to 60 meters, and it is filled with large blocks of breakdown and is graced by gigantic stalagmites. It is 200 meters long and has occasional natural windows to the outside world piercing its walls and ceiling, which create a light show on the rocks and water from the sunlight which filters through the jungle outside the cavern. Some of the caverns have carved ladders or platforms constructed by the Mayans.

Parque Ecologico Hun Nal Ye:
The Ecological Park Hun Nal Ye, is located in the extreme northwest of San Pedro Carcha Municipality in the departament of Alta Verapaz, at 300 meters of the level of the sea with a hot tropical rainy climate. It's a private natural reserve with an area of 135 hectares that possesses more than 170 species of trees, 200 species of birds, 25 species of mammals, 20 species of amphibians, 23 of reptiles and an impressive quantity of insects including some very rare species. Activities include treks and canopy circuits.

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Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango, or Xela as it is more usually known, is fast becoming of the most popular places in Latin America to learn Spanish and do volunteer work, and it's not hard to understand why. Offering the advantages of a city, with cinemas, good restaurants, bars and entertainment, Xela has much more the feel of a large town- easy to navigate and get to know. It's a friendly place, with the typical bustle of highland Guatemala very much present, and the beauty of the surrounding mountains is always visible. What's more, within easy reach are many beautiful trips, such as to the hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, or even try to climb Central America 's highest peak.

Xela area - Highlighted activities

Zunil and Fuentes Georginas:
Zunil is a small indigenous town located in the foot hills of volcano Santa Maria. Zunil is famous for its agriculture and its strong Mayan culture. You can visit the Catholic Church in the center of town or visit the co-op Santa Ana and see beautiful Zunil weavings. Zunil holds the tradition of San Simone (a deity, thought to be the combination of Mayan gods and Judas) who is kept at different homes each year. From Zunil, you can easily catch a “jalon” up to the hot springs Fuentes Georginas. The Fuentes Georginas are beautiful sulfur hot springs located above Zunil. While there, you can enjoy soaking in the hot baths and enjoying the views.

COPAVIC Glass-Blowing Cooperative:
In the mornings you can watch the talented artisans blow glass into beautiful vases, plates, statuettes and pitchers. All the glass used in the cooperative is recycled, helping to clean up the environment as well as lowering the cost of the products sold. The glass wares are sold locally and shipped internationally.

Las Piscinas de Almolonga:
The pools are super clean and well maintained and are located in the center of Almolonga a small indigenous town.   It is a nice place to spend a morning or have lunch.  Also, the pools offer beautiful views of the Xela valley and fields of vegetables. 

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Set Up Your Trip

Ready to set up your Alternative Spring Break? Begin the process by visiting the Apply Now page.

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