This local garden provides a tour for students and a lesson on the various healing properties of the plants heavily relied on in this region. There is also a shop where students can purchase various organic soaps, lotions, and teas derived from the plants.

Many foods are unique to Guatemala and/or Central America, and students are able to help prepare them using unfamiliar ingredients and techniques. Host families have the traditional fire stoves and teach the students how they cook.

Chocolate and coffee farms are prevalent in Guatemala. Each offers a demonstration of how the commodity is made, from the plants to the beans to the finished product. Students are able to taste the result of each step of the process.

In Guatemala, weaving is an ancient art. There are local weavers that give a presentation to the students on how the weaving is done as well as how they use natural dyes for their yarn. Students are able to see and touch the cotton seeds, cotton, and yarn, practice weaving, and also dye some

Salsa dancing is a Latin American dance tradition. A salsa dance instructor in Guatemala will lead a session in which students will be exposed to Spanish salsa music and will be taught the basic steps for salsa dancing.

Host families also provide a typical food demonstration. Many foods are unique to Guatemala and/or Central America, and students can help prepare them using unfamiliar ingredients and techniques. Host families have the traditional fire stoves and teach the students how they cook.

Mayan textiles are readily available all around the villages surrounding the lake.  Beautiful woven scarves, cloths, and bags, as well as jewelry and artwork, are among the many handmade items available.

Students provide free health screenings to the community during our pop-up health fair. Students are trained to take vital signs and are provided with their own blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to perform the screenings.  

Students use their new Spanish skills to provide a presentation to elementary school students about nutrition and hygiene.  Students are encouraged to sing songs with and learn from the children as they are providing information.

Students are able to attend medical home visits with local nurses.  Students may assist with giving out nutrition supplements, weighing children, and may observe vaccinations.

Students are able to volunteer by giving health screenings to incoming patients at a health clinic.  Students are also able to observe medical visits which may include anything from a skin rash to medical emergencies and live births.

Our nonprofit partner, Water4Life Global, works to distribute water filter technology to villages in need to provide an immediate solution for their contaminated sources. Students assist in the assembly of the water filtration systems for home delivery.

A nature preserve along the lake provides the perfect spot for swimming and taking in the sun.  There is a beautiful nature hike with spectacular views as well as a 25-foot high platform for diving. 

Beautiful, painted steps lead up the side of a mountain for a 30-minute hike to a clearing with the most beautiful views of the lake and volcanoes.  As the sun comes up, fire and smoke can be seen billowing from the volcanoes across the lake. 

The tour involves a 15-minute walk to the first canopy which lasts approximately 40 seconds followed by a short walk to the second canopy which lasts about 45 seconds.  A unique experience with an impressive view!  

Kayaks are available for rent on the lake.

A professional guide leads a three-hour horseback ride to a lookout with stunning views of the lake, volcanoes, cornfields, and coffee farms.

Students have the option of using their free day to visit a local hot spring. These beautiful, clear-water pools are warmed by the volcanoes that surround them.

Explore the Mundo De Abejas Mayas to learn more about the traditional practices of making organic honey from Mayan Bees. Learn about how different bee species produce different types of honey, some even with medicinal benefits! The honey samples at the end are a sweet touch!