Travel with purpose to rural Guatemala and work together with the local people on a community-led project to reduce global poverty.
The picturesque nation of Guatemala bridges Mexico with all other Central American countries. While quaint in geographical size, the native people radiate a happiness that is larger than life. CHOICE expeditions focus on the indigenous Q'eqchi' communities of the pleasant Polochic region, amidst the breathtaking cloud forest of the Alta Verapaz state.
Interested in another date or location? Reach out to us at expeditions@choicehumanitarian.org
Enjoy an incredible opportunity to learn about local culture while also experiencing international development and humanitarian work firsthand. Along with your fellow expeditioners, you will expand your view of what it means to be a global citizen.
Project Information
Once we find out more information about the community and project you'll be working on during this Expedition, we'll be sure to include that information here. Until then, trust that the project will be a sustainable, locally led project identified by the community. No matter your abilities/skill-level, there will be accessible options for you to participate every step of the way!
On Expeditions to Guatemala, we frequently work in the following areas: Agricultural Training, Reforestation, Family Gardens, Health Care Education, Social Welfare Education, General Construction
Cultural Exchange
Cultural exchange is one of the most important aspects of CHOICE expeditions. When people of different backgrounds come together to exchange ideas, experiences, perspectives, and knowledge, the world becomes a more connected place. These authentic and meaningful interactions can generate empathy and foster open-mindedness.
Ethical & Sustainable Service
CHOICE employs qualified local country staff who work with community members to organize and lead projects designed specifically for the needs of their community. By focusing on the causes rather than the symptoms, our projects can create multidimensional, long-lasting solutions which increase the community’s capacity to build a path out of poverty.
For more information, view our Expedition Philosophy and FAQ's!
Each Expedition is led by a Certified Expedition Leader (CEL). The CEL works together with CHOICE's local country team to make each part of your trip intentional and valuable.
More information to come about the CEL for this trip.
Expeditioners are responsible for booking and paying for their own air travel. The Expedition Fee does not cover airfare.
We recommend booking your flights two to eight months before departure for the best pricing and availability!
ARRIVAL INFORMATION:
Airport: La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Date: DAY 1 (13-JUN-2026)
Time: 6AM-6PM Local Time
DEPARTURE INFORMATION:
Airport: La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Date: DAY 8 (20-JUN-2026)
Time: Anytime
CHOICE partners with CV Humanitarian and Velocity Travel, trusted agencies that specialize in humanitarian travel to the remote places where CHOICE works. In order to avoid duplicate bookings and airfare cancellations, please contact one agent at a time. If you would like to work with one of their trusted agents, please find their contact information below:
Agent: Blair Greene
Email: blair@cvtravel.com
Phone: +1 (205) 484-2029
Agent: Trent Hendrickson
Email: Trent@velocitytours.com
Phone: +1 (801) 296-8687
For any other questions, please visit our FAQ's page, or contact the CHOICE Expeditions Team.”
Basically, we just need to add this sentence: “In order to avoid duplicate bookings and airfare cancellations, please contact one agent at a time.
CHOICE Humanitarian requires all expedition participants to purchase medical evacuation insurance. This insurance covers transportation to a clinic or hospital during medical emergencies. It must cover at least $25,000. Proof of coverage must be provided to CHOICE as part of registration.
Medical evacuation insurance can be purchased separately or as part of a travel health insurance policy. It can cover emergency transportation from a remote area to a high-quality hospital, which could otherwise cost more than $100,000.
In addition, CHOICE encourages all expedition participants to purchase standard travel insurance and trip cancellation coverage due to unforeseen circumstances that might cause trip disruptions or unexpected flight cancellations.
Suggested Policy Providers:
1 (800) 826-5248
1 (800) 527-7478
1 (866) 884-3556
1 (800) 228-9792
Major credit card companies also provide free and/or low cost travel insurance to cardholders. Please be sure that such coverage is actual insurance and not just insurance consultation.
If you are a student or faculty member, the least expensive way to acquire emergency evacuation/medical insurance is the international youth/student/faculty I.D. card ($20). Most universities offer these through their study abroad office. You will need to provide proof of current school enrollment or faculty employment and a passport-sized photo.
CHOICE Registration Materials
Guatemala Arrival Requirements for U.S. Citizens
**Required for volunteers under 18 years of age traveling without a parent.
Extra Suggestions and Recommendations
Travel Information
CURRENCY
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
1.00 US Dollar = 7.66 Quetzales
Exchange rate could change; please look up current exchange rate before departure.
ELECTRICITY
110-120 volts AC (60 Hertz)
Plugs: standard 2-prong (same as United States)
WEATHER
“DRY” SEASON: November – April (hot in the afternoons, cooler in the evenings)
*rain is occasional
HIGH: 85°F – 90°F / LOW: 60°F – 65°F
RAINY SEASON: May – October (hot and humid in the afternoons, cooler and damp in the evenings)
*rain is frequent (downpours in the evening)
HIGH: 80°F – 85°F / LOW: 55°F – 60°F
FOOD
During the expedition, CHOICE will provide 3 daily meals to all volunteers while in the village. The local diet consists of tortillas, beans, rice, and vegetables. Expedition participants can expect to eat standard American foods combined with local elements: cereals, breads, salads, soups, chicken, fruits, salsas, etc. CHOICE will also provide drinks such as milk, fruit juices, and soda pop. Participants are encouraged to bring personal food and snacks that will not be available in the villages (supplement bars, sweets, etc). Drinkable water will be provided in the village. We encourage each participant to bring a reusable water bottle.
PACKING LIST
This comprehensive packing list has been prepared as a convenience. The recommendations reflect the experience of CHOICE as well as recommendations from previous expedition participants. If you have questions about anything on the packing list, feel free to ask the Expedition Staff, the Expedition Leaders, or post a question in the expedition WhatsApp group.
When reviewing this list, please refer to the weather information provided above to coordinate which items to pack and take on a specific expedition (according to the month/season).
CHOICE recommends that all volunteers check the weather forecast prior to departure to ensure appropriate packing. It is wise to think in LAYERS when preparing for a service trip abroad. All volunteers are expected to bring a comfortable sleeping bag and a foam pad to sleep on. CHOICE recommends that all volunteers pack as light as possible (since brief hikes might be required before entering and/or departing from the village). CHOICE also suggests duffle bags and camping backpacks as ideal packing equipment (instead of suitcases). Please check with the airlines regarding baggage allowances and excess baggage fees. CHOICE will not be responsible for such fees.
Participants have found that packing everything in large ziploc-style bags makes it easier to find socks and shirts during the expedition, but also keeps clothes clean and odor-free. CHOICE suggests also bringing such a bag to store dirty clothes throughout the expedition.
One golden piece of advice: Leave behind a clean change of clothes at the hotel or keep a clean change of clothes inside a bag during the entire expedition. Why? So that there is a fresh outfit to wear when boarding the international flight home! You’ll thank us later!
NECESSARY ITEMS
Clothing
durable walking shoes (hiking boots or well-built tennis shoes)
Waterproof boots/shoes recommended
sandals or flip-flops (for use in shower and inside sleeping area)
swimsuit (for use in shower)
multiple pairs of socks (lightweight long socks protect ankles from insect bites)
three (3) pair of work pants or knee-length shorts (casual, quick-dry – not jeans)
four (4) or five (5) t-shirts or work shirts (casual, quick-dry – not sleeveless)
sweatshirt and/or light jacket
one (1) long-sleeve shirt for the evenings
simple rain poncho/waterproof jacket
underclothing (enough for entire trip without washing)
pajamas appropriate for group sleeping
hat or sun visor
Toiletries/First-Aid
antibacterial wet wipe packets (80-100 per person) and/or antibacterial hand gel
toothbrush/toothpaste
deodorant
pocket size packs of tissue
water bottle (plastic or aluminum)
inexpensive durable watch
camera (plus extra battery and extra film/disk)
extra prescription medicine (packed in carry-on luggage)
sunscreen
lip balm
minor blister/wound care (band-aids, moleskin, triple antibiotic cream etc.)
pain reliever (ibuprofen, etc.)
diarrhea medication (imodium, etc.)
constipation medicine
decongestant or allergy medication
personal prescriptions
mosquito repellent with at least 20% DEET
chigger cream
Other Items
medium to warm sleeping bag (lightweight bag is easier to manage and pack)
travel pillow
headlamp with new batteries
good work gloves
jumbo and mid-size ziploc bags (for dirty/wet clothes, garbage, organizing and packing)
personal hygiene items: towel, washcloth, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.
day bag (to transport water, jacket, hat, gloves, camera, snacks to worksite)
personal journal and pen
passport
RECOMMENDED ITEMS
sleep aids (ear plugs, etc.)
travel pocket guide
cultural sharing items (small musical instruments, photo albums, etc.)
supplies and games for village activities (fingernail polish, materials for necklaces and
bracelets, frisbees, soccer balls/ pumps, etc.)
small multi-tool or pocket knife
compact travel games or cards
OPTIONAL ITEMS
bandana (used around head or neck)
sunglasses
snacks (granola bars, fruit leather, etc.), sweets, powder juices
compact indoor games or projects
All accommodations during the Expedition are included.
Meals during the Expedition are included.
Transportation within country are included during the Expedition.
All logistics and details provided by our in-country team of development professionals is included.
Your leaders for the Expedition are Certified according to CHOICE's very high standards of safety, care, and sustainable development in order to provide the most fulfilling experience for you!
Your Expedition Fee will help cover the cost of the project we will work on and future sustainable CHOICE projects.
Transportation to/from country are not included in your Expedition Fee.
Extra hotel nights before or after the Expedition will not be covered by your Expedition Fee.
You are welcome to bring/buy additional food/snacks outside of the food and snacks that will be provided.
Participants should arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) before 3PM on Day 1. Upon arrival, transportation will be provided to Hotel Barceló for overnight accommodations in Guatemala City.
Official Expedition activities will begin this evening. Group dinner and orientation will be scheduled tonight for Expedition participants to meet one another and discuss trip details with local CHOICE staff.
Breakfast served at hotel. Group transportation will be provided in the morning to the scenic Chisec Region northeast of the capital (6-hour distance). A brief stop will be provided in Cobán and lunch will be served to the entire group.
Participants will arrive to a gracious village in the late afternoon and be greeted with a warm welcome from native villagers. Time provided to unpack, rest, and meet local villagers. Dinner will be served in the evening.
Overnight accommodations provided inside the village church and/or schoolhouse.
Breakfast will be served in the village. Participants will work hand-in-hand with families on various village-driven development initiatives that will benefit the area: Agricultural programs, Construction projects, Etc.
Lunch will be served in the afternoons with a brief rest provided. Dinner will be served in the evenings.
Village activities and interactions will be provided to promote powerful intercultural exchanges between participants and native villagers.
Breakfast served in village. Group transportation will be provided back to Guatemala City (6-hour distance). A brief stop will be provided and lunch will be served to the entire group.
Upon arrival to the capital, participants will check-in to Hotel Barceló for overnight accommodations. Group dinner will be scheduled in the evening to conclude the expedition and discuss overall experiences.
Breakfast served at hotel. Leisure time to explore Guatemala City or Antigua is possible (depending on flight departures).
As the largest metropolis of Central America, Antigua was declared the capital of Guatemala in 1776. Central American independence from colonial Spain was declared here in 1821.
Transportation will be provided to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) for flight departures throughout the day.
