This Impact Adventure to Belize and Guatemala with Vivid Roots and Somos Impact Travel is designed to ignite personal growth, spark global awareness, and empower students to be a force for good.
Through immersive travel and hands-on service—supporting education and reforestation in rural Guatemala—students will deepen their understanding of global challenges while making a real, lasting difference in the lives of others.
Travel through Belize and Guatemala on a transformative adventure that blends cultural discovery, community service, and outdoor exploration. From the remote southern coast of Belize to the lush riverways of Rio Dulce and the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal, you’ll experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness in a way few travelers ever do.
This journey isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about contributing meaningfully to them. Through a partnership with a local NGO, you’ll work directly with local students and educators to help improve rural school infrastructure and participate in native tree-planting efforts to support ecological restoration. No prior skills are required—just a spirit of curiosity, compassion, and collaboration.
There will be two student groups for this trip:
Group A: 16 students, 3 parent chaperones, 1 teacher chaperone
Group B: 16 students, 3 parent chaperones, 1 teacher chaperone
Spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Work alongside Casa Guatemala, a local NGO, to support children’s education, community health, and ecological restoration
Cruise by boat across the Belize-Guatemala border and through the breathtaking Rio Dulce Canyon
Explore the ancient temples and jungle pyramids of Tikal, one of the most iconic Maya cities
Relax in the colorful lakeside town of Flores, known for its charm and scenic beauty
Swim beneath a natural hot waterfall at Finca Paraíso Hot Springs
Immerse yourself in both Guatemalan and Belizean cultures through food, language, and authentic experiences
Earn over 12+ certified volunteer hours while making a real impact on local communities
Build friendships with like-minded peers and engage in meaningful cultural exchange with local students and leaders
Optional adventure: Cave tubing through Belize’s underground river system
Reflect and recharge with scenic landscapes from tropical rivers to lush jungle
Experience everyday life in small towns that most tourists never visit
Stay in locally owned hotels and support social enterprises that reinvest directly into their communities
For this trip, you will be working with Casa Guatemala, an established organization that serves multiple communities around Rio Dulce. We will visit their campus, meet with the community members, and learn about the complex issues that they face.
Your funding will help a specific impact project which you will be intricately involved with. The difference you will make will be tangible, impactful, and life-changing for all the beneficiaries.
Check out our clear, flexible Somos Impact Travel Payment & Cancellation Policy.
Flights to/from Belize City (BZE)
Safe, clean, and comfortable lodging in Punta Gorda, Rio Dulce, Flores, San Ignacio, and Belize City Shared rooms (3–6 per room), with variations based on location.
17 of 24 meals are included. 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches (Days 2–5), 4 dinners (Days 1, 2, 3, 5). Dietary restrictions? No worries, we can accommodate most preferences!
All group ground and water transportation: Private vans, boats, water taxis, and cross-border transfers; Shuttle to optional cave tubing for those who participate (activity cost not included)
The team at Somos Impact Travel is world-class. Your group will have a lead Adventure Guide. Local expert guides for cultural, natural, and historical experiences.
Welcome dinner and cultural orientation, Rio Dulce Canyon boat tour, Finca Paraíso hot springs + waterfall swim, Guided tour of Tikal National Park, Optional cave tubing experience, 2 days of NGO work
You will be on your own for a few meals where you can explore local cuisine with recommendations from your guides. Meals in Guatemala cost $8 – $12. You will want to budget $55-$65+ for food.
Travel insurance is required for trips. Policies start at around $75. As soon as you book, you'll get a confirmation email with info about how to get the best insurance policy for you.
$30-$40 is the cost of this activity.
Souvenirs, snacks, or personal spending
Your impact starts today! We give you tools to support the NGO by fundraising in your local community. We strongly recommend every traveler fundraise or donate $250 to support the local impact partner
Arrive in Belize City (morning or early afternoon recommended), meet your guides, and begin a scenic drive through southern Belize to the coastal town of Punta Gorda. After settling into your accommodations, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and take part in a cultural activity or orientation to kick off the trip.
Meals Included: Dinner
After breakfast, depart by boat across the Belize-Guatemala border into Rio Dulce, a lush river town in eastern Guatemala. In the afternoon, embark on a guided boat tour through the stunning Rio Dulce Canyon, with time for swimming or short jungle walks. Enjoy the evening to relax on the dock or explore nearby.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Begin your volunteer work with a full-day service project supporting Casa Guatemala, a local NGO, focused on sustainability, education, and development. You’ll work alongside local leaders and peers on meaningful tasks while learning about community life in the region.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Continue your hands-on work at the service site, deepening your understanding of local challenges and the positive impact of community-led initiatives. You'll also have a chance to reflect and connect more personally with local students and staff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, visit the beautiful Finca Paraíso hot springs, where a warm waterfall cascades into a natural pool, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Later, transfer to Flores, a colorful island town in the Petén region, and settle in for a chill evening on the lake.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart early for a guided tour of Tikal National Park, home to ancient Mayan pyramids and temples hidden in the jungle. Return to Flores by mid-afternoon and spend your evening exploring shops, lakeside cafes, and local art galleries.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, journey across the border back into Belize and continue to the lively town of San Ignacio, known for its rich culture and outdoor adventures. Settle in and enjoy free time to explore or relax.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, those who choose the optional cave tubing adventure will stop on the way to Belize City for a guided float through jungle caves (not included in program cost). Those not participating will travel directly to Belize City for extra free time.
The full group will reunite in the afternoon for your final night together.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wrap up your trip with a final breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depart with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a fresh perspective on global citizenship and culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast
