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.
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!
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
Time: 6AM-6PM Local Time
DEPARTURE INFORMATION:
Airport: La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Date: DAY 8
Time: Anytime
CHOICE partners with CV Humanitarian travel, a trusted agency that specializes in humanitarian travel to the remote places where CHOICE works. 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
For any other questions, please visit our FAQ's page, or contact the CHOICE Expeditions Team.
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:
(800) 826-1300
(800) 282-4495
(800) 228-9792
(800) 487-4722
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.
There is also an International Student Card that is a $25 plan and covers our medical evacuation requirement. See if you qualify and more information on their website below.
CHOICE Registration Materials
Guatemala Arrival Requirements for U.S. Citizens
**Required for volunteers under 18 years of age traveling without a parent. For more information see here. For CDC Travel Guidelines see here.
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 Facebook 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. Foam pads will be provided in the village. 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
Toiletries/First-Aid
Other Items
RECOMMENDED ITEMS
OPTIONAL ITEMS
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.