Go beyond tourism. Connect as a global citizen. Forever change your perspective.  

Guatemala brings visions of green mountains, coffee farms and brightly-colored colonial buildings and textiles. The largest country in Central America, Guatemala is home to Latin America's tallest volcano (Tajumulco), deepest lake (Atitlán) and its largest export (coffee) is consumed across the world. 

When you connect to female leaders—students, changemakers, entrepreneurs—you see the country more deeply.

In the early 2000s, Dr. Denise Dunning lived and worked in Guatemala. Founding Rise Up in 2009, she and the team actively supported young Guatemalan leaders like the late Veronica "Vero" Buch working to help indigenous girls in the highlands stay in school. Vero and her peers targeted the issue of child marriage. Their work led to the nationwide legislative ban on the practice in 2015. Though Vero tragically passed away in 2023, leaders like her daughter Melody are more passionate than ever about advocating for girls’ rights (video story). 

This is a unique opportunity to travel with Denise and learn from young female leaders in Guatemala. We meet Rise Up leaders working to end child marriage and prevent gender-based violence; who advocate for girls' rights, access to education, and reproductive rights. We explore the stunning natural landscape, enjoy outstanding food and drink, and meet new friends who share the economic, social and cultural changes impacting Guatemala's future.

During the 7 night trip, we fly in/out of Guatemala City and travel via hired vehicle to Panajachel along Lake Atitlán, Quetzaltenango ("Xela"), Antigua, and Chimaltenango. The week includes group meetings and activities, food and cultural excursions, and a forever-memorable feat of a volcano climb. Our visit is during Easter season, with weekend vigils and processions making for the most special of experiences. Pre or post-trip, we encourage participants to travel to Guatemala's most famous Mayan heritage site, Tikal.

Experiencing Guatemala as part of an immersive travel experience, we are attached to its story.

Rise Up is partnering with Leadership Council member and global venture guide Jodi Morris to offer this exclusive experience.

While Guatemala is the most populous (17 million) Central American country, many in the U.S. are less familiar with its recent history—a transition to democracy following a long internal conflict that includes a 36-year civil war (1960-1996) and Guatemalan Genocide where over 200,000 Mayan people were killed or went missing (learn more) A democratic constitution was adopted in 1985, and a democratically elected government was inaugurated in 1986. More recently, anti-corruption Presidential candidate Bernardo Arévalo delivered a surprise defeat to the incumbent President Alejandro Giammattei and assumed office in January 2024 (read more plus recent MSN article shared by Michelle and Maya Health).

Currently, Guatemala is at the center of U.S. immigration initiatives. Through government and private initiatives, Guatemala is a hub of Central America innovation and investment, centered in the Guatemala City/Antigua corridor. Sustainable farming practices of new crops are growing, though coffee continues to make up 40% of Guatemala’s agricultural revenue. 

This puts Rise Up’s work in context. In Guatemala, gender equality remains a challenge. Countrywide, 33% of 6th-grade girls don’t enroll in 7th grade (in some areas 50%). But when they do, they're more likely to graduate than boys. Rise Up's support of leaders advocating against gender-based violence and child marriage and for health and reproductive rights are both key to furthering gender equality.

- Ideal Participants are curious, adventurous, globally-minded travelers, including Rise Up Leadership Council (LC) members.

- Group Size is a minimum of 6 and limited to 10 to create a community-building experience. 

- Per Person Trip Cost for 8 days/7 nights lodging, transportation, meals and beverages, excursions and tips is $4195 per person. For solo travelers, a single-supplement applies. Optional Tikal excursion extra.

- Health Considerations include heat, humidity and altitude. For their own safety and comfort, participants should be in good health. COVID vaccinations are recommended.

- Your Venture Host is Jodi Morris (Jodi@ConnectingGrowthGlobally.com)

Given the custom nature of this venture, itinerary details are subject to change.

To reserve your spot, make a $1000 USD non-refundable trip deposit. You'll receive a confirmation upon receipt of payment. Full payment is due 60 days prior to the start of the trip.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. For cancellations made more than 60 days prior to the trip, we will gladly reimburse you, less your non-refundable initial trip deposit.  Any cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the trip will incur the full 100% cancellation fee.  We always recommend the purchase of travel insurance, which typically covers trip cancellation fees. For more information, see Terms & Conditions.

Visas

Visas are not required of U.S. citizens traveling to Guatemala.

We highly encourage U.S. travelers to register with the U.S. Government Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and to review the pages for the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala and the U.S. Department of State Guatemala.

Medical Recommendations and Immunizations

For COVID-19 information related to Guatemala, please see the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala website. All participants to follow the travel protocol recommended by the WHO, CDC, the Guatemalan authorities and individual businesses while in-country. 

We recommend that participants review with their doctor any medical vaccinations. For more information on immunizations needed or recommended for travel to Guatemala, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The CDC does not cite malaria as a risk in the regions we will travel.

Health & Travel Insurance

We recommend that participants purchase travel insurance, or ensure their regular health insurance plans cover travel-related illnesses and injuries. Insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and evacuation expenses. A reminder that Medicare does not cover international medical expenses. Participants to provide health insurance information as part of trip registration. 

Even if you have health insurance covering international travel, we strongly recommend you also obtain coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, curtailment, and personal property. Two options are Travelex and World Nomads. Consider which plan is best for you.  

Guatemala Background Info

• About Guatemala
• Guatemala Visitor Information
• Book Recommendations: Long Night of the White Chickens; I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman in Guatemala; Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala
• Rise Up Guatemala: Full set of Rise Up Guatemala leaders & stories

Guatemala Travel Basics

• Money Major credit cards accepted; ATMs widely available; local currency & USD accepted
• Currency Quetzales (GTQ); $1 US = 8 GTQ (or 200 GTQ approximately $25 US)
• Weather & Climate Tropical. Climate is typically humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands. March is dry season. Expect temperatures in 80s (daytime) and 60s (nighttime). Be sure to bring a jacket/sweater for cool nights and mornings, sun protection for daytime, and rain jacket/umbrella for occasional rains
• Elevation  5000+ feet 
• Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type 120 V / 60 Hz / plug type(s): A, B
• Major Languages Spanish. Guatemalans also speak 22 Maya dialects
• Religions Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Maya
• Time Difference UTC-6 (+2 hours from Pacific, during Standard Time)
• Potable Water Bottled water is recommended. for drinking (even teeth brushing). Please bring a personal water bottle for refilling throughout.
• Population  17 million (split urban/rural)
• Government  Current President of Guatemala is Bernardo Arévalo 
• Safety Always be aware of your belongings, especially when on public transportation, or in markets or crowded downtown areas of larger cities. Avoid walking alone at night.
• Transportation  Uber is widely available

For those interested in a pre-trip or post-trip Tikal exploration, Guatemalan travel host Tania Salazar can arrange a Tikal excursion. Cost is $650 (double occupancy), $720 (single occupancy). Fee includes roundtrip flight from Guatemala City to Flores, private transportation, park entrance fees, two night hotel. All meals on own. Payment to be made to Tania in-country.

Arrive in Guatemala City's La Aurora Airport (GUA) on Saturday, March 9 and take short flight to Flores' Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS). As a post-trip excursion, depart on March 18.

Note baggage limits for domestic flights are a maximum of 10 pounds (4kg) for carry-on and 20 pounds (9kg) for checked luggage. Additional fees for excess weight apply.

Driver Sandry Castillo meets you upon arrival in Flores. You will spend two nights at the Hotel Villa Maya. This elegant hotel is located within a tropical estate, on the edge of the Petenchel and Monifata Lagoons. White-tailed deer and peccaries are bred in the grounds, and the hotel features a luring outdoor pool. Dinner on your own.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast on own before being picked up by Sandry and local guide Byron for your guided tour of Tikal. Tikal National Park has the best-known and most representative Mayan city in all of Guatemala. More than 3000 structures have been counted, of which only 20% have been excavated. There continue to be mysterious new findings as recent as 2021 (National Geographic).

Enjoy lunch on own at Meson Restaurant inside the Park. In the afternoon, depart the Park and return to relax at Hotel Villa Maya, enjoying dinner on your own.

The following morning, enjoy breakfast on own at the hotel before returning to Flores' Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) for your return flight to Guatemala City's La Aurora Airport (GUA).

Arrive in Guatemala City. Most flights from the U.S. will connect and arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (GUA) late in the day. For those arriving on March 11, Tania Salazar (Whats App +502 3182 6534) will provide transportation between the airport and AC Hotel (Marriott) Guatemala City in Zone 16. 

There is free Wi-Fi in the airport. Tania has your contact information and will greet you with a sign outside of baggage claim. Tania will join us for much of our week in Guatemala. 

The AC Hotel is located in the Paseo Cayalá neighborhood, a new model of open and economically resilient development in a city of gated development. There are shops, restaurants, residences, and civic buildings that seek to revive the architectural identity of the region. Is it a utopian enclave or a testament to inequality? Read this New York Times article, and explore and discuss.

Should you arrive early, enjoy exploring the city on your own. You may want to enjoy one of Guatemala City's outstanding museums, and there is much to explore in Paseo Cayalá. If you wish to explore elsewhere in Guatemala City, we recommend staying within Zones 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16 (our hotel). Uber is safe and convenient. There is a bank ATM near the hotel in Cayalá.

Don't miss the outstanding view from the hotel's rooftop lounge. It's a great place to gather for a drink or meal on your own upon arrival. 

Our trip will officially begin the next morning.

Welcome to Guatemala's capital. Awake well-rested at the AC Hotel (Marriott) Guatemala City and savor a cup of locally-grown coffee and complimentary breakfast.

This morning we explore Guatemala City. Much of our exploration will be on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water bottle (water will be available to refill).

At 8:00am, we meet our hosts Astrid Celada and Judith Bautista in the lobby. Check out of your room and bring your luggage, which will accompany us in our private vehicle. Marcos will be our driver for the week.

We visit the "Mapa en relieve" for overall context to Guatemalan topography. We continue to Zone 1, the historical heart of the city. Highlights include the Plaza de la Constitución, Central Market and the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral with its 10 stone columns etched with the names of thousands of victims of Guatemala’s civil war. 

We explore the civic center with government institutions like the city hall, Palace of Justice, and Bank of Guatemala. We also walk the Avenida Reforma, considered the developed part of the city.

We meet for a casual lunch at Los Tres Tiempos, enjoying typical hearty Guatemalan cuisine and a view of the city.

After lunch, we transport as a group 150 km (100 miles, about three hours) west to Panajachel on the north shore of Lake Atitlán in the Guatemalan Highlands. We check in at lakeside Hotel Atitlan, our base for the next few days, enjoying the sunset over dinner at the hotel at 7:00pm prior to our exciting day ahead.

We awake in Panajachel, taking in the sunrise views of the San Pedro, Tolimán and Atitlán volcanoes. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. 

Bring a small daypack including a jacket for warmth and rain—we are heading to the highlands for a day with Rise Up leaders. For background reading, here's a collection of Rise Up's Guatemala leaders & stories. 

This short Rise Up documentary previews our day.

At 8:30am, we depart for a two-hour drive through Guatemala's Western Highlands to the second-largest city, Quetzaltenango (known as Xela, pronounced shay-la). It was here that Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado killed and defeated Tecun Uman, one of the last leaders of the Mayan K’Iche’ people and now the official national hero of Guatemala. 

At Parque Central, we meet Juany Garcia Perez, Rise Up's Country Coordinator who was part of Rise Up's inaugural cohort in 2009. The park is the city's cultural epicenter with manicured trees and walkways surrounded by colonial and neoclassical structures on all sides with volcanos as the backdrop. Juany walks us through the historic center, municipal buildings, and local craft centers, and we visit the Municipal Office of Childhood & Adolescence.

We transport to a local restaurant and are welcomed by about 20 leaders of the Red Departamental Las Niñas Lideran (LNL), who live in the municipalities of Quetzaltenango, Cantel, and Esperanza. We get to know each other via a favorite icebreaker activity. With Denise and Astrid as translators, we learn more about their work. Topics might include girls' physical and mental health (article) and how leaders have creatively used technology to launch a violence-prevention campaign. 

We end our time together enjoying a casual lunch with Rise Up leaders, learning more about life in the Highlands.

Following a full, inspiring day in Xela, we say farewell and transport back to Hotel Atitlan. We have a bit of time to relax before meeting for dinner at 6:00pm at nearby Migoya's restaurant.

Today, we explore the beautiful surroundings of Lake Atitlán, the deepest lake in Central America, surrounded by three cone-shaped volcanoes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water bottle (and room in your backpack for potential purchases).

After breakfast at the hotel, we meet Astrid and our boat driver at 8:00am at our hotel dock. Via private boat, we discover the way of life of the local people in villages such as San Juan La Laguna and Santa Cruz.

Our first stop is San Juan La Laguna, where we hike to an overlook with jaw-dropping views of the lake towns. We visit a women's weaving cooperative, learning firsthand how cotton is produced in the region, and how natural ancient techniques produce the vibrant colors we find in clothing, wall hangings, and accessories. Read more about Mayan weavers' fight to retain their art form.

We visit an organic coffee farm El Tata Cafe. Coffee has been produced in Guatemala since the 1850s and remains the country's second-largest export after sugar. The coffee sector employs more than 125,000 Guatemalan families, including many women. Finally, stop for an introduction to Guatemala's native bees. Walking through town, stop to buy a locally woven poncho, art or cacao treat.

We transport via boat to the village of Santa Cruz, taking a tuk-tuk from the boat dock up to the Centro de Capacitacion (Center for Training) trade school commonly referred to as CECAP. Run by Amigos de Santa Cruz , we tour the computer lab, craftsman workshops and culinary kitchens and learn how education and economic empowerment have transformed the lives of the indigenous people of Santa Cruz and surrounding villages.

From their Cafe Sabor Cruceno rooftop cafe, we enjoy exceptional local cuisine (try pepián, the national dish of Guatemala) while enjoying unparalleled views of Lake Atitlán.

We return to Hotel Atitlan. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the lakeside pool, or walk down the road and enjoy the trails, butterflies or zip lines at the Atitlan Nature Reserve.

We meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30pm to tuk-tuk to Amaranto restaurant. With everything from curries to wood-fired oven pizza to craft beer and cocktails, it's a casual way to spend our last night in Panajachel.

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, we say farewell to Panajachel and transport by private vehicle on a 60 km (40 mile) drive to Chimaltenango.

This short video recognizes the story and legacy of Veronica Buch, who passed away in a tragic accident in 2023. Veronica was part of Rise Up’s first cohort in Guatemala in 2009 and tirelessly worked to mobilize girls, women, and allies towards creating a more equitable country for girls and women–including successfully advocating to ban child marriage in Guatemala.

Daughter Melody Juárez Buch follows in her mother’s footsteps. We meet Melody, several Rise Up girl leaders, and Juany in San Andrés Itzapa, a town of 40,000 people and an Eastern municipality of Chimaltenango. We visit the September 15 School, providing insight into Guatemalan education. We are welcomed by community leaders at the Municipal Hall. With the assistance of Denise and Astrid as translators, we learn more about the lives of girls and women in the municipality and the importance of advocacy.

We make a short drive and are welcomed by about 15 local leaders of Red Las Niñas Lideran (LNL) at the headquarters they share with Maya Pedal, a local NGO that transforms used bicycles into pedal-powered machines that become water pumps, grain mills, coffee bean de-pulpers, and electricity generators. 

We get to know each other over lunch, and Melody and her peers share their experiences as a network. They explain the alliance between LNL and the use of bicimaquinas (pedal-powered machines) and lead us on a tour of the Maya Pedal facilities.

At about 3:00pm, we say farewell. We continue our drive to Antigua and check into Good Hotel Antigua, a former private mansion repurposed into a chic contemporary hotel in 2017. Good Hotel is a social business--focused on local sourcing and sustainability, job training, and reinvesting profits into education via Niños de Guatemala.

We reconvene for dinner at 6:30pm at Fermento. Per the invitation of Michelle Swenson, we will be joined by special guest, Anne Kraemer, an anthropologist and the CEO and co-founder of Maya Health Alliance | Wuqu’ Kawoq. Founded in 2007, Maya Health unites language, culture, and science to transform the health of Maya people in rural Guatemala. After our week with Rise Up leaders, we will have much to talk about.

While our day concludes with a walk back to the hotel, you may continue to enjoy a Friday night out in Antigua.

Today is about exploring Guatemala's former capital city. Get lost, explore shops, try chocolate and coffee. Antigua is a UNESCO's World Heritage Site, with colonial architecture and bursts of color organized on a nicely navigable grid system. 

For those who wish to join, Jodi will lead an optional short hike up Cerro de la Cruz where we are rewarded with amazing views of the city and the surrounding volcano landscape. Afterward, we stop at Casa Santo Domingo, the site of a former convent almost destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. 

From here, explore the city on your own. Choose to explore one of several Casa Santo Domingo on-property museums—for silver, chocolate, clay work, church relics and crypts, and architecture. Take a photo in front of the famed Santa Catalina Arch. Need a map and ideas? Click here. Looking for some traditional souvenirs? Click here.

Lunch will be on your own today.

We reconvene for dinner at 6:00pm to enjoy a sunset dinner on the rooftop of Patio de la Primera and compare notes from our day. While our day concludes with a walk back to the hotel, feel free to continue to enjoy a Saturday night out in Antigua!

Following breakfast at hotel, we gear up for an exciting feat—a climb of the Volcano of Pacaya. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring your hat, sun/rain protection and water bottle.

We leave our hotel at 8:00am for a one hour+ drive to the start of our hike. We're joined by our local female guides Tania and Ruby and SHE-CAN scholar Marielos Jimenez.

With an elevation gain of 1500 feet, Pacaya is one of the most accessible and popular volcanoes in Guatemala. For those who prefer, horses and walking sticks are available for you to purchase. Expect our hike up to last about two hours, with some group bonding, funny moments, and Instagram-worthy photo moments in honor of Rise Up. Our reward at the top? Pizza Pacaya and s'mores!

We drive back to town for a shower and a well-deserved rest. But don't miss the chance to enjoy the celebration of Easter season in Guatemala! Today one of the most emblematic processions through Antigua's cobblestone streets (read more).

At 6:00pm, we meet as a group at Welten restaurant. Welten means "world" in German; founder Monika Grave was eager to train Guatemalan women, and their current female chef team of 10 work in pairs across culinary specialties.

We take time to share our respective learnings from the week. It's the perfect way to end and consider our future travel experiences.

We awake for our last morning in Antigua. Enjoy breakfast on your own. Our trip officially ends this morning.

Participants may choose to extend their stay in Antigua, continue their travel within Guatemala, or return to the U.S. Given the variety of travel plans, airport transfer will be on your own. 

La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (GUA) is located about 40 km (25 miles) from Antigua. Transport can be arranged via the Hotel or Uber or with Tania Salazar (Whats App +502 3182 6534). While travel time is generally 45-60 minutes, we recommend you allow extra time.