Imagine watching the sunset melt into the teeming jungle from atop the mighty ruins of Tikal and later kayaking through the blue waters of Lake Atitlán. You can help Mayan families with critical community outreach before bathing in the warm cascading pools of Semuc Champey. From the quintessential colonial streets of Antigua to towering volcanoes near its capital, Guatemala is a traveler’s paradise and an obvious choice for those interested in learning Spanish through meaningful community service.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

MONTERRICO

Monterrico, a two-road town located directly on a black sand beach and mangrove forest, enjoys a laidback attitude and unique beach setting. Participants will have the opportunity to visit a loofah farm, learn how to make hammocks from local artisans, relax on the beach, and stay the night at a sea turtle conservatory to help locate and assist baby sea turtles.

ANTIGUA

Surrounded by three striking volcanoes, Antigua is a grid of cobblestone streetswith pastel facades hiding chic cafes, hotels, language schools, restaurants, and local craft stores. Exploring the streets of Antigua, one will find an abundance of visitors and merchants but will also see women wearing traditional garb, as well as quaint
courtyards and crumbling old cathedrals. In addition to exploring the city in a grand scavenger hunt, groups can study Spanish, take dance classes, or climb the Pacaya Volcano, getting close enough to lava to roast a marshmallow.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND HOMESTAY

Santa Clara La Laguna is a small town about 30 minutes up a steep mountain road from Lake Atitlán. Perched high and with sweeping views of Atitlán, Santa Clara has few visitors and is very Guatemalan. The Peace Corps is active in Santa Clara, and because of our unique relationship with this reputable institution, Walking Tree will lend a hand with a variety of projects. Travelers will live with local families and enjoy the day-to-day life of rural Guatemala while improving their Spanish.

LAKE ATITLAN

A contender for one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Lake Atitlán is a longtime highlight of travel in Central America. Many visitors are taken by the sheer power of the lake’s ultra-blue water contrasted with the red mountains and volcanoes that form its shore, but further exploration brings out another type of beauty. Small communities dot the lake offering endless opportunity for exploration; hiking and kayaking are wonderful pastimes, and a thriving art scene has brought an abundance of yoga studios, massage schools, art galleries, and exquisite retreats.

QUETZALTENANGO

Commonly known as Xela, Quetzaltenango strikes a careful harmony elusive to most Latin American towns: provincial capital of the Western Highlands and authentically Guatemalan, yet not too big, safe and subtly beautiful. Like Antigua, cobblestone streets host great eateries, hotels and plazas, but in far less concentration. Travelers here will never forget they are in Guatemala. Xela is an excellent place to study Spanish because of the great schools and Spanish dominated streets. It is an even better place to explore local volcanoes, natural hot springs, and even a three-day trek to the shores of Atitlán.

LANQUIN AND SEMUC CHAMPEY

The small outpost of Lanquín is located in the lush hills as the Guatemalan highlands fall towards the steamy jungle. A perfect setting for eco-tourism, Lanquín provides access to caves where travelers can take guided spelunking tours. There are opportunities for hiking, crawling, and swimming through caverns filled with unique rock formations, sleeping bats, and subterraneous pools and waterfalls. Semuc Champey is a series of cascading turquoise pools filled by the slowed Río Cahabón that begs for a heavenly day of swimming and relaxation.

TIKAL

As the teeming jungle clears and you first walk upon Tikal’s principal temple, you are almost transported back to 700 AD. It is easy to imagine Mayan soldiers passionately honoring one of their many gods. The dart of a toucan or the call of a howler monkey quickly brings you back to your reality: pristine jungle giving way to staggering accomplishments of architecture reaching more than 180ft in stature. Groups can spend one to three days exploring Tikal and the surrounding jungle for an unforgettable experience.