Day 1-2: Orientation in Guatemala City
We will begin our adventure in Guatemala's big and bustling capital of Guatemala City. We'll get acclimatized to the sights, smells, sounds, and stories of the country. We'll explore the city's historical centre on foot, visiting the National Palace where 10,000 peaceful protesters once forced the resignation (and arrest) of the President. We'll also tour the Casa de Memoria (the house of memory) and join Paulo from the organization HIJOS (Children for identity and justice) to tour some of Guatemala's politically charged street art while learning about the lingering trauma of colonization and Guatemala's 36-year internal conflict.
Day 3-5: Growing Futures in Rabinal
From the capital, we'll drive north into the region of Baja Verapaz and the city of Rabinal. On the edge of the city, we'll join our friends from Qachuu Aloom ad ACHI in the former "model village" of Pacux for a couple of days of powerful hands-on learning. We'll hear about the effects of conflict with a diaspora community of Maya Achi who had to flee their ancestral homes in the Rio Negro and are now working to reclaim their rights and rebuild their livelihoods in Rabinal. Then we'll roll up our sleeves and play in the dirt with local youth who use outdoor education and agroecology to plant the seeds for a better future.
Day 5-7: Living Resistance in Rio Negro
In the morning, we'll hop aboard a 4x4 and bounce our way to the top of the ridge before hiking the rest of the way down to the Rio Negro passing the community's ceremonial altar and many memorials.
Here, we'll stay in the community's lodge on the beautiful shores of the Rio Negro river listening, learning, and working alongside a courageous group of Maya Achi who have faced decades of repression, culminating in the infamous Rio Negro Massacres of 1980-82 - still a living memory for many. Besides lending our hands to their ongoing community projects, we'll have the opportunity to swim, fish, and climb as part of a cool new community tourism program.
On our last day, we'll say thank you to our hosts and leave Rio Negro by boat, passing through the Chixoy Hydroelectric Dam, a massive feat of engineering that serves as a gateway to the community and a stark reminder of their tragic confrontations with the military and police.
Day 7-8: Pokomchi Potlucks in San Cristobal Verapaz
Our next stop is the town of San Cristobal Verapaz where we'll take a break, freshen up, and debrief. We'll also get to hang out with Sucely and our friends at the Community Education Center of Pokomchi (CECEP), a museum and education project that works to share the history, language, and culture of the Pokomchi Maya. Together we'll explore town and celebrate the halfway mark with a big potluck.
Day 8-11: Trekking Through Time From Nebaj to Todos Santos
From Alta Verapaz, we'll journey northwest to the Ixil Triangle and at, its apex, the quiet town of Nebaj. After a little orientation in one of Guatemala's most war-torn regions, we'll set off on a challenging but rewarding three-day trek across the majestic Cuchumatanes mountains to Todos Santos. Passing war memorials and sacred Mayan sites, we will see the woven textile and pastoral economies unique to the area and commune with some of the region's most embattled but resilient communities.
Day 12: A New Age of Activism in Xela
After our epic trek, we'll hop on a pan-American bus and take the road towards our final destination but we'll make a stop for lunch in the highland city of Quetzaltenango better known by its Mayan name, Xela. We'll be hosted by former revolutionary Willy and the members of DESGUA at Café La RED KAT. Together, we'll enjoy a delicious meal and insightful discussion about the "Guatemala Dream" and how returned immigrants and Mayan youth are cooking up alternatives to assimilation.
Day 13-14: Face of Resistance in San Juan La Laguna
Finally, we'll make our way to the enchanting shores of Lago Atitlan and the vibrant Tzutujil community of San Juan La Laguna. Here, we'll stay at the centro Sak'be, Operation Groundswell's regional Hub and co-working space where a variety of organizations from the region come together to collaborate and make the change they want to see. For the next couple of days, we'll make new friends and see some of the different forms resistance can take from permaculture and sustainable design to special education.
Day 14-15
On our second to last day, we'll explore the town and scavenge the local markets one last time before gathering around the fire for disorientation - a staple of every OG program - this is our chance to stare up at the stars and reflect, to talk about what we've learned, to share stories, tell jokes, and prepare for the journey home.
Then, we'll make the trip back to Guatemala City together where we'll say adios and adelante!
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