Program Itinerary:
* This is a preliminary itinerary. The final itinerary may change a little based on the needs of our partners and new opportunities which present themselves. This should give you a really good idea of what the program will look and feel like.
Day 1-3: Orientation in Antigua
We begin our journey in Antigua where we'll acclimatize ourselves to the sights, smells, and sounds of the region. We'll explore the cobblestone streets of one of Central America's colonial capitals as we orient ourselves to Guatemala's cultural and geographic landscape. Get ready to experience the culture and chow down on delicious Guatemalan cuisine.
Then we'll take a trip to its origins in nearby San Miguel Escobar and get to know the world's 2nd biggest commodity: COFFEE! We'll follow the coffee chain from seed to shelf with De La Gente.
Day 3-5: The Guatemalan Dream in Xela
A little ways up the Pan-American highway is the vibrant city of Quetzaltenango better known by its local name, Xela. This is one of the few places in Guatemala where coffee shops have become popular with visitors and locals alike. So we'll vist Cafe La RED KAT. In the afternoon, we'll scavenge around the local markets and explore Xela's unique urban centre on foot.
BUT it's hard to visit Quetzaltenango without going on a hike in the nearby hills or to one of the country's iconic volcanos! So we'll team up again with our friend Eduardo and Kaqchikel Tours, a local family-run guiding enterprise, and hike to one of the Xela valley's many "miradors" or lookouts. If the sky's are clear, we'll see one of Central America's seven summits and if we're super lucky, we can watch in awe as Volcan Fuego or Santiaguito erupt! Then it's over to the Fuentes Georginas, for a rewarding soak in natural hot springs.
Day 5-7: The Coffee Revolution in Santa Anita
Our group will arrive in the community of Santa Anita and home of APCASA. We will take to the fields and share a day in the life of a Guatemalan coffee farmer. Staying in the community lodge or in local family homes, we'll have the opportunity to break bread and exchange stories while building friendships and deepening our understanding of the coffee revolution.
Day 7-9: Seeds of Change in San Juan La Laguna
We'll conclude our exploration at Operation Groundswell's regional Hub, located on the shores of beautiful Lago Atitlan! The Hub is a physical extension of OG's culture, philosophy, and mission. It is a place where solidarity can be grown everyday through shared experiences and hands-on collaboration. It is also a site where OG's partners come to develop and test new ways to make change. So, we can expect to learn a lot about sustainable living and local craft-based economies like plant-based medicines, natural dyes, backstrap-weaving and gourmet coffee.
We'll also take some time to celebrate disorientation. A staple of every OG program, this is an opportunity to kickback, relax, and reflect on our incredible journey. We'll hang a hammock, share stories, exchange lessons, jump in the lake, and prepare for the journey home.
Finally, with our heads and hearts full, we'll return to Guatemala City where we'll say a fond farewell!
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