Day 1-2: Orientation in Antigua
We begin our Guatemalan adventure in Antigua where Guatemala's colonial history and breathtaking landscape are on full display. At the base of a volcano, surrounded by cobblestone streets and colorful markets, we'll take a day to acclimatize ourselves to the sights, sounds, smells and altitude of the region.
Then, after a traditional breakfast of eggs, beans, & tortillas, we'll head out to explore more of the local culture and ecology with De La Gente, an NGO that works with coffee farmers in nearby San Miguel Escobar. There we'll join Manuel and other members of the local cooperative on the slopes of Volcan Agua to learn all about the coffee industry and what this African plant now means to Guatemala. Then it's a big home-cooked lunch and lively chat with our hosts before returning to Antigua for some evening fun.
Day 3-5: Under Ten Mountains in Xela
On our third day, we'll set off through the Western Highlands to the city of Quetzaltenango, better known by its Maya Mam name, Xela. Here in a plurinational city that traces its roots back well before the Spanish, we'll experience the collision of cultures, old and new, up close and personal. We'll start by joining revolutionary-turned-reformer, Willy, at Café La RED KAT for a delicious meal and insightful chat about the "Guatemalan Dream" and what it means to local Mayan youth. We'll meet some of their young chefs and even learn how to prepare a traditional dish or two!
The next day we'll meet up with our partners at Escuela La Paz, a local Spanish school born out of the armed conflict. After getting some of the local language under our belts with a morning of either beginner, intermediate, or advanced group lessons, we'll set out and scavenge through Xela's food markets. In the evening we'll learn about the traditional art of Mayan backstrap loom weaving with our friends at Y'abal Handicrafts, a Fair Trade Certified organization that works with marginalized communities of indigenous weavers outside of Xela.
Day 6-8: Guarding Tree in Pachaj
The next morning, we'll jump into the back of pick-up trucks and take a short half hour journey to the town of Pachaj where we'll meet Armando and the Chico Mendes Reforestation Project. For three days we'll stay with local host families while learning about Mayan cosmology and how reforestation is being used to defend indigenous culture and livelihoods here. We'll also get our hands dirty collecting seeds, clearing invasive species, and cultivating some of our home-grown seedlings.
Day 9-11: Old Paths, New Perspectives
In the morning, we'll rise early to being a 2.5 day trek to Lago Atitlan with Nickte and other members of Kuk Tours, a local guiding organization based out of Pachaj. After we say adios to Armando at the trailhead, we'll climb up onto a highland plain called Alaska. From there we'll follow in the footsteps of guerrilleros down through bamboo forests and into the town of Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan. We'll sleep at a local family's house and unwind in a real temascal (a traditional Mayan sauna)!
The next morning, with beans in our bellies, we'll continue our trek along the spectacular Nahuala Valley, completing the infamous Record Hill and crisscrossing the Payatza River. At day's end, we'll ascend to the town of Santa Clara where a crackling fire and marshmallows await.
In the wee hours, our team will wake and hike the last hour to our destination. With hot drinks in hand we'll be treated to nature's light show - a sunrise over Lago Atitlan, The Theatrics kick off with colourful rays creeping up from behind the distant volcanoes of the Antigua Valley before illumination Atitlan's three iconic peaks and. finally, the lake itself.
Day 11-14: Seeds of Change in San Juan La Laguna
After scampering down the famous "Indian Nose" trail to the Maya Tzutujil community of San Juan La Laguna, we'll arrive at Operation Groundswell's regional Hub better known as Centro Sak'be.
This co-working space is a physical embodiment of OG's culture, philosophy and mission. It is a place where solidarity can be grown between guests and local organizations everyday through conversation and collaboration. For two days we'll work with the various partners that share the site on some of their agriculture projects. From mesoamerican permaculture to natural medicine and strategic reforestation we'll get our hands dirty in the best ways possible.
Day 14-15
On our last day in town, there will be time to visit the many shops and meet some of the artisans in San Juan before gathering around a BBQ and bonfire for 'disorientation'. A staple of every OG program, this is a time to kickback and reflect, discuss lessons learned and talk about what to do back home.
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