guatelmala

GUATEMALA

Guatemala provides the perfect backdrop for a multisport adventure, cultural experience and volunteer vacation!

Imagine riding your bike through Mayan villages and markets in the outskirts of Antigua. Kayak the waters of Lake Atitlan, said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and hike its perimeter through towns like Panajachel and San Marcos. Relax during outdoor yoga on the decks of La Casa del Mundo, a magical hotel perched on a secluded cliff with gardens, swimming holes and wood burning hot tub overhanging the lake. Challenge yourself to an ascent of Santa Catarina, known as the City of Stairs for the multi-layer agricultural fields embedded in the hillside, as you gaze over the water at volcanoes lining the lake shores. Experience the landscapes of Guatemala, otherwise know to PLAY it Forward as “Central America’s best-kept secret”, from the seat of your bike, on foot or from a boat.

Take a break from your adventure to change the life of one deserving family. Construct a brand new home to keep them safe, get them off dirt floors that cause illness and disease, and provide a roof to protect them from seasonal rains. Build an energy efficient stove that consumes 70% less wood, provides a chimney to aid with respiratory problems, and keeps burners off the ground and out of the reach of children. Whichever project you’re involved in, your PLAY it Forward team will purchase and construct a unit that will improve quality of life for one special family. In exchange, you’ll get a cultural experience that will personalize your Guatemalan experience.

Complete this adventure with a day of reflection at an eco-lodge overlooking Antigua and the valley below. Stay in a tree house or A-frame cabin, swing in a hammock and enjoy their home-cooked cuisine in a family style setting.

With colorful Mayan cultures, relic and cobblestoned cities, and 12,000-foot volcanoes, Guatemala is truly one of the most visually stunning places in the world. But amidst this beauty lives a society where over 50% of its population struggles to survive living below the poverty line. Experience all this country has to offer in an exhilarating 10-day adventure!

Sample 10-day Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday) Antigua – Arrival day, free day in Antigua, orientation, group dinner

Day 2 (Saturday) Antigua – Bike day, visit villages & markets, lunch at Women’s Coop

Day 3 (Sunday) Lake Atitlan - Transfer to Lake Atitlan, afternoon yoga

Day 4 (Monday) Lake Atitlan - Kayak Lake Atitlan, hike from San Marcos

Day 5 (Tuesday) Santa Catarina - Hike Santa Catarina, “City of Stairs”

Day 6 (Wednesday) Antigua - Begin construction of home

Day 7 (Thursday) Antigua - Construction of home, social work visit in community

Day 8 (Friday) Antigua - Closing ceremony, relaxation at eco-lodge

Day 9 (Saturday) Antigua – Market day in Antigua, final dinner

Day 10 (Sunday) Antigua- Departure Day

Tour Dates

November 5-14, 2010 – “MULTI-SPORT / HOME BUILD”

February 18-27, 2011 – “MULTI-SPORT / HOME BUILD”

November 11-20, 2011 – “MULTI-SPORT / HOME BUILD”

Custom adventures are also available for groups of 7 or more.

Tour Details

Group size: 7 minimum, 12 maximum

Transportation: Van, boat, bike, kayak, hiking

Accommodations: Quaint hotels and cabins

Activity Level: Level 3 – a moderate level of physical activity is required

Culture Shock: Level 3 – a moderate level of culture shock may be experienced

Comfort Level: Level 4 - comfortable accommodatations with all the amenities

Tour Cost

Land cost: Call 651.493.8817 for pricing information.

Inclusions: Transportation, translation, accommodations, most meals, equipment for outdoor activities, park entrance fees, materials associated with volunteer service project.

Exclusions: International airfare, travel insurance, some meals, airport departure tax, guide tips, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, souvenirs.

Additional Spending: $225.00 USD – includes extra meals, guide tips, airport departure tax, souvenirs

Travel Insurance Coverage / Cost: See our links on the sidebar indicated by the red cross

Rates are determined by age; travel insurance may be facilitated through PIF Adventures.

Single Supplement: all participants must place their request for single rooms at time of registration, additional cost is be determined at the time of booking, PIF cannot guarantee the availability of single rooms.