TRANSFORMATIONAL TRIPS

TRAVEL DETAILS

Prices

A standard 8-day trip with all expenses paid, staying in comfortable accommodations costs only $1,500. Teams may also elect to stay with host families in their service communities for a discounted rate.

Partners in Service also offers various trip add-ons, such as:

3 day, 2 night stay in Tikal for only $350 more, including roundtrip airfare
1 additional day in cities such as Antigua or Panajachel for only $75 more

Housing & Food

We prefer that teams stay in the Catholic Family Retreat Center (COFA). COFA is a very clean and comfortable center operated by the Catholic Church in Guatemala. The rooming is double- to- triple occupancy with a private bath in each room. There is hot water and they laundry the bedding. There is also ample space for team meetings and recreation rooms.

Teams staying at COFA will enjoy two meals a day in their dining hall. The food is prepared in COFA's kitchen by their full time staff. The center's health record is excellent and many organizations and church groups use their facilities. The menu is more varied than what one might expect and they even offer fresh salads that are safe to consume.

Teams that visit in Chichicastenango have the option of staying at a home for young boys or in a number of hotels. The boy's home is clean and the food is good. Men and women are separated in two large rooms. Hotels range in price from $15.00 a night to $35.00.

Teams that visit Antigua are treated to a real jewel. The Hotel San Sebastian is not a five star but it is the coolest hotel we have ever seen. The owners are very talented tradesmen who have rebuilt many of the luxury homes and hotels in Antigua. They also have a very brisk trade in art restoration and have decorated the rooms with a wide assortment of "cool stuff." Teams will eat two meals in the famed restaurant Dona Louisa.

Teams may elect to stay in the rural communities where the work projects are realized. The conditions are not comfortable and sanitation is a consideration. Teams are housed communally and should expect to sleep on the floor. We require an additional team orientation and there are additional supplies that the team as well as individuals will need. Teams that have elected to stay in their partner communities report that it was the most significant decision they made and highly recommend it.

Meetings

We will provide staff for an informational meeting to provide a presentation to interested groups and answer questions. Once a group has been formed, we provide one pre-trip preparation meeting.

Paperwork

Volunteer Profile and Release of Claim Form

Documentation

All that is required to enter Guatemala is a current passport. Other than that, there are no other requirements for documentation.

Health

Health should not be a problem if precautions are taken with drinking water, milk, uncooked vegetables and peeled fruits. Carelessness on this point is likely to lead to amoebic dysentery, which is endemic.

Partners in Service provides medical and emergency medical evacuation insurance with the trip cost. In addition, have a dental checkup and obtain spare lenses, and a letter explaining the details of any special health concerns or pre-existing conditions. It is helpful to translate documentation to Spanish.

Inoculations

We suggest that you have the standard tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations. Because most trips operate within the temperate highlands region, vaccinations for tropical disease are not required unless you are visiting the tourist destination of Tikal.

Intestinal Upsets

A few participants experience slight intestinal problems. These are not a big deal and usually just mean a day of sleep. To avoid the situation, don't eat uncooked fish or vegetables, always peel your own fruit, and give up salads and tap water for the week. Bottled water is abundant and safe. Don't have a drink with ice cubes and don't shower with your mouth open.

Diarrhea

Food poison germs normally cause diarrhea. Drinking water is rarely the culprit. Exposure to various organisms such as viruses, bacteria (the most common cause), amoeba, salmonella and cholera can give rise to diarrhea. If diarrhea is acute (you can time the onset to the minute) then it is most likely due to a virus or a bacterium and/or dysentery and will come to pass. If it is sub acute, then inform the Partners in Service staff person for medical attention.

Other Considerations

The Highlands of Guatemala have a very temperate climate. It can even be cold during the evening and in the shade. We suggest that participants bring clothing that can be worn in layers.

It is important to realize that you will be at high elevations and certain precautions are warranted. We suggest that you invest in a good pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm. It is important to remember to take it easy and not overly exert yourself at these elevations. Participants with heart conditions need to inform and remind Partners in Service staff of their conditions.

Safety

Partners in Service makes safety our top priority and follow these safety precautions:

We do not travel after dark.
We rent ordinary passenger vans with no markings.
We limit travel to areas that fall inside the region known as the "golden triangle of tourism" - the Guatemalan government takes special care that this area remains trouble free, as it is a key source of income for the country.
We hire Guatemalan firemen as drivers - they have professional driver training as well as working relations with regional security officials.
We check the State Department travel advisories weekly.
We maintain ongoing relations with local police departments.

We have coordinated an average of ten teams a year for the last eight years. There are several teams that have gone with our organization every summer for the last six years. Eighty percent of our participants have returned to Guatemala within two years of their last trip. We believe this demonstrates our good leadership and dedication to safety.

Additional Information

You may download the following forms from the link on the website.

Team Leader Forms
Recruiting/Fundraising Materials
Confirmation about Information Meeting Date
Volunteer Profile and Release of Claim
Sample Team Journal

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Partners in Service staff.

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