Additional Trip Information                                        HOME

Trip Cost: $2155.00- Includes everything except food (and souvenirs of course).  Students should plan to bring between $150-$200 for food, and additional money for souvenirs or other optional events.  In years past I have recommended that students bring at least $300, but they can get by with less.

Who can go?:  Any High School student is welcome on the trip.

Summer School:  Students that plan to go on the trip will not be able to attend the first session of summer school.  We will be back in plenty of time for the 2nd session.

Passports:  Students need to obtain a passport ASAP.  Contact your local Post Office to apply.  Passports can take up to 4 months to process, so apply as soon as you can in case of complications. 

How to dress for the weather:  Guatemala is know as "Land of Eternal Spring."  Students should dress for 60 degree mornings and evenings, with 80-90 degree days.  Shorts and t-shirts are fine for most outings, with a light sweater or windbreaker in case of cooler weather.  It tends to rain for about 30 minutes at a time, once a day (or less), usually in the afternoon/evening.  If we are out when it rains, we simply find cover until it stops.  A very compact umbrella is a nice idea.

What to pack:  Students should pack as lightly as possible so they have room to bring back the souvenirs they buy.  They need to bring enough clothes for 10 days, but pants/shorts can be worn more than once.  Sandals are fine for most outings, but good walking shoes will be needed for the Volcano trip and Tikal.  Large coats are not needed, only light sweaters/windbreakers.  A very detailed packing list will be provided as the trip gets closer.

It Guatemala SAFE?:  This is a very commonly asked question.  There is inherent risk involved when traveling to any foreign country, but Guatemala is very safe.  Guatemala ended 36 years of Civil War in 1996 when Peace Accords were signed.  To bolster it's tourism industry, the government created the  "Tourist Police" Agency.  Crime has dropped significantly since it's creation.  There are still areas of Guatemala considered dangerous to tourists, but these are areas in the northern mountainous regions of the country.  We don't go anywhere near that area- sticking only to the main tourist areas, and out of danger.  We've haven't had any incidents in our five years of trips; although during our 2006 trip, one of our students had her wallet pick-pocketed out of her backpack in a crowd (by a little old lady).  Everyone was a lot more careful with their possessions after that little incident. ☺

Are there fundraising opportunities?: I don't personally do any fundraising with students.  Students are encouraged to get a job to pay for their trip, though.