Program Dates: May 10th – June 21st, 2010
Program Fee: $1799
(including all group meals, transportation, accommodation, excursions, etc.)
(excluding flight)
Fundraising Donation: $1000

Operation Groundswell is proud to announce the inaugural OG Guatemala trip.

The primary objective of this trip is to provide participants with a meaningful educational travel experience in Latin America. Participants will be exposed to many of Guatemala’s social and environmental challenges through group projects and personal travel with the ultimate goal of gaining a better understanding of how development issues are connected to the economic interests of developed nations like ours.

After a pre-departure orientation in Toronto, the group will acclimatize through an in-country orientation. Learning to use local transportation, taste local cuisine and adjusting to tropical heat are all part of this process. Although some working knowledge of Spanish is definitely an asset, it is not a requirement, and introductory language lessons will be given at this time.

The main group project in Guatemala will see participants spending three weeks working alongside a major Canadian-funded development project in the beautiful region of Lago Atitlán, Sololá. At this location, we will be living in an indigenous community where Tzutujil or Kaqchikel are spoken more commonly than Spanish. By working alongside indigenous community members, we will help to improve the local environment and to promote the responsible tourism industry so critical to the region. Furthermore, we will have the opportunity to work with and learn from small-scale farmers while observing the serious effects of climate change and environmental degradation firsthand.

Given that the coffee industry is a major contributor to Guatemala’s GDP, we will visit small-scale coffee producers and learn about how the coffee we drink travels from Guatemala’s highlands to our cups in the Western wold. We are excited to be working with Santa Anita La Union, an organic coffee and banana growing community formed by ex-guerilla combatants who fought during the 36-year internal armed conflict that ravaged Guatemala until 1996. As well, we will observe the massive sugarcane and African palm plantations along the Pacific Coast which are increasingly being processed for biofuels to meet global demands.

Perhaps our most eye-opening experience will be in communities that are struggling against a Canadian mining company. Forced with relocation and shocking environmental practices, the communities will help participants gain a more critical perspective on our country’s largely untainted international reputation.

Throughout the trip, participants will be interacting with Guatemalans and learning firsthand about the country’s history and current situation. We will also be immersed in the country’s vibrant culture—experiencing various indigenous traditions and languages, tasting new foods, listening to local music, and improving our Spanish (or learning it!).

Participants will also have Individual Travel Time (ITT) – a staple of all Operation Groundswell programs. All participants will be given detailed travel guides and information on the best places to see and how to stay safe. You can travel independently if desired but most participants choose to travel in pairs or small groups. During this time, participants are not under the auspices of the organized program and are entirely responsible for themselves. Participants will be given emergency contact numbers of the trip leaders during ITT for advice and any safety concerns. Potential options for ITT could include backpacking around this spectacularly beautiful country and viewing it’s natural and cultural wonders such as the ruins of great Mayan civilizations, the incredible biodiversity and breathtaking volcanoes, lakes and rivers.

At the end of ITT, the group will reconvene at an oceanside inn for a relaxing trip debrief known as the ‘Disorientation’ prior to flying home.

For more info on how to apply, please visit the Apply page