GUATEMALA
CHILDREN OF THE MAYA
With stunning landscapes, warm hospitality and rich Maya culture, Guatemala offers adventure and the chance to make a meaningful difference for local children and your host community.
Highlights
FOR THE GUATEMALA: CHILDREN OF THE MAYA™ PROGRAM
- Support education initiatives at local Guatemalan public schools
- Journey across the world-famous Lake Atitlán and take in sweeping views
- Attend a traditional ceremony led by a Maya shaman
- Stroll through the largest indigenous craft market in the hemisphere
- Zipline through Guatemala’s scenic mountains
Program Menu For
Children of the Maya
GUATEMALA
CHILDREN OF THE MAYA
Program Overview
On this program, you will be immersed in indigenous culture, Maya heritage, and Guatemala’s epic mountainous landscapes. Based in Xela (pronounced “shay-lah”), the local name for the vibrant town of Quetzaltenango, this experience offers collaborative volunteer opportunities focused on education and children’s initiatives. Known for their warmth and pride in preserving ancient traditions, the Xela residents welcome student volunteers to partner with schools on projects that support educational efforts, language learning and infrastructure. Alongside your volunteer work, you’ll zipline through Guatemala’s mountains and explore the sacred Lake Atitlán during your time in Central America.
GUATEMALA
CHILDREN OF THE MAYA
Community Service
Spend your days in Xela fully engaged with the local primary school and surrounding community. You and your peers will volunteer on community-led initiatives that promote better access to education, such as helping refurbish the library, classrooms, or other school facilities. You’ll also have the opportunity to play games with children during recess and collaborate with organizations working to improve school grounds. While volunteering on these meaningful projects, you’ll learn about the social issues affecting Maya youth today.
Immersive Learning
Learn about key issues facing communities in Guatemala, including access to quality education and the challenge of preserving indigenous culture in a rapidly evolving world. You’ll meet local leaders who will share diverse perspectives on Guatemala’s rich history. To deepen your cultural immersion, you’ll also meet a local shaman who will introduce you to indigenous cosmology. Learn from master artisans about traditional arts like weaving, and visit a chocolate museum and an organic coffee plantation—complete with samples for you to enjoy!
Adventure
You’ll hike to Laguna Chicabal, a crater lake nestled within a dormant volcano, as you journey through a stretch of Central American wilderness. Zipline with your new friends against the backdrop of the region’s lush, mountainous landscape. For a taste of city life, you’ll venture to the small city of Antigua, a colonial gem known for its stunning architecture, colorful alleys, and cobblestone streets. As part of a weekend excursion, you’ll spend a night at sacred Lake Atitlán and visit the vibrant Chichicastenango market, the largest Maya craft market in the world.
Lodging
Your GLA Home Base is an enclosed compound in the heart of Xela. This comfortable lodge offers students and staff a peaceful retreat from the bustling town and community service sites. Students stay in gender-segregated rooms, with shared bathrooms and hot showers. The Home Base is quaint, with a welcoming atmosphere that fosters close connections and a strong sense of community.
GUATEMALA
CHILDREN OF THE MAYA
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
14-Day Program
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| JUL 01 – JUL 14, 2025 |
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- In-country transportation
- Lodging
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
To save your spot, an application fee and $600 deposit are required.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Speak with the GLA Admissions Team
Admissions
Phone Number
1-858-771-0645
USA Toll-Free
Phone Number
1-888-358-4321
Admissions
Email Address
info@experienceGLA.com
GUATEMALA
CHILDREN OF THE MAYA
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