Headwaters Academy Summer Guatemala Expedition

August 21 - 28, 2024

Antigua, Lake Atitlan and the Surrounding Mayan Villages

Guatemala is known for its gentle way of life, expansive highlands dotted with venting volcanoes, deep-rooted Mayan heritage, and delicious cuisine. Dive into Central America where you’ll explore the historical cobblestoned streets of Antigua, help prepare handmade tortillas and real Mayan chocolate, explore the volcanic highlands of the Lake Atitlan region, and practice Spanish language skills. On this one week adventure, students will experience authentic Guatemalan life while visiting the markets, talking with a traditional Maya healer, explore ancient Olmec sites, and enjoy the gracious hospitality of our Maya host families at Lake Atitlan.

*All enrollment applications will be reviewed and approved by Headwaters prior to acceptance.

Enrollment Deadline: April 1, 2024

On this expedition, students will:

• Explore the cobble-stoned streets of Antigua, venture into markets, and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

• Travel by land and sea to villages surrounding the epic Lake Atitlan region - a historic volcanic lake surrounded by volcanoes and the most densely populated indigenous Mayan villages of Guatemala.

• Complete a service project with local elementary students (always the trip highlight!).

• Spend time with locals, learn traditional Mayan medicinal and artistic practices, practice cooking techniques and the art of creating an array of weavings using all plant-based dyes mixed by hand.

• Have the opportunity to practice speaking Spanish, learn salsa dancing, experience a traditional Maya sauna and spend time with village elders and children.

• Cultivate leadership skills through experiential learning activities focused on self-discovery, goal setting, teamwork, effective communication, and building confidence in leadership roles.

• Gain experience, confidence and skills in preparation of future Headwater Academy Field School Adventures.

8 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Guatemala / Settle into Antigua

The group flies together to Guatemala City Airport where your bilingual guide joins the group. Everyone then travels by private bus to the colonial town of Antigua. Students will have a time to settle into the accommodation and complete orientation before enjoying their first authentic Guatemalan meal.

Day 2: Explore Antigua

Today the day is filled with diving into local currency, language, cuisine and navigational/communication practice setting a foundation for the week ahead. We will spend the day exploring the historical and artistic sites of the world-famous city of Antigua, Guatemala. A walking tour of the Antigua will visit highlights such as the local markets, the infamous iglesia de la merced (iconic church of peace), Parque Central (central park), ruins of Santa Clara, and much more. Students then visit the local choco museo (chocolate museum) to participate in a cacao bean-to-bar chocolate cooking workshop. Students will each create and have a chance to enjoy their own maya chocolate creations. Dinner takes place at a local restaurant before returning to the accommodation for the evening.

Day 3: Head to Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan

Today is filled with traveling throughout the central region of Guatemala to the most densely populated region of indigenous Maya — an incredible community filled with tradition, history, delicious meals and culture. Venture on private bus through the Guatemalan countryside ending to the village of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Take a boat from Panahachel to San Juan de La Laguna, where the group will settle into their new accommodations in the local maya village. The group will be greeted by our local friends and families that have worked alongside Global Treks groups for the past 13 years! We will enjoy storytelling and celebrating Mayan history over a delicious locally prepared meal.

Day 4: Hike “La Rostra” for a perfect view of the surrounding volcanos/ Tamazcal Sauna Experience

Bozeman students will shine as we spend the majority of today hiking to epic vistas above the lake! We will traverse up the highlands to see all three surrounding volcanos. Along the way, the group will enjoy tasty treats in the local villages and have time to practice Spanish with our guides. The group then relaxes in a traditional Mayan Temazcal (sauna) before settling in for the night.

Day 5: Service Project at Local Elementary School / Visit a Women’s Cooperative / Traditional Back-strap Weaving Workshop

Meet with the community elementary school helping teach English while enjoying a cultural exchange with the local students. This is always the trip highlight! Next, visit a local women’s cooperative and learn how they dye the cotton by hand with local plants, learning how to use material from nature to make a basket/clothes/blankets and more. Each student will have the opportunity to weave their own scarf using traditional back-strap weaving looms, assisted by their Maya teachers.

Day 6: Explore the village on San Juan de Laguna / Mural storytelling/ Traditional Fishing

Local villagers join the group on a tour of the many murals painted on all the buildings and businesses telling the story of their history. Students will learn about local community practices and explore ancient Olmec ruins. Then, students jump into local hand-carved boats to learn traditional fishing techniques on the lake. An evening pizza party overlooking the gorgeous landscapes celebrates our last evening in San Juan la Laguna.

Day 7: Panajachal / Antigua / Dancing / Celebration

By now, students have developed the leadership and communication skills to enjoy some more extended time in the villages. After venturing by boat from San Jose de la Laguna, students have the opportunity to enjoy the street-lined markets and shops of Panajachel before returning to Antigua by private bus for the final night’s celebration dinner and dancing.

Day 8: Fly home

Students arise early this morning for a private transport bus to the Guatemala City Airport to return home.

Housing

Housing will be at a hostel and eco-retreat. All rooms will be shared with the same gender.

Hostel in Antigua

Eco Hotel MayacHik

PROGRAM COST: $2,350 + airfare

Airfare: Estimated at $600 (determined at time of group booking.)

What's Included: lodging, supplies, all meals within Guatemala, private local transportation within Guatemala, educational programs and activities, guides, and airfare to/from Guatemala City.

What is not included: travel to/from airport in Bozeman, souvenirs, passport, travel insurance.