Guatemala

This trip offers the opportunity to build homes and serve in Guatemala. We will build, serve, experience another culture, and share our experience as a team. All are encouraged to apply for this trip, and we especially welcome college students. In addition to working hard building homes, we will spend two days relaxing and sightseeing. Likely destinations include Antigua – Guatemala’s colonial capital and one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, and the area surrounding Lake Atitlan – a beautiful lake famous for its blue waters surrounded by three distinct volcanoes.

About Guatemala
Volcanic peaks, scenic coastlines and a forested mountain interior create the brilliance of the Guatemalan landscape. The third largest nation in Central America, Guatemala has a nearly 80 percent poverty rate, with a housing deficit above 1 million units in spite of a housing program promoting development of rural areas. Because of its geographic location, Guatemala is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, volcano eruptions and floods--all of which exacerbate an already desperate housing situation.

HFH Guatemala was established in 1979 and provides families in need with earthquake-resistant houses constructed of concrete floors, block walls and corrugated zinc roofs. A Habitat house in Guatemala typically replaces a makeshift structure that lacks a septic system, plumbing or electricity.

Itinerary
(Tentative)

August 1: Arrive destination
August 2: Orientation, visit market
August 3-4: Work with Habitat affiliate
August 5: Sightseeing day trip
August 6-7: Work with Habitat affiliate
August 8: Sightseeing
August 9: Travel home

Accommodations
Our team will be staying in a modest local hotel in double occupancy rooms. Most of our breakfasts and dinners will be served at the hotel. On work days, we will pack lunches to eat at the worksite.

Cost
Trip cost is $1,025 plus round-trip airfare. This price includes lodging, food, ground transportation, cultural tours, traveler's medical insurance, orientation materials and a donation to Habitat Guatemala. Participants will need to arrange and pay for transportation from their point of departure to Guatemala. This should be done in consultation with the team leader.

Team Leader
TBA