Venture West // Guatemala
Schools Projects, Guatemala
The Birthplace of Chocolate!
Guatemala is a Central American gem. A land dominated by dramatic volcanoes and ecologically important rainforests, dotted with ancient Mayan sites. The country’s architecture is a mix of ancient monuments and the distinctive colourful Spanish colonial buildings.
We have a variety of different projects that school teams can get involved in on expeditionm, which are community or conservation based. Teams can choose to work on two different projects or combine a project with the challenge of a multi-day trek. The variety in this expedition creates excellent scope for development, as students will get an abundance of opportunities to work on expanding their skill set. They will be supported throughout by our experienced expedition leaders and our in-country team. Teams will have the chance to explore the rich culture and heritage of this amazing country, through visits en route which can include the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua, hiking up Pacaya Volcano and visiting Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan Highlands.
The community project phase not only enables us to assist in a project that directly benefits the host community, but also gives students the opportunity to really get to know what life is like living in Guatemala. Teams will work on a much needed project at the School of Hope in Jocotenango, near Antigua.
This project allows UK school students to meet and get to know local students and to assist with a project that will help improve education at the school. This could be construction, teaching or working at the Garden of Hope, an associated project which grows food for the school whilst teaching agricultural skills.
Our conservation projects allow students to get hands-on experience working on a wildlife project. We work with selected charity partners who are specialists in their conservation field. Their expert guidance enables our teams to take part in impactful conservation projects. There are two different options for the conservation project focus;
- Jungle conservation project – this project is based in Flores in the El Peten region. Working together with our conservation charity partners, ARCAS at their animal rescue centre, teams will assist in the work to rehabilitate rescued jungle wildlife
- Coastal conservation project – working alongside ARCAS, at their wildlife centre in El Hawaii (South Guatemala), teams will assist with the habitat maintenance initiatives to help protect species numbers of turtle, iguana and cayman.
Teams have the option to take on the challange of the El Mirador Jungle Trek. This six day trek sees teams navigate through the tropical jungle in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. They’ll visit some of the most important archaeological sites in the Mayan world, whilst learning about the flora and fauna from experienced local guides. This is a remote and physically demanding trek, but well worth the reward as this really is a unique experience.
Our focus on development means teams lead on planning, managing food and navigation during the trek phase. Teams need to work together to successfully meet this challenge.
Community Project
The community project phase not only enables us to assist in a project that directly benefits the host community, but also gives students the opportunity to really get to know what life is like living in Guatemala. Teams will work on a much needed project at the School of Hope in Jocotenango, near Antigua.
This project allows UK school students to meet and get to know local students and to assist with a project that will help improve education at the school. This could be construction, teaching or working at the Garden of Hope, an associated project which grows food for the school whilst teaching agricultural skills.
Conservation Project
Our conservation projects allow students to get hands-on experience working on a wildlife project. We work with selected charity partners who are specialists in their conservation field. Their expert guidance enables our teams to take part in impactful conservation projects. There are two different options for the conservation project focus;
- Jungle conservation project – this project is based in Flores in the El Peten region. Working together with our conservation charity partners, ARCAS at their animal rescue centre, teams will assist in the work to rehabilitate rescued jungle wildlife
- Coastal conservation project – working alongside ARCAS, at their wildlife centre in El Hawaii (South Guatemala), teams will assist with the habitat maintenance initiatives to help protect species numbers of turtle, iguana and cayman.
Trekking
Teams have the option to take on the challange of the El Mirador Jungle Trek. This six day trek sees teams navigate through the tropical jungle in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. They’ll visit some of the most important archaeological sites in the Mayan world, whilst learning about the flora and fauna from experienced local guides. This is a remote and physically demanding trek, but well worth the reward as this really is a unique experience.
Our focus on development means teams lead on planning, managing food and navigation during the trek phase. Teams need to work together to successfully meet this challenge.
Embrace the challenge and remember the unique experience!
Our aim is to take our student teams out of their comfort zone. Don’t expect air conditioned rooms and coaches with waitress service. We don’t provide luxury tours, knowing from experience that real life cannot be found there.
Our accommodation is basic but always clean. Food is likely to be different from what students are used to. At times students will be completely out of their comfort zone, which is an integral part of developmental expeditions. We encourage all team members to get involved in every aspect of expedition life and, by doing so, they will make memories that will last a lifetime.
KEY INFORMATION
All our expeditions are bespoke and tailored to your team's needs
Community Project
Conservation Project
School Networking
Jungle Trekking
Duration
14 days (UK to UK)
- International Flights
- Two Venture Force expedition leaders
- Two funded teacher places
- 24/7 Operations Room support
- Comprehensive travel insurance (see our COVID info page)
- International communications package
- All in-country travel
- In-country agent support
- All in-country activities, food and accommodation
- Team t-shirts
- Heavy duty travel bag
- Group kit and equipment
- Online expedition portal
- Carbon off-setting
- Project donation (expedition dependent)
- Training weekend (only for 14 day & above)
- Personal vaccinations
- Personal equipment (a kit list will be provided)
- Visa costs and passport renewal (if applicable)
- Spending money for gifts and additional drinks/food
