Here is my long-awaited itinerary for my Guatemala trip.  I will be taking my laptop, so please follow along as I post updates from my trip!

Day 1-2: a late night takeoff

I leave DIA at 11:45pm.  It worked so well in New York, I thought I would give it another try!  I have a layover in Fort Lauderdale, then on to Guatemala City.  Somehow (I haven’t quite figured this out yet), I am going to get from Guatemala City to Antigua.  I am staying by myself for the first few days in a Spanish school (Ixchel Spanish School–it looks really neat,plus it is only $30 a day including food.  You should check it out!).  After I get settled into my room, I am taking a one-on-one Spanish course.

Day 3-4: Spanish lessons

I spend all day on day three by myself and half of day four.   Again, I am taking 3 hours worth of Spanish lessons each day, and then I can explore the city.  I haven’t quite figured out what I am going to do yet, but I welcome any suggestions!  Halfway through day 4, I will head back to Guatemala City and meet up with the group.

Day 5-6: Rigoberta Menchu Foundation

Day five and six will be spent in Guatemala City learning about the Rigoberta Menchu Foundation.  For those who do not know who she is, she is a human rights activist for Guatemala, and she won the Noble Peace Prize in the 90’s.  Not only do we get to learn about her foundation, but we actually get to meet her on day 5!  We will also be visiting museums and achieves during this portion.

Day 7-15: San Lucas Toliman

This is the part I am really excited about!  We will be heading off to Lake Atitlan–specifically San Lucas Toliman.  We will be staying in a Spanish elementary school, helping with any work they need.  We will be gardening, cooking, and working with the children.  Some notable activities that will happen during this time will be: going on a fishing boat ride on the lake, doing workshops with the children on mental health and domestic violence, browsing local markets, swimming in a beautiful spring, touring a coffee plantation, frequenting the only bar in town, and a traditional Mayan fire ceremony to bless our future travels.  Oh, and did I mention we get a rooftop deck with hammocks that overlook the lake and the distant volcanoes?  On day 15, we pack up and head off to Antigua as a group.

Day 16-18: Antigua

Day 16 brings excitement in the form of a volcano!  We will be hiking Volcano Palacio, which is about an hour and a half away from Antigua.  The rest of the time, we will be left to our own devises in Antigua.

Day 19: Home Sweet Home

Day 19 will be bittersweet, I am sure, as we all head home.

If you have any suggestions about activities, packing advise, or just want to chime in, please feel free to comment!