Service travel has the power to change lives — but when done poorly, it can cause more harm than good.
At Somos, we believe in a better model. Our ethical service travel in Guatemala is rooted in community leadership, transparency, and long-term relationships. Whether you’re a Rotaract club, Rotary sponsor, or student group, this guide will help you plan a trip that truly matters — to everyone involved.
Ethical travel puts local communities first. It is built around long-term goals, not short-term feel-good moments. It avoids charity optics and prioritizes real partnerships.
This matters even more when service is involved. The best service trips are not about “helping” — they are about listening, learning, and contributing to work already underway.
Before we dive into how to do it right, here’s what to steer clear of:
Unfortunately, many group travel providers in Latin America still operate on outdated models of “voluntourism.” You deserve better — and so do your hosts.
At Somos, we design every program to meet the highest standards for ethical service travel in Guatemala. Here’s how:
We partner only with community-based NGOs who lead their own initiatives. One example is Wellkind Guatemala, a grassroots organization supporting reforestation, watershed protection, and regenerative agriculture.
See our nonprofit impact approach at somos.travel/impact
This 9-day itinerary blends immersive service with cultural depth and responsible travel:
Responsible service includes physical, emotional, and logistical safety. We provide:
Explore our full safety commitment at somos.travel/safety
If you’re considering ethical service travel in Guatemala, start with the Rotaract Trip Planning Toolkit — designed to guide your club or team step-by-step.
It includes:
Ethical travel centers community voices, sustainability, and partnership. Voluntourism often focuses on outsider experience and short-term optics.
Yes. In fact, we believe they go hand in hand. Every Somos trip includes meaningful cultural engagement alongside project work.
No problem. Our team will guide you through logistics, leadership roles, and safety from start to finish.
Ethical service travel in Guatemala is not about doing more. It’s about doing it right.
If your club is ready to connect with powerful grassroots partners and create something that lasts, we would be honored to help.
Visit somos.travel/rotaract to learn more or begin your planning call.
Travel that centers local leadership, sustainable projects, and mutual respect over short-term impact.
Yes. All trips include safety protocols, bilingual guides, and insured transportation.
Yes. We can match your group with a vetted partner aligned with your goals and Rotary’s Areas of Focus.
