Safety is the foundation every Somos program is built on. Over 10+ years we have brought 1,000+ students, educators and groups to Guatemala, Belize, Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Panama. The same risk management system runs on every trip, in every country.
Our protocols follow frameworks set by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), the field standard for youth and expedition travel. We review them before every program season.
Destination review before departure. Somos leadership checks current U.S. State Department advisories, local security conditions, and weather and seasonal hazards for each destination before every trip.
Vetted partners. Every provider is vetted before we work with them: reference checks, site visits where possible, and confirmation of local licenses and insurance.
Background-checked staff. All Somos staff and guides complete background checks before working with groups.
Insurance. Somos carries comprehensive U.S.-based liability insurance with worldwide coverage. Every participant is required to carry individual travel insurance.
Medical information on file. Every participant completes a medical form before departure. Your Field Educator plans for any condition that needs accommodation in-country.
It’s wise to follow these travel safety tips:
Certified Field Educators. Every program is led by a bilingual Field Educator with current first aid and CPR certification and experience in that specific country.
Staff ratios. We keep at least one certified staff member for every eight participants, with tighter ratios for water activities, high altitude and technical sites.
Private transportation. We use vetted private transport companies and boat operators.
Safety briefings. Groups get a briefing before every activity that carries risk: water, work sites, field research and transport days.
Emergency plans. Each trip has a destination-specific emergency plan with the nearest clinics and local contacts confirmed before the group arrives.
Reach out and we’ll walk you through the safety plan for your destination.
Antigua is also considered one of the safest destinations in the country, with notably low crime rates compared to other areas. Its strong police presence and focus on tourism ensure a secure environment for visitors to explore its historic streets, markets, and landmarks. Travelers often praise its welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing travel experience.
Millions of people travel through Latin America every year, and many come back again and again. Here are four reasons why:
From the markets of Chichicastenango to fishing towns on the Caribbean coast, people across the region are quick to share their food, their stories and their communities with visitors who show up curious. The moments our travelers remember most often start with a host family, a local guide or a cooperative member explaining their work.
Maya cities in Guatemala, Belize and Mexico, Inca sites in Peru and colonial towns across the region sit alongside living Indigenous languages, textiles, music and food. Every country we travel to has its own traditions, and the people who keep them lead the experience.
Volcanoes, cloud forests, barrier reefs, rainforest and high Andean valleys, often a few hours apart. Groups hike, kayak, snorkel and study ecosystems with local guides and conservation partners who know these places best.
Tourism is a major industry across Latin America, and established operators know how to move groups safely. On every Somos trip we use private shuttles, vetted boat operators and licensed local guides, so travelers can focus on where they are.
