Experience Idaho through service, adventure, and connection — where every moment creates meaningful impact.
This Impact Adventure to Belize and Guatemala with somos.travel is designed to ignite personal growth, spark global awareness, and empower students to be a force for good.
Through immersive travel and hands-on service, supporting education and reforestation in rural Guatemala, students will deepen their understanding of global challenges while making a real, lasting difference in the lives of others.
About the Journey
Travel through Belize and Guatemala on a transformative adventure that blends cultural discovery, community service, and outdoor exploration. From the remote southern coast of Belize to the lush riverways of Rio Dulce and the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal, you’ll experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness in a way few travelers ever do.
This journey isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about contributing meaningfully to them. Through a partnership with a local NGO, you’ll work directly with local students and educators to help improve rural school infrastructure and participate in native tree-planting efforts to support ecological restoration. No prior skills are required, just a spirit of curiosity, compassion, and collaboration.
Trip Structure
There will be two student groups for this trip:
At the heart of every SOMOS journey is the impact we create together. During this trip, you’ll engage directly with local communities, visit grassroots projects, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and strengths that shape daily life in the region.
Your presence — and the support you help provide — will contribute to a specific community initiative you’ll be actively involved in. The change you make will be visible, meaningful, and lasting — for those you support, and for the perspective you take home.
Comfortable, locally-sourced accommodations for the full duration of the trip, along with three nourishing meals per day — all designed to help you recharge and experience local flavors.
All cultural experiences, guided adventures, and group outings are included — thoughtfully planned to balance impact, exploration, and reflection.
Safe and reliable in-country transportation throughout the trip, including airport pickup and drop-off, group transfers, and travel to all scheduled activities.
Full guidance from the SOMOS team before and during your trip — including pre-departure materials, on-site trip leaders, and 24/7 support while traveling.
Not at all! Our trips are designed for all experience levels. Whether it's your first time abroad or your tenth, we'll guide you every step of the way.
Most trips include 10–18 travelers. We keep our groups small to encourage meaningful connections and ensure a personalized experience.
Yes. We prioritize your safety and work closely with local partners, guides, and health protocols to ensure a safe, smooth journey from start to finish.
You’ll receive a detailed packing list before your trip, including essentials, clothing suggestions, and anything specific to the region or activities planned.
Accommodations, meals, ground transportation, activities, and full support from the SOMOS team are all included. You’re responsible for flights and personal spending.
For this trip, you will be working with Casa Guatemala, an established organization that serves multiple communities around Rio Dulce. We will visit their campus, meet with the community members, and learn about the complex issues that they face.
Your funding will help a specific impact project which you will be intricately involved with. The difference you will make will be tangible, impactful, and lifechanging for all the beneficiaries.
Nestled in the lush jungle along the Rio Dulce, Casa Guatemala is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing education, nutrition, and care to vulnerable children from remote communities. Their riverside campus includes a primary school, dormitories, sustainable gardens, and a medical clinic. Reaching this project requires a scenic boat ride through the jungle, making this one of the most adventurous and meaningful impact destinations in the region.
Heather Knox, Executive Director, Casa Guatemala**
Heather has been the Executive Director of Casa Guatemala since 2002. With a background in international development and a deep love for Guatemala, Heather has transformed Casa Guatemala into a model for integrated community support. Under her leadership, the organization not only provides education to hundreds of rural children but also runs a free medical clinic, volunteer programs, and economic empowerment projects. Heather believes in building sustainable, locally led solutions that give every child the opportunity to thrive.
You'll stay in Rio Dulce, a vibrant riverside town known for its beauty and friendly local culture. Accommodation will be comfortable and group-based, with shared bunk rooms and all basic amenities.
Breakfast and dinner will be provided at your accommodation or nearby restaurants. Lunch is served on-site at Casa Guatemala’s campus, where you’ll share meals with staff and students.
At Casa Guatemala, your service directly contributes to the long-term wellbeing of children from some of the most underserved regions in the country. Whether you’re painting a classroom, planting vegetables, or helping a child learn a new word in English, your presence brings energy and hope. This is your chance to live your values, support an inspiring local organization, and experience the shared humanity that binds us all.
Yes. You’ll be supported by experienced bilingual guides and local staff throughout the journey. All accommodations and transport are arranged with traveler safety in mind.
Moderate. Activities may include walking on uneven surfaces, light lifting, and outdoor work. All efforts are made to accommodate a variety of physical abilities.
No, but it helps! Interpreters and bilingual staff will support you. Your willingness to try and connect is what matters most.
Yes. somos.travel offers fundraising toolkits and leadership coaching to help you make your impact even bigger before you even arrive.
Absolutely. This location is great for small groups and family pods looking for an immersive experience that combines adventure, service, and cultural learning.
Hello, all of you awesome, do-gooding, adventurers! This page is full of information that will help you prepare for your upcoming trip.
Here is what will be covered:
On this page, you will find all of the details about preparing for your trip to Guatemala. This page will be updated once your trip has a confirmed minimum number of travelers.
Date TBD: Deposits Due
Passports – Make sure that your passport is valid through your return date. If it will expire before then, click the link to explore options for renewals. If this applies to you, please contact team@somos.travel. Click here for more info on US Passports.
Vaccinations – Guatemala does not require any vaccinations to enter its country but there are a few that are recommended, such as Hepatitis A & Typhoid. It is best to talk with your doctor or reach out to your local travel clinic and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get an appointment set up, some seasons of the year are busier than others and it can take multiple weeks to get in to see them. For more information from the CDC regarding traveling to Guatemala, click here.
Travel Insurance – We recommend using World Nomads, but you are welcome to explore other options with similar coverage. The policy should cover:
Date TBD: 50% of the trip payment is due
Complete the Traveler Information Form (LINK COMING SOON). (You will need your passport and your travel insurance policy number ready)
Packing List – lookover this packing list and start preparing
Date TBD: 100% of the trip payment is due
All travelers need to ensure they’ve completed the Traveler Information Form (LINK COMING SOON)
All travelers need to ensure they’ve completed the online traveler training (LINK COMING SOON)
Double check you’ve completed everything and check in with team@somos.travel) to confirm you are ready to go!
Date TBD @ Camel’s Back Park in Boise, ID
In-Person Group Meet-up – We will all meet up so everyone can meet each other prior to the trip and give you some final information to prepare for your experience!
Date TBD – Meet at BOI airport at 1:00 PM for a 3:30PM Departure to Guatemala!
Purposeful travel that connects people, places, and impact.
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