Experience Guatemala and Belize 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.
The central part of a Somos Travel Impact Adventure is the “Impact” portion of the trip. 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.
You will be flying with the group to and from Belize City (BOI to BZE)
Safe, clean, and comfortable lodging in Punta Gorda, Rio Dulce, Flores, San Ignacio, and Belize City. Shared rooms (3–6 per room), with variations based on location. Each traveler will have their own bed.
17 of 24 meals are included
Dietary restrictions? No worries, we can accommodate most preferences!
You will be on your own for a few meals where you can explore local cuisine with recommendations from your guides. Meals in Guatemala cost $8 – $12.
You will want to budget $65-$95 for food.
All group transportation is included. Private passenger vans and busses (with A/C) for long journey’s but you will also be in trucks, boats and maybe even a tuk-tuk!
The team at Somos is world-class. Your group will have a lead Adventure Guide and additional local guides for specific adventures.
Travel insurance is required for all trips. Policies start around $75.
World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
To save your spot on the trip a $500 Deposit is required. Payment plans are available.
If payment is a challenge, some guests choose to fundraise for their trip which is super easy with our guest software WeTravel. We can help advise students on how to fundraise.
To pay for the materials for the project you will work on, we ask that each guest donates or fundraises $250.
Guatemala and Belize are very safe countries, full of amazing kind, and hospitable people (just ask any of our guests or others who have traveled there).
Safety is our #1 priority and we would never take anyone to places where they may be in danger. If you have any concerns, just ask we are happy to answer questions!
This trip is designed for high school and college students and can be adapted for travelers of any age.
Absolutely. Guatemala and Belize are wonderful destinations for groups who want to combine service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.
Somos Travel will get you everything you need to get prepared for the trip and help you prepare if you are accepted. See the “Trip Prep” tab at the top of the page for some more info about this.
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.
Belize and Guatemala are very safe countries, full of amazing kind, and hospitable people. (Just ask any of our guests or others who have traveled there.)
Safety is our #1 priority, and we would never take anyone to places where they may be in danger. If you have any concerns, just ask. We are happy to answer questions!
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 bigger before you even arrive.
Absolutely. Guatemala and Belize are wonderful destinations for groups who want to combine service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.
Everything you need to prepare for your trip!
This page will help you with the essentials:
Passports: Must be valid through your return date. Renew early if needed.
Flights: If you would like Somos to book your group’s flights, just let us know.
Travel Insurance: Required. This should cover lost baggage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and injury. We recommend World Nomads and you can get a quote here.
Vaccinations: Guatemala does not require specific vaccines for entry, but Hepatitis A & Typhoid are recommended. Check with a doctor or travel clinic in advance.
Fundraising: Somos can provide fundraising resources and coaching to make the trip more accessible and also to support and raise awareness for local impact partners we work with.
Payment Timeline:
Traveler Forms & Onboarding
To ensure a safe and smooth journey, all travelers complete a short onboarding process that includes:
If you’re organizing a group trip—such as a school, Rotary club, or corporate team—please reach out for custom onboarding and registration options tailored to your group.
Packing List: Will be shared closer to departure (includes recommended clothing, surf/beach gear, and service work supplies).
Pre-Trip Meet-up: Zoom or In-person orientation to meet the group and guides before departure.
