Experience Idaho through service, adventure, and connection — where every moment creates meaningful impact.
Discover Guatemala: Culture, Connection, and Community Impact
Join us for an unforgettable journey through Guatemala where adventure meets purpose. On this Impact Adventure, you’ll explore vibrant landscapes, immerse yourself in rich traditions, and build genuine connections with local communities.
This is more than just a trip. It’s an invitation to experience Guatemala not as a tourist, but as a friend. From the volcanic highlands and serene Lake Atitlán to the lush Pacific Coast and the colorful streets of colonial Antigua, you’ll see the heart of this beautiful country, and leave a piece of yours behind.
Because it’s the best of both worlds: meaningful service and incredible travel. You’ll step off the beaten path to work alongside families in partner communities, contributing to projects that increase access to vital resources. No special skills needed, just an open heart, a willingness to learn, and a spirit of collaboration.
We aim to create a thoughtful, personalized experience for each participant. We’ll review applications and host brief interviews to ensure each student is a good fit for the program and ready to fully engage in this unique adventure.
For larger school groups, we’ll divide into two cohorts to ensure a more personalized and manageable experience:
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.
Lake Atitlán is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. This breathtaking crater lake is surrounded by 3 volcanoes, home to a dozen Mayan communities, multiple native languages, vibrant textile designs, ancient stories, and an incredible diversity of birds and trees.
Shad is a passionate farmer, designer, and permaculturalist. He has lived and worked in Tzununa, Guatemala, for the past 12 years, where he and his wife founded Atitlan Organics, a permaculture-inspired organic farm. He believes that humans can live harmoniously on the planet and meet all their needs while actually enhancing the local and global ecology. After spending years practicing regenerative food production, Shad began partnering with a wide range of local farmers and community members. Shad’s current role as Program Director of WellKind Guatemala enables him to build community-driven, permaculture-inspired solutions to food security, climate change, and economic disparity.
Meet some of the local conservation leaders and forest rangers of Santiago Atitlan for a Q&A with Indigenous environmentalists who are making a difference in the day to day.
You will stay in Santiago, a quaint lake-side town on the shores of Lake Atitlan. You will be housed in comfortable accommodations, in bunk-style rooms with multiple other travelers.
You eat breakfast at the hotel or on the drive over to the project site. Lunch will be provided.
Your impact expands far beyond the scope of the specific impact project you work on. Each project completed will empower the communities to improve their quality of life and embolden them to plan for a brighter future. There is no doubt the things you learn during this process will highlight the common thread that connects us all and change your life forever.
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 Belize and 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 – Belize and Guatemala do not require any vaccinations 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 Belize and 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 Belize!
Purposeful travel that connects people, places, and impact.
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