Experience Guatemala 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.
The central part of a Somos Impact Adventure is the “impact” portion of the trip. On this trip, you will be working with Wellkind, an established organization that serves multiple communities around Lake Atitlan. We will visit the Wellkind campus, meet with community members, and learn about the complex issues they face. Your funding will help a specific impact project that you will be intricately involved with. The difference you will make will be tangible, impactful, and life changing for all the beneficiaries.
You will be flying with the group to and from Guatemala City (GUA).
Clean, safe, and comfortable rooms. In some cases, you’ll share rooms with other 1-2 Impact Adventurers and in others you will be bunked in larger rooms with 3+ travelers.
19 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 $55-$65+ for food.
All group transportation is included. Private passenger vans and buses (with A/C) for long journey’s but you will also be in trucks, boats, and maybe even a tuk-tuk!
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. Don’t worry, you can apply your deposit to any future trip.
If payment is a concern, you can easily fundraise for your trip through our WeTravel platform. We’re happy to guide students with tips and strategies for successful fundraising.
Your impact starts today! We give you tools to support the NGO by fundraising in your local community.
We strongly recommend that every traveler fundraise or donate $250 to support the local impact partner.
Guatemala is a very safe country, 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 is a wonderful destination for groups who want to combine service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.
Somos Impact Travel will provide everything you need to get prepared for the trip. See the “Trip Prep” tab at the top of the page for more info about this.
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 16 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 of Tzununá for a Q&A with Indigenous environmentalists who are making a difference in the day to day.
You will stay in Antigua; Tzununá, a quaint village overlooking Lake Atitlan; and El Paredon on the Pacific coast. You will be housed in comfortable accommodations, in bunk-style rooms with multiple other travelers.
Most breakfasts, lunches, and dinners will be provided at your accommodation or nearby restaurants.
By supporting Wellkind Guatemala, your impact goes far beyond the specific project you contribute to. Whether you're planting trees or supporting local education initiatives, your efforts directly empower indigenous communities to create lasting, sustainable change. Each completed project strengthens local resilience and inspires community members to invest in a brighter, self-determined future.
At the same time, you’ll gain powerful insights into the shared humanity that connects us all: an experience that can shift your perspective and stay with you for life.
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.
Guatemala is a safe country, 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.
Your impact starts today! We give you tools to support the NGO by fundraising in your local community. We strongly recommend every traveler fundraise or donate $250 to support the local impact partner
Absolutely. Guatemala is a wonderful destination 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.
