Teach Public Health in Guatemala

When you arrive in Antigua, Guatemala, the first thing you’ll notice are the volcanoes as they watch over the city. Don’t worry — you’ll get a chance to meet them soon

Your first stop today is a viewing spot where you can take in the whole city called Cerro de la Cruz, or Hill of the Cross. You’ll get a great look at the beautiful architecture of Antigua, as well as the huge cross standing above it. Once you walk back down the hill, you’ll go on an architecture tour, visiting sites like Arco de Santa Catalina, the city’s most famous photo op, and Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande, a ruined church.

Early this morning, you’ll leave for a once in a lifetime experience: a hike up a volcano! Its highest summit is 13,044 feet, or 3,976 meters, and it’s one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala. You’ll hike for approximately 5 hours, leaving more than enough time to see the sunset from the top. You’ll be able to see the red hot lava flowing in the dark!

You’ll wake up bright and early this morning at the top of Acatenango Volcano, with a perfect view of the sunrise overlooking the city. You’ll spend the morning descending the volcano and get back into town around noon. 

Since you’ve spent so much time hiking over the past two days, it’s time for a treat! You’ll visit ChocoMuseo, the local chocolate museum. You’ll take a chocolate making class with an expert chocolatier, who will tell you about the history of cacao in Guatemala and how it impacts the local economy today.

Today, you’ll be volunteering for a vital project in Guatemala: helping to improve the health of children. This group provides free dental care and education about dental hygiene to the children of Antigua, who often lose teeth very young due to improper care and diet. You’ll go to a school in Antigua to help educate these children about proper dental hygiene and assist the dentists in their essential work.

You’ll be heading up another volcano today, but don’t worry about straining your sore muscles. You’ll be horseback riding to the top of Volcan de Pacaya, or the Pacaya Volcano! Pacaya has frequent eruptions that are visible from far away. Enjoy the view and the company of your steed as you make your way to the top.

It’s time to head home, but your impact on Guatemala doesn’t have to end. You can take actions even from far away to help those below the poverty line in the country, or you can always make your way back!