Empowering Equality: Guatemala
March 5-11, 2023 : 7 days/6 nights
$1999 ($450 deposit) : Visiting Guatemala City, Antigua, Ciudad Vieja, Solola, Santa Cruz la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna, San Marcos la Laguna
Deadline for Registration: February 5, 2023
About This Trip
Arriving at Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, your Naturally Smart Host will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors. Our first stop is our socially-conscious hotel located within the modern, bustling energy of Zone 4.
Once settled in, we'll take a quick siesta before enjoying a Bienvenida Dinner at one of the most celebrated restaurants in town, with an eclectic menu and inventive cocktails to welcome the night.
After a delicious breakfast the following morning, we'll visit with women empowering women before journeying onward to Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Along the way, we'll learn about Mayan culture, visit rural communities, and meet with organizations raising the quality of life throughout one of the most stunning regions of Guatemala.
We'll also gain an understanding of gender equality, developments in education, employing those living with disabilities, and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
What is Included
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Coordination & Fees
From the moment of arrival to departure, we coordinate and facilitate exceptional experiences, so your only priority is living your best impact life abroad.
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Bi-lingual Guide & Host
Spanish being the official national language, your local tour guide will accompany you every step of the way, while your host ensures a smooth experience behind the scenes.
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Private Transportation
We coordinate transportation throughout your journey with carefully vetted and trusted drivers on land and captains by water.
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Meals and Dining
From welcome dinner to our “Feliz Viaje!” celebration, we’ll enjoy authentic Guatemalan fare, as well as cross-cultural staples.
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Accommodations
Rest assured, we partner with leading hotels to book ideal accommodations that will leave you ready for the adventure ahead.
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Connection
Direct connections to lending partners and small business owners to learn first-hand operations, needs, and growth opportunities.
Added Bonuses
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Grants and Scholarships
A percentage of proceeds from each booking supports the growth of our Guatemalan team and counterparts.
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Carbon Offset
We calculate carbon emissions for each guest and support a certified carbon offset organization focused on reforestation and access to smoke-free stoves.
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Introduction to Facilitators
Should an organization speak to you, we introduce facilitators of investment and donation for trusted financial exchange.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Each day of our journey is carefully curated to ensure an easy blend of cultural experiences, meeting communities, travel, and downtime. We believe travel should be comfortable, stimulating yet never overly active, and also allow for mindfulness and rest as needed.
During free mornings or afternoon rest (siesta), guests will also have an optional activity. If a grander excursion is calling you, just let your host or guide know and we’ll coordinate to bring the most out of your time with us.
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Once arrived at the airport, one of our trusted drivers will be waiting just outside the airport doors to sweep you away to a socially-conscious hotel empowering education.
Guests who need to withdraw cash or visit other vendors, simply let your guide know and they'll offer assistance. Should you arrive that morning, please know that we can help with planning to ensure a most fulfilling welcome!
After a quick siesta, we will enjoy a welcome happy hour before indulging in the delicious menu of a local favorite. Meanwhile, you will meet your guide and host, as well as mingle with fellow travelers. Your host will also share more about the week ahead and review itinerary details.
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After breakfast, we’ll visit a company where women create opportunities by tapping into their creativity, as well as the importance of opportunities for women in Guatemala.
After, we’ll continue to Antigua for an afternoon learning about the town. Guests are welcome to explore on their own or join the group for a tour of Central Park and the famous Arch Street.
Later that night we’ll dine at a lesbian-owned restaurant and learn about the LGBTQI+ community in Latin America.
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Following breakfast, we’ll take a walk to Cerro de la Cruz to see Antigua from above and get a panoramic view of volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.
After lunch, we’ll take a private workshop with an organization employing a team of people living with intellectual disabilities, and how their lives and families have been impacted.
Guests are welcome to enjoy a night on the town on their own or join us for a delicious dinner set in an outdoor garden.
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After breakfast in Antigua, our private shuttle will take us to Lake Atitlan, where we'll tour a school sharing growth opportunities with indigenous girls through education before exploring the industrial town of Panajachel.
Onward to Santa Cruz la Laguna, we'll settle into our hotel and take in the views and enjoy an afternoon by the waterside.
Later that afternoon, we'll meet for happy hour and a memorable family-style dinner at our hotel, with a potential "open mic" night to show off our hidden talents!
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For breakfast, we'll take in a stunning view overlooking Lake Atitlan when visiting a vocational school. We'll learn how the school is teaching employable skills, supporting seven local communities, and offering student scholarships for university. There, we'll also enjoy a cultural activity before returning shoreside for lunch.
After, guests are welcome to enjoy a lakeside siesta or join our visit to San Juan la Laguna. This magical town is home to many Guatemalan cooperatives, which we’ll visit firsthand. We’ll also meet with a clinic offering medical services to rural Guatemalans.
Returning to Santa Cruz la Laguna, later that night we'll enjoy candlelight dinner along the water.
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We'll take a free morning to enjoy the tranquility of the Lake, SUP, swim, or kayak along the shores of Santa Cruz la Laguna. Guests will have the option to visit an organization teaching women about reproductive health and the first thousand days of their children’s lives.
After lunch, we will pack up and being our drive back to Antigua.
Once checked into our rooms and nestled, guests are welcome to enjoy the afternoon on their own or join a tour of a former monastery-turned-museum and resort before learning our unique nawals (Mayan spirit animals).
That evening, we'll head to a local brewery to celebrate our trip for our Feliz Viaje dinner. There, we'll enjoy live music while we share our favorite experiences from our trip!
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All good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean you can't take a part of Guatemala with you. We'll be sharing a (bonus) folder of candid pictures from throughout our trip along with a special thank you message.
Please confirm your departure date and time with us so we can coordinate your transportation to Aurora International Airport for a safe return home.
Payment Options
Payment options below are offered to accommodate guests’ needs whether with a payment plan, paying in full, or preferring to pay via a bank transfer or check. We strongly encourage guests to read through Naturally Smart Travel’s terms and conditions before processing payment.
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Make a Deposit
Of the $1999 total, guests must make a $450 non-refundable deposit to confirm their booking. Once processed, an email confirmation will be sent with future payment dates and communications schedule to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Make a Full Payment
Guests who pay in full ($1999) contribute $450 of the payment received to a non-refundable deposit. Once processed, an email confirmation will be sent with a communications schedule to prepare you for the Land of Eternal Spring (Guatemala).
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Electronic Transfer or Check
If an electronic transfer or check is your preferred method of payment, please email us for relevant bank information and mailing instructions by clicking the button below.
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About
Naturally Smart Travel coordinates sustainable group and private impact tours to create culturally immersive experiences throughout Guatemala. With our unique recipe for blending culture, low or high impact excursions, and community empowerment into every trip, we inspire opportunities for both conscious guests and social or environmental initiatives to thrive.