the (developing) World of Education
February 19-25, 2023 : 7 days/6 nights
$1999 ($450 deposit) : Visiting Antigua, Ciudad Vieja, Santa Cruz la Laguna, Santiago Atitlan, San Marcos la Laguna
Deadline for Registration: January 19, 2023
About This Trip
When 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, after a quick departure from the City, is the colonial town of Antigua, just a 1-hour drive away (without traffic).
Once settled, we'll take a quick siesta and walk about the town before enjoying a Bienvenidos Dinner at one of the most celebrated restaurants in town, with an eclectic menu, inventive cocktails, and an outdoor garden to welcome the night.
After a delicious breakfast the following morning, we'll explore more of Antigua and the surrounding pueblos and meet with a school teaching pre-schoolers the magic of learning, as well as another organization integrating STEM and emotional processing into their curriculum.
Continuing to Lake Atitlan, we'll enjoy cultural excursions throughout one of the most stunning regions of Guatemala. Along the way, we'll learn about Mayan culture, visit rural communities, and gain a thorough understanding of education in Guatemala from after-school to vocational opportunities and universities.
Finally, our trip will conclude by returning to Antigua for a day of culture and reflection before we celebrate our adventure during our Feliz Viaje dinner.
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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After nestling into our hotel in Antigua, guests will have downtime to relax and run any local errands needed.
Those who look to withdraw cash or other special asks, simply let your guide know and they'll offer assistance.
If you arrive in the 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 with scenic views of the town.
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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Once we've enjoyed a delicious "typical" breakfast, we will visit a primary school in Ciudad Vieja, just 15 minutes from Antigua. There, we'll learn how the school, which is integrating STEM and emotional processing into its curriculum, is benefitting its surrounding communities.
Next, we'll visit microbrewery Cerveceria 14 for lunch with a view before returning to Antigua. We're able to enjoy an afternoon siesta or take an optional walking tour of bustling Central Park and wander through the Arch Street to learn more about this stunning UNESCO world heritage city
That evening, we'll enjoy a group dinner, hosted at a speakeasy restaurant where we'll nosh on delicious creations by a local chef.
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Once we've taken in a hearty breakfast with a view, we'll visit a primary school teaching about renewable growth and our interdependent relationship to nature. We'll tour their gardens and school while learning about their programs that prepare students for leadership.
After lunch, we'll take our time hiking up to Cerro de la Cruz for scenic views of the town and surrounding volcanoes before taking a free evening. Guests are welcome to join for a delicious outdoor dining experience under the stars, with live music offering the soundtrack for the night.
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After breakfast in Antigua, our private shuttle will take us to Lake Atitlan, where we'll first explore the industrial town of Panajachel. There, we'll learn about the more recent history of the Lake before a delicious lunch at a favorite local restaurant. Onward to Santa Cruz la Laguna, we'll settle into our hotel and take in the views.
Once we’ve enjoyed a free afternoon along the water, 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 Santiago de Atitlan. This magical town holds significant history from historic Mayan cosmology to a modern-day martyr. We'll take a walking tour of the town and visit an afterschool program helping students and mothers.
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. After, 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 an outdoor Biergarten 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.