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Rights & Resistance

location
2 - 2 semanas  ·  Edad 18 - 50+

rating  Sobresaliente 5  · 
  Verificado por Volunteer World
  Ratio de respuesta por debajo de la media

Puntos Relevantes

  • Take a tour of Guatemala City with the activists of HIJOS and see the county’s tumultuous history painted on the walls.
  • Get your hands dirty and learn to grow ancient superfoods with the refugee community of Pacux.
  • Journey to the remote shores of the Rio Negro, where a determined group of Maya Achi are rebuilding their livelihoods in the shadow of the civil war and Chixoy Dam.
  • Take an epic three-day trek through the Cuchumatanes while hearing personal accounts of Guatemala’s civil war from some of the people most affected by it.
  • Visit the Tzutujil community of San Juan La Laguna and see the many shapes, sizes and colours of resistance on display around Lake Atitlán.


Especialmente adecuado para

Edad 18+
Solteros y solteras
Parejas
Grupos
50+

Sobre el programa

Trek through Guatemala and learn about its human rights struggles and meet its many faces of resistance.

Inside one of the world’s original Banana Republics, ancient pyramids, rolling hills and sacred lakes conceal bitter fruit. To understand why, we’ll truck, trek and tuktuk our way around Guatemala, learn about its human rights struggles and meet its many faces of resistance. From powerful street ...

Sobre el programa

Inside one of the world’s original Banana Republics, ancient pyramids, rolling hills and sacred lakes conceal bitter fruit. To understand why, we’ll truck, trek and tuktuk our way around Guatemala, learn about its human rights struggles and meet its many faces of resistance. From powerful street art in Guatemala City to innovative agroecology outside Rabinal, a restorative community tourism project on the shores of the Rio Negro, and the memorial footpaths of the Ixil Triangle, we’ll see and hear how Guatemala is finding its memory and pursuing justice.

Our volunteer programs take a learning-first approach. We combine an educational program with collaborative community service so that travellers can explore the local history, context, and challenges while contributing to local solutions. Here are some of the community projects we will be involved in on this program:

- Asociacion Campesino Rio Negro Trece De Marzo Maya ACHI (ACHI) is a community-organization based in the Pacux, Rabinal. It was made to represent the internally displaced population of Mayan Achi from the Rio Negro as means to advocate for reparations and promote community development. Central to ACHI is a youth program that promotes progressive thinking and leadership through outdoor education and agroecology.

The Riij Ib'ooy Historical and Educational Center was established by the community of Rio Negro in 2007 to commemorate the region's history and their Maya Achi culture. The Center includes both an educational initiative and ecotourism project which work together to bring people to the shores of the Rio Negro river, share important histories from the area and preserve its collective memory.


Día típico

Day 1-2: Orientation in Guatemala City

We will begin our adventure in Guatemala's big and bustling capital of Guatemala City. We'll get acclimatized to the sights, smells, sounds, and stories of the country. We'll explore the city's historical centre on foot, visiting the National Palace where 10,000 ...

Día típico

Day 1-2: Orientation in Guatemala City

We will begin our adventure in Guatemala's big and bustling capital of Guatemala City. We'll get acclimatized to the sights, smells, sounds, and stories of the country. We'll explore the city's historical centre on foot, visiting the National Palace where 10,000 peaceful protesters once forced the resignation (and arrest) of the President. We'll also tour the Casa de Memoria (the house of memory) and join Paulo from the organization HIJOS (Children for identity and justice) to tour some of Guatemala's politically charged street art while learning about the lingering trauma of colonization and Guatemala's 36-year internal conflict. 

Day 3-5: Growing Futures in Rabinal

From the capital, we'll drive north into the region of Baja Verapaz and the city of Rabinal. On the edge of the city, we'll join our friends from Qachuu Aloom ad ACHI in the former "model village" of Pacux for a couple of days of powerful hands-on learning. We'll hear about the effects of conflict with a diaspora community of Maya Achi who had to flee their ancestral homes in the Rio Negro and are now working to reclaim their rights and rebuild their livelihoods in Rabinal. Then we'll roll up our sleeves and play in the dirt with local youth who use outdoor education and agroecology to plant the seeds for a better future. 

Day 5-7: Living Resistance in Rio Negro

In the morning, we'll hop aboard a 4x4 and bounce our way to the top of the ridge before hiking the rest of the way down to the Rio Negro passing the community's ceremonial altar and many memorials. 

Here, we'll stay in the community's lodge on the beautiful shores of the Rio Negro river listening, learning, and working alongside a courageous group of Maya Achi who have faced decades of repression, culminating in the infamous Rio Negro Massacres of 1980-82 - still a living memory for many. Besides lending our hands to their ongoing community projects, we'll have the opportunity to swim, fish, and climb as part of a cool new community tourism program. 

On our last day, we'll say thank you to our hosts and leave Rio Negro by boat, passing through the Chixoy Hydroelectric Dam, a massive feat of engineering that serves as a gateway to the community and a stark reminder of their tragic confrontations with the military and police.

Day 7-8: Pokomchi Potlucks in San Cristobal Verapaz

Our next stop is the town of San Cristobal Verapaz where we'll take a break, freshen up, and debrief. We'll also get to hang out with Sucely and our friends at the Community Education Center of Pokomchi (CECEP), a museum and education project that works to share the history, language, and culture of the Pokomchi Maya. Together we'll explore town and celebrate the halfway mark with a big potluck.

Day 8-11: Trekking Through Time From Nebaj to Todos Santos

From Alta Verapaz, we'll journey northwest to the Ixil Triangle and at, its apex, the quiet town of Nebaj. After a little orientation in one of Guatemala's most war-torn regions, we'll set off on a challenging but rewarding three-day trek across the majestic Cuchumatanes mountains to Todos Santos. Passing war memorials and sacred Mayan sites, we will see the woven textile and pastoral economies unique to the area and commune with some of the region's most embattled but resilient communities. 

Day 12: A New Age of Activism in Xela

After our epic trek, we'll hop on a pan-American bus and take the road towards our final destination but we'll make a stop for lunch in the highland city of Quetzaltenango better known by its Mayan name, Xela. We'll be hosted by former revolutionary Willy and the members of DESGUA at Café La RED KAT. Together, we'll enjoy a delicious meal and insightful discussion about the "Guatemala Dream" and how returned immigrants and Mayan youth are cooking up alternatives to assimilation. 

Day 13-14: Face of Resistance in San Juan La Laguna

Finally, we'll make our way to the enchanting shores of Lago Atitlan and the vibrant Tzutujil community of San Juan La Laguna. Here, we'll stay at the centro Sak'be, Operation Groundswell's regional Hub and co-working space where a variety of organizations from the region come together to collaborate and make the change they want to see. For the next couple of days, we'll make new friends and see some of the different forms resistance can take from permaculture and sustainable design to special education. 

Day 14-15

On our second to last day, we'll explore the town and scavenge the local markets one last time before gathering around the fire for disorientation - a staple of every OG program - this is our chance to stare up at the stars and reflect, to talk about what we've learned, to share stories, tell jokes, and prepare for the journey home.

Then, we'll make the trip back to Guatemala City together where we'll say adios and adelante!

Actividades de tiempo libre

When we aren’t learning and working with our incredible grassroots partners, we have planned all kinds of fun activities and excursions to integrate ourselves in the local culture. We have also scheduled plenty of time for you to explore your own interests. 

Some examples of activities:
- Hike ...

Actividades de tiempo libre

When we aren’t learning and working with our incredible grassroots partners, we have planned all kinds of fun activities and excursions to integrate ourselves in the local culture. We have also scheduled plenty of time for you to explore your own interests. 

Some examples of activities:
- Hike volcanoes
- Relax in natural hot springs
- Take cooking classes
- Explore local markets and shop for souvenirs
- Swim in the beautiful Lago Atitlan

Requisitos

Requisitos

Edad mínima: 18 años

Para participar en el programa debes tener al menos 18 años en la fecha de inicio del programa. Puede haber excepciones si muestras el permiso de tu(s) tutor(es) legal(es) o si vas acompañado de tus padres.

Conocimientos lingüísticos

Tienes que hablar (nivel básico) Inglés

Restricciones de nacionalidad

Sin restricciones. Las manos amigas de todo el mundo son bienvenidas.

Servicios incluidos

Servicios incluidos

Servicios de Operation Groundswell

Each of our programs include:

  • A comprehensive program itinerary and educational curriculum focused on the issues facing your specific region

  • Experienced, thoughtful and caring program leaders and facilitators with you 24 hours a day

  • All lodging and accommodations, carefully chosen to reflect the place and program

  • Three local meals a day that showcase regional cuisine from meals homemade by our friends to the favourite restaurant down the street

  • All group tours, entrance fees, and excursions like cooking and language classes

  • All group transportation on the ground in vetted (and varied) modes of getting around

  • Regular discussions and workshops to help you internalize and reflect on your experience

  • Support from OGHQ whenever you need it, however you need it from financial assistance to flights

Recogida en el aeropuerto La Aurora International Airport

Your program leaders will pick you up on the first day of the program at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and transport you a short ways to our hostel in Antigua. Your program leaders will also drop you off at the same airport on the last day of program.

Alojamiento

To explore rights and resistance in Guatemala, we’ll be taking all means of transport from private club vans and pick-up trucks to river boats and tuktuks, oh and our own two feet. Along the way we’ll sleep and eat as a team in ways that reflect an ethical travel ethos. We’ll dine at local restaurants, food stalls, family tables, and picnic benches. We’ll rest at friendly hotels in Guatemala City and San Cristobal, community lodges in Pacux and the Rio Negro, and a rustic bamboo bungalow on the shores of Lago Atitlan. Grassroots travel will allow us to safely immerse in the local culture but it also means we might not always have access to air conditioning, a good shower or working internet but wherever we are, our hosts will help us feel right at home.

Comida y bebida

We provide at least three local meals a day that showcase regional cuisine from meals homemade by our friends to the favourite restaurant down the street, as well as all the potable drinking water you can drink. You are responsible for any other snacks and drinks. We do our best to provide for all dietary needs.

Acceso a Internet

Acceso limitado al lugar del proyecto

¿Qué NO está incluido?

¿Qué NO está incluido?

Boletos de avión

El aeropuerto más cercano es La Aurora International Airport (GUA) en Guatemala City. Te ayudamos a encontrar vuelos baratos a Guatemala. ENCONTRAR VUELOS BARATOS

Seguro de viaje

Ir al extranjero es una aventura y siempre es mejor estar preparado. Enfermedad o lesión repentina, cancelación o robo: un seguro de viaje para Guatemala proporciona seguridad y es una ventaja tenerlo. OBTENER UN PRESUPUESTO

Vacunas

Si tiene intención de realizar un voluntariado en Guatemala, debe solicitar asesoramiento médico antes de iniciar su viaje social. Comprueba las vacunas que necesitas para Guatemala. COMPROBADOR DE VACUNAS

Detalles a la llegada

July 9 - July 22, 2023

Disponibilidad
Enero Feb. Marzo Abr. Mayo Jun Jul Agosto Set. Oct. Nov. Dic.

Cuotas del programa

2 semanas 1.469€
Cuota promedio 735€/semana

Cuotas del programa

735€ cuotas semanales 2 - 2 semanas Edad 18 - 50+

Métodos de pago

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

SIN GASTOS DE TARJETA DE CRÉDITO


Duración

2 - 2 semanas

Depósito

El depósito es simplemente para reservar tu vacante de voluntario. Los pagos se gestionan a través de PayPal, nuestro proveedor global de confianza. Si no tienes una cuenta PayPal, también puedes pagar con tarjeta de crédito.


Pago final

El pago final se acordará con Operation Groundswell durante el proceso de solicitud. Las soluciones habituales son la transferencia bancaria o el pago en efectivo en el lugar del proyecto.


Conoce a tu anfitrión(a)

Operation Groundswell

Sobresaliente 5 rating (26 reseñas)

Agencia - fundada en 2016

Verificado por Volunteer World

  Ratio de respuesta por debajo de la media

Coordinado por

Evelyn

sobre la organización

We go backpacking with a purpose! Our programs combine cross-cultural dialogue, critical learning, community service, and of course, travel and adventure!

Conoce a tu anfitrión(a)

Is voluntourism helping or hurting what people called ‘the developing world’? Is there a way for visitors to positively contribute to local initiatives while also thinking critically about international development? What’s the best ice cream flavour, really?

In 2006, we boarded a flight to Accra, Ghana seeking answers to these questions and so many more. When we touched down, we were hit with a barrage of sights, sounds, and smells that shattered our preconceived notions of the ‘global south’. Rather than stumbling into a crumbling landscape, we were greeted by a beautiful, bustling city, rich with culture and brimming with innovation.

At the same time, we could see some of the challenges local communities were grappling with. Why does poverty continue to plague so much of the world while billionaires multiply and millions pour into international development projects that don’t seem to make a difference? We heard that governments, charities, and international organizations often pushed their own agendas without consulting the communities they said they were ‘helping.’

We learned that projects were much more likely to succeed if they were carried out in collaboration with the community. Not as a handout, not as charity – but in solidarity.

We started talking to local NGOs and community leaders about what their real needs were. We cultivated relationships with grassroots organizations, community leaders, and local governments. We began to build a program that wouldn’t just plop a volunteer into a project they knew little about. Instead, we would take a learning-first approach. We would combine an educational program with collaborative community service so that travellers could explore the local history, context, and challenges while contributing to local solutions.

Since that first pilot program in West Africa, OG has run hundreds of programs in more than 20 countries around the world. With all of this experience, we have expertly designed programs that navigate the inherent risks that come with embarking on such an awesome adventure. We bring cool, caring people together who want to explore the world while actively learning to change it for the better. We’re sparking a movement of globally active and socially conscious travellers.

Accessible, responsible and immersive travel is our mission. Go to our website to learn about our financial support options including our Financial Needs Grants that can cover up to 25% of your program fee.

Email us to join our mail list or for the application for our Financial Needs Grant: mail@operationgroundswell.com.

26 reseñas · rating5

Ramona rating5

2017 at Rights & Resistance

This was my first trip with OG back in July of 2017, lasting for 2.5 weeks. Words do not do justice to how amazing and experiential this program was, making wonderful and deep friendships along the way and creating an impact with the locals that has changed my travel mindset today. We got out hands ...
I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. My partner and I planned to go 2 years ago, we actually won an Instagram contest haha but it was cancelled due to COVID. We finally made it happen April 23 - May 1! I remember sitting in a coffee shop, submitting our applications and being both ...
Susie Jones rating5

2021 at Sustainable Agriculture in the Andes

Over the course of 9 days I had an experience of a lifetime. OG provides experiential learning opportunities with off the beaten path adventures. I was able to be part of a dynamic group of individuals and explore a whole a new region abroad. I was able to live on a farm and live the slow life while ...
Vicki rating5

2019 at Join the Food Revolution

Visiting Ecuador and focusing our trip on food revolutions was educational, spiritual, and amazing! You are participating in community service that is requested by the partners you are working with so when you leave it is not as if you are leaving halfway completed projects that will never be ...
Lauren rating5

2019 at Seed to Shelf

As a fairly experienced traveller before my program with OG, I was worried that I wouldn't get a lot out of the program. I was worried I'd resent the group dynamic, that I wouldn't learn much, and that the promises of real and intimate connections with locals simply couldn't be achieved in this ...
Laura rating5

2019 at Explore Mayan Culture

Traveling with Operation Groundswell to Guatemala was truly one of the most valuable experiences I have had. I learned more in those 15 days than could ever be possible in my 4 years of University in a classroom setting. I have long been searching for a volunteer program that doesn't feel like the ...

Ubicación

América > Centroamérica > Guatemala > San Lorenzo El Cubo

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