UPCOMING TRIP DATES

 

August 2008              

Dec 2008

Jan 2009                 See below

 

 TRIP OBJECTIVE:   to provide 5 days of making dental smiles in the Colomba clinic. You will collect hugs and many thanks. Share a piece of these wonderful people's lives. You will stay on a finca with all the Macadamias you can crack.

Also enjoy, at your option, a trip to historic world heritage site, Antigua which may include a visit to active volcano Pacaya. The trip also includes travel to the heart of Mayan country to see their colorful culture and beautiful Lago Atitlan, a crater lake surrounded by 3 volcanic cones.

 TRIP PACKAGE  BASICS:  During the first clinic, we learned a lot about meeting the needs of volunteer students versus volunteer professionals. As a result of the budget and comfort level disparity, Tony has agreed to make a limited number of rooms in his house available, as well as the cheaper ¨dorm style¨ standard rooms. He has also promised to upgrade the standard rooms with a new hot water system and better beds. We are also opted for more in the food budget for variety and quality

 

Therefore, we are offering two volunteer trip pricing and accommodation options: standard and deluxe. Those choosing to tour with the group under either plan will have all meals, hotels, transportation and admissions provided (liquor not included). All you need to do is come and enjoy.

We also realized some volunteers prefer independent travel. In this case, we suggest that you arrange your own pre or post clinic travel plans. Spirit will not be responsible for separate travel plans chosen by the independent traveler during any part of the trip.

Our charges are budgeted too closely and often involve  prepayments. We can not refund for the additional costs involved when participants change their plans. The clinic MUST be self supporting.  We are also not responsible for external plans made by the participant in advance. 

CLINIC HOUSING: the guest ranch is a working farm.  Please note: this is a developing country, and this is not the same as a 4 star B&B in scenic Sedona. You can experience macadamia nuts, coffee harvesting (October to January), dairy - cheese making, plant propagation for US markets and the life of the finca villagers. We are guarded on the finca and will have police escort to and from the clinic for our safety. Tony works very hard to meet our needs.

 FINCA ECONOMY ROOMS

 

F

Generally 2 to a room.  Tony has ordered new mattresses and will install new heating elements for the showers.

Finca deluxe rooms, some with

shared bath

 

 NON CLINIC HOUSING

Ecomony class: will be staying in smaller hotels, which are safe and clean. 

  • Guatemala City: A family run B&B close to the airport.  Each room has a bath and 2-3 beds shared by group members. Homey living room for gathering.
  • Antigua: Smaller hotel just outside central area.
  • Panajachel: small hotel on a quiet side street.

Deluxe Hotels: similar to Marriott in quality. People in this  category will be in a separate area.  

SPECIAL AUGUST TRIP

 

We will be welcoming 3 students from Kings College, London at this specially organized trip.  Three US students will join them. We welcome other volunteers to join us. This trip will have a different schedule as follows:  (A FEW PLACES OPEN- reserve your place)  See full description below of trip itinerary

Aug 5th: arrival in Guatemala evening flights or early morning  United flight on the 6th.

Aug 6th: travel to Colomba via lowland ruins

Aug 7th- 8th: work in the clinic

Aug 9-10: travel to Panajachel and Chichicastenango Sunday market and Cerro Maya to see Mayan altar. 

Aug 11-13: working at the clinic

Aug 14: return to Guatemala City

Aug 15: Departure for British Students and end of basic trip

 Aug 16:  Optional extra day in Historic Antigua. May hike active Pacaya

Aug 16 or 17:  departure at your option

* I would offer the extra  day or 2, if enough people are interested in this extra part of the trip. 

COSTS:     Students     Professionals     Extra day in Antigua

Basic trip   $600                $700                   depends on # participants -                                                                              estimate $50-70 

 


 VOLUNTEER TRIP PLAN:  (Jan 7-18)   

Day 1: Travel to- from US  and overnight at B&B / Marriott in    Guatemala

 

Day 2: : Travel to Colomba, stopping by lowland ruins

 

Day 3-7: Clinic days, making smiles. We will breakfast by 8 and reach the clinic about 8:30, working until 3-4 PM. There will be time to visit the finca amenities and learn about finca life.

 

Day 8: Up very early to brunch in Chichicastenango after a hike up to Cerra Maya, a 1000 year old altar where the local Mayans pray for health, crops and ask for advice on marriage, etc. We will be in Chichi on their busy market days (Thursday or Sunday) where you  will find the stones for stone soup.


 

Late afternoon departure to Panajachel and Lago Atitlan, the most beautiful lake in he world (I'm predjudiced)  A No host sunset drink overlooking the lake at sunset before dinner at Guajimbos. 

 


 

Day 9: Cross the lake to Santiago Atitlan, a mostly pure Mayan village located between 3 "Mt. Fuji" type volcanoes. Later, travel to Antigua for the night. Shopping opportunity

 

Day 10-11: Antigua We will see San Francisco ruins, public laundry, central plaza with historic cathedral, new arts center, world heritage buildings along the cobbled streets, taste pepian chicken, tour a Jade factory and see mountains of crafts for sale. At your option, we will also hike-  horseback ride up Pacaya, a very active volcano. If you choose not to do this, you will have extra time visiting Antigua. Late afternoon to GUatemala for your flight out the next day

 

   

 

El Fuego from San Francisco ruins   

 

     

Pacaya in action  

Day 12: flight home


 December 27- January 7th SAME TRIP PLAN

 

COSTS: 

LAND COSTS: Basic Student -Basic Adult - Deluxe - Single Supplement

Clinic only               $350       $400         $600       $150 

Touring Guatemala $350 *    $400         $550 *     $175

Total                        $700       $800        $1150      $325

* A ride-hike to Pacaya (active volcano) will cost an extra $30 

 

AIRFARES: Airfares fluctuate greatly. You should expect to  pay between $475 to $700 depending on smart shopping and departure dates. I usually expect to pay around $500, although recent gas hikes have made a difference.

 

TRIP REQUIREMENTS:

1. Passport

2. Immunizations: hepatitus, DPT, etc. Check with CDC or your doctor

3. Malaria tablets optional (provided)

4. Attention to trip safety rules