Pura Vida is currently offering trips based on two different itineraries. Both of them will provide plenty of opportunities for serving those in need, learning about the Fair Trade coffee industry, as well as plenty of adventure.
We currently offer two basic tour itineraries for all of our tours. While the basic difference is varying amounts of adventure and service, service and learning is at the heart of all our tours.
Looking for a little more adventure? Then this is the tour for you. Experience inner-tubing down the Lankin River, hiking the active volcano Pacaya,as well as many more exciting adventures in Guatemala. Please note that this itinerary is slightly more strenuous and involves more adventure segments as well as longer travel times between locations. View the itinerary for our adventure based tour.
Like economics and service? A unique way to connect with familes on Pura Vida Cooperative Farms, this tour involves more service opportunities within the local communities as we individually become acquainted with the locals. View the itinerary for our service based tour.
Adventure Based
Saturday
From the airport, the group will travel high into the cloud forest mountains in Alto Verapaces where they will spend the night at Ram Tzul hotel.
Sunday
On the way to Finca el Volcan, the group will visit an indigenous village in the Sierra de las Minas mountains, Senahu. Upon arrival at Finca el Volcan, we’ll get to know the people and eat dinner as guests in their homes.
Monday
A morning tour will give opportunities to learn about the organic coffee, cardamom, and cocoa farming. They will hear how this type of farming and development benefits both the environment and the local people. Mid-day a hike one hour deep into the jungle will bring the group to the amazing Rio Chiacte for a picnic lunch.
Tuesday
The opportunity exists to work in the fields with the locals for part of a day and begin to understand, first-hand, the back breaking life of the developing world. Alternatively, there is also a school at this finca where a group could engage with kids through sports or crafts.
Wednesday
A full day of adventure starts by taking an inner tube run down the turquoise waters of the Lankin river. Afterwards they will load up the trucks and drive to Chisec by way of Coban, where they will visit a couple of communities where Peace Corp volunteers are working with the community to develop eco-tourism and sustainable businesses (chiles, cocoa, candles, etc.)
Thursday
The group will depart Chisec early for Cancuen, where we will see some Mayan ruins currently under excavation by one of the leading archeologists in the world.
Friday
A 6-hour journey will bring the group to Antigua, one of Central America’s great colonial cities. After our arrival there will be time to relax in the park, sip coffee in one of the many cafes, or barter the hours away in the market.
Saturday
A morning hike will take the group to the active volcano Pacaya – a rare opportunity. The afternoon will allow for more rest and relaxation before heading home.
Saturday
Meet Bridge Builders liaison at airport and travel to Antigua (about 45 minutes) by minivan. Spend the night.
Sunday
Travel through the green mountains of Sierra De Las Minas to Nueva Alianza. Spend the afternoon learning about Cafe Consciencia and meet with key leaders of community. Evening meal will be in the homes of the locals.
Monday
Begin the morning with a tour and explanation of the organic coffee and macadamia farm as well as the community's bottled water productions. Examine the values of organic farming and how it impacts the environment and the lcoal people. An afternoon hike will be followed by a gathering with women and daughters from Nueva Alianza to learn more about their lives in the community. Spend the night at the farm.
Tuesday
After participatng in a mini-service project in the morning, we'll interact with youth from the community. A farewell party will make for a fun and entertaining evening.
Wednesday
In the morning we will travel to Santiago by way of the scenic Lake Atitilan. Here we'll see both hurricane damage in the community of Panabaj and the new classrooms paid for in part by Pura Vida Partners. The evening will entail rest and relaxation at the lake and accommodations at hotel Fonda Del Sol.
Thursday
After a leisurely morning, we reutrn to Antigua (3 hours). After settling into the hotel, the group will have a chance to wander the city. Following dinner the group can wander the streets and observe the making of alfombras (rugs made of colored sawdust and flowers).
Friday
A free day in Antigua, one of Latin America's greatest colonial cities.
Saturday
Options include a day hike of Volcano Pacaya, an active volcano.
