GUATEMALA

Join us on our next return to Guatemala! Rich in landscapes, cultures, ruins, food, textiles, history and so much more, Guatemala is a treasure trove of color and energy. We will spend time in Antigua, with its incredible buildings and markets, before heading off to Lake Atitlan where our NGO partner is based. Before heading home we will visit volcanoes, lagoons, vistas, more markets, sunsets and sunrises, and some ruins too. All without tons of driving or changing hotels every night – this is an excellent region for seeing a lot in a small area.

We are once again joining our epic NGO partner: Unlocking Silent Histories. They work to introduce film-making to indigenous youths, whose voices are often unheard, drowned out, or not shared in the first place. USH works to train youths and local staff in the art of documentary film-making so they have the tools to tell their own stories, for themselves. We believe in this message strongly and are really excited about this partnership.

There’s a catch for this particular trip: in October 2019, USH was robbed by someone they trusted. Their entire office was emptied out: 8 years worth of camera gear, laptops, and other donations is gone – and their bank account was emptied. They are back at square one. And we’re right there with them, ready to show these youths they’re worth the effort. We will come with plenty of donations, and of course a cash donation when our time is done. If you believe that supporting indigenous or youth stories is important, join us to re-equip USH and show up for these kids and stand with them.

USH desires to bring photography into their skill set for the youths, how it can stand alone as a storytelling art and also how it can inform and inspire film-making too. No video experience is required to join this trip, however if it interests you it will also be available and discussed.

Join us for a pretty amazing adventure through Guatemala!

Trip Dates

August 10-18 2020

Cost

$2900 USD

Group Size

8-10

Difficulty

Not Difficult

Difficulty

Physical Difficulty

This trip is physically moderate. There will be walking each day, some hiking, climbing to viewpoints, but at this time no major hikes or difficult climbs await us. Stairs, hills, and walking the streets will be common, and some effort to reach a viewpoint will be required.

Emotional Difficulty

The emotional demands of this trip are moderate. You will get to know the kids and get a glimpse into their real lives, and that will push you emotionally to face the fact that much of the world lives on very little. You may grapple with your own gratitude but also guilt meeting head-on. Some may feel a sense of helplessness but your leaders will assist in handling that and processing it. At the same time, you will be blown away by their attitudes, their strength, their curiosity, their willingness, and much more.

Accom, Meals, and Amenities

The standards of accommodation, quality of meals, and access to amenities of this trip are quite good. We will be staying in pleasant local accommodation, similar to a b+b, with twin rooms. We choose quaint, cultural accommodation with space for the team to spread out and also to gather and debrief. Food in Guatemala is very good, and access to amenities is excellent as well. It’s unlikely this trip will challenge you in any of these regards.

Safety

Level of safety in Guatemala is very good. During the day, you’ll find the atmosphere extremely pleasant and friendly. In general, we do not advise going out after dark alone. Common sense with your camera gear is always required. Take precautions to stay in tourist zones if spending time in Guatemala City.

Trip Locations

Arrivals

Arrive in Guatemala City and be transferred to our hotel in Antigua (approx 1-hour drive).

Antigua

Markets, street photography, architecture, colors and much more, Antigua is a cultural gem. Well-preserved Spanish architecture mixes with traditional pre-colonial Guatemalan culture; it has a long history you feel that as you roam the streets. We will spend time here practising street photography, reviewing images, exploring, getting lost, and learning about Guatemala.

Lake Atitlan

Lagos Atitlan is a lake in the Guatemalan Highlands, rimmed by volcanoes, lush rainforest, and dotted with towns. It’s often regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world – and you’ll see why. We will explore it’s landscapes at sunrise and sunset, from up high and then down low on the shores, soaking in golden hour as much as we have the energy for. When not exploring its volcanoes, vistas, and viewpoints we will take delicious team dinners in town and enjoy the magical atmosphere here. The area draws yogis, artists, writers, retreats, backpackers, and more so you can expect to find great coffee, healthy food, and comfortable amenities.

NGO days

Our NGO partner is based on Lake Atitlan so we don’t have to travel far to get involved. Don’t worry you don’t have to personally teach the big concepts – your leaders will conduct the lessons and the rest is about support, encouragement, suggestions (via a translator), and exploring with cameras. We will work with the staff, and the youths to explore storytelling in photography, while providing a new slew of cameras and gear, and reminding these kids that they’re worth it. It will be a blast!

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is a town about 90 minutes inland from Lake Atitlan, home to some lovely buildings but also one of the largest markets in the region. We will head this way to explore the color and chaos of a massive Guatemalan market, not only photographing but tasting, drinking, and otherwise enjoying our way through it all.

Departures

We will have a final night in Antigua to wind down our adventure. Departures begin from Guatemala City (~1 hour away) the next day.

What is Included?

All Ground Transportation

From the moment you arrive to when you depart, we have you covered. Taxis, buses, tours, you name it.

All Accommodation and Meals

Rooms are double rooms with twin beds, paired by gender, and accommodation is always clean, comfortable, and safe. From dinner the arrival day, to breakfast the departure day, we will keep you well fed and hydrated.

All Entry Fees and Guides

Entry fees, shooting permits, guides, passes, etc. If the team is going to shoot there, we’ll get you in. We’ll even be sure to tip any guides on behalf of the whole team.

All Photo Instruction

You’ll have 2 leaders available all day long to field as many questions as you can muster, provide one-on-one help, and offer group topics and instruction as required by the scene at hand.

A Donation to the NGO

While there are a lot of factors involved that determine the exact amount – which we’re happy to be completely transparent about – you can rest assured we make a substantial donation to our NGO partner post-trip.

What is Not?

Flights

We’re open to people from every corner of the world. This means we cannot possibly offer a flight that would suit everyone. If you can get yourself here, we’ll take care of the rest!

Insurance

We require every participant to have adequate travel insurance, and to carry copies of this insurance at all times.

Passport and Visa

Each participant is required to ensure their passport is valid for the time of travel, and to research, learn, and meet all the requirements of an entry visa specific to their country. If there are fees associated with the entry visa, they’re not included.

Alcohol and Souvenirs

We do not provide alcohol for our participants, so that’s up to you. As well, as much as we really really like you, we can’t buy your gifts for you. Souvenirs are on you!

Internet

Some hotels have wifi, others do not, or sometimes it simply doesn’t work. When wifi is available for purchase, it’s up to you if it’s worthwhile. Some participant opt to purchase a local SIM card and data plan – a great option that we don’t cover.

The NGO: Unlocking Silent Histories

Through an engaged critical and creative process, Unlocking Silent Histories inspires Indigenous youth to create documentary films that capture and illuminate their cultures, languages, and customs. The voices of the youth lead the process, deciding which traditions and heritages to preserve and which methods are best to apply. Our goal is to collaboratively foster a learning and leadership model for younger generations as well as create business ideas that support their communities.

Indigenous communities – in Guatemala and around the world – face extra discrimination, poverty, isolation, and barriers to things like education, work, and respect. We envision a future where Indigenous youth leaders around the world inspire teams of young people to capture, revive, and reinvigorate their cultures, traditions, and languages through creating and discussing documentary films. We imagine these Indigenous youth leaders making social impacts, locally and globally by sharing their films across generational and geographical boundaries.

2020 Update: In late 2019, USH offices were robbed by a former staff member. Everything was taken. We want to assist with replenishing their supplies (cameras, tripods, hard drives, computers even) and stand with them to say this project with worthwhile: that photography (and film) is a powerful tool worth teaching and sharing and using around the world.