Since 2014 members of the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara have been traveling annually to Guatemala to do volunteer work. Because of COVID we weren't able to schedule trips in 2021 and 2022. We're eagerly looking forward to what will be our eighth visit to Guatemala this year for international service.
Our partner organization in Guatemala since 2014, Mayan Families, recently changed its name to Natun in order to reflect their focus on strengthening the indigenous Mayan community.
A short video which explains the work of Natun can be clicked below or found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt_5a8OnmaQ
This year we will be flying from LAX to Guatemala City on Friday, March 24th and returning to California on Sunday, April 2nd. We are currently working with Natun to determine the volunteer work to be performed this year. In previous years the work performed has included installation of high-efficiency wood burning stoves, set-up of water filters, supporting nutrition programs and some construction work. Work assignments are made based on the skills and interests of participants.
It is estimated that the costs for each participant will total about $1,950:
~ $800 round-trip airfare LAX to GUA arranged by particpants
~ $850 lodging and meal package for our stay in Panajachel
~ $300 for other miscellaneous costs
~ $800 round-trip airfare LAX to GUA arranged by particpants
~ $850 lodging and meal package for our stay in Panajachel
~ $300 for other miscellaneous costs
On the night of arrival in Guatemala and on the night prior to returning to California we'll be staying in the Barcelo hotel, a modern comfortable hotel which is a short distance from the Guatemala City Airport. In Panajachel we'll be staying in comfortable lodging that we've used before.
Participants don't need to have any knowledge of Spanish. There will also be time for sightseeing. Typically we stop in the historic town of Antigua during our return to Guatemala City.
We will be spending most of our time in the small tourist town of Panajachel which is on the shores of Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America. Panajachel is at an elevation of about 5,200 feet which gives it a comfortable year-round climate.
We hope that you'll be able to join us this year.
To get more information or to indicate a desire to participate you can contact Bill Dutton billdutton5@msn.com or Don Jack donaldjack@verizon.net