¡Bienvenido a Guatemala!
Guatemala is among the most beautiful countries in Central America, with heavily forested mountain regions, Mayan ruins, lakes, volcanoes and orchids. Its indigenous population, the Maya, make up about half of its total populace and continue to speak Mayan languages and follow Mayan traditions. Guatemala's beauty and strength of identity have not been matched by its cohesion and prosperity. Guatemalans live in one of the most iniquitous societies in the region where the top 2% control an estimated 58% of the national wealth and where up to 90% of people subsist on less than $2.00/day. The malnutrition rate for children is higher than in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa and more than two-thirds of the population live in extreme poverty. While illiteracy, infant mortality and malnutrition are among the highest in the region, life expectancy is among the lowest.
Tamahú is located in Guatemala's eastern highlands, approximately 100 miles northeast of Guatemala City, and is nestled amid beautiful mountains that are home to more than 10,000 Mayan people of the Pocomchi and Q'eqchi tribes.
The near-subsistence farmers of Tamahú continue a generational disadvantage, toiling away on shrinking plots etched into steep hillsides, barely able to grow enough corn and beans to last the year. The worldwide spike in food prices in the last year has increased the amount families spend on basic food staples by about 12 quetzals ($1.54) per day. That's half a day's pay as a hired farm worker! To make matters worse, the country was recently struck by Tropical Storm Agatha, followed by months of torrential rains that brought deadly landslides and floods. These events have pushed families further into desperation.
Mir Pace has been leading groups of high school students to Tamahú since 2003, bringing nutritional, medical, educational, and development assistance to the people of Tamahú.
2012 IHSM Trip Schedule
Feb 17 - 25, 2012
April 13 - 21, 2012
While in Tamahú, we will assist the poorest families living in the mountains. This unique immersion trip puts you smack dab into Mayan culture and gives you an up close and personal look at the true face of poverty. You will be paired and assigned to a family who you will work with, side-by-side, in daily activities such as preparing traditional foods like tortillas, making fires, hand washing clothes, weaving on a back-strap loom, planting, harvesting, splitting firewood, caring for and entertaining children, etc. Sharing time and hard work with your family and their children is a truly unique and authentic cultural experience that will open your eyes and hearts!
If time allows, we will also assist with feeding, cleaning, and playing with the children at our center for chronically malnourished infants and children.
Each evening will be spent together as a group where we will share and reflect upon the amazing events of each day.
The impact you’ll make on the people of Tamahú will only be surpassed by the impact they will make on you!
The cost of each program is $1,500.00 per person (additional fees may apply if originating in a city other than Boston, MA). Price includes:
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Round-trip air on major US carrier
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2 night's accommodation at Biltmore Express Hotel, Guatemala City
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7 night's accommodation in Tamahú
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
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Ground transportation while in Guatemala