Projects

CasaSito Mayan Community Radio Station Training Center Project, Guatemala

Help the Mayan people preserve their culture

Guatemala has more than 20 distinct Mayan languages. In many communities, Spanish is not even spoken. The indigenous people of Guatemala have relied on themselves to uphold their traditions and languages. One way they remain connected and informed is through community radio. CasaSito is helping to construct a training center near the beautiful city of Quetzaltenango, locally known as "Xela", to train people on how to start up and maintain community radio throughout the country. This is a long-term project to construct the training center, which will include classrooms, accommodations, a cafeteria and a museum of community radio in Guatemala.

With this VolunTour, not only do you help build the center, you help fund it. Approximately 25% of the tour cost goes directly to the CasaSito organization for materials and worker wages. The volunteers work side by side with locals led by project director Tino, the man with the vision of the training center. Tino has devoted his life’s work to creating a better life for the indigenous people of Guatemala, who have suffered a troubled history. Tino is proud to tell the story from a different point of view than the history books.

No construction experience necessary.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day into Guatemala City. You will be met at the airport by your tour leader who will hold a sign with your name on it at the arrivals area and then transferred to the hotel in Antigua. Your tour leader will then hold an orientation with the entire group that evening.

Day 2: Travel day. This morning, after breakfast, we leave Antigua for Quetzaltenango, otherwise known as Xela (Shay-la). Upon arrival to the hostel in Xela, you will be met by Tino, the project director for the Radio Station Training Center. Tino will explain the history and the importance of the center and help you get prepared for you work day tomorrow. Your evening is free to enjoy at your leisure. (B)

Day 3: Workday. After breakfast, the group will head out to the project site to begin construction work. Tino and his team of workers will guide you in the workday, so all you will need are your work boots, work gloves, and the will to put in a good day of work. After the workday, the group will be brought back to Xela, where your evening is free to enjoy at your leisure. (B,L)

Day 4: Workday. (B,L)

Day 5: Workday: (B,L)

Day 6: Half a workday, followed by a hike to the sacred Mayan Lake Chicobal. Tonight, Tino will lead the group to the lake where we will set up camp to overnight. The lake is a special place where the Guerillas congregated during the Guatemalan Civil War (1960 – 1996). Tino served as a Guerilla during the war for 14 years and has many stories to share. He will give the group a very different perspective on one of the darkest periods of Guatemalan history. Enjoy marshmallows over the campfire and feel free to bring a guitar, drum, harmonica, what have you. (B,L,D)

Day 7: This morning, the group will hike back to town after breakfast and get ready for the afternoon excursion to Las Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs in nearby Zunil. Here the group will be able to relax and wind down in the natural hot springs. On the premises are a bar and restaurant to enjoy. Afterwards, you will be brought back to the hostel in Xela. (B)

Day 8: Workday. (B,L)

Day 9: Half workday in the morning, with a farewell lunch with Tino and his family. After lunch, the group will take the Chicken Bus back to Antigua for an evening of leisure. (Suggestion: Go out and party tonight!) (B,L)

Day 10: Excursion day. The group will go to Volcan Pacaya and begin our hike up the volcano. With a little luck, we will be able to roast marshmallows on the flowing lava! (lava flow is not guaranteed) Tonight, enjoy your last night in Antigua. (You may want to go out and party some more.) (B)

Day 11: Final day of the tour. Today, your tour leader will help you find your way back to Guatemala City for your flight home, or suggest other fun things to do in Guatemala if you plan to stick around for a few more days.

* Itinerary subject to minor changes if necessary.

Available Dates:

The CasaSito Mayan Community Radio Station Training Center VolunTour will begin on the 7th and the 21st of every month. Please indicate which date you would like to book when filling out the booking form.

*Note - Custom departure dates can easily be arranged. Let us know when works for you.