Projects

CasaSito Rain Water Catchment System Project, Guatemala

Help provide a family with safe drinking water

Fresh water is a major issue in Guatemala. The majority of streams and rivers are terribly polluted and not suitable for drinking, yet millions of people in the country are forced to rely on them to live. The CasaSito organization has been working in local communities on a solution to this problem: capture and store rain water in permanent cisterns to supply families with cleaner water, right at their home. They also provide a water filtration system to the family and educate them on how to properly maintain the tank it will last for many years to come.

When booking your CasaSito Rain Water Catchment System VolunTour, not only do you help build the cistern, you help fund it. Approximately 25% of the tour cost goes directly to the CasaSito organization for materials and labour. Together, the volunteers fund 100% of the cost of the tank they are going to build. Working side by side with the family and local workers in construction creates a cultural exchange experience that will change the lives of everyone involved.

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. After a morning to explore Antigua, the group will take a "Chicken Bus" ride through the Guatemalan highland countryside to Momostenango, or "Momos" to the locals. Upon arrival to the hotel in Momostenango, you will check in to your room, then have the evening to discuss the project with your tour leader, and enjoy dinner. Tomorrow we begin work. (B)

Day 3: Workday. Today the group will begin four solid days of work constructing the rainwater catchment tank with the project coordinators and family in a small village not far from Momos. (B,L)

Day 4: Workday. (B,L)

Day 5: Workday. (B,L)

Day 6: Workday. The tank will likely be completed on this day, so this will be our final night in Momos. After work, we pack our things and be ready to head out in the morning. (B,L)

Day 7: Excursion day. After breakfast, if there are any final touches to be made for the tank, the group will go back to the village to do so, then head to the stunning Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and jungle. You will overnight in one of the beautiful villages on the lake and celebrate your accomplishment at dinner. (B)

Day 8: Excursion day. The group will take a boat across the lake to other villages for some shopping and sight seeing opportunities. There are many things to see and do along the shores of this majestic lake. Talk to you tour leader about the possibilities. Overnight tonight on the lake again.

Day 9: Travel day. After lunch, the group will take the Chicken Bus back to Antigua for an evening of leisure. (Suggestion: Go out and party tonight!) (B)

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 Rainwater Catchment System VolunTour will begin on the 1st and the 15th 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.