Testimonials

Here is what some of our VolunTourists are saying about their unique VolunTour experiences...

"Our experience exceeded our expectations, What an amazing project to be a part of! The Project Somos Team made us feel right at home and they felt like family by the time we left. Jen and I felt very useful in helping with the construction of the first house of the children's village and we bonded with the local Guatemalan workers very fast. it was amazing to see the construction progress over our 10 days there and found it very hard to leave. Were so proud to have been a part of it! Our time with El Camino was seamless and we felt safe and comfortable at all times with our great guide and friend Kate leading our way. Our organized trips to the old capital of Antigua, Our hike to the crater of Volcano Pacaya and our weekend at Lake Atitlan were stunning insights into the beauty and diversity of the country, I wish we had time to see more!
Thank you very much!"

~ Gavin and Jen - Vancouver BC

 

"Volunteering abroad is something everyone should experience! This trip is great because Chris found a balance between working hard and giving back to the community with seeing the country and joining in with exciting excursions. We truly got to see a part of the world only a few people are lucky enough to see. The knowledge and experiences I got from the trip is something that will stay with me forever."
~ Lindsey - Regina SK

 

"Prior to my trip to Nicaragua with El Camino Voluntours I had never volunteered abroad and was hesitant about the trip I was about to go on. Looking back I am extremely happy that I decided to make the trip as the volunteer experience has been one of the best in my life! The phrase "I've really felt like I made a difference" may be overused but in this situation I can honestly say that it applies to my volunteer experience in Nicaragua. The work we did on the reserve building the dam was a great experience where we really felt we were contributing to the project. Even better was the experience of living with the family, interacting with them, making connections and their fabulous cooking! Oh and of course how can you forget the 35 degree weather and the beaches as well."

 

~ Chris - Vancouver BC

 

 

"In 2010 I made a promise to myself to 'travel with purpose'. I came across a poster in town for El Camino VolunTours, and decided to attend the slideshow to see what it was all about. I was skeptical, given that all the volunteer-abroad opportunities I had seen were either extremely expensive, religion-based, or just didn't seem to do honest work. It didn't take long for me to see that El Camino was different - in fact, they didn't have an entrance fee for their slideshow, but simply requested canned goods for the local food bank. Never seen THAT before!

My boyfriend and I quickly made the decision to travel with El Camino to Guatemala to work with Project Somos. The work was hot, dusty, finicky and incredibly rewarding. The Mayan workers we were spending time with were so patient with my lack of Spanish, and I truly felt as if I were making a difference in the lives of the children who would be living in the homes we were building.

I appreciated so much about El Camino's VolunTour; the organization of the trip was seamless, the transportation was always reliable, and the meals were easy to find and easy to eat! It took a bit more effort to find food suitable for vegetarians, but we never went hungry! What I liked most though, was how respected Chris seemed to be wherever we went. We would walk into a coffee shop with him, and the local proprietor would happily exclaim, "Chriiiiis!!" It was obvious that Chris was respectful by the local community, and that they knew he was there doing good work. I was really proud to be a part of that, and representing El Camino.

I can't wait to do another VolunTour with El Camino, and I certainly recommend them to anyone wishing to volunteer abroad. I felt safe, well taken-care-of, and even though I didn't speak Spanish, Chris and others on the tour quickly helped out if I needed it. I feel that El Camino is doing important work with incredible integrity, and that's exactly what I was looking for. The fact that the trip was very much in the cost range that I could afford was a totally excellent bonus!

Thanks Chris! Can't wait to go on another tour soon!"

~ Robyn - Vancouver, BC

 

 

"Thank you so much Chris and your El Camino colleagues for providing such an incredible volunteer experience. You provided a perfect blend of interesting excursions with stimulating volunteer work. During the VolunTour, members of our diverse group had the opportunity to help build an orphanage, be introduced to sustainable construction techniques, learn about Mayan history and culture, get off the "gringo tourist trail", be physically active, and meet fascinating people living and making a difference in Guatemala. VolunTouring with El Camino is truly a memorable vacation experience."

 

~ Linda - Vancouver, BC

 

 

"The El Camino trip to Guatemala was a fantastic experience. Everything was smooth and well organized and I felt completely safe and relaxed the whole trip thanks to Chris' leadership of our group. Guatemala is incredibly beautiful and we definitely got to enjoy some of the wonders to be found there on our trip, and the opportunity to work with Project Somos was the experience of a lifetime. I made great friends and lasting memories and would highly recommend a trip with El Camino Voluntours as an amazing vacation experience for anyone!"

 

~ Tricia - Vancouver, BC

 

 

"I would like to say thank you all for having me in Guatemala. That was wonderful experiences. I will never forget what we have done in Guatemala. Thank you very much!"

 

~ Katsunari - Japan

 

 

"I have been on two trips with El Camino Voluntours and have enjoyed both of them immensely. It is such a great experience and a vacation on so many levels. After coming back I can truly say that I feel refreshed and renewed on so many levels and with a greater appreciation for the life I lead and a new desire to help others. For anyone who does not want to sit on a resort beach for a week this trip is a great opportunity!"

 

~ Chris - Vancouver, BC

 

 

"I had the choice of sitting on the beach drinking margaritas during my holiday or going to Guatemala with El Camino. Choosing the voluntour has made all the difference! No other vacation has changed my perspective, broadened my mind, and given me lasting memories like volunteering with El Camino and Project Somos has!"
~ Lindsie - Los Angeles, CA