Online, published student fees are valid through July 31, 2023 enrollment for travel in 2024.
Contact Interact to begin planning, or to receive preliminary details for fall enrollment 2024 and 2025.
DAY ONE - Arrival Antigua Homestay or Hotel
Most flights arrive in the evening. Greeting by Interact's Foreign Representative in the
Guatemala City airport lobby. Transfer to Antigua and your hotel or homestay. Homestay groups
will meet the Program Director and your host families
Antigua homestay groups live with middle class host families who are relatives, neighbors,
or lifelong friends of our homestay director. Homes are within walking distance of the Tecun
Uman language school, which serves as the meeting point and social center for group activities.
All host families are monitored and continually evaluated. Everyone speaks Spanish in the home.
Antigua is among the world's best conserved colonial cities, it is a magical and captivating
small town that makes you feel time might have stopped some 300 years ago. It's famous for its
spring-like climate, cobblestone streets and impressive ruins. Antigua is renowned for its
tranquility and friendliness.
DAY TWO - Centro Historico, Shopping, & Salsa
Guided walking tour of Antigua's Centro Historico landmarks and craft market - with over 400 vendors. Following lunch, meet for salsa dance  .
DAY THREE - Coffee & Crafts / SOMOS humanitarian
Enjoy your morning visit to the Centro Cultural Azotea: coffee, Maya musical instruments, and traditional textiles. OPTION: Replace Azotea with
Filadelfia Coffee Plantation which includes dual line zip-lining (6 platforms). Following lunch, participate in our exclusive SOMOS humanitarian
total experience. You'll receive a list of the most needed items and visit a local 'super', where you'll have an opportunity to
purchase those supplies (budget $15 each). Complete your SOMOS experience as you interact with the children while painting, gardening, etc.
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DAY FOUR - Pacaya Volcano Hike
Drive to San Francisco de Sales. Hike (moderate) this active
volcano and explore the crater area. Recommendations: hiking shoes, raincoat, jacket or sweater,
gloves, camera, flashlight, purified bottled water, and snack. Bring this equipment in your
back-pack and clothes in a nylon bag. Later, return to the bargaining markets where you'll have
fun practicing your Spanish and bargaining skills.
DAY FIVE -  Tikal / Belize
Early morning flight to Flores, where you'll transfer to Tikal, Ancient City of Echoes.
Explore Tikal with a specialized local guide. The site is set in within a protected area and
boasts 5 temples, 3 of which you may climb. Return to a nearby lodge for lunch. Later, meet
your Belizean guide for your transfer to the twin cities of San Ignacio & Santa Elena, for
dinner and an opportunity for a refreshing swim in your hotel.
DAY SIX - Barton Creek Cave/ SOMOS
Today, participate in your second SOMOS humanitarian experience (budget $15 each). Here you'll visit a local school, and interact with the students and teachers. Continue to Barton Creek Cave, where you'll glide through a remote underground ancient Maya water cave system in a canoe equipped with a powerful spotlight. Witness large and colorful formations, skeletal remains and other cultural artifacts left behind by the Maya centuries ago.
On your return, you'll pass through a picturesque Mennonite community, where you can observe a slice of local, daily life.
DAYS SEVEN & EIGHT - Playa 2 nights
Breakfast in your hotel. Transfer to the coast for your boat taxi to San Pedro (Ambergris)
or Caye Caulker. Close your eyes and picture a tropical island with white sand, blue-green water,
and palm trees rustling overhead in the warm breeze.
Belize's barrier reef is a paradise. In
just 6-10 feet of water you'll find an amazing diversity of marine life. The reef provides
protection which makes for clear, calm water, so it's ideal for optional snorkeling.
DAY NINE - Return to the USA
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DEPARTURES
9 days/8 nights |
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NIGHTS
Antigua Homestay or Hotel
San Ignacio
Playa |
4
2
2 |
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MEALS
Inland: all meals included in homestay program
Two meals a day in hotel program.
Playa meals are independent.
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