Guatemala January 2026

COR 375 Paul Nemecek

Mountainous, heavily forested and dotted with Mayan ruins, lakes, volcanoes, orchids and exotic birds, Guatemala, “the land of eternal spring,” is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America.

$0 student cost*

*No Cost with the CCS Subsidy. The $200 nonrefundable application fee is not included in this amount. The CCS Subsidy applies to 1st CCS program only.

Trip Costs

Students are responsible for tuition for COR374 and COR 375 and a $200 nonrefundable application fee.

A current passport is required.

Student Testimonial

“Guatemala was a chance for me to be challenged to go out of my comfort zone and embrace the Mayan culture. I grew so much from my trip, and so much from being involved with and serving those who don't have the privileges that I have. My time in Guatemala was beyond amazing! I loved being able to show God's love to the Mayan people just by being willing to open up and embrace their culture. My favorite part was showing love and spending time with the children of the Mayan village.”

Kamijha Hein

Education

Spend time in schools and understand the challenges of gaining an education in Guatemala. Visit with SAU alumni teaching in international schools!

Family

Understand the issue of the “disappeared” in conversation with support groups for their families. Learn to make Mayan cuisine, especially tortillas. Experience the Mayan culture in a mountain village. Participate in a typical Mayan wedding. While in Antigua, we may live with Guatemalan host families.

Government

Experience the colonial capital of Antigua and beautiful Lake Atitlan surrounded by three majestic volcanoes. Meet with organizations monitoring work conditions in the maquiladoras, export assembly plants.

Religion

Visit missionaries and fellowship with Guatemalans. Learn about Mayan beliefs as well as the influence of the Catholic Church in Guatemala.

Economics

Learn about ministries to thousands of impoverished people. See how families scavenge at the city dump. Visit markets displaying artisan crafts. Gain a better understanding of the roots of poverty and marginalization. 

  • Study Spanish language with your own tutor at your own level for a week in Antigua.
  • Experience Guatemalan family life, hospitality, and cuisine in your week-long family home stay in Antigua.
  • See how the famous Mayan weaving is done on back strap looms. Try it yourself.
  • Visit Mayan ruins and learn more about their great civilization.
  • Meet today's Mayans, who make up half the population of Guatemala.
  • See how some of the world's best coffee is grown and roasted.

Departure Dates

January 2026 experiences may leave as early as December 28, 2025 and return before the start of the Spring Semester. Students should not make irreversible plans until their departure date is confirmed by the CCS office in early Fall 2025.

CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.

Health & Safety

This experience, like all CCS experiences, is subject to political and safety realities at the time of departure. CCS options can be physically and emotionally intense and stretching. Before enrolling, all participants should consult the disclosures on Physical Hardships of CCS.

Covid shots are not required as of December 2022 for Guatemala. For more details on required immunizations consult the immunizations chart.

Passport and immunizations required (both at additional cost).