A one week ground package including ground transportation, hotel, meals and a day trip averages $500-$600. The 2008 recommended minimum per person project funds for a one week mission trip is $300. Want more information? Email: info@missionsfrontier.org
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Need help planning and organizing your trip? Let us help. We can organize your entire trip from your Transportation to your Hotel to your work projects. Let us do the work. Email us ~ Plantrip
WEATHER
Guatemala is called the land of Eternal Spring. While Guatemala is in Central America and relatively close to the equator, Chichicastenango sits at an altitude of approximately 7000 ft making the weather year around seem like Summers in Colorado. The mornings and evenings can be cool (45F) and the afternoons - warm - generally around 75F. We have two seasons- wet and dry. November - April are dry and sunny. May - October are considered the rainy season - which means it is sunny and beautiful until around 4 pm everyday at which point we receive a torrential thunderstorm.
WHAT YOU MAY WANT TO BRING
Appropriate Clothing. While most locals wear their native dress everyday, they are accustomed to tourist wearing shorts, t-shirts, jeans....To be culturally sensitive however, we ask that you avoid tank tops and short shorts while in Chichi.
Jeans
T-shirts
Sweaters
warm pajamas
shorts
swimsuit
sun screen (we are relatively close to the equator)
comfortable shoes for walking.
(We have many cobblestone streets which are dusty and not conducive to flip flops or open-toed sandals).
SAFETY- We are often asked if Guatemala is safe. Since moving to Guatemala in 2003, we, nor any group we have hosted, has ever experienced any problems regarding safety. We take every precaution to ensure your safety, exercise basic common sense, avoid areas that have a reputation for being potentially dangerous, and remember God is in control. Guatemala is a country with an unstable government which means - well - safety is not that of the USA.
VALUABLES
Our rule of thumb - Don't bring anything that you wouldn't be willing to readily give away should you be robbed. Its not worth tempting someone or putting yourself in danger. Use common sense.
NOTE: We've never had any member of a group be robbed. Should you however be robbed while in the country. NEVER RESIST. I repeat... NEVER RESIST. Give them whatever they ask for. Those who don't resist - usually go unharmed. Those who resist - DON'T.
ENTRY AND EXIT to/from THE COUNTRY
You must have a US Passport to travel to Guatemala. We suggest you make several copies of your passport and place in different locations. Should you lose your passport, this will make it much less of a thorn to return to the states.
LUGGAGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS - Check with your airline. Recently the luggage capacity was changed from 70 lbs per bag to 50 lbs. per bag.
EXIT TAX - Again check with your airline. Many airlines include this $30 fee into the price of your ticket. Some however do not which means you must pay $30 to exit the country.
GETTING HERE - Getting to Guatemala is fairly simple. Make your flight reservation to Guatemala City (GUA). We can arrange your transportation from the Airport to Chichicastenango. Traveling to Guatemala City is approximately a 2.5 hour direct flight from Miami, Houston or Dallas. If your luggage should not make your flight it sometimes takes several days for you to receive your luggage in Chichi. You may want to carry some overnight things with you, such as a toothbrush and change of under clothing.
VACCINES - Near the coastal region, vaccines for malaria are needed. No vaccines are required for the mountainous regions of Guatemala. Some individuals opt to have their Hepatitis Vaccines, although it is not required.
GROUP PROJECTS - If you are planning on coming with a group or participating in a group project(s) - here are just a few ideas to consider. If you want to come and participate in a missions project - you must bring material or project funds. The 2008 recommended minimum per person project funds for a one week mission trip is $300.
Construction projects. (Building houses for widows and families in need.)
Please remember that you will need to include in your budget the cost for materials (approximately $1100/house). Email us for more information and specifics.
Medical Ministries. We put on many medical clinics. If you have any people who have a medical background, we can always find patients who need basic healthcare and checkups. (cough, cold, diarrhea, aches & pain...). We have some medical supplies but can always use donations and sample medicines such as antibiotics. Are you a Surgeon or Anesthesiologist? We can arrange surgery clinics for you as well at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Chichicastenango.
Painting projects. Paint a mural in a church, paint widows houses...
Children's ministries. Help at the Local Christian School. (put on a Bible School, assist teachers, do Teacher training...)
Evangelism and Worship. Go into schools, churches.... and share the gospel, sing, put on dramas...
**** As long as we have some advanced notice and money to cover the cost of materials, we have your projects ready for you to begin when you arrive. **** Also think about how many days you would like to work on projects and how many days you want to allow yourself to see sights, relax, and go to Lake Atitlan and Antigua.
DONATIONS
Some groups like to collect things to give away to the local people.
Here are a few suggestions....
____ New and gently used tennis shoes. (all children's sizes)
____ Back packs filled with school supplies.
____ Used Clothing (adult and children's sized clothes).
____ Socks, underwear, sweatshirts
____ Spanish Bibles
____ medical supplies
LANGUAGE - The official language of Guatemala is Spanish as well as indigenous Mayan languages.
RELIGION - A combination of Catholic and Mayan religions, Roman Catholic and protestant.
YOUR STAY & ACCOMMODATIONS WHILE IN CHICHICASTENANGO
Hotel Casa Del Rey ( http://www.hotelcasadelrey.com ) is owned by a Not for profit Organization (Global Development Services). The profits made from the hotel support ministries in the area. It is a perfect location for you or your group to stay. The hotel has a full service restaurant, pool, suites and conference rooms.
A one week ground package including ground transportation, hotel, meals and a day trip averages $500-$600. The 2008 recommended minimum per person project funds for a one week mission trip is $300.
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS...the Chichicastenango Market. It is the largest Indigenous artist market in all of Central America. It is held every week on Thursday's and Sundays.
MUST SEE PLACES WHILE IN GUATEMALA
LAKE ATITLAN, GUATEMALA. A 45 minute drive from Chichicastenango, it has been called the most beautiful lake in the world. It is surrounded by volcanoes. Take a boat across the lake and travel to villages known for their pottery and artistry. Swim in the lake, enjoy the natural hot springs, visit a nature preserve...
ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Guatemala City. Once the original capital of Guatemala, it a town with a much more European feel. It is known for its Ancient Spanish ruins, Spanish colonial architecture, coffee plantations, fabulous shopping, dining, and hotels.
QUESTIONS OR TRAVEL CONCERNS
For help with your travel arrangements or any specific questions or concerns you have about your trip. Please EMAIL US
