The story of developing Parque Ecologico Nueva Juventud is inspiring and I urge you to look at www.volunteerpeten.com we will have the privilege of seeing first-hand the difference one person can make, and the opportunity of making our own contribution.

Tikal Archaeological Park is the most famous and extensively excavated of the Mayan temple cities. The site is 25 square miles with 3000 structures. We will visit the primary plazas. There are excellent opportunities for wildlife observations as many of the birds and mammals are acclimated to visitors and the area has long had protected status.

Lake Atitlan, Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort and Nature Reserve

Secluded Laguna Lodge is reached by boat. Volcanoes surround the deep blue lake, safe for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Nature reserve paths pass by ancient Mayan ceremonial sites in the dry tropical forest, cloudforest, and remnant primary forest, home to many endemic bird species. The Lake Atitlan area is a key migration corridor for neotropic migrants and a refuge for resident species including the resplendent quetzal. The Lodge is dedicated to sustainable operation while providing guests a luxurious environment celebrating the vibrant indigenous heritage with contemporary comfort.

Colonial Antigua – World Heritage Site

At an elevation of 5,000 ft. it is the ‘land of eternal spring’. Known as the most beautiful city in Central America, Antigua contains some of the finest examples of Spanish colonial art and architecture in the Americas. Cathedrals, convents, plazas, and residences from the 18th and 17th centuries beautifully restored. Our lodging is colonial era built with traditional garden courtyard, beautifully and comfortably restored. Snow-capped Volcanoes form the background as you stroll the city plazas, world famous for crafts and markets. The surrounding countryside provides outstanding birding as well.

About Volunteer Peten

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." - Albert Einstein

Matthew R. Peters is the founder and director of Volunteer Petén, a not-for-profit charitable organization working in the northern rainforest regions of Guatemala called the Peten... He is an Honors graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. degree in Forest Science, was a 1997 Morris K. Udall Scholarship winner and Scott Eckert Conservation Scholarship recipient.

He spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala before starting his own version of an International Volunteer Program. As an advocate for the problems of international aid, Matthew has dedicated his program to find solutions to global problems by living in one of the poorer communities in this hemisphere and working on a daily basis with locals in education and the environment.

Over the past 8 years, Volunteer Petén has hosted over 1,000 international volunteers from 26 different countries who have made profound differences in the small, underdeveloped communities of northern Petén. Some of their achievements include the protection and management of a 150 acre reserve in the town of San Andres, Petén, the construction and management of a community library, two entire schools and eight school rooms for different schools, as well as building playgrounds and basketball courts, and fences to protect schools. We are a constant presence in the local schools as educators.

In 2009, Matthew took on his biggest role to date in the community as a full time school teacher running his own high school program that focuses on Natural Resource Management. This three year program is designed to train future leaders to carry on the social and environmental work needed in Guatemala in hopes at attacking the base of the many social problems that plague Guatemala by providing a decent and proper education to those that have no access to a formal education.

Trip Cost $2,200

A day-to-day itinerary, packing list, insurance information, and reading list will be provided. A pre-trip meeting to review all trip details, meet your fellow travelers, and meet your leaders is planned for mid November. Information on selected group flights to and from Guatemala City is provided upon registration. You may book your own or have CNT make your arrangements. For medical concerns, including immunizations, please contact your family physician or local immunization clinic

Our lodging will be good to excellent, always the best available in our location.

Included:

All scheduled transportation in Guatemala; air, ground, and water
All lodging in private rooms with ensuite bath, all meals
All scheduled group excursions with local guide service
All tipping
All taxes, and service charges

Not Included:

International airfare
Personal items including laundry, food/drinks not provided at meals
Airport departure tax

Questions?
Please call. Linda Ingram, toll free 1.877.626.2456, or Contact Us
Click here for Reservation Information.