OVERVIEW
Guatemala’s charm and rich cultural history are on display in the city of Antigua and the Petén region. Antigua, chosen as the capital of Spain’s northern empire in the Americas in the 16th century, is set among three volcanoes and features cobbled streets lined with colourful, stucco buildings, flowered courtyards and Baroque architecture. Petén, is the home of our partner Itza, where we’ll spend our days in their jungle workshops, sharing our skills. It is also the center of the Mayan world, is where you’ll have the opportunity to watch the sun set atop a pre-Columbian structures in the New World.
HIGHLIGHTS
We begin in Antigua, where we will gain an appreciation for the culture and crafts of Guatemala. From Antigua, we travel to Petén – spiritual hub of the Maya people – to work collaboratively with the artisans of project partners Itza.
- We dive deeper into the social fabric of Guatemala by visiting villages and artisans.
- We participate in a workshop that highlights the use of plants and insects to create the natural dyes used in local threads and fabrics.
- We fly north from Guatemala City to the Petén region – the largest remaining tropical forest in Central America – to collaborate with the artisans of Itza Wood and learn more about the properties of tropical woods and natural fibres.
- We visit Yaxha, a mesoamerican archaeological site and former ceremonial center and city of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization.
- We stay in the jungle and wake to the sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds.
- We experience the importance of sustainability and forest stewardship in developing and supporting communities in this rich biodiverse region.
PROJECT
We will work collaboratively with the artisans of Itza Wood on a to-be-determined project to create unique handcrafted wares from locally sourced wood and natural fibers.
Itza Wood is dedicated to empowering individuals experiencing poverty through craft training and employment opportunities in the Petén region of Guatemala. Education changes the lives of families and local employment transforms communities. Itza is also committed to sustainable forestry and zero-waste practices that puts people and places first.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR
An interdisciplinary approach yields the best travel experience and project results. We are looking for a minimum of 6 professional creatives with varied skills. Wood working knowledge and basket weaving skills are assets, but not required. We are also always looking for a professional photographer to join us to document the project.
This trip is also for those that want an immersive experience. For most of this trip you will stay near our project site, in clean, shared accommodation.
DETAILS
Dates: February 18th to March 3rd, 2023, beginning in Antigua, Guatemala and ending at the Guatemala City International Airport. You must plan your travel to arrive in Antigua by the evening of February 18th.
Cost: $3, 650 CAD ($2, 950 USD) based on double occupancy. Depending on numbers, single occupancy may be available for a supplement. Please inquire.
Accommodation: Beyond our project, CoDA has chosen unique experiences to enrich your adventure. Consider traveling with your partner or a friend, as most accommodation suits two.
Itinerary: 3 nights in Antigua, 10 nights at our project site, and one night near the Mayan ruins of Yaxha. A detailed itinerary, including accommodation information and daily activities will be provided to participants..
What’s Included: All accommodation, breakfasts, most dinners and lunches, ground transportation, and activities for 14 days/nights.
Additional Expenses: Your flight ($800-1000), airport transfer ($40), 3 dinners, 3 lunches, travel insurance, and beverages.
Note: all prices are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. It is also recommended you visit a travel clinic before departure.
PARTNERS
ITZA WOOD
Special thanks to Itza Wood, our partner in Guatemala. Itza Wood provides translation services and a local facilitator. Itza wood also provides employment and support services to the community we will work with through supporting local schools, vocational training and sustainable forestry.
PROJECT SPONSORS
SPEC FURNITURE
Special thanks to Spec Furniture for generous material donations to support this project. Your contributions mean this project can be run at no expense to the community.
This is an intimate travel experience where you will engage meaningfully with the community we will be working with. It’s also an opportunity to unplug, roll up your sleeves in a supportive and relaxing environment, to work and network with new people and learn or refresh design skills, all while making profound connections by sharing culture and ideas.
CoDA trips are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities made equally by those who participate. It is team travel for like-minded creatives who aspire to see and engage with the world in a meaningful way. The participants, (you!), shape the outcome. With only eight team members and two guides we are nimble and flexible.