Guatemala

Trip Dates:  Tuesday, June 18th to Sunday, June 23rd

Our synagogue is going on a spiritual mission to Guatemala.

We are going because we have read news reports of two children (8 year old Felipe, and 7 year old Jakelin) who died trying to enter the US. We want to be human witnesses who can attest to the poverty and hardships that the people of this storied land are heroically overcoming.

We are going because Central America, and Latinos in general, have too often been demonized and subject to stereotypes  in our culture and we would like to learn more about the history and beauty of this region and its people.

We are going in order to connect with the amazing and diverse Jews of Guatemala who are keeping the Torah alive through their extraordinary commitment to the Torah.

Tuesday, June 18th
Travel Day: Arrive in Guatemala City, check in to hotel

Wednesday, June 19th
Morning: Morning prayers, breakfast at shul, depart Guatemala City for Escuintla (Neuva Jerusalem) for Fuego Volcano relief program

Afternoon: Picnic lunch by the Guatemalan Sea, depart Escuintla for Antigua

Evening: Arrive in Antigua, Check in to hotel, dinner and musical program with local NGO

Thursday, June 20th
Morning: Morning Prayers and Breakfast at Chabad, visit Food Center for project, engage with local villages

Afternoon: Lunch, tour of volcano, local city and colorful markets, and ancient Mayan ruins.

Evening: Dinner and program with Mayan Hands (local artisans).

Friday. June 21st
Morning: Morning prayers and breakfast. Depart Antigua for Guatemala City

Afternoon: Visit NGO in Guatemala City that works with migrants, meet with local elected officials

Evening: Kabbalat Shabbat with the community.

Saturday, June 22nd
Shabbat with the Orthodox Shul in Guatemala

Motzei Shabbat- Melave Malka with the Adat Israel Congregation
 

Sunday, June 23rd
Travel Day: Depart Guatemala City for Washington, D.C.

Guatemala City: Westin Camino Real
Antigua: Camino Real Antigua

Adults: $1,360 ($1,540 after April 14; $1,720 after May 14)
Children 17 & Under: $800 (up to 2) 
Additional Children: $180

Covers hotel accommodations, transportation in Guatemala, food daily, a significant donation to the local community. Participants must arrange their own travel to and from Guatemala (La Aurora Airport - GUA).