from 1,843€

Outstanding 5rating (26)

Seed to Shelf

location
1 - 1 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Deconstruct the myths about fair trade while processing coffee alongside family farmers in Sacatepéquez.
  • Hike on the slopes of volcanos, soak in mineral hot springs, wade into sacred lakes, and explore Guatemala’s natural beauty up close and personal.
  • Immerse in Guatemalan culture and learn how to start a coffee revolution with a community of guerillas-turned-farmers in Santa Anita.
  • Practice the traditional art of back-strap weaving with the Maya Tz’utujil women of San Juan La Laguna.
  • Visit our permaculture farm on the beautiful Lago Atitlan to work hands-on with our local partners

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Are you ready to learn how your morning cup of coffee can help make a more just coffee industry? We'll travel Guatemala following a coffee bean from seed to shelf.

Many of us wake up every day to a hot cup of coffee. But where does it come from? How is it produced? Who grows it and what is life like for the world’s coffee farmers? To tackle these questions and more, we’ll spend an action-packed 9-days in Guatemala following a coffee bean from seed to ...

About the program

Many of us wake up every day to a hot cup of coffee. But where does it come from? How is it produced? Who grows it and what is life like for the world’s coffee farmers? To tackle these questions and more, we’ll spend an action-packed 9-days in Guatemala following a coffee bean from seed to shelf. Talk about ‘single origin’, we’ll travel to three of the world’s most famous coffee growing regions and get to know a few local farmers for whom coffee is a way of life. Together, we’ll stretch our legs and pick coffee on the side of Volcan Agua during the annual harvest, talk shop with fair trade retailers in Xela, and find out where we all fit into the world’s coffee chain.

Our volunteer programs take a learning-first approach. We combine an educational program with collaborative community service so that travellers can explore the local history, context, and challenges while contributing to local solutions. Here are some of the community projects we will be involved in on this program:

- We'll take to the fields and share a day in the life of a Guatemalan coffee farmer withe APCASA, a coffee association founded by former civil war combatanats. These soldiers-turned-farmers see coffee differently: here, it's not just an exportable commodity but also a symbol of revolutionary solidarity. We'll harvest coffee fruit, maintain the plantations and collaborate on other "mini-proyectos" around the beneficio or coffee mill. It's here that the community's coffee will be washed, de-pulped, fermented, dried and sorted - all in preparation for the international market.

- We will meet with De La Gente, a non-profit coffee importer focused on building local capacity. We'll join Manuel and members of the San Miguel coop on the slopes of Volcan Agua where they'll teach us to pick, process, and roast our own coffee. 

- We will visit Cafe la RED KAT and join revolutionary-turned-reformed, Willy, for a delicious meal and lively discussion about the potential and pitfalls for local communities in a changing socio-economic order.






Typical day

Program Itinerary:

* This is a preliminary itinerary. The final itinerary may change a little based on the needs of our partners and new opportunities which present themselves. This should give you a really good idea of what the program will look and feel like.

Day 1-3: Orientation in Antigua
We begin ...

Typical day

Program Itinerary:

* This is a preliminary itinerary. The final itinerary may change a little based on the needs of our partners and new opportunities which present themselves. This should give you a really good idea of what the program will look and feel like.

Day 1-3: Orientation in Antigua
We begin our journey in Antigua where we'll acclimatize ourselves to the sights, smells, and sounds of the region. We'll explore the cobblestone streets of one of Central America's colonial capitals as we orient ourselves to Guatemala's cultural and geographic landscape. Get ready to experience the culture and chow down on delicious Guatemalan cuisine. 

Then we'll take a trip to its origins in nearby San Miguel Escobar and get to know the world's 2nd biggest commodity: COFFEE! We'll follow the coffee chain from seed to shelf with De La Gente. 

Day 3-5: The Guatemalan Dream in Xela
A little ways up the Pan-American highway is the vibrant city of Quetzaltenango better known by its local name, Xela. This is one of the few places in Guatemala where coffee shops have become popular with visitors and locals alike. So we'll vist Cafe La RED KAT. In the afternoon, we'll scavenge around the local markets and explore Xela's unique urban centre on foot. 

BUT it's hard to visit Quetzaltenango without going on a hike in the nearby hills or to one of the country's iconic volcanos! So we'll team up again with our friend Eduardo and Kaqchikel Tours, a local family-run guiding enterprise, and hike to one of the Xela valley's many "miradors" or lookouts. If the sky's are clear, we'll see one of Central America's seven summits and if we're super lucky, we can watch in awe as Volcan Fuego or Santiaguito erupt! Then it's over to the Fuentes Georginas, for a rewarding soak in natural hot springs. 

Day 5-7: The Coffee Revolution in Santa Anita
Our group will arrive in the community of Santa Anita and home of APCASA. We will take to the fields and share a day in the life of a Guatemalan coffee farmer. Staying in the community lodge or in local family homes, we'll have the opportunity to break bread and exchange stories while building friendships and deepening our understanding of the coffee revolution. 

Day 7-9: Seeds of Change in San Juan La Laguna
We'll conclude our exploration at Operation Groundswell's regional Hub, located on the shores of beautiful Lago Atitlan! The Hub is a physical extension of OG's culture, philosophy, and mission. It is a place where solidarity can be grown everyday through shared experiences and hands-on collaboration. It is also a site where OG's partners come to develop and test new ways to make change. So, we can expect to learn a lot about sustainable living and local craft-based economies like plant-based medicines, natural dyes, backstrap-weaving and gourmet coffee.

We'll also take some time to celebrate disorientation. A staple of every OG program, this is an opportunity to kickback, relax, and reflect on our incredible journey. We'll hang a hammock, share stories, exchange lessons, jump in the lake, and prepare for the journey home.

Finally, with our heads and hearts full, we'll return to Guatemala City where we'll say a fond farewell!


Free-time activities

When we aren’t learning and working with our incredible grassroots partners, we have planned all kinds of fun activities and excursions to integrate ourselves in the local culture. We have also scheduled plenty of time for you to explore your own interests. 

Some examples of activities:
- Hike ...

Free-time activities

When we aren’t learning and working with our incredible grassroots partners, we have planned all kinds of fun activities and excursions to integrate ourselves in the local culture. We have also scheduled plenty of time for you to explore your own interests. 

Some examples of activities:
- Hike volcanoes
- Relax in natural hot springs
- Take cooking classes
- Explore local markets and shop for souvenirs
- Swim in the beautiful Lago Atitlan

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Operation Groundswell

Each of our programs include:

  • A comprehensive program itinerary and educational curriculum focused on the issues facing your specific region

  • Experienced, thoughtful and caring program leaders and facilitators with you 24 hours a day

  • All lodging and accommodations, carefully chosen to reflect the place and program

  • Three local meals a day that showcase regional cuisine from meals homemade by our friends to the favourite restaurant down the street

  • All group tours, entrance fees, and excursions like cooking and language classes

  • All group transportation on the ground in vetted (and varied) modes of getting around

  • Regular discussions and workshops to help you internalize and reflect on your experience

  • Support from OGHQ whenever you need it, however you need it from financial assistance to flights

Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport

Your program leaders will pick you up on the first day of the program at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and transport you a short ways to our hostel in Antigua. Your program leaders will also drop you off at the same airport on the last day of program.

Accommodation

Whether it’s a nice quiet hostel in Antigua, a cozy hotel in Xela, a friendly homestay in Santa Anita or a rustic bamboo bungalow on the shores of Lago Atitlan, we will also be sleeping and eating in ways that reflect an ethical travel ethos. Locally-owned accommodations and restaurants will allow us to safely immerse in the local culture but staying the way we do with local communities might sometimes mean going without a few creature comforts. Beds might be a little lumpy, showers a little chilly, and wifi more than a little spotty but wherever we’re staying, our friends and hosts will roll out the red carpet.

Food & Beverages

We provide at least three local meals a day that showcase regional cuisine from meals homemade by our friends to the favourite restaurant down the street, as well as all the potable drinking water you can drink. You are responsible for any other snacks and drinks. We do our best to provide for all dietary needs.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

    • AUGUST 26 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2023
    • OCTOBER 7 - OCTOBER 15, 2023
    • NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 12, 2023
    • FEBRUARY 17 - FEBRUARY 25, 2024
    • MARCH 2 - MARCH 10, 2024
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week 2 days 1,843€
Average fees 1,434€/week

Program fees

1,434€ per week 1 - 1 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 1 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Operation Groundswell during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Operation Groundswell

Outstanding 5 rating (26 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2016

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Evelyn

About the project

We go backpacking with a purpose! Our programs combine cross-cultural dialogue, critical learning, community service, and of course, travel and adventure!

Meet your organization

Is voluntourism helping or hurting what people called ‘the developing world’? Is there a way for visitors to positively contribute to local initiatives while also thinking critically about international development? What’s the best ice cream flavour, really?

In 2006, we boarded a flight to Accra, Ghana seeking answers to these questions and so many more. When we touched down, we were hit with a barrage of sights, sounds, and smells that shattered our preconceived notions of the ‘global south’. Rather than stumbling into a crumbling landscape, we were greeted by a beautiful, bustling city, rich with culture and brimming with innovation.

At the same time, we could see some of the challenges local communities were grappling with. Why does poverty continue to plague so much of the world while billionaires multiply and millions pour into international development projects that don’t seem to make a difference? We heard that governments, charities, and international organizations often pushed their own agendas without consulting the communities they said they were ‘helping.’

We learned that projects were much more likely to succeed if they were carried out in collaboration with the community. Not as a handout, not as charity – but in solidarity.

We started talking to local NGOs and community leaders about what their real needs were. We cultivated relationships with grassroots organizations, community leaders, and local governments. We began to build a program that wouldn’t just plop a volunteer into a project they knew little about. Instead, we would take a learning-first approach. We would combine an educational program with collaborative community service so that travellers could explore the local history, context, and challenges while contributing to local solutions.

Since that first pilot program in West Africa, OG has run hundreds of programs in more than 20 countries around the world. With all of this experience, we have expertly designed programs that navigate the inherent risks that come with embarking on such an awesome adventure. We bring cool, caring people together who want to explore the world while actively learning to change it for the better. We’re sparking a movement of globally active and socially conscious travellers.

Accessible, responsible and immersive travel is our mission. Go to our website to learn about our financial support options including our Financial Needs Grants that can cover up to 25% of your program fee.

Email us to join our mail list or for the application for our Financial Needs Grant: mail@operationgroundswell.com.

26 reviews · rating5

Lauren rating5

2019 at Seed to Shelf

As a fairly experienced traveller before my program with OG, I was worried that I wouldn't get a lot out of the program. I was worried I'd resent the group dynamic, that I wouldn't learn much, and that the promises of real and intimate connections with locals simply couldn't be achieved in this ...
Hana rating5

2017 at Seed to Shelf

I went on this trip with Operation Groundswell (OG) in December 2017! I loved every moment of this trip. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the days planned by the OG team and I loved meeting their members at their Guatemala Hub. I love getting to meet new people from all over the world as well! My ...
Amanda rating5

2016 at Seed to Shelf

I'm the person who gets buyer's regret while I'm waiting in line to purchase something, so I hope you can believe me when I tell you that the price of this trip is minuscule compared to what I've gained from this 9 day program! OG's Guatemala Team and its' partners exhibit the most incredible amount ...
Eric rating5

2015 at Seed to Shelf

During my first year of University, I really did not know what to do for my reading week until I got an email from my schools International Office. At first I was extremely hesitant to go on the trip due to the cost, being a student it is quite hard to cough up the money but in the end it was ...
Emma rating5

2015 at Seed to Shelf

I went to Guatemala with high expectations. Our itinerary sounded amazing. What I didn't expect was that the nooks and crannies between the activities on the itinerary was where the real experience happened. I rode in a tuk-tuk for 30 minutes listening to Total Eclipse of the Heart and Time After ...
I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. My partner and I planned to go 2 years ago, we actually won an Instagram contest haha but it was cancelled due to COVID. We finally made it happen April 23 - May 1! I remember sitting in a coffee shop, submitting our applications and being both ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Guatemala > San Lorenzo El Cubo

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