Located in Central America, Guatemala shares borders with Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Guatemala has a thousand-year-old history characterized by great social diversity. Archeological monuments date back to pre-Colombian times and remind visitors of the country’s rich Mayan history. The Mayan population includes 22 different ethnicities, each with its own language and unique dress. Although present-day Guatemala is known primarily for its Mayan roots and vibrant culture, the country has many layers.
TECPÁN
Full of history and rustic charm, Tecpán, is a quiet, rural town located in Southwestern Guatemala, approximately 1.5 hours from Guatemala City. Tecpán was the original capital of the country, and its population is over 90 percent indigenous. Nestled in a mountainous region, Tecpán is surrounded by Mayan villages and within walking distance from the Iximche ruins, an important Mayan archeological site. With a scenic backdrop of rolling mountains, forests, and local fruit plantations, Tecpán is also surrounded by many sacred Mayan sites.
THE CROSS-CULTURAL SOLUTIONS EXPERIENCE IN TECPÁN
The CCS Teen Volunteer Abroad program is specifically designed to provide a safe and secure international volunteering experience for teens aged 14-17 years old. Learn more about the program components in Tecpán:
Volunteer Work: Volunteer placements in Tecpán are with locally-run organizations and projects. The volunteer work on Teen Volunteer Abroad programs is always a group-based project, designed to be completed within the program dates. These projects may include painting murals in schools, helping to teach conversational English, or participating in recreational activities with the community.
Cultural & Learning Activities: These activities may include weekly language lessons in Spanish, insightful discussions with guest speakers about the region, history, and struggles of the Guatemalan people, and other cultural activities. Excursions are also offered and may include tours of the nearby Mayan ruins, visits with local textile merchants, a trip to Lake Atitlan, or seeing the historic town of Antigua.
Free Time: There will be time in the afternoons and evenings to rest and relax in the CCS Home-Base with fellow teen volunteers. CCS also arranges optional, staff-accompanied activities to explore the community and culture. The groups are supported and supervised by CCS in-country staff at all times. The most common free time activities include: hikes through the local mountains and walks around the local community.
Home-Base in Tecpán: The Home-Base in Tecpán is in a peaceful and serene rural neighborhood, located a 15-minute drive away from the town center. This Home-Base is reserved exclusively for teens, and rooms are always separated by gender. Meals at the CCS Home-Base are prepared by local cooks and will reflect traditional Guatemalan cuisine, including tortillas, beans, plantains, and stewed meat.
Transportation to and from your volunteer placement and any Cultural & Learning Activity is provided by CCS’ licensed drivers. Local CCS staff helps facilitate your volunteer experience and are always available to handle any questions that may arise.
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