OTHER CCS PROGRAMS
Immerse yourself in the Maya Highlands in the city of Tecpán, Guatemala, where 90% of the population is Kaqchikel Maya. The traditions of an ancient culture is still alive today, with colorful fabrics, fascinating ruins, and intricate ceremonies. Surrounded by lush farms and towering volcanoes, your experience in the Maya Highlands is a unique opportunity to see the true culture of rural Guatemala.
"All rise and nobody is left behind, neither not one person nor two or three."
From the Popol-Vuh, Sacred book of the Maya
“¡Ay sí, atrévete! (Oh yes, be daring!)”
from “Drummer Boy,” song by Costa Rican singer, Debi Nova
Beach life and cowboy culture converge in the province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica. Let the city of Santa Cruz amaze you with it's expansive ranches and rolling hills, or head over to the pristine beach communities along the Pacific coast for an afternoon in the sun. As you sip on tropical juices at the CCS Home-Base, and perhaps pick a mango or cashew from one of our fruit trees as an afternoon snack, you'll find yourself in the Pura Vida lifestyle in no time.
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The city of Lima is the gateway for travel throughout the diverse landscapes of Peru, featuring deserts, rainforests, and the Andes Mountains. In Lima, on the banks of the Pacific Ocean, discover a varied and deep culture combining indigenous and Spanish populations, with the influences of migration bringing world-renowned food and art. With a unique neighborhood at every turn, you'll never run out of opportunities to explore what makes this capital shine.
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"Little by little, one walks far."
Peruvian Proverb
As you explore 3 distinct countries and cultures on your Spanish Immersion Gap Year program, you will be working with sustainable community organizations to help them to advance their goals in child education. You may be working toward supporting community development in Lima at an education center for underprivileged youth. Then, hop over to Tecpan, Guatemala, to work with Maya children in an elementary school focused on improving their opportunities to stay in school past fourth grade, while improving hand washing and sanitation facilities. Finally, help young children meet their early childhood education goals in Costa Rica through schools and day cares.
Journey to the Irazú volcano (Irazú translates to “thundering mountain”). The volcano is broken into five craters; from the top, you’ll look down into one enormous volcanic crater, which is almost 3,500 feet wide. The last time Irazú erupted was in 1963, when JFK was visiting Costa Rica!
Explore the streets of Callao, Lima's fishing port just north of the city, where art expositions, films, and photo shoots all converge into one colorful explosion in this hip and up-and-coming district. Learn about the history and meaning of the street art that meets you at every turn, and leave your mark on Lima through a graffiti tour and class.
Maya weddings are full of tradition and superstition, from the gifts of wooden hair barrettes and a sleeveless dress to an elaborate choreography of steps to seal the bonds of marriage. Try your hand in traditional Maya clothing. You just might fall in love with the Maya people!
Maya pottery tells the story of a civilization, marking important events, telling the history of cooking traditions, and sharing stories of cultural exchange. In the town of Santa Apolonia, the traditions of creating pottery continues. Join a woman in her home to learn about her craft as you create your own Maya artifact.
An important crop in the Tecpan area, strawberry farming sustains many families in the area. With a local farmer, learn how to plant strawberries about the lifestyle of farming families in rural Guatemala.
Join us downtown, the colonial district of Lima where vestiges of Spain’s colonial empire still linger. Make your way through the palm tree lined Plaza de Armas to catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco to see the catacombs, which served as a burial place until 1808.
At the traditional Inca market in Miraflores, you can purchase alpaca socks (or alpaca anything, really), along with artisan goods from all over the country. Have fun practicing your Spanish skills while bargaining for a better price (don’t be shy; it’s expected!)
At a Mayan market, you’ll be able to purchase many of those bright traditional textiles that you will see on the Maya community throughout Guatemala. Our volunteers love to practice their bargaining skills at the market. With the smells of street food cooking and great people-watching, a visit to a Mayan market is an explosion of color and tradition.
Named for the pre-Incan god Pacha Kamaq, or "Earth Maker", the ruins of Pachacamac will transport you back in time to the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon to learn about the religious beliefs and cultural systems of one of Peru's earliest civilizations.
If you're an animal lover, here's your chance to visit the dairy cows who are a key in the whole economy of Tecpan! Visit the baby calves, the maternity ward, learn how milking is really done, as you also visit the factories of production. Make new animal friends along the way.
An official city of folklore, and known for music and dance, Santa Cruz is brimming with culture and festivals. Join CCS to explore this charming town and discover the customs and traditions of the people of the Guanacaste province.
In Guatemala, CCS Spanish lessons are divided into levels based on your ability, and tailored to your needs. The first lesson is held in a typical classroom style, but then you'll have a chance to put your knowledge to the test. Your teacher will take you out into the community and challenge you to bargain for fruits, vegetables, and clothing in Spanish at a nearby market. Just another awesome adventure to add to your list!
While the origins of chocolate are still under debate, many experts agree that the cocoa bean originated from the Andes foothills in the Amazon rainforest. Create your own "food of the Gods" at a chocolate-making class in Peru, and get a taste of what is becoming known more and more as one of the best chocolates in the world.
Fleeing problems with a neighboring tribe, the Maya Kaqchikels created Iximche as a safe haven and as a new city for daily life, including Maya ceremonies, rituals, and activities. As you explore these little-known ruins, where excavations continue to this day, you can feel the power of the Maya rituals that took place here in the late 1400s. Learn about the history of the Maya people, and the significance of the world-known Maya calendar, and engage in a traditional Maya fire ceremony.
Tour a local coffee plantation and learn about the organic process, from plant to package. Or focus on the importance of “buying local” from co-ops organized to help farmers survive in the increasingly globalized coffee market. After the tour, sample different local brews, and buy a pack or two to take home as a deliciously caffeinated reminder of your time in Costa Rica.
Located in a small artist studio in the heart of Barranco, attend a workshop focused on teaching us about the famous Lima font that can be seen on the sides of taxis, buses, and trucks. This font dates back to the 1950’s and has become a contemporary aspect of street art in Lima. In this workshop, you will learn how to make this font, and will create a piece of art you can take home with you.
“La Paz” translates to peace, and that is exactly what you’ll find here: awe-inspiring waterfalls and flowing white rivers, as well as the largest butterfly conservatory on the planet. This highland jungle area is a mixture of rainforest and cloud forest, a special forest with 100% humidity, surrounded by mist. You’ll truly feel the power of nature when you’re here.
At weekly cooking classes, prepare mouth-watering Costa Rican recipes alongside our amazing CCS cooks. With your new Spanish vocab and a tasty plate of homemade gallo pinto -- traditional Costa Rican rice and black beans -- you'll have plenty to bond over.
Journey just outside of Guatemala City to experience some of the most impressive of Guatemala's 37 volcanoes, including Pacaya and Volcán de Fuego. These are also two of Central America's most active volcanoes, so trade in your flip flops for a pair of sturdy shoes and climb each volcano to snap some photos in front of the slow-flowing lava. You'll want to remember to pack a stick or two, because where's the fun in an active volcano if you haven't got marshmallows to roast?!
Lima is brimming with trendy, fun neighborhoods, with a blend of ancient architecture, artsy cafes, and colorful streets. In the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, hold your breath across the Puente de los Suspiros bridge and discover dance troupes, street art, and a delicious taste of ceviche as you discover how Peru blends the best of old and new.
With over 32,000 acres of pristine wildlife, you'll sail through the treetops as you zipline through Rincon de la Vieja. Once you've mastered the ropes, treat yourself to a tropical smoothie as you admire the two towering volcanoes within the park borders, or take a hike through vibrant orchards brimming with birds and butterflies.
Home to one of the world’s premier cloud forests, Monteverde invites you to indulge your inner nature-lover. Hike through clouds on platforms suspended in the treetops. Enjoy a unique glimpse into a rare and diverse ecosystem, including the nearly 500 species of wild orchids housed at a nearby orchid farm.
See Lima from a bird's eye view with a paragliding experience off the cliffs of Miraflores. As you sail over the Pacific Ocean, you'll spot urban high rises, the foothills of Lima, and surfers enjoying the world-famous waves of Peru.
Every Saturday, farmers from across the Guanacaste province come together at the Tamarindo Farmer's Market, where you can explore a wide variety of tropical fruits and maybe try a few new tastes, like carambola or soursop. Once you've had your fill of passion fruit juice, head over to the nearby beach for a perfectly relaxing afternoon in the sun.
Formed nearly 2 million years ago, Lake Atitlan has been referred to as one of the world's most beautiful lakes — and not just by the folks here at CCS! Once you've shopped your little heart out in one of the region's many markets, check out all of the outdoor options. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline adventure, trek the forests, or climb some waterfalls. And, spend time with unique Maya communities living throughout the islands and on the shores of this picturesque lake.
Discover Ica and the desert oasis community of Huacachina. On the sand dunes of one of the driest places on earth, try your hand at sandboarding. Or visit the Ballestas Islands to enjoy the penguins and sea lions that live freely in the Paracas National Reserve.
In the colonial town of Antigua, discover authentic Guatemalan restaurants, stunning cathedrals, and plenty of unique shops. Head to the outskirts of the city to check out avocado and macadamia farms, or visit a coffee plantation. Whether a day trip of an afternoon, Antigua provides a unique and alternative perspective to Guatemalan culture.
Palo Verde National Park is bursting with wildlife, with over 250,000 birds and 15 different habitats, including dry and wet forests. As you canoe through the mangrove forests, you might even come across the 24 teeth of a crocodile grinning back at you.
Visit South America's largest lake and boat around to each of the man-made inhabited islands, made entirely of reeds. After a day on the lake, visit Puno, the folklore capital of Peru, to share a story and a cup of tea with some local residents.
Arequipa is Peru's second largest city and also one of its most beautiful, with ethereal white stone buildings nestled in the foothills of Peru’s southern volcanic belt. Hit the markets to purchase some of the aromatic spices you've been tasting in local cuisine, and visit the Santa Catalina Monastery for a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Climb volcanoes, or if you've got time for a longer jaunt, hike the Colca Canyon, for some serious bragging rights.
Cusco is more than just the gateway to Machu Picchu and a convenient stop on the way to the Amazon; it’s also an incredible historical and archaeological treasure. Visit Choquequirao to explore the ruins of this small Incan City, then head back to town to check out Spanish cathedrals and chow down on some of the amazing cuy -- guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy. Take a photo or two of the “White Christ” statue watching over the city with arms outstretched.
Perched at the very edge of Guatemala's northeastern coast along the Amatique Bay and surrounded by jungle to the south and west, Livingston is unlike any other place in Guatemala. Sail down the city's namesake river to a 19th century settlement for emancipated West Indian slaves and take in the rich Caribbean influenced culture of the Garifuna. Nibble fresh shrimp along the waterfront and let the sounds of local musicians' bongos and turtle shell drums ease you into a Caribbean state of mind.
Lace up your hiking boots and hike the four-day Inca Trail from Cusco to reach Machu Picchu’s sun gate just in time for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the nearly 600 year-old Incan ruins. You can also choose the one-day hike or take the train, but be sure to allow yourself a couple of days to explore the entire complex. Wander through the ruins of the temples and see for yourself why Machu Picchu is one of the new wonders of the world.
Peru’s largest city is the perfect place to practice your Spanish. Sing a duet with new friends at a karaoke bar downtown, or join in with the local kids as they splash around in the fountains of the Parque de la Reserva. Once you've toweled off, be sure to hang around for the nightly light and water show that starts after dark.
Hidden in the beautiful jungle of the Alta Verapaz department, Semuc Champey is the perfect mix of beauty and adventure! After taking a bumpy ride in the back of a pickup, followed by a hike through the forest, you'll have a breath-taking view of this natural, limestone bridge forming crystal clear, turquoise pools, and then hike back down to relax in the cool water. You'll also have the opportunity to tour Las Grutas de Lanquin, caves lit only by candles or headlamps. Semuc is definitely a wonder worth seeing as it showcases all of Guatemala's natural beauty.
Nestled in the Maya Highlands, the CCS Home-Base in Guatemala immerses you in a rich Maya farming community. Just a 20 minute walk up scenic rural roads, you'll find yourself in the bustling city of Tecpán, the heart of the surrounding villages, with access to cafes, shops, and restaurants. Rest and relax in comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom, and reflect in the incredible scenery while soaking in the traditional life, colorful fabrics, and unique cultural systems through your new Maya neighbors.
Your home away from home in Guanacaste is located on a safe and quiet rural neighborhood, complete with swinging hammocks and lush Costa Rican vegetation. Living areas are communal, and you'll find plenty of space in and around CCS Home-Base to relax and reflect on your time abroad. Whether you're kicking it in the expansive gardens with fellow volunteers or lounging in the common area, this eco-friendly spot will provide the perfect respite at the end of the day. The interior of the Home-Base invites in the lush outdoors with large windows to continue to enjoy Costa Rica well into each evening.
Your Peruvian home away from home is located in a lovely community, just a short walk from a convenient hour laundry service and delicious restaurants. With little gardens inside and outside of the CCS Home-Base with plum trees and grapevines, you’ll never feel too far from nature. The CCS Peru Home-Base has bedrooms upstairs and downstairs and wood floors throughout. The common area is a great spot to play board games with fellow volunteers, or study up on your español. Then there's the food in Peru. You'll enjoy incredible local meals made up of meats, salads and veggies, all served with a side of amazing fiery sauce that will quickly become a new favorite!
Juan Carlos Buonafina is known for his kind personality and for his dedication to the people of his home country of Guatemala. Juan Carlos is an educator, an intercultural exchange professional, and an expert at guiding international volunteer experiences. After receiving his degree, Juan Carlos started his career with CCS, specifically leading the CCS teen program in the Maya Highlands of Tecpan. Join Juan Carlos on your Guatemala journey to gain a unique and unparalleled insight into life in the mountainside towns of Guatemala.
Franklin brings his passion for social development and sustainable solutions for social equity to his position as Country President with Cross-Cultural Solutions. is part of the Cross Cultural Solutions team in Costa Rica as a Country President. Franklin received a bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from Zamorano University in Honduras and did a study program in Sustainable Agriculture at Minnesota University. Previous to his work with CCS, he worked Global Brigades- Nicaragua and he was involved as a volunteer with non-profit organizations in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Ecuador.
Karol Hermoza is a passionate advocate for education for all children. With a background that ranges from cultural heritage to tourism to social responsibility, her passion for her home city of Lima shines through in the support to volunteers in creating meaningful change. Karol's unique insights into Peru will take you on a journey to explore the vibrant history, food, and culture of Peru as you experience a unique and diverse city.
