As part of Teravana’s international focus, we invite California high schools and colleges to join us on a transformative journey into the heart of Guatemala. Our 9-day travel experience weaves together environmental science, cultural immersion, and real-world contribution through our sister initiative, Wellkind Guatemala. This isn’t a vacation, it’s an invitation to connect with land, people, and purpose.
Next Dates: Spring/Summer 2026
Destination: Lake Atitlán and Pacific Coast, Guatemala
This program is designed for students to step into an immersive, high-impact learning experience beyond the classroom. Rooted in environmental education and global connection, the journey helps young people grow as learners, leaders, and contributors.
What Students Will Experience:
Explore reforestation sites, native seed nurseries, and biodiverse ecosystems with local conservationists.
Engage in deep exchange with Indigenous leaders, youth, and community organizations to better understand Guatemala's complex history and vibrant present.
Practice Spanish through real-world interaction and supported conversation, building confidence in an immersive setting.
Get your hands in the soil restoring forests, stabilizing hillsides, and learning regenerative agriculture.
Participate in daily group reflection and facilitated discussion that encourages personal growth and purpose-driven thinking.
Arrival in Guatemala and overnight in Antigua
Lake Atitlán immersion with ecology projects and cultural exchange
Pacific Coast exploration and environmental education
Return to Antigua for a final reflection and farewell before departing the next day for California.
This experience helps fulfill required community service hours while offering students the chance to:
All student safety standards, accommodations, and travel logistics are fully vetted and supported by our experienced team in-country.
Service hours: Over 15 hours of certified, verified service work that meets high school graduation and extracurricular goals.
We collaborate with professors, global studies programs, and honors courses to align this trip with academic frameworks. We can provide:
Many colleges use this trip as:
Let us know how we can support your curricular integration—we’re happy to provide templates, examples, and reflection guides.
140+ students have traveled over the last 2 years, primarily from public and private high schools across Idaho, including Boise and Bishop Kelly.
25+ adult travelers from corporate and Rotary groups have joined impact trips during that time.
Over $40,000 raised directly for Teravana's grassroots nonprofit initiative in Guatemala since 2023.
More than 1,000 native trees planted and two school-based tree nurseries built and filled by student groups in 2025.
Two school water access projects completed, improving infrastructure for local students.
10+ years of in-country operations via trusted, insured local partners handling logistics, safety, and nonprofit relationships.
Program has engaged 6 or more high schools since launch, with repeat participation from key school partners.
All trips include service learning, cultural immersion, and environmental impact, helping students grow as global citizens and emerging leaders.
Not at all. While we explore breathtaking places, the focus is on service, education, and personal growth. Students return transformed.
Primarily high school and college students in California interested in ecology, culture, service learning, or global citizenship. Teachers and faculty often join as group leaders.
Yes. All accommodations, transport, and staff are vetted. We operate with clear safety protocols and have bilingual guides on-site throughout the trip.
This experience is rooted in real partnership with local communities. Projects are ongoing and community-led, not “voluntourism.”
Reforestation, watershed protection, native seed collection, and sustainable gardening—all supervised by local experts.
Yes. We offer documentation for over 15 hours of hands-on service, and we work with professors and teachers to align the program to course objectives.
Somos Impact Travel is our trusted in-country logistics partner. They have over 10 years of experience operating student trips in Latin America.
Reach out using the contact form below. We’ll guide you through the planning process, curriculum alignment, and group prep.
Wellkind Guatemala is a program of Teravana, created to support ecological regeneration and community resilience in the highlands of Guatemala. By joining this trip, you directly contribute to their work restoring forests, watersheds, and Indigenous food systems.
If you’re a teacher, professor, or student group leader interested in this journey, we’re here to help bring it to life.
