Guatemala Mission Trip 2026
Antigua & San Andrés Itzapa
April 25 – May 2, 2026
All Saints Episcopal Church invites you to join us on a mission trip to Guatemala that combines service, faith, and cultural immersion. Building on our partnership with Niños Creadores de Historia School, participants will engage with the school community while also exploring Guatemala’s history, indigenous heritage, and remarkable natural beauty.
Why a Mission Trip to Guatemala?
For several years, All Saints Episcopal Church has partnered with Niños Creadores de Historia School, supporting children who need extra help to stay on track in school.
We go as partners, not as problem-solvers. We show up, we listen, and we build relationships that matter.
And while we are there, we also experience Guatemala, its history, its culture, its people, and reflect on how faith calls us to serve with humility and respect.
What This Mission Trip Is, and Is Not
This trip is:
- About supporting educators and students through encouragement and participation
- About learning from Guatemalan teachers, families, and church communities
- About worship, reflection, and personal spiritual growth
This trip is not:
- A construction-focused or skills-based service trip
- A “voluntourism” experience
- A charity drop-off or one-time visit
- A fast-paced sightseeing tour
Our Partnership with Niños Creadores de Historia School
Niños Creadores de Historia School provides supplemental educational support to first- and second-grade students who are at the greatest risk of falling behind in Guatemala’s public education system.
The school focuses on:
- Literacy and reading support
- Classroom reinforcement
- Nutrition and daily meals
- Emotional encouragement and stability
What Participants Will Be Asked to Do
Participants may be invited to:
- Read with children
- Assist teachers in classrooms
- Help organize learning materials
- Participate in light school improvement projects
- Engage respectfully with students, staff, and families
No teaching experience or Spanish fluency is required, only flexibility, patience, and cheerful spirit.
Spiritual Life & Reflection
Faith and reflection are central to this journey. The trip includes:
- Worship services in Antigua and indigenous Episcopal communities
- Daily group reflections
- Space for personal prayer and quiet reflection
Participants are encouraged to reflect on how this experience shapes their understanding of faith, service, and our global community.
Cultural Engagement & Learning
In addition to time spent at the school, participants will have opportunities to experience the rich history, faith traditions, and cultural heritage of Guatemala, including:
A Mayan Fire Ceremony
A guided spiritual ceremony led by a local Mayan spiritual leader, offering insight into indigenous traditions that have been practiced for generations. This experience provides a respectful introduction to Guatemala’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage.
Cultural and Historical Excursions
Visits to significant historical and cultural sites, offering context about Guatemala’s colonial past, indigenous history, and modern identity. These outings help participants better understand the broader community in which the school operates.
Time to Explore Antigua and Guatemala City
Guided and independent time to walk through the historic streets of Antigua, visit local markets, churches, and museums, and experience daily life in Guatemala City.
Optional Visit to Tikal National Park
For those extending their stay, a visit to Tikal, one of the most significant ancient Mayan cities in Central America.
Health, Safety, and Pace
The itinerary is designed with:
- Reasonable daily schedules
- Built-in rest time
- Group transportation for all activities
- Lodging selected for comfort and accessibility
Participants will receive additional details and travel guidance prior to departure.
Who Should Consider This Trip
This mission trip may be a good fit for those who:
- Are comfortable with flexibility and shared experiences
- Value relationship-based service
- Are open to cultural differences
No prior mission or international travel experience is required.
What’s Included / Travel Arrangements
Included:
- Lodging
- Ground transportation in Guatemala
- Most meals listed on the itinerary, unless noted otherwise
- Program coordination and local guides
- School project materials
Flight Arrangements:
Recommended flights are provided, and all scheduled ground transportation is aligned with the flights noted in the itinerary. Because participants have different travel needs and participate in different airline loyalty programs, everyone is responsible for booking their own flights.
Not included:
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that all participants purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance is relatively inexpensive and is a prudent safeguard when traveling internationally, particularly to a developing country such as Guatemala.
Before You Go
Guatemala is a safe and welcoming country to visit. The landscape is stunning, the culture is rich and fascinating, and the people are warm and friendly. No special shots or vaccinations are required to visit Guatemala.
To ensure a smooth and healthy experience for everyone, participants should plan ahead in the following areas:
Passports:
All travelers must have a valid passport. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of the trip. Participants are responsible for confirming their passport status well in advance of departure.
Health Preparation:
Participants are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider regarding routine vaccinations and any recommended travel-related health precautions.
Physical Considerations & Environmental Conditions
Antigua is a historic colonial city with uneven cobblestone streets and stone walkways. Sidewalks are often irregular. Participants should be comfortable navigating uneven terrain without difficulty.
Antigua’s elevation is about 5,000 feet, comparable to Denver. Some individuals may experience mild effects related to altitude, particularly during the first day or two of arrival.
The region is located near an active volcano, and on occasion light volcanic ash or dust may affect air quality. While this is typically minimal and short-lived, individuals with respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD) should carefully consider this before registering.
Accommodations & Participant Capacity
This mission trip is limited to a maximum of 14 participants, based on our current hotel and transportation arrangements.
We have secured ten rooms total (four double-occupancy rooms and six single-occupancy rooms). Room assignments will be made based on availability and participant preferences; however, flexibility may be required.
If the participant-to-room ratio changes, securing additional rooms is highly unlikely currently. An increase in participants beyond current capacity may require arranging an additional vehicle, which must be coordinated in advance.
Because of these logistical constraints, early registration is strongly encouraged. Once capacity is reached, we will not be able to guarantee additional accommodations.
COST
Lodging Preference
Mission Trip Lodging Selection:
Single room – $1,550
Shared room – $1,200
Optional Tikal Extension
Single room – $725
Shared room – $525
Registration & Payment Schedule
Registration Deadline:
All registration forms must be submitted no later than April 1, 2026. Space is limited to 14 participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your place on the trip. Your space is not confirmed until the deposit has been received.
Final Payment:
The remaining balance is due no later than April 1, 2026.
Because hotel rooms, transportation, and other arrangements must be finalized in advance, all payments become fully non-refundable after April 1, 2026.
Refund Policy
All payments become fully non-refundable after April 1, 2026. This date is firm and cannot be extended.
This policy is necessary due to hotel, transportation, and vendor commitments that must be finalized in advance. We strongly encourage participants to consider travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
International Travel Acknowledgment
As with any international travel, there are inherent risks, including health considerations, transportation changes, environmental conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
We recognize that participants understand these realities. Even so, it is important to note that while trip leaders will make every reasonable effort to plan carefully and prioritize safety, All Saints Episcopal Church, Niños Creadores de Historia School, and trip organizers cannot assume responsibility for circumstances beyond their control.
By registering, participants acknowledge these general travel considerations and accept personal responsibility for their health, travel arrangements, and participation decisions. Our goal is to provide a meaningful and safe experience for everyone involved.
Mission Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday | Arrival in Guatemala
- 11:45 AM – Depart Fort Lauderdale (FLL), (JetBlue #1380)
- 12:35 PM – Arrive Guatemala City (GUA), transfer to Antigua
- 2:30 PM – Check-in at El Convento Hotel, Antigua
Free time until evening - 6:00 PM – Group dinner and orientation
El Convento Hotel dining room
Day 2 – Sunday | Church Service & Local Culture
- 8:00 AM – Group breakfast at hotel dining room
- 10:00 AM – Morning church service in Antigua
- 12:00 PM – Group lunch in Antigua
- 2:00 PM – Mayan fire ceremony in Antigua
- 6:00 PM – Group dinner and daily reflection
Day 3 – Monday | School Visit
- 8:00 AM – Group breakfast at hotel dining room
- 9:00 AM – Depart hotel for Niños Creadores de Historia School
- 10:00 AM – Interaction with students & school improvement projects
- 12:00 PM – School lunch with staff and students
- 4:00 PM – Return to hotel, Antigua
- 6:00 PM – Group dinner and daily reflection
Day 4 – Tuesday | Eucharist & Cultural Field Trip
- 8:00 AM – Group breakfast at hotel dining room
- 9:00 AM – Depart for Indigenous Episcopal church service
- 10:00 AM – Attend Eucharist
- 12:00 PM – Group lunch
- 1:00 PM – Field trip exploring Guatemalan landscape and culture
- 6:00 PM – Social time and BBQ dinner
Hosted by Deacon Phyllis at her home, Antigua
Day 5 – Wednesday | School Workday & Community Engagement
- 8:00 AM – Group breakfast at hotel dining room
- 9:00 AM – Depart for school
- 10:00 AM – Interaction with students & school improvement projects
- 12:00 PM – School lunch with staff and students
- 3:00 PM – Tour of neighborhood public primary school and meet school staff
- 4:00 PM – Return to hotel, Antigua
- 6:00 PM – Group dinner and daily reflection
Day 6 – Thursday | School Celebration & Free Evening
- 8:00 AM – Group breakfast at hotel dining room
- 9:00 AM – Depart for school
- 10:00 AM – Interaction with students & school improvement projects
- 12:00 PM – Afternoon celebration with students and staff at local park
- 4:00 PM – Return to hotel, Antigua
- Evening – Free time to explore historic Antigua
No planned group activities
Day 7 – Friday | Guatemala City & Safe Passage
- 8:00 AM – Group breakfast at hotel dining room
- 9:30 AM – Travel to Guatemala City
- 11:00 AM – Tour of Safe Passage School and its city dump project
- 1:00 PM – Check-in at Barceló Hotel, Guatemala City
- Afternoon – Free time
- 7:00 PM – Final group dinner and reflection
Barceló Hotel restaurant
Day 8 – Saturday | Departure or Tikal Extension
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast at hotel
- 9:00 AM – Transfer to Guatemala City Airport (GUA)
For those returning home:
- 12:13 PM – Depart GUA to Fort Lauderdale (JetBlue #1383)
- 5:00 PM – Arrive Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
For those traveling to Tikal:
- 1:00 PM – Depart Guatemala Cite (GUA) to Flores (FRS), (TAG #160)
- 2:30 PM – Island town tour of Flores
- 4:30 PM – Transfer to Tikal Inn, Tikal National Park
- 6:00 PM – Hotel check-in
- 6:30 PM – Dinner and social time at hotel
Day 9 – Sunday | Explore Tikal National Park
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast at hotel
- 9:00 AM – Explore Mayan ruins
No planned group activities - 6:00 PM – Group dinner at hotel
Day 10 – Monday | Return to Guatemala City
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast at hotel
- 10:00 AM – Transfer to Flores Airport
- 1:40 PM – Depart Flores to Guatemala City, (TAG #161)
- 4:30 PM – Check-in at Barceló Hotel
- Evening – Free time
Day 11 – Tuesday | Return to Fort Lauderdale
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast at hotel
- 9:00 AM – Transfer to Guatemala City Airport
- 12:13 PM – Depart Guatemala Cite to Fort Lauderdale (JetBlue #1383)
- 5:00 PM – Arrive Fort Lauderdale