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Guatemala

Guatemala: Climate Leaders Fellowship Summit

8 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Looking for the Climate Leaders Fellowship Summit?

This program is now offered in Colorado for 2025.
See the new program

Program Tuition

$2,030

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Bienvenido a Guatemala!

Arrive in Guatemala City where you are met and greeted warmly. Early arrivals (flying from LAX) will jump right in with a tour of The Ocean Cleanup’s “Barricade 006” in the Rio Motagua, which has diverted nearly 10 million pounds of plastic waste from reaching the ocean. We’ll speak with leaders on the ground to learn about how their first prototype failed but led to the current design which has been far more effective. Next, we’ll transfer by car to the colonial City of Antigua where you will transport 400 years back in time. Antigua is a UNESCO world heritage site and you will understand why as you are greeted by the beauty and greatness of the colonial buildings and surrounding volcanoes. As you acclimatize to Antigua, we will enjoy a glorious welcome dinner, all while gaining knowledge about how climate change has already and will continue to present challenges and opportunities for the country’s future. Those arriving to Guatemala City in the evening (from the East Coast of the US) will go straight to the hotel in Antigua and get to visit The Ocean Cleanup on the last day of the trip. We’ll spend the next three nights in a comfortable hotel with 2 students per room and private bathrooms.
2

Antigua

Enjoy breakfast at the Macadamia Nut Farm, and learn about the growing, processing, and all the benefits of macadamia nuts in this region. You will have the best pancakes in the entire country and learn how climate change has begun to threaten Guatemala’s agricultural sector. After breakfast, visit a family farm to learn about the coffee supply chain. You will understand where the money flows when you buy coffee from a big company and how farmers and the country are attempting to adapt to more extreme weather events caused by climate change. We will spend a half-day with a single-owner farm and then have lunch at the farmer’s house. In the afternoon, we will also learn about local culture and history by visiting some of the beautiful villages surrounding Antigua. We will enjoy dinner at El Cerro de San Cristobal, the place with the best views in the colonial city, and we’ll start the “CLF Project Showcase” where students will present and share reflections on the Fellowship project they previously implemented.
3

Antigua

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll continue with a few more CLF project presentations. Then, we will visit a social enterprise water filtration factory and meet the founder and CEO. We will learn about the impact of this efficient water filter, and how they have impacted almost over a million children in Guatemala by giving them access to clean water. We will walk through the factory and see the processing of these life changing water filters, and hear first hand about how the product was first designed, how it has evolved over time, and what skills and knowledge were needed to grow the organization’s operations. After lunch, we will meet civic leaders from Antigua who are working side by side with community leaders to tackle climate issues. In the evening, we’ll hear several more CLF project presentations, explore Antigua and say farewell to this lovely town.
4

Patzun

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to the Mayan town of Patzun, in the highlands of Guatemala, and get started on a big day of work. Four years ago, we partnered with the community to build homes for local families. So far, we have built 66 houses at zero cost for the families. All the families must do is be involved in the construction. Today, our students will join the construction, mixing concrete, laying down cinder blocks, etc. We will explore the town and enjoy dinner at the hotel. We’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel with shared bedrooms and private baths.
5

Patzun to Lake Atitlan

We will eat a hearty breakfast at the hotel, finish all of our CLF project presentations by students, and then depart Patzun to head to Lake Atitlan. We’ll have lunch on the way and we will drive through the green mountains of the Guatemalan Highlands. Along the way we’ll stop at one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and enjoy the breathtaking panorama. After we check in to our hotel, and eat dinner in town, we’ll enjoy the sunset from the swimming pool! We spend the next two nights in a comfortable hotel with shared bedrooms and private baths.
6

Lake Atitlan

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll explore some of the villages around the lake on a private boat ride. We will meet up with a partner organization working to replant native species near the lake to learn about how economic and environmental sustainability can be pursued in synchrony, and even get our hands dirty by helping with new plantings alongside local Mayan community members. We will make a visit to Santiago Atitlan and its famous markets. We will see the iconic church built on top of a Mayan pyramid. We will experience the beautiful weavings, check out their traditional everyday markets, and learn about their culture, traditions and what they do every day. You will savor a very traditional “pepian” lunch at a women-owned co-op in San Juan before taking time to explore San Juan La Laguna and its famous weaving and unique textiles made by the local women. Take a boat ride back to Hotel Atitlan in the afternoon!
7

Adios

Those with early flights (flying home through LAX) will depart the hotel early morning to get to the Guatemala City airport by 9am. The others will have our last breakfast at the hotel before driving to Chinautla to visit The Ocean Project’s “Interceptor Barricade” to see how it has helped divert nearly 10 million pounds of plastic waste from reaching the ocean. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Guatemala City airport for flights home. Shed a tear because you’re leaving Guatemala. Fly back home but come back soon!

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

guatemala

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Guatemala offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Guatemala Americas 2026
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