Guatemala cofradia paintingI’m working with the Iowa State University Extension to provide a unique look at Guatemalan culture with special focus on topics of interest in family interaction, foods and nutrition, textiles, agriculture, and daily living among the Mayan families. The information is below. If you’re interested in these dates, please write directly to the two Iowa coordinators; their email addresses are provided below. It’s possible to fly from any airport and join the group in Guatemala City.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering an opportunity to learn about the people and culture of Guatemala. A nine-day travel seminar to Guatemala will be held January 21-29, 2013, departing from Des Moines. The program provides comprehensive learning about Guatemalan life, culture, history and sustainability, with special attention to indigenous Mayans living in villages along volcanic Lake Atitlan.

Seminar participants will experience Guatemalan music, art, foods, agriculture, textiles and education while exploring the country’s landscapes. Participants will gain an understanding of the country’s culture and become better equipped to connect with the many Guatemalans who have immigrated to Iowa.

Mother and daughter in GuatemalaLeading the program are Himar Hernandez and Diane Van Wyngarden, economic development specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach. Hernandez specializes in assisting Latino businesses and educating Iowans about Latino cultures. Van Wyngarden has extensive experience leading educational travel seminars and providing learning venues not normally available to the public. They teamed to offer this unique experience and will serve as the group leaders throughout the seminar.

“Guatemala is a magnificent and fascinating land of high mountains, active volcanoes and Lake Atitlan, said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world,” Van Wyngarden said. “The rich culture and heritage of the Maya are obvious in Guatemala’s scenic highlands, where half of the population is direct Mayan descent and speak more than 20 indigenous languages. It also is a land of grinding poverty. Guatemala is among the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Nearly 60 percent of indigenous families live in poverty. Malnutrition rates are high, education rates are low and infant mortality is a constant worry. However, strategic efforts are bringing hope to these families.”

A unique feature of this program is the opportunity to meet indigenous Mayan families in their homes and personally improve their living condition, Van Wyngarden continued. Participants will spend one afternoon working as volunteer teams. The teams will assemble a cook stove kit and donate the stove to a family. Stove material costs are included in the program fee.

young girl in GautemalaThe fee for the nine-day program begins at $1,750, which includes eight hotel nights, 21 meals, ground transportation, chartered boat rides to indigenous villages along Lake Atitlan, all entry and speaker fees, three group leaders and local guides. Optional upgrades include group round trip air fare from Des Moines to Guatemala and hotel single occupancy. Seating is limited to 25 people and available on a first-reservation basis. This program is open to all adults. The itinerary includes walking steep grades and is physically challenging for some adults. Consult with the leaders regarding activity requirements.

View itinerary and information online. Scroll to “Guatemala Seminar.”

For more information contact:

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Guatemala tour