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| Snapshot Tours |
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| General Information | Sample Itinerary | Sign Up | FAQ | More Travel Information |
 Join us for CoEd’s popular Snapshot Tour, a glimpse into Guatemala and CoEd’s programs. You will see each of CoEd’s projects in action, personally interact with the students and provide much needed educational materials to the schools.
Experience Guatemala’s culture and landscape as we enjoy breathtaking Lake Atitlán, travel to small Mayan villages and visit the colonial town of Antigua, awarded "Top City" by Wanderlust Travel Magazine!
This is the perfect trip for those who love to see amazing scenery, meet interesting people and help those in need, but find a longer trip a challenge for their schedules.
All hotel and restaurant accommodations are tourist class.
Snapshot Tour Highlights:
- See CoEd’s programs in-action and meet the families who benefit.
- Bring vital educational materials to needy schools.
- Have the option to participate in exclusive activities just for Rotarians, including a lunch meeting with a Guatemalan Rotary club.
- See colorful Antigua, a restored colonial city in the shadow of 3 volcanoes, which was recently awarded "Top City" by Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
- Visit Lake Atitlán, called by many “the most beautiful place on earth.”
- Experience the richness of Guatemalan indigenous culture.
- Learn about Guatemalan history, traditions, foods, culture, and current events.
- Shop in artisans’ markets featuring some of the most exquisite hand-crafted items in the Americas.
- Enjoy both service and social time with your fellow travelers and CoEd staff.
Spaces are limited, so please contact Jessica Stieritz at jessica@coeduc.org or (513) 731-2595 ext. 105 if you are interested or would like more information.
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| General Information | Sample Itinerary | Sign Up | FAQ | More Travel Information |
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| 2012 Snapshot Tour Dates |
Feb 21-26, 2012
July 24-29, 2012
Participants should arrive in Guatemala on Tuesday. However, some exceptions can be made for a Wednesday arrival if absolutely necessary. |
Cost
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US$975 plus airfare for double occupancy
US$1,075 plus airfare for single occupancy
*If you do not have a traveling companion, we will happily match you with a roommate in order to secure the Double Occupancy rate.
NOTE: Trip expenses may be tax deductible.
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| Details |
- The application deadline is July 1 / January 15.
- The Snapshot Tour is limited to 25 participants.
- The minimum age is 21, although individuals under the age of 21 will be considered after July 1 / Nov 1.
- A non-refundable deposit of US$200 is required at the time of application.
- Apply online now or contact Jennifer Sands, Marketing Coordinator, jennifer@coeduc.org or 513-731-2595, ext. 101.
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| Sample Itinerary |
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 Note: This itinerary shows real experiences and approximate travel times, but does not coincide with actual itineraries.
TUESDAY
Guatemala City
Arrive in Guatemala City (GUA) on morning/ early afternoon flight
WEDNESDAY
Guatemala City / Antigua
10:00 am Guatemala City Tour
2:00 pm Lunch & Tour of CoEd Guatemala headquarters
4:00 pm Depart for Antigua
5:30 pm Check in at Porta Hotel Antigua
7:00 pm Dinner at Porta Hotel Antigua
THURSDAY
Antigua / Tecpán
7:30 am Breakfast at Porta Hotel Antigua
8:30 am Walking Tour of Antigua
10:00 am Visit and Cultural Exchange with CoEd Scholarship Students
11:30 am Depart for Patzún, Chimaltenango
1:30 pm Lunch in Patzún
2:00 pm Site visit to CoEd Textbook & Computer Projects, Patzún Cooperative School
5:30 pm Check in at Hotel Albergues de Tecpán
7:00 pm Dinner at Hotel Albergues de Tecpán
FRIDAY
Lake Atitlán
7:30 am Breakfast at Hotel Albergues de Tecpán
8:30 am Depart for Lake Atitlán
10:15 am Depart by boat for Santiago, Atitlán
11:15 am Supplies delivery at Santiago Primary School
1:00 pm Depart by boat for Santa María Visitación
1:15 pm Lunch & site visit to CoEd Textbook Project, Santa María Visitación School
3:15 pm Depart by boat for Santiago, Atitlán
4:15 pm Check in at Hotel Posada de Santiago
7:00 pm Dinner at Hotel Posada de Santiago
SATURDAY
Lake Atitlán / Guatemala City
7:30 am Breakfast at Hotel Posada de Santiago
8:30 am Walking Tour & Shopping in Santiago Atitlán
12:00 pm Lunch at Hotel Posada de Santiago
1:30 pm Depart for Guatemala City
4:30 pm Check in at Hotel Radisson
6:00 pm Final dinner & reception at Hotel Radisson
SUNDAY
Depart Guatemala City on scheduled flights. |
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How to Sign Up for a Snapshot Tour
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Click here to download the application for the Snapshot Tour (all dates) (PDF).
You can also request a mailed, paper application from Jennifer at jennifer@coeduc.org; or 513-731-2595, ext. 101. |
| 2. |
Fill out the application and return with a non-refundable US$200 deposit (payable by check made out to "Cooperative for Education"). Or click here to pay either your deposit or your entire tour balance online. |
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You will receive email confirmation that your application and deposit have been accepted and that you have a secured place on the tour. Along with the confirmation, you will receive advice concerning immunizations, packing, and more. |
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After you receive confirmation of your place on the tour, purchase a plane ticket to Guatemala City (GUA). There are resources to assist you in finding lower-priced airfares (click here).
You should arrive in Guatemala anytime on Tuesday* and depart anytime on Sunday. (NOTE: Your Sunday morning departure will likely be from Antigua, about 1 hour from the Guatemala City airport. If you prefer to avoid a pre-dawn departure, please book your return flight accordingly.)
*Some exceptions can be made for a Wednesday arrival if absolutely necessary. If you must arrive on Wednesday, please contact Jennifer at jennifer@coeduc.org BEFORE booking your flight. |
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Please send your flight itinerary to CoEd as soon as possible, or by July 1 / Jan. 15 at the latest. Please include airline, flight number and time for both your outgoing and return flights so we can make arrangements for your transportation from/to the airport in Guatemala City. |
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The balance of your payment for the land portion of the trip (hotels, food, travel within Guatemala) is due to the Cooperative for Education office by July 1 / Jan. 15. If you are sharing a room, the balance will be US$775 per person (for a total of US$975, including the deposit). If you are not sharing a room, the balance will be US$875 (for a total of US$1,075, including the deposit.) This is payable by check made out to "Cooperative for Education." Or click here to pay your tour balance online. |
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You will need a passport with more than 6 months to expiration at the time of travel to enter Guatemala. Many post offices have the necessary application, or you can download an application from the U.S. State Department’s website. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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 Who will travel with me?
The tours are enjoyed by people of all ages who like to travel and are willing to take time out of busy schedules to help with our project. You will meet a group of like-minded individuals who are fun, friendly and flexible. You will also be joined by many of CoEd's U.S. and Guatemala staff. |
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Will I be safe in Guatemala?
Asociación CoEd has been operating tours in Guatemala since 1998. In that time, not one of our tour participants has ever been a victim of a serious crime. However, in Guatemala, as in other developing countries, crime is a significant problem. Traveling in these countries is therefore not without risk. Click here to see CoEd's Statement on Safety. |
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 Do I need to speak Spanish to go on the tour?
Absolutely not! In fact, the majority of our tour participants speak little to no Spanish. Most tour activities are translated. When interacting with the students on an individual basis, our travelers find other ways to communicate and interact with them: showing family photos, playing soccer & basketball, and other games.
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Can I arrive before the tour and stay after?
If you plan to arrive a day before or stay a day after the tour at the Hotel Radisson in Guatemala City, we can book those nights for you. Please contact Jennifer by July 1/Jan. 1 at jennifer@coeduc.org or 513-731-2595, ext. 101 to make the arrangements.
If you would like to travel in Guatemala outside the official tour, you are responsible for making your own arrangements. Click here for a list of several Guatemalan travel agencies. |
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Can I leave hotel contact information with my friends or family?
Yes, just before your tour we will send you a complete list of hotels and contact information, which you can share with your family in case of emergency. |
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Can I learn about the tour from the perspective of a previous volunteer?
Absolutely. We have many Snapshot Tour veterans who are enthusiastic about sharing their experiences with you. Feel free to contact any of these volunteers to learn more about their perspective: |
Jorge Gonzalez
Cincinnati, OH
513-759-2232 chico83@cinci.rr.com
Ed McCarter
Cincinnati, OH
513-321-2841 ed.4183@gmail.com |
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Can I donate school supplies or other items to CoEd's projects?
Yes. Please click here for CoEd's Supply Donation Overview (PDF), including the list of items we accept for donation. |
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