Guatemala experience

Montericco adventure’s volunteer, learn Spanish and adventure program is something I would really recommend to all. It provides the perfect mix of a structured program with free time to explore the areas you are visiting. I’m my personal case I had a limited amount of time for a sabbatical from work and I feel choosing the 6 week program worked well as there was lots of time to really experience the places I was staying and integrate myself into the culture without feeling that there was too much down time.

The weeks spent in Montericco were wonderful. I got to meet lots of local who always friendly and welcoming. Although I think the volunteering organization needs some work and consistency, it didn’t impact my overall experience negatively. I worked with the staff of a local hotel and also the children of a local school in teaching English and beach clean ups. Both groups really enjoyed the classes prepared and you could see progress with both. It was very rewarding. In addition to volunteering, I was taking Spanish classes everyday in the local school. Giovanni our Teacher was very parient and warm. He guided us to a level of communication in Spanish that we could really use with locals and other Spanish speakers. His classes were communicative and easy to follow as he guided us through the grammar and sentence structures of Spanish.

The adventure weeks in and around Antigua and the lake and also in El Salvador were very well organized and included, I feel, some of the best attractions to see in both. The accommodation along the way was very fitting for the style of traveling so we got to meet other people as well as relax and party in the evenings, depending! The activities included were also very well organized with vendors I found to be very professional and were passionate about introducing their cultures and areas to others. The highlight of the adventure weeks for me was the Acatenango hike. It was incredible and run by a really great organization whose care for the local community was admirable. The little high fives at each rest stop, the roasting of marshmallows on the top and the constant smile that never left the guides faces for the entire 24+hours we were with them made this Activity unforgettable for me!

Overall, I really loved my experience and everything involved. Monterrico Adventure shows a passion for environmental conservation and education with a wonderful touch of adventure. It’s an all round program suitable for people from all walks of life and reasons for travel!