Service Learning, Cultural Immersion and Chocolate !!

Service Learning, Cultural Immersion & Chocolate!

Belize has a rich history, and now is a land teeming with natural and cultural diversity; from the ancient Maya civilizations that ruled the lands, to the colorful Garifuna, who originally came to the Caribbean as slaves from Western Africa. Combine this with a myriad of natural diversity, from lush jungles to vibrant coral reefs, and you’ve got a trip that has something to offer everyone. Explore Belize’s wildest district, and give back to our indigenous communities through meaningful volunteer opportunities that will make a positive difference in Southern Belize!

Trip Highlights

• Prep/Paint a local school alongside local communities
• Garden Bed Project
• Attend local church service
• Home Stay
• Chocolate Festival
• Farm to Table Experience
• Mayan Ruins
• Snokeling/Water Sports

May 22

Once you arrive at Belize City International Airport, you will be met by your expeditions coordinator, Martin, and travel to Punta Gorda via a scenic road transfer, stopping in at a few points of interest and for lunch at a highway restaurant .(4-5 hr transfer time. Check in at the Big Falls Retreat for your first night and enjoy a hearty, traditional Belizean Welcome Dinner and orientation. After Breakfast at the Big Falls Retreat facility, you will be given some orientation briefings on health, safety, an introduction to Belize and feature a question and answer session with Martin Ack, your Expeditions Coordinator. You will meet with two village Alcaldes and school principals to discuss the volunteer work objectives in the two communities. (San Miguel & Silver Creek).

May 23

Breakfast at the Big Falls Retreat followed by the start of the first community project in San Miguel and base of the Maya homestay/guesthouse program. A Traditional Mayan Lunch would be eaten in the village and project work continues.

May 24 

Full day work on Community project with villagers and youths.

May 25

After breakfast in San Miguel village, travel to Punta Gorda Town, a coastal community and the capital town of Toledo. Here you can attend the popular Chocolate Festival of Belize. This event features local artisan, music, cultural presentations, competitions and CHOCOLATE! In the afternoon after lunch, you can conclude your community project in the village of San Miguel .

May 26

After breakfast in the Maya Homestay/Guesthouse participate in local church  Service will be held in English. After mass, enjoy a lunch picnic at the Big Falls Retreat, before going on an afternoon tour of Nim Li Punit Maya Temple.

May 27

Complete a small project work in Silver Creek Community re: Garden beds or signage.

May 28 

After breakfast, students will depart on a fun morning leisurely tubing down the Rio Grande River. After river tubing , enjoy a waterfall picnic at the Rio Blanco National Park. OVERNIGHT:  BIG FALLS RETREAT

May 29 

Full day snorkeling in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and stop in at a local fishing community of Punta Negra for a seafood lunch on the beach!

May 30 

Departure at Belize International