Although home to more than 11 million people, Cuban culture has been shrouded in mystery to most North Americans because of prolonged economic and political strain between the United States and Cuba.
The Care for Cuba program pulls back the curtains on this Caribbean culture and gives volunteers a clear look at the beauties, struggles, and determination of the Cuban people. Cubanos are proud, educated, and often quite happy to share opinions. Isolated for years due to the “blockade” (as Cubans refer to the embargo the US imposed against the Communist state), their culture has been influenced by m cultures, none perhaps as heavily as Spain, Africa and the United States. Full of music, derelict buildings, joy and sorrow, the country offers few material pleasures but immense humanitarian rewards.

Located in the Middle of the World, Ecuador is a stunningly beautiful country full of interesting places to visit. With a fantastic climate and breathtaking landscapes, the essence of Latin America merged to create a unique and unforgettable destination. Ecuador is a paradise full of astonishing natural attractions. Ecuador has it all: snow-capped volcanoes, plunging valleys, majestic mountains, breathtaking gardens, green valleys bathed by cascading waterfalls, beautiful colonial architecture, monasteries, Indian markets, and little villages lost in the Andes. The culture is just as varied as the landscape, with traditional Native Incan, African, and European colonial influences that combine to create uniquely Ecuadorian cultural traditions. Its people are very friendly and hospitable making the cities full of life and culture. Our volunteers will be based in the historic capital city of Quito. Quito has one of the largest, least altered and best preserved historic centers in all of the Americas. It was also one of the very first World Cultural Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO.

Come to Cuzco with Globe Aware and take part in providing educational opportunities for impoverished children from rural households. Service projects include improvements and maintenance to facilities through activities like painting classrooms, creating gardens, or constructing desks and beds. There is ample time to work directly with the children after they finish their school day, and you may also visit a local family to help construct a Lorena stove for household heating. Volunteer vacationers can make a scheduled excursion to Machu Picchu (at the volunteer’s expense), and to other surrounding ancient sites which are in very close proximity. Accommodations include dormitory style rooms with running water, flushing toilets, and electricity. Be ready to be dazzled by this vibrant city, the most popular destination in Peru, and to experience what was once the heart of the powerful Incan empire!

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Globe Aware’s Costa Rica program takes place about an hour from the city of San Jose in the gorgeous, hidden valley of Orosi. There in Orosi, villagers of the small community of El Yaz enjoy their natural paradise, but struggle to make ends meet as their access to sustainable jobs, hot water, transportation, and proper nutrition are limited. Through this program, volunteers have the opportunity to engage in agricultural work and organic farming and gardening in order to benefit these struggling villagers. Projects often focus on permaculture, reforestation, and environmental issues. Volunteers will stay in a rented house in the midst of beautiful, lush vegetation with running hot water, flushing toilets, and electricity. Leisure activities include nature hikes, horse-back riding, and bathing in natural hot springs. Come enjoy the beauty of the Orosi Valley and help protect and preserve the paradise of the rainforest!

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Think of it as a Mexican Inka Trail or Camino del Santiago in Spain. The Camino del Mayab is a revolutionary hiking/biking trail in an overlooked area of Mexico, with a network of 130 kilometers of trails developed in conjunction with 13 Mayan communities. By bringing responsible travelers down this gorgeous path of cultural and natural wonders, it will bring sustainable dollars and resources to the calo communities. Visitors will be paying for local accommodation, food, buy gifts and souvenirs, pay for entrance to the stunning cenotes and more. The unknown area has some of the most spectacular natural wonders and ruins of the Yucatan peninsula. This program also highlights the cultural and historical legacy of Yucatan, taking its visitors through fascinating towns, haciendas, and cenotes south of the city of Merida.

The country of Guatemala, well-known as a place of beauty and safety, warmly welcomes visitors to discover its charm and diversity amidst amazing wildlife, friendly locals, and its ancient Mayan roots. Yet even amongst the intriguing Tikal allures and the unique flora and fauna, Guatemala still remains a country with great need. Huge population growth and migration have put a strain on resources all over the country. As a result, literacy rates are among some of the lowest in the world, and poverty is prominent. Low standards of living, poor sanitation, and even limited access to clean water are all daily challenges faced by many Guatemalans. Lodging is provided in a small, rustic but very quaint hotel, accommodating two to six guests per room, depending on the size of your travel party. A single supplement can be arranged for an additional $290. All beds are covered with mosquito netting, and include a private bath with a hot shower, flushing toilets, fans, and an outdoor patio area. The hotel is located on Lake Peten Itza. Volunteers will have the wonderful opportunity to visit the world-famous Tikal National Park and Temple. Other optional leisure activities include participating in a class in tortilla making, attending a Mayan Fire Ceremony and meeting with a Mayan Spiritual Guide, taking an herb walk in the jungle, meeting with an herbalist, and taking a tour of the Aktun Kan Caves. Optional excursions, independent of Globe Aware but run by companies whose safety we have vetted, include Canopy/Zipline Tours and/or horseback riding.