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.

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.

In Globe Aware’s El Sur program, volunteers have the opportunity to assist villagers whose farmland has recently been taken over to create the spectacular Carara Rainforest Reserve. The villagers hope to create sustainable community-based tourism, and Globe Aware volunteers will help by completing projects such as building suspension bridges, painting schools, constructing recycling stations, and building systems to help bring clean water into the community. For fun, volunteers can enjoy hiking in the rainforest, horseback riding, coffee tasting, and learning about cheese making and traditional sugar cane processing. Accommodations include comfortable, recently constructed cabinas with Western-style bathrooms and showers (not including heated water) and limited electricity. Take this trip to Costa Rica and join in on providing sustainability and opportunity for one of the friendliest communities you’ll ever encounter!