Are you old enough to remember the Power Rangers? One of their most famous catchphrases was, “When our powers combine…!” And that’s sort of how we view adventure travel and humanitarian trips. When their powers combine, you get a one-of-a-kind, life-changing experience. Adventure travel and humanitarian trips are two seemingly separate forms of travel, but when combined, they can create an experience that is both enriching and fulfilling.
By combining adventure travel with humanitarian trips, our travelers are given the opportunity to explore new places and cultures while also giving back to the communities they visit. And we work in Guatemala specifically to give our travelers a bird’s eye view into how others live, and how they can help.
One of the main benefits of giving back to people in places like Guatemala is that it allows travelers to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture they are visiting. By volunteering, travelers are able to learn about local customs and traditions and gain a greater understanding of the challenges faced by people in these communities. This can be a powerful way to connect with people and culture and create a more meaningful travel experience.
Adventure Travel and Humanitarian Trips Combined = Doing Good and Having Fun
But the benefits don’t end there. Another benefit of combining adventure travel with humanitarian trips is that it allows travelers to make a positive impact on the communities they visit. Whether it’s helping to build a school or working with local organizations to provide medical care, volunteering can make a real difference in the lives of people in need. This can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for travelers, who can see the direct impact of their efforts and know that they have made a difference in the lives of others.
In addition to the benefits of giving back, combining adventure travel with humanitarian trips can also be a lot of fun. Meeting new people in foreign countries can be an exciting and enriching experience, and volunteering allows travelers to connect with local communities in a way that they might not be able to otherwise. This can be a great way to make new friends and create lasting memories.
Finally, volunteering abroad can also have a profound impact on the travelers themselves. By stepping outside of their comfort zone and immersing themselves in a new culture, travelers can gain a new perspective on the world and their place in it. This can be a transformative experience that can shape the way travelers view the world and their own lives.
Are you skeptical? Don’t be. Combining adventure travel with humanitarian trips can be a powerful and enriching experience for you and those traveling with you. Our programs at Be Humanitarian virtually guarantee it. By giving back to the communities they visit, travelers are able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture, make a positive impact on the lives of others, and have a lot of fun. And by volunteering abroad, travelers can also undergo a transformative experience that can change the way they view the world and their own lives. Humanitarian Trips change lives.
But why did we choose Guatemala? Well, let’s learn more about Guatemala’s Western Highlands are the perfect place to try and do good in the world. Welcome to Guatemala’s Mayan Highlands.
Poverty and Opportunity in the Mayan Highlands
The Mayan highlands of Guatemala, also known as the Western Highlands, are home to a large population of indigenous Mayan people. This region is known for its stunning natural beauty, including towering volcanoes and lush forests. However, despite the natural beauty, the Mayan highlands of Guatemala are also characterized by poverty and lack of access to basic necessities.
One of the main reasons for poverty in the Mayan highlands is the lack of economic opportunities. Many people in this region rely on subsistence agriculture as their main source of income, which can be unreliable and does not provide enough for them to live on. Climate change has exacerbated these problems. Additionally, many people in the Western highlands lack access to education, which limits their ability to find better-paying jobs.
Many communities in this region lack access to clean drinking water, which can lead to waterborne illnesses and other health problems. Additionally, healthcare is often limited in this part of the country, with many people living in remote communities that are far from clinics and hospitals.
Poverty is also linked to long-standing social issues such as discrimination and marginalization of the indigenous Mayan population. The Mayan people have traditionally been excluded from political and economic power in Guatemala, which has contributed to their poverty. This unfair situation began during Spanish colonialization and continues to this day.
To make matters worse, the Mayan highlands have been affected by the civil war that lasted for 36 years and ended in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of violence and displacement. This has further hindered the development and prosperity of the region.
The Mayan highlands of Guatemala are a place of great natural beauty, but poverty is a persistent problem in this region. The lack of economic opportunities, access to basic necessities, and long-standing social issues have contributed to poverty in this region. It is important that efforts are made to address these issues and improve the lives of the people in this part of Guatemala.
At Be Humanitarian, we have boots on the ground in Guatemala helping thousands every day. We are running multiple adventure travel/humanitarian trip combination excursions every year. Learn more about the active trips we are running now! And join us!
