Guatemalan Ties
Language at the Lake
A special program open to all adoptees of any background
DEC 2026 - JAN 2027
GUATEMALA CITY • SAN PEDRO LA LAGUNA
ALL AGES
What fits your journey?
Dec 26, 2026 -
Jan 3, 2027
● Stay near Lake Atitlán, one of the world’s most serene lakes
● 9 days of Spanish language & Guatemalan culture immersion
● Give back to the local community
● Ring in the New Year with adoptees & loved ones
● Registration deadline October 1, 2026
from USD
$2,398
Questions about whether Language at the Lake is right for you? Contact Rebecca, Guatemalan Ties Program Manager — she’s happy to help.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Your Immersive Journey • 9 days
This is a representative overview of what to expect during Guatemalan Ties Language at the Lake.
DAY 1
Arrive in Guatemala City
orientation & welcome dinner
DAY 2
San Pedro La Laguna
travel to San Pedro La Laguna via bus and boat
DAYS 3 - 4
San Pedro La Laguna Immersion
begin your Spanish classes and take part in Guatemalan culture
DAY 5
Give Back to the Community
assist families in need near Lake Atitlan
DAY 6
Bring in 2027
celebrate New Year’s, Guatemalan-style
DAYS 7 - 9
San Pedro La Laguna & Home
finish your Guatemala immersion and say farewell to your fellow adoptees. Travel onward to Antigua or return home
Full sample itinerary and optional excursion add-ons are available by requesting our info packet.
Optional Extensions & Excursions
Antigua
January 3 - 6, 2027
Few cities in the world are as charming and colorful as Antigua. Cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and stunning architecture abound. It’s an ideal place to explore on your own. Maybe you want to take cooking classes, explore Hobbitango, hike Pacaya, take in a spa visit, or shop at the expansive outdoor markets. Reconnections can occur in Guatemala City on Dec 26 in the morning or during the extension in Antigua from Jan 3 - 6. We may also be able to arrange reconnection visits at the lake. You’ll work with our Guatemalan Ties Program Manager Rebecca Blessing to determine the best options for you, those you are wanting to connect with, and the searchers/translators. Whatever you want to do, we’ll help you make plans just for you.
Frequently asked questions about Guatemalan Ties Language at the Lake
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Adoptees and loved ones (up to 30 participants). Adoptees (and their loved ones) do not have to be from Guatemala, but everyone should have an interest in exploring Guatemala and learning Spanish (Tz'utujil classes are available for those who are fluent in Spanish, at an additional cost). The program is best for able-bodied participants as the roads and paths in San Pedro can be a challenge, even for active individuals.
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The safety of adoptees and their families is of the utmost importance to The Ties Program and we work very hard to keep adoptees and their families as safe as possible. You can read the Dept of State advisory in detail here.
Guatemala is at a "reconsider travel" level and has been for at least as many years as Rebecca has worked there (since 2017). The Guatemalan travel advisory is related to crime: there are certain areas that are considered unsafe for people to travel to, while other areas are considered quite safe. This is true in most cities in the U.S. - there are areas of every city that you may not want to go to due to safety concerns. Note in paragraph two of the advisory it says, "U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas for personal travel but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including tourist destinations such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments." While travelers with Ties fly in and out of Guatemala City (it's the only international airport in the country), our trips travel largely to Antigua and Lake Atitlan; some trips also go to Tikal and to the pacific coast (which are also considered safe).
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This program is designed for between 12 and 20 adoptees only.
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There are no visa requirements for U.S. citizens entering Guatemala for up to 90 days. In fact, Guatemalan adoptees are considered citizens by the Guatemalan government and are not required to follow the 90 day rule and they can come and go as they please (see more in next FAQ). There is a digital entry form you'll need to complete 48 hours before entering and exiting Guatemala.
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Yes! You do need to follow a process to update and obtain the required paperwork but you can reapply for Cedula/DPT and Guatemalan passport and can even vote in Guatemalan elections. We do recommend that you always travel on your U.S. passport, however. Reach out to Rebecca for more information. Adoptees with Guatemalan Roots also has some information about this.
YOUR GUATEMALAN TIES PROGRAM MANAGER
Rebecca Blessing
Rebecca joined Ties in 2017 and became the Guatemalan Program Manager in 2019. In her more than twenty years in child welfare and adoption, she's assisted adoptees and families at all stages, from initial applications to heritage journeys. She's spoken globally on child welfare and adoption issues and has advised organizations and governments on comprehensive child welfare and adoption policy. Today, you can find her in Denver, CO where she is also an adjunct professor, a yoga teacher, and is currently working on a novel.
Please note: Rebecca may not travel on every trip.
Ready to begin?
Your birth country is waiting.
Request information about 2026 or upcoming 2027 tours.