Guatemalan Ties
Service & Language
A unique and immerse experience for Guatemalan adoptees
JULY 2026
ANTIGUA • GUATEMALA CITY
AGES 18 - 25
What fits your journey?
July 3 -
July 18, 2026
● 16 days of immersive Spanish language experience
● Give back to the local community
● Full group cultural activities
● For Guatemalan adoptees ages 18 - 25
● optional pre-trip extensions with loved ones
from USD
$4,661
Questions about whether Guatemalan Ties Service & Language is right for you? Contact Rebecca, Guatemalan Ties Program Manager — she’s happy to help.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Your Immersive Journey • 16 days
This is a representative overview of what to expect during Guatemalan Ties Service & Language.
DAY 1
Arrive in Guatemala
orientation & welcome dinner
DAYS 2 & 3
Antigua Exploration
immerse yourself in cultural activities with the group
DAYS 4 - 8
Language Class & Community Time
attend Spanish classes in the morning and give back to the local community in the afternoon
DAYS 9 & 10
Antigua
free time to explore Antigua
DAYS 11 - 12
Language Class & Community Time
attend Spanish classes in the morning and give back to the local community in the afternoon
DAY 13
Antigua
free time to explore Antigua or go on an optional hike
DAY 14
Language Class & Community Time
attend Spanish classes in the morning and give back to the local community in the afternoon
DAYS 15 - 16
Language Class & Guatemala City
attend Spanish classes in the morning and transfer to Guatemala city. Farewell dinner & departures to home & beyond
Full sample itinerary and optional excursion add-ons are available by requesting our info packet.
Optional Extensions & Excursions
Pre-trip extensions with loved ones
Ties is pleased to provide three optional pre-trip extensions for adoptees and their loved ones who want to experience Guatemala with them prior to the Service & Language Program. For details and pricing, please request the information packet.
Guatemala City/Lake Atitlan/Antigua (7 days): Arrive on June 27, transfer to a Guatemala City Hotel and explore Guatemala City for the night. Afternoon transport to Pana on June 28 for two nights on the lake with choice of activity at the lake, including visiting San Juan or kayaking, or a cooking class. June 30: transport to Antigua, for three days exploring Antigua. July 3rd, program starts. Loved ones depart on July 3rd.
Antigua (3 days): Arrive on July 1, transport to Antigua for three days of exploring. Birth family meetings or other activities on July 2nd. July 3 program starts and loved ones depart.
Finca San Cayetano add on: July 3rd, without the adoptee, loved ones transfer to Finca San Cayetano for two nights. One night in Guatemala City before flight on 6th.
“I could have not asked for a better experience. I think that my trip was amazing and I just want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to do it in a safe, educational, fun and loving way!”
—Gracie F., Service & Language 2025
Frequently asked questions about Guatemalan Ties Service & Language
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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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Funding may be possible for college students through Fund for Education Abroad. Please contact them for details on how to apply.
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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.
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Request information about 2026 or upcoming 2027 tours.