Introducing Our NEW Program! Language at the Lake (Atitlan, Guatemala!)
About the trip: Guatemalan Ties Language at the Lake invites adoptees and loved ones to slow down, connect, and experience Guatemala in a warm, authentic way. Set along the stunning shores of Lake Atitlán in San Pedro La Laguna, this program blends meaningful Spanish learning with cultural exploration and community connection. Each day offers something memorable: morning language lessons, afternoons exploring local markets and Tz'utujil traditions, and peaceful moments by the lake. It is an opportunity to deepen your relationship with Guatemala, build community, and feel truly welcomed into the heart of this vibrant lakeside town.
Who’s the trip for? After we launched our Service & Language program one of the most common comments we got from loved ones was, “Wait, I want to take language classes too!” And adoptees (especially those over 25 years old) remarked, “I’d love to do a program with my spouse/parent/friend/sibling.” And we said, “Okay, we can make that happen!”
Adoptees and loved ones (up to 30 participants) can participate. Loved ones can even participate without adoptees, if that’s something they want to. 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. If you’ve been to San Juan, remember that hill from the boat dock up the hill? Some of the hills in San Pedro laugh at that hill, so be prepared to walk up AND down lots of hills if you join this trip. And you know what hills mean? Houses built on hills and steps!
Why San Pedro la Laguna? We’ve long been asked to expand our programming on Lake Atitlan. After reviewing the range of language school options on the lake, we found Cooperativa Spanish School in San Pedro La Laguna (San Pedro) as the best option. This summer our staff and two former Ties and Service & Language participants visited San Pedro and fell in love with the town of approximately 11,000 people. San Pedro is traditionally inhabited by the Tz'utujil people, with over 90% of the population identifying as indigenous. San Pedro maintains the authenticity of a Guatemalan village along the lake while welcoming students for Spanish language schools and proximity to the lake and volcanoes. If you’ve been to Panajachel or San Juan on our trips, San Pedro is less touristy than both of these towns. San Pedro sits on a plateau with steep roads and paths running down either side of the ridge towards docks on the lakeshore. The east side is also home to la playa (the beach) where people enjoy snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking.
When is the trip? December 26, 2026 - January 3, 2027, with a possible extension in Antigua from January 3 - 6, 2027.
Why December and January? We already have two programs that run in Guatemala in the summer and we often get asked to provide more trips throughout the year. The week after Christmas works well for many young adult adoptees and their work schedules, as many have some time off then, or find it easier to get time off. The trip is a week long to accommodate busy schedules of adult adoptees and their loved ones.
Where will participants stay? San Pedro is a small town with limited accommodation options, therefore, the whole town will be welcoming us! This allows us to provide a range of options to participants including homestays (which include most meals), hotels (three star, which includes breakfasts, and private homes (meals not included). The program price includes a homestay, hotels and private homes are additional fees. To get the most out of the program, we recommend staying in a homestay. Local families host two to three participants. We’ll do our best to ensure that families are located at the same homestay but larger groups may need to divide between several.
I want to reconnect with birth or foster family on this trip, is that possible? 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 Guatemala Program Manager Rebecca Blessing to determine the best options for you, those you are wanting to connect with, and the searchers/translators.
I want more info! Great, request our information packet. Still have questions? Reach out to Rebecca.
Sign me up! Even better, register here. Receive $200 early bird discount until March 30, 2026
Check out Ties’ other trips to Guatemala here.