Sustainable tourism in Guatemala

Travel consciously, make a positive impact during your trip

Sustainable travel is an increasingly important aspect for travelers. We believe in the importance of responsible travel and strive to create the greatest possible positive impact in Guatemala. Discover how you can enjoy a unique travel experience with Let’s go to Guatemala while helping to support local communities, conserve natural resources, and protect Guatemala’s cultural heritage.

How do you make your trip more sustainable?

Support local projects

Let’s go to Guatemala donates 1% of the travel price to the Guatemalan organization El Patojismo. Poverty affects all generations. Children, in particular, suffer now and in the future: no safe housing, health problems, malnutrition, and no access to education. El Patojismo runs an education center and provides children with a daily meal. The children learn to play and make music, do creative and artistic activities, play sports together, and learn about IT.

Make a financial contribution or help as a volunteer

There are now many initiatives in Guatemala, each in its own way making a positive contribution to the preservation and restoration of nature, protecting the cultural heritage, and improving the social conditions of local communities.

Take a volunteer trip with Constru Casa

If you combine your trip to Guatemala with volunteer work, it is important that you choose a reliable foundation that offers responsible volunteer work. A non-profit with a clear mission and a sustainable approach to their projects. That is why Let’s go to Guatemala works closely with Constru Casa.

Constru Casa is a foundation that literally and figuratively builds a better life for the poorest families in Guatemala.

The non-profit does this by building houses in local, usually rural communities. This way, they make a sustainable difference in the improvement of the social living conditions of the Guatemalans.
Logo Constru Casa
Together with Constru Casa, Let’s go to Guatemala organizes volunteer trips throughout the year.

Compensate for air travel via Trees for All

Every trip involves CO2 emissions, whether you go by plane, car, boat or train. A flight within Europe is about 2-4 times more polluting. You can imagine what that means when you travel to a distant destination. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to offset your CO2 emissions.

Let's go to Guatemala supports the work of the Dutch foundation Trees for All.

The foundation plants forests in the Netherlands and abroad for a better climate, more biodiversity, and healthy living conditions. For every trip you book through Let’s go to Guatemala, two trees are planted for the CO2 reduction program. You can also donate to this foundation yourself.

Sleep in sustainable accommodations

Your sleeping arrangements are a crucial part of your travel experience. At Let’s go to Guatemala, the accommodations have been handpicked. They are all small-scale accommodations that operate as sustainably as possible.

Staying in a homestay is a great opportunity to directly support a family

Avoid wasting water by taking shorter and colder showers than you are used to. Usually, your towels and bed linen are changed regularly but you can choose to reuse them for a little longer.

Eat at local restaurants and markets

If you stay in an accommodation without or with only breakfast, you are invited to eat out more often. Depending on where you are, you will find typical restaurants where you can taste the true local cuisine.

Choose a local restaurant for a bite to eat. This way, you support the local community.

Skip the big supermarkets for food shopping. In many places, you will find colorful markets or small fruit and vegetable shops. The products there are often delivered directly from the farmer, or come from the family of the shops. This way, you support local families.

Support local artisans and entrepreneurs

Guatemala is a country full of tradition, culture, and craft. The colorful costumes are unmissable. The textiles are made entirely by hand, from cotton production to the unique sample. A lot of love, attention, and care goes into it. You notice the difference with factory-made products. Cacao, woodwork, and pottery are also part of the culture.

Traditional crafts are usually passed on from generation to generation

Do you buy something locally? Then ask about the story behind their work. That it is a real family business, with which they provide their families with the best possible life. By buying locally you maintain this important source of income for them and possibly for future generations.

Respect nature and local culture

When walking through the beautiful nature parks of Guatemala, take the place regulations into account and do not go off the track unnecessarily. Please adhere to these rules to minimize your impact on nature and wildlife. Thank you for not leaving waste, such as plastic and food scraps behind.

Respect the local culture by learning about Guatemalan customs, traditions, and etiquette

While some countries in Latin America may be known as very exuberant and exotic, Guatemala is a bit more inhibited. Therefore, try to dress as appropriately as possible. Particularly in places sacred to the Maya and in religious buildings.

Reduce waste and energy use

Whenever possible, take your backpack or any other type of bag with you. This way, you can buy things on the go without having to put them into a plastic bag. Especially at local markets, many plastic bags are used that you can find in nature or on the street.

Take a water bottle or thermos with you for your trip

The tap water in Guatemala is not for drinking. Buy the largest water bottle possible and fill your water bottle or thermos. If you order something to take away from local places, you can also choose to use the bottle you brought with you.
Are you getting the travel jitters yet?​
Do you want to take a sustainable adventure through Guatemala? Are you curious about Constru Casa? Do you want to make a positive impact during your trip? Check the website or contact me directly.
Picture of Hi, I'm Paula!

Hi, I'm Paula!

Guatemala Travel specialist and proud chapina in body and soul.

Planning a trip is part of the travel experience and is to be enjoyed. I help you design a well-balanced itinerary through Guatemala, ensuring you feel confident and stress-free throughout the journey.

When working with Let's go to Guatemala, you feel heard and well cared for while experiencing Guatemala with local insight.

Picture of Hi, I'm Paula!

Hi, I'm Paula!

Guatemala Travel specialist and proud chapina in body and soul.

Planning a trip is part of the travel experience and is to be enjoyed. I help you design a well-balanced itinerary through Guatemala, ensuring you feel confident and stress-free throughout the journey.

When working with Let's go to Guatemala, you feel heard and well cared for while experiencing Guatemala with local insight.

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