Hiptipico's Alternative spring break program
Is an extremely unique opportunity for young professionals and students to gain a deeper understanding about global issues by interacting directly with local community members and marginalized indigenous groups in rural Guatemala. All immersion activities are supplemented with intensive seminars and group discussions with Hiptipico founder Alyssa and innovative local leaders.
Cultural Immersion
Hiptipico's ASB program focuses on providing participants with a truly immersive experience in the beautifully diverse country of Guatemala. Participants will have the opportunity to explore some of the most striking parts of Central America and gain insight into the Maya culture and traditions by meeting local indigenous artisans. This program concentrates on economic empowerment through inclusion as a way to break the cycle of poverty in Latin America.
immersion activities
weaving lessons ↡ workshop visits ↡ artisan seminars
Group leaders travel for free!
Customize a highly immersive week of service projects, leadership-building, and community involvement with 10 of your classmates. Specific activities include: shopping at the largest open-air market in Central America, visiting home workshops of indigenous artisans, traditional Maya weaving and dyeing lessons, boat rides across Lake Atitlan and even volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Sample Activities:
Visit Our Artisans' Homes
Attend a Traditional Weaving Workshop
Hike an Active Volcano
Tour a Coffee Farm
Weave Your Own Scarf
Learn How to Make Tortillas
Watch Sunsets over Lake Atitlan
Example Immersion Tour:
Natural Dyeing + Weaving Lessons with Rosa
Hop across the lake from Panajachel to San Juan la Laguna, home of one of the oldest artisan weaving cooperatives. It’s leader, Hiptipico's long term artisan partner Rosa, will demonstrate the traditional Maya Tz’utujil dyeing technique, done completely with local organic materials like fruits, vegetables, tree bark, and even insects. You too, will learn yourself how to weave with the traditional backstrap loom and stay a while longer to create your very own scarf! Homemade lunch, village tour and seminar to follow.
Natural Dyeing + Weaving Lessons with Rosa
Pricing and Info
The all-inclusive trip cost is $1,500 per person (for a minimum of 10 people) which covers all expenses on the ground in Guatemala for one week. Group leaders travel for free!
Price includes: local transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, beverages, local tours, cultural sites, translations, artisan workshops, family visits, weaving lessons, market visits, seminars and college credit.
Price excludes: airfare, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Sign up: info@hiptipico.com
Meet your guides
Marleny
Hiptipico's full-time artisan coordinator Marleny is a Panajachel native. Speaking Kaqchikel, K'iche, and Spanish - Marleny is in constant contact with our artisans partners all around Guatemala. She manages all orders, and is in charge of quality control and building new artisan relationships. Marleny is excited to meet new people!
Alyssa
Before founding Hiptipico, Alyssa earned her Master’s Degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Living in rural Guatemala for the past 7 years, she is thrilled to share her experiences working with Maya artisans and textiles with ethical travelers and socially-minded consumers.