STORYTELLING EXPEDITION

GUATEMALA

$2200 USD

July 9th - July 22nd 2023

FULLY BOOKED

DESTINATION

Join the Storytelling Expedition to Guatemala and explore the country as a citizen storyteller. In partnership with Etnica Travel, we will learn about sustainable community development and document the stories behind important social impact projects around the country. 

The expedition begins and ends in the city of Antigua, but our storytelling projects will take us all over the country. Together, we will travel to rural communities near Antigua, Rio Dulce, Lanquin, and Lake Atitlan. 

This  journey will allow you to learn and get involved with community projects that seek sustainable, inclusive community development and growth in vulnerable regions of Guatemala that are threatened by low access to health, education, malnutrition problems, and food sovereignty. You will come close to initiatives that create a positive impact and that, against all odds, demonstrate alternatives that promote local participation, development, and empowerment. 

We will document the work and wisdom of these local changemakers, creating video + photo stories that amplify their impact and bring much needed awareness to their efforts.

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EXPERIENCE

The Storytelling Expedition is a culturally immersive documentary tour and ethical storytelling workshop. We travel to learn from Guatemalan experts, leaders and changemakers and practice our documentary storytelling in solidarity with their work.

The aim of this Storytelling Expedition is to document the stories behind community-led social impact organizations in Guatemala. We will learn about the struggles and successes of local leaders who are trying to solve problems in innovative and sustainable ways. Our group of travelers will become a crew of citizen storytellers and work together to create a library of digital media assets that Etnica Travel and our partner organizations can utilize to help further their mission. The videos and photos we create will be used by the social impact organizations we collaborate with to effectively share their story with potential partners, donors and tourists. Etnica Travel will also use the media to promote responsible, community-based tourism experiences in their country.

Each day of the expedition will provide opportunities for conducting interviews, arranging photo sessions and documenting what you encounter in Guatemala. The ‘deliverables’ that our crew produces may include micro-documentaries, social media video clips, photo essays, event photos, photo portraits, video interviews, photo galleries and anything else we determine could be valuable to our partners.

An Actuality producer will be on location providing guidance, mentorship, training and support as needed. You can contribute with your existing media-making talents or use the opportunity to expand your skills. Every traveler will receive in-depth training in ethical, collaborative story sharing. Together we will learn how to become more conscious and responsible storytellers, travelers and humans.

TELL ME MORE

The best way to learn about our Storytelling Expedition to Guatemala is by signing up for the email series. You can expect more information on why we travel, how it works, and what to expect on location.

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

Sunday, July 9

Arrival to Guatemala. You are met at the Guatemala City International Airport by a private driver to our guesthouse in the nearby city of Antigua. The remaining day is spent settling in or exploring the “old city.” Our crew of storytellers gathers for the first time at a welcome dinner, hosted by your Actuality producer.

  • Arrival 
  • Shuttle to Antigua
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Etnica Travel Briefing

Monday, July 10

We depart via private shuttle, headed to Central Guatemala, near the village of Lanquín to the site of Tuqtuquilal. This epic drive through the Guatemalan countryside takes about 7 hours and we stop for lunch break along the way.

Upon arrival we check in and meet leaders from Tuqtuquilal who tour us around the property and give us a short presentation of their mission, objectives and challenges.

Tuqtuquilal is a regenerative center that promotes community development through artisan production, organic agriculture, ecotourism and community education. 

In the evening, we discuss storytelling ideas and strategy, putting together a production plan for the following day.

  • Breakfast
  • Shuttle to Lanquín
  • Tuqtuquilal Orientation
  • Storytelling Projects Planning

Tuesday, July 11th

Our crew spends the day documenting the usual sights and scenes around Tuqtuquilal with video and photography. We also interview people whose personal story or perspective help bring the project to life. In the evening, we gather to review all the footage and discuss our learnings, struggles and successes. 

  • Breakfast
  • Tuqtuquilal Documenting
  • Interview Sessions
  • Footage Review + Feedback

Wednesday, July 12

Now, we continue deeper into off-the-beaten path Guatemala towards the Caribbean coast to the community of Ak’Tenamit.

A private shuttle transports our crew to the town of Rio Dulce, approximately 5 hours driving. Upon arrival to Rio Dulce we take the boat up river for a 45 minute ride. Surrounded by lush vegetation and home to small mammals, crocodiles, manatees and pelagic birds; Río Dulce offers scenic views and a panoramic boat ride all the way to the Tatín river branch where Ak’Tenamit is located. Once we arrive, we are welcomed by the community of Ak’Tenamit.

Ak’Tenamit, which means “New Village’ in the Q’eqchi’ language, is a sustainable development project in Eastern Guatemala on the Dulce River which is entirely Indigenous-led. The project includes a school, healthcare clinic and dignified job training.

In the evening, we discuss storytelling ideas and strategy and put together a production plan for the following day.

  • Breakfast
  • Shuttle to Rio Dulce
  • Boat to Ak’Tenamit
  • Ak’Tenamit Orientation
  • Storytelling Project Planning

Thursday, July 13

Our crew spends the day documenting the usual sights and scenes around Ak’tenamit with video and photography. We also interview people whose personal story or perspective help bring the project to life.

In the evening, we gather to review all the footage and discuss our learnings, struggles and successes. 

  • Breakfast
  • Ak’tenamit Documenting
  • Interview Sessions
  • Footage Review + Feedback

Friday, July 14

The morning brings another 45 minute boat ride that transports us from Ak’Tenamit to Rio Dulce followed by a shuttle ride down back inland. The 7 hour drive journey brings us back near Antigua, to the nearby community of San Antonio Aguas Calientes. You check in to your lodging, a family homestay experience, which is part of a women-led community-based accommodations network.

Once we settle in, we document our experience with photo/video to share with the homestay network to help further their work.

The evening is free to relax or explore the community. 

  • Breakfast
  • Boat to Rio Dulce
  • Shuttle to San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
  • Homestay Check In
  • Homestay Documenting

Saturday, July 15

After having breakfast with our host families a leader from The School of Culture of Chokojol Juyú will meet and guide us to The School of Culture of Chokojol Juyú. 

The school was created by three independent women weavers during the middle of the pandemic, as they started noticing that most of the children and young generations where losing their cultural heritage by not wearing their traditional garments, not speaking or wanting to learn their Kaqchikel native language and migrating. This creates a loss of culture, traditions and rich heritage that has survived over 3,500 years and that has overcome a civil war and inequality. The school is free of charge to children and subsists on the effort and limited resources of the founders.

After a tour of the grounds and meetings with the leadership, we hold a brief project planning meeting to decide on the stories to document. The rest of the day is spend documenting everyday scenes with photo/video and conducting interviews.

  • Breakfast
  • Walk to School of Culture of Chocojol Juyú
  • School Tour
  • Storytelling Project Planning
  • Documenting School of Culture of Chocojol Juyú
  • Interview Sessions

Sunday, July 16

We head out to Lake Atitlán, just a 2-3 hour drive away. You arrive to the lakeside town of Panajachel and from there take a short boat taxi to the community of Santa Cruz la Laguna. Once we arrive, a leader from the Santa Cruz Jo’ Association welcomes us and gives us a brief talk about their work.

Lake Atitlán is one of the most known and famous travel destinations, many travelers from all over the world visit Lake Atitlán for its natural and cultural richness. However not all the communities that give life to the lake are being benefit from tourism. Active members of the community of Santa Cruz decided to take action, and start connecting farmers, weavers and local families in order to create a community and rural tourism circuit that attracts travelers who want to experience local genuine experiences and their cultural heritage, the initiative was created during the pandemic, what shows us the commitment and faith that the people from Santa Cruz la Laguna have in the alternatives, opportunities and general potential of their community. 

After the meeting, we check in to our lodgings; one of a series of small family-owned guest houses, which are part of the Santa Cruz Jo’ network of accommodations. 

In the evening, we discuss storytelling ideas and strategy, putting together a production plan for the following day. 

  • Breakfast
  • Shuttle to Panajachel
  • Boat to Santa Cruz
  • Santa Cruz Jo’ Orientation
  • Guesthouse Check In
  • Storytelling Projects Planning

Monday, July 17

Our crew spends the day documenting the usual sights and scenes around Santa Cruz Jo’ with video and photography. We also interview people whose personal story or perspective help bring the project to life. In the evening, we gather to review all the footage and discuss our learnings, struggles and successes. 

  • Breakfast
  • Santa Cruz Jo’ Documenting
  • Interview Sessions
  • Footage Review + Feedback

Tuesday, July 18th

You have a free day to explore Lake Atitlan independently. Visit other communities around the lake, go for a guided hike or relax and enjoy the spectacular views. In the late afternoon, we travel as a group back to Antigua .

  • Breakfast
  • Free Day
  • Boat to Panajachel
  • Shuttle to Antigua
  • Hotel Check In

Wednesday, July 19

The editing workshop begins. We spend a half day processing and editing the media we documented and begin creating the deliverables. The Actuality Producer is available anytime for brainstorming, feedback and support in a comfortable co-working space.

The rest of your day can be spent exploring Antigua and its many popular attractions. 

  • Breakfast
  • Editing Sessions
  • Free Time

Thursday, July 20

The editing workshop continues. We spend a half day processing and editing the media we documented and begin creating the deliverables. The Actuality Producer is available anytime for brainstorming, feedback and support in a comfortable co-working space.

The rest of your day can be spent exploring Antigua and its many popular attractions. 

  • Breakfast
  • Editing Sessions
  • Free Time

Friday, July 21

The editing workshop concludes. We spend a half day processing and editing the media we documented and begin creating the deliverables. The Actuality Producer is available anytime for brainstorming, feedback and support in a comfortable co-working space.

The rest of your day can be spent exploring Antigua and its many popular attractions. 

We gather for a farewell dinner for our final night in Guatemala.

  • Breakfast
  • Editing Sessions
  • Free Time
  • Farewell Dinner

Saturday, July 22nd

Time to part ways. You will be transported from the guesthouse in Antigua to Guatemala International Airport in time for your flight home. 

  • Breakfast
  • Transport to Airport
  • Departure

COST

$ 2200 USD 14 days / 13 nights
  • 13 nights semi-private lodging in hotels, guesthouses and homestays
  • 13 breakfasts + 2 dinners
  • local guides + translators for each storytelling project
  • storytelling expedition leader + producer
  • Tuqtuquilal tour + documentary storytelling workshop
  • Ak'Tenamit tour + documentary storytelling workshop
  • Chokojol Juyú tour + documentary storytelling workshop
  • Homestay Network tour + documentary storytelling workshop
  • Santa Cruz Jo' tour + documentary storytelling workshop
  • 3 day editing workshop
  • post production management and support
  • all transportation in country
  • private airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • 24/7 emergency assistance
FULLY BOOKED
Cost does not include round trip airfare, entry visa, additional meals, or travel insurance
WE ARE A BAND OF CITIZEN STORYTELLERS
OUT TO REVEAL THE GOOD IN OUR WORLD

Frequently Asked Questions

The Storytelling Expedition is designed for experienced media-makers who seek a purposeful travel experience. If you have an interest in photography, videography, blogging, podcasting, or any other kind of digital storytelling, you’d be a great fit. Professional storytellers are welcome, but you do not have to be a professional to be able to contribute. 

No. We will have guides and translators provided for each storytelling project. 

Each storyteller should bring a digital camera they are comfortable using, for photography, videography or both. Any kind of digital camera can be suitable, even most smart phone cameras. The most important thing is that you already know how it use it. If you have additional gear you would like to bring and use, you are welcome to. 

Actuality Abroad will provide a variety of accessories, including sound recording equipment, to elevate the quality of your own equipment.

You can also bring a laptop computer if you want to be involved in editing content on location, but Actuality Abroad will have laptops for downloading, duplicating and processing on site. 

We highly recommend purchasing personal property travel insurance to cover loss or damage.

All the content produced on the Expedition that features the people or work of the social impact organization that we collaborate with will be licensed under Creative Commons (with attribution) so that every stakeholder can benefit from sharing it. Additionally, this content will need to be approved by all stakeholders (especially the individuals depicted in imagery) prior to any kind of distribution, including sharing on social media. We practice radical informed consent. 

Actuality Abroad retains the official copyright in order to ensure that the above standards are implemented and and maintained. Additionally, our program participants often come from around the world but with Actuality Abroad holding the rights, we can assure that our media makers are protected by the Fair Use doctrine of the United States.

For every approved piece of content, each storyteller is encouraged to share/submit freely. Using the content for any value-aligned commercial or money-making purpose could be considered, but will have to be discussed and approved by all stakeholders in advance.

If you create any media outside of the Storytelling Expedition’s scope of work, you retain all rights to that content. 

Yes. Each traveler is required to purchase a travel insurance policy for the duration of the Expedition that includes medical coverage. We highly recommend that you also purchase trip cancellation and personal property protection as well. We recommend World Nomads, Safety Wing or Genki.

Each traveler will need to meet Guatemala’s medical testing and/or vaccination requirements for entry into the country at the time of the trip. As of now, there are no testing or vaccination requirements for US citizens. 

Additionally, travelers will be required to follow any mandatory medical protocol that exist during their time in-country. As of now, there are no requirements.

These rules and requirements will likely evolve between now and our departure date. We will update our travelers as we know more

Yes. You are welcome to arrive early or stay on in Guatemala after the Storytelling Expedition. We will make special arrangements for your arrival/departure and can offer recommendations on accommodations and activities. 

Yes. If your company offers volunteer time off (VTO), your experience on a storytelling expedition can count towards those hours.

TELL ME MORE

The best way to learn about our Storytelling Expedition to Guatemala, is by signing up for the email series. You can expect more information on why we travel, how it works, and what to expect on location.

TRIP APPLICATION

STORYTELLING EXPEDITION TO

GUATEMALA

July 9th - July 22nd 2023

NEXT STEPS...

Make sure to check your email for confirmation that we received your application. If you can’t find it, check your spam or junk folders and be sure to mark dispatch@actualityabroad.org as a safe sender from here on out. Follow the instructions in the email to move to the next stages of the application process.

Any issues?

Email us at dispatch@actualityabroad.org

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