Enjoy the vibrant culture of Santa Cruz la Laguna, a picturesque Mayan village nestled along the stunning shores of Lake Atitlán. Join the Amigos de Santa Cruz NGO on an enriching tour that offers a glimpse into the community’s thriving vocational training center. Engage in hands-on classes, explore the village, and witness the positive impact of grassroots initiatives. This experience promises to deliver not only cultural insights but also an opportunity to support local development efforts. Discover what lies beyond the surface as you…
Key Points
- Tour a non-profit vocational training center operated by Amigos de Santa Cruz, offering classes in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry.
- Explore the traditional Mayan community of Santa Cruz la Laguna, located on the shores of Lake Atitlán with stunning views.
- Experience the positive impact of NGO initiatives on social development within the Santa Cruz community.
- Enjoy a rooftop lunch at the NGO-run café with panoramic views of the lake and volcanoes.
- The tour starts and ends at the Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store in Panajachel, with transportation provided to and from Santa Cruz.
Overview of the Tour
The tour explores the Maya community of Santa Cruz through a visit to a local non-profit organization, offering an immersive experience in the region’s culture and supporting social development initiatives.
Travelers will tour a vocational training center that provides classes in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry. This allows visitors to engage with the local community and learn about their crafts and skills.
The experience promises to be enriching, providing a chance to witness firsthand the positive impact of the NGO’s work in empowering and uplifting the Santa Cruz community.
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Exploring the Mayan Community of Santa Cruz
After exploring the NGO’s vocational training center, the tour guides visitors on a journey through the Mayan community of Santa Cruz la Laguna.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlán, the village offers a glimpse into traditional Mayan culture. Visitors stroll through the charming streets, admiring the colorful homes and vibrant handicrafts.
They learn about the community’s social development initiatives, witnessing the impact of the NGO’s programs firsthand. The highlight is the rooftop café, where visitors savor a local lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
Visiting the NGO Vocational Training Center
Visitors embark on a guided tour of the Amigos de Santa Cruz vocational training center, located in the CECAP building across from the main plaza.
The center offers classes in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry, providing locals with valuable job skills. The tour showcases the NGO’s efforts to support social development initiatives and promote local culture.
Guests enjoy lunch at the NGO-run rooftop café, taking in the stunning views of Lake Atitlan. Transportation to and from the site is included, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.
Cooking, Beading, Sewing, and Carpentry Classes
The vocational training center at Amigos de Santa Cruz offers a range of practical classes, including cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry.
Students can learn valuable skills that can lead to employment opportunities in the local community. The classes provide hands-on training and real-world experience, empowering participants to become self-sufficient.
Some of the key offerings include:
- Cooking classes that teach traditional Guatemalan cuisine and culinary techniques
- Beading workshops where students create unique jewelry and accessories
- Sewing instruction to produce clothing, textiles, and handicrafts
- Carpentry courses focused on woodworking and furniture making
Experiencing Local Culture and Supporting Social Development
By visiting the Amigos De Santa Cruz Vocational Training Center, travelers gain insight into the vibrant Maya community of Santa Cruz and have the opportunity to support social development initiatives.
The guided tour showcases the NGO’s programs, allowing visitors to experience local culture firsthand. At the NGO-run rooftop café, they can savor traditional Guatemalan cuisine while admiring the stunning views of Lake Atitlan.
This immersive experience not only educates travelers but also directly contributes to the community’s social and economic empowerment through the center’s vocational training and employment initiatives.
Tour Details and Logistics
The Amigos De Santa Cruz Vocational Training Center is located in Panajachel, Guatemala, specifically in the Maya community of Santa Cruz la Laguna.
This tour includes:
- A guided exploration of the NGO’s programs and the surrounding village
- Lunch at the NGO-run rooftop café with stunning views of Lake Atitlan
- Transportation to and from the training center
The tour starts at 10:00 am and concludes at the meeting point, the Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store in the CECAP Building across from the main plaza.
Meeting and Pickup Information
To join the tour, guests should meet at the Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store, located in the CECAP Building across from the main plaza in Panajachel. The tour starts promptly at 10:00 am and concludes back at the meeting point.
Key Information | Details |
---|---|
Meeting Point | Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store, CECAP Building |
Location | Across from the main plaza in Panajachel |
Tour Start Time | 10:00 am |
Tour End Point | Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store, CECAP Building |
Transportation | Provided to/from Santa Cruz |
The CECAP building is easily accessible, and most travelers can participate in this private tour.
Pricing and Reviews
The tour is priced at $41.08 per person. For this price, travelers can enjoy a private, guided tour of the Amigos De Santa Cruz vocational training center and the surrounding Mayan village.
Some additional details on the pricing and reviews:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
- The tour has received 4 reviews, all with a perfect 5-star rating
- Travelers can book the tour with confidence, knowing it’s highly rated by previous participants
With such a reasonable price and exceptional reviews, this tour offers great value for those interested in supporting local social development initiatives.
Sum Up
This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant Mayan culture and community initiatives in Santa Cruz. Visitors can engage in practical workshops, explore the picturesque village, and witness the positive impact of the Amigos de Santa Cruz NGO’s vocational training center. The tour provides an enriching way to support local development while discovering the stunning natural beauty of Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes.
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