High in the Sierra Norte region of the state of Puebla in Mexico lies the market town of Cuetzalan. Located about 185 kilometers north of the city of Puebla, the area is a lush, humid, mountainous area where coffee, vanilla, macadamia and cinnamon trees grow. Outside of Cuetzalan about 20 minutes by local minibus is the village of Chicueyaco. This is a Nahua community. The Nahua are an indigenous group descended from the Aztecs that have maintained their customs and their language. Traditional healers use native plants to treat diseases, and cooking is done over an open fire. The primary occupation is agriculture, although some of the people work in the town of Cuetzalan. Some homes have electricity, but most people live simply with few modern amenities. In Chicueyaco, Nahuatl is spoken and Spanish is a second language. The surrounding area is famous for its caves, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore a series of underground tunnels. A few kilometers away are the Aztec ruins of Yohualichan, which date from the period 200-900 A.D. Situated at more than 3,000 feet, Cuetzalan’s climate is mild with frequent rains.
The Nahua women’s group has built a small health clinic in the village of Chicueyaco in conjunction with GCN. Although the clinic is not fully complete, the community has been using the clinic since 2005, offering immunizations and health care education to local people. Future GCN teams will work alongside community members to put on a secure roof and possibly tile the floors. No special skills are needed, although participants should be able to hike up steep terrain.
Upon arrival in Mexico City, the group will travel together directly to the city of Puebla, a two hour bus ride from the airport. Puebla offers a lively zocalo, or central plaza, as well as terrific restaurants and shops to explore. The next day the team will travel by bus approximately three hours to Cuetzalan. Sunday is market day in Cuetzalan, and there will be time to explore one of the largest indigenous markets in the region during the afternoon. The team may meet the villagers of Chicueyaco Sunday as well. Project work generally takes place from Monday through Thursday, with Friday being an optional day of work. At the end of the trip the team will go by bus directly to Mexico City, a journey of 5-6 hours.
In Puebla, the team will stay in a local hotel near the main plaza on the first night. In Cuetzalan, participants stay at Taselotzin, a cooperative eco- hotel run by Nahua women. Participants who wish private rooms may be able to arrange these for an additional cost. Breakfast will be provided at Taseltozin. The hotel has indoor plumbing, hot water, and electricity, although an electrical adapter will be necessary. The team will ride local transportation to Chicueyaco each day, and share the afternoon meal with the community members. Meals will be simple, traditional fare – rice, beans, tortilla and vegetables, maybe occasional chicken. Bottled water for drinking and cooking will be provided. Upon return to Mexico City, the team will stay at a hotel located near the city center.
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area as a day trip.
The area offers caves, waterfalls and the ruins of Yohualichan for exploring. There are two beautiful old cathedrals in Cuetzalan, as well as a lively Thursday market. After the team returns to the Mexico City on Saturday, the evening is free to take in the sites.
There are many steep hills in this region; participants are required to be in good health . Potential participants with significant physical limitations are encouraged to check with their physician and discuss the situation with GCN staff beforehand.
The risk of disease is minimal, but take sensible precautions. Consult your doctor before the trip, and we suggest that you contact your local health department or the Center for Disease Control for specific information. Emergency medical care is available in Cuetazlan.
Program fees include: Airport pick-up, in-country transportation, hostel/homestay accommodations, cultural orientation and training, basic medical/evacuation insurance, contribution to community project, and project administration.
Program fees do not include: Airfare to/from Mexico City, immunizations/vaccines, visas, entry/exit taxes, or lodging/transportation/meals during free time.
All program fees, including airfare, are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
tortillias, beans
Hilly terrain, lots of walking
Construction on local health clinic
See PRICING GUIDE for program fees
Discounts available (one per person/group)
If you want to expose your children to other cultures in a way that is more real, in-depth, personable and memorable – by working in community with them rather than just traveling – this is the way to really learn about another culture.
We were exposed to something few of us get to experience. Most often we simply drive through communities. This time we got to meet and really get to know people, and they were so generous. We got far more out of the experience than we gave.
Kathy P., Rock Point, AZ (family of 4)
This was our best family vacation and a phenomenal experience. I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to do this with my children. My children realized that although the people in the community we visited didn't have a lot of material possessions, they had some things we didn't. The community members were funny, loving and generous.
The group experience was what made it so great. The team leaders were remarkable. They never passed judgment and treated my children like full members of the group, so they acted that way. The experience made them more confident and more excited about taking other travel adventures.
Marcy G., Xiloxochico, Mexico (family of 6)
Volunteering in Tanzania was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes not only to the needs of our fellow global citizens, but also to the lovable and exhilarating culture of Bukoba.
Megan age 19, Bukoba, Tanzania
GCN wasn't just a volunteer trip but instead a life altering two weeks that helped me discover myself.
Shannon age 15, Bukoba, Tanzania
Our GCN sponsored program in Tanzania wasn't a vacation but rather a deeply moving experience our family will cherish for a lifetime.
Sean, Dad, Bukoba, Tanzania
Working side by side with my husband and children, helping, reaching out, and learning from people in a culture vastly different from our own together as a family was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. We are already planning our next volunteer vacation.
Karen, Mom, Bukoba, Tanzania
This experience changed all of us. Nothing can compare with it. It's made my kids into global citizens. Before we left for Kenya, I was concerned that my kids were getting spoiled, but the trip showed them how happy people were, even though they had so little by comparison. They also discovered how much more important it is to have experiences instead of things.
My kids are so mature now as a result of the trip. They have a new and broader world view.
Nancy F., Maili Tatu, Africa (3 time repeat participant with 2 kids)
I took each of my two granddaughters on a trip when they turned 13, as a rite of passage. It was tremendously bonding for us. It deepened our love and our relationship, but it also sensitized the girls to different cultures and helped them gain an understanding and empathy for others.
One of my granddaughters was extremely wary. She said, "I don't know how to do this and I don't want to be there." But by the end, she was begging to stay. She had formed some amazing friendships. It was quite a transition.
My advice to families considering this kind of trip is this: Even if you have some hesitation, trust that the experience will be transforming for your child and for your relationship with your child. My two granddaughters are totally different personalities, but the same positive transformation happened for both.
We had so many one-on-one reflective conversations about what we were experiencing and learning. It's a different and more intimate way of being with children.
The team members were incredibly kind to my teenagers. The leaders were such good role models -- caring and inclusive.
Meg V., Rock Point, AZ 2003; La Push, WA 2007
The truly amazing thing about this community is the pride, character, and sense of respect you feel being with them. They carry themselves with esteem. Being with them, you know they will not only survive, they will succeed, collectively using the resources available to them for the good of the whole.
Joyce, Pennsylvania; Kenya Participant
With the beauty, the simplicity, the strength and comedy of this place, each day becomes an adventure to be anticipated.
Gladys, Ontario; Kenya Participants
I learned much more that GCN is about the process of building long term relationships with communities, not necessarily about the process of "building!" It was truly priceless to be allowed to be on the 'construction site' with a bunch of indigenous people in Mexico. Tourists DO NOT get that opportunity-nor should they. We all believed WE TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
Diana, Colorado; Two-time Mexico Participant
I have just this last hour arrived back home after what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the people at Jampaling were wonderful and I return with a feeling of accomplishment, and everlasting respect for a group of people who work so hard with such limited resources to achieve their goals.
David, Ontario; Nepal Participant
As a GCN volunteer you expect to fill the role of giver, giving of your time, efforts, money and heart. During a recent trip to Nepal, I felt more like a wide receiver for a pro football team, with countless blessings being passed my way! It started before I even left with support from a bunch of people, some of whom I don't even know, my sponsors through fundraising.
Cherril, New York; Nepal Participant
A positive growing experience that will unfold as time moves on. I do appreciate the warm hospitality of the local Navajo people and thank them for all they did to open our eyes and heart to their life, culture and values.
Jerry, Minnesota; New Mexico volunteer
It has become the most meaningful thing I've experienced in my life. It was more than a casual cultural exchange. I never felt like a tourist - I felt like I was coming home.
Ted, New York; New Mexico volunteer
The trip to Rock Point was a wonderful experience for me. Our team really "connected" and are talking among ourselves of doing other trips together! We all agreed we haven't laughed and sung songs like we did there for a long time. The Navajo people are wonderful, and we were able to share songs, dinner with them and they with us. We were able to complete the projects they had for us and still have lots of time for culture exchange.
Lynne, California; Arizona volunteer
My goal was to get lifted out of my personal and professional rut, to have my head and heart spun around and to land more solid and grounded. For the most part this happened.
Nancy, Vermont; Guatemala volunteer
Because of a scholarship provided by Global Citizens Network, I was able to spend two weeks volunteering in Guatemala, in a rural village called Llanos de Morales. This was my second trip volunteering in a developing nation (I went to Nicaragua two years ago), but my first time working with GCN. My experience was unforgettable and I would recommend it to anyone!
The best thing about the trip was getting really close-up pictures of horses. The hardest part of the trip was leaving Chirapa
Tana-Isabel, Washington; Peru youth volunteer
I wanted to be "in the middle of nowhere" and enjoy it as well as learn about the Quechua culture. My comfort zone has expanded and I enjoyed getting to know the people!
The most inspiring moment for me was receiving a genuine Quechuan percussion instrument as a gift from the community. It showed me that the community valued my presence and it is something that I will never forget.
David, University of Minnesota Participant; Peru volunteer
As I zipped into my sleeping bag, I reflected on this totally crazy, awesome experience, and in many ways wondered how (why) we are having so much fun. This is -- by far -- the best trip we have ever taken as a family and perhaps even my best trip ever. Everything is an adventure. We are living it rather than observing it. Amy S., Chicago, Guatemala volunteer
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