2008 TecoTours:

Come to Guatemala for the experience of a lifetime!

Photo by Lisa Silberstein

TecoTours is AIDG's international service-learning program.  It's not a vacation and not an eco-tour. It's an amazing volunteer opportunity where you get to work alongside people in the places you visit to produce positive change in their communities. On your TecoTour, you’ll enjoy the  beauty and culture of Guatemala, as well as the fulfillment of working on projects that make a difference.

So if you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty and step a little outside of your comfort zone, a TecoTour is just the thing for you. 

1. How is my donation used?
Outside of trip expenses (food, accommodation, etc.), logistical support and planning, most of your tax-deductible contribution covers the costs of outreach projects. Your gift helps families and communities in need get electricity sanitation and clean water.

2. Do I need any special skills or qualifications?
No. Your TecoTour leader will teach you everything you need to know once you get to Guatemala. Most tasks are fairly simple, and you will quickly see the results of your labor.

3. Do I need to speak Spanish?
All TecoTours are led in English, with all necessary activities being translated from Spanish. However, there are ample opportunities to learn and practice your Spanish.

4. How in shape to do I have to be to join a TecoTour?
The projects require a moderate amount of walking, and some project sites are hot and humid. Project work contains a mix of heavy labor and detail oriented activities, but there is always a constructive activity for all levels of ability. We strongly suggest you consult your physician before your trip. If you have a physical disability or a specific medical condition, please alert us via email or phone and we will do our best to accommodate you.

5. Can you accommodate special diets?
TecoTours can cater to a range of dietary needs at our home base in Xela.  When working in remote areas, however, your diet will reflect what is present locally and thus will not cater to every taste. Vegetarianism is no problem, but individuals with allergies to legumes, nuts or soy are encouraged to call us before signing up.

6.  How big are the teams?
TecoTour teams have a maximum of 10 volunteers, although exceptions can occur.

7. Who leads the team?
All TecoTours are led by an experienced AIDG staff member. In addition, two friendly and skillful XelaTeco employees assist with the installation of the chosen technologies at the project site.

8. Are minors (teenagers) allowed on TecoTours?
Minors are welcome to join projects if they are at least 16 years old by the first day of the project. To assure safety, a parent or adult chaperone must accompany minors.

9. What do I need to bring?
The TecoTour Preparation Guide will be sent to you once you register. It describes everything you’ll want to bring with you. Mainly you’ll just need warm clothes for the cool highland nights, an old pair of pants, some work gloves, sun protection, your passport, and, of course, common sense and a smile.

10.  What can I expect in the field?
You will travel from Guatemala City to Antigua, one of the world’s best preserved colonial cities.  From volcano surrounded Antigua you’ll head into the Guatemalan Highlands to Quetzaltenango (Xela). After Xela, you will live, work and eat as development workers do in the field. TecoTours is not a vacation and not an eco-tour. You will work hard for at least 8 hours a day doing things you’ve likely never done before.   Your bed may  not be as comfortable as home and your food won’t be gourmet, but you will be challenged intellectually and have incredible experiences.

11. Where will we be working?
TecoTour project sites are located in rural communities in the Quetzaltenango (Xela) region of Guatemala. They are stunningly beautiful, yet in great need of improved infrastructure. On a TecoTour, you will have one-on-one contact with local people and communities that few travelers ever have.

12. What kinds of tasks will I be involved with?
The projects primarily involve constructing and installing renewable energy and clean technologies. Communities solicit AIDG for various XelaTeco products, such as water filters, hydraulic pumps, solar panels, windmills, and biodigesters. For more  information on  these technologies, including design manuals,  please visit http://www.aidg.org/technologies.htm.

13. How the food?
The food is pretty good.  There is a small, but decent selection of international ethnic and local restaurants in our  home base of Xela. While in host communities, food will depend on how each community decides to feed the group.

14. What are the accommodations like?
Accommodation is quaint, comfortable, and basic. All hotels have hot water and clean beds.  They are described in more detail on the TecoTour Preparation Guide.

15. Who books my travel?
You do. Book early. Start making inquiries about your flights as soon as your place on a project is confirmed by your tour leader. Airlines can get booked up months in advance, especially if you traveling at peak times.

16. What about visas?
You are responsible for your visa. For Americans and Canadians, a 90-day visa is given free of charge upon entering Guatemala at the airport. However, if you are not US or Canadian citizen, contact your embassy well in advance to determine visa requirement. MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT IS CURRENT AND INTACT.

17. Do most people travel alone?
Typically, volunteers are greeted at the destination airport by the TecoTour leader. TecoTours are a safe way to travel to remote or unfamiliar places because you will be met at the airport and will soon be part of a team.

18. What does my contribution cover?
You contribution includes 8 nights accommodation, ground transportation to/from Guatemala City airport, ground transportation to/from project site(s), all meals (8 breakfasts, lunches and dinners), all project installation materials, tools, etc.It does not include airfare to/from Guatemala City, ground transport in home country, vaccinations & medications, optional tours (including transportation), visas, travel insurance, etc.

19. Can I stay longer or leave early?
The project dates are set well in advance will not change with the rare exception that all participants unanimously decide on a date change (this scenario would be more likely for a college or church group). People may choose to travel elsewhere in the country either before or after the project. However we accept no responsibility for any activities taken outside of the planned tour.

20. Are there discounts for teachers or chaperones?
Yes. A maximum of 2 adult chaperones per group of 10 students do not have to provide the $1495 contribution. Chaperones are still responsible for all their personal expenses such as airfare to Guatemala, visa, etc.

Tax-deductibility for U.S. Citizens
In the United States, AIDG is a public charity described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is not a private foundation, as it is an organization described in Section 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(VI) of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, contributions of cash, securities and property donated by US citizens to support educational and outreach projects sponsored by AIDG Inc. are tax-deductible.

Note: Contributions of cash to a charitable organization are tax deductible only upon completion of giving. As such, your payment(s) towards an AIDG may be tax deductible only after such payment(s) is non-refundable or, in other words, 30 days before your trip start date (when Contribution is no longer refundable).

Under certain circumstances, volunteers may deduct reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with their participation in an AIDG trip including the mandatory travel and health insurance and some expenses for transportation to and from the project site. AS WITH ALL TAX MATTERS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL TAX ADVISOR ON ALL ISSUES CONCERNING TAX DEDUCTIBILITY.