Tour a NGO Non Profit Vocational Training Center Amigos De Santa Cruz and Explore the Mayan Village

Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Atitlán, the Amigos De Santa Cruz NGO offers an enriching opportunity to explore their vocational training center and the vibrant Mayan community of Santa Cruz. Visitors can engage with local trainees honing essential skills in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry, while seeing the region’s rich cultural heritage. This unique experience not only showcases the NGO’s positive social impact but also tantalizes the senses with traditional Guatemalan cuisine prepared by culinary students. As you step into this captivating world, prepare to be inspired by the remarkable story of this collaborative effort to empower the local community.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Tours In Panajachel.

Good To Know

• Explore the Amigos De Santa Cruz NGO, a successful vocational training center offering classes in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry to empower the local Mayan community.
• Discover the historic Santa Cruz la Laguna village, nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlán, and connect with the vibrant Mayan culture and traditions.
• Indulge in a locally-sourced, traditional Guatemalan lunch at the NGO’s rooftop café, showcasing the culinary talents of the trainees.
• Enjoy the NGO’s hands-on, entrepreneurial learning programs that support economic development and social progress in the community.
• Experience an affordable, comprehensive tour that includes transportation, a guided exploration, and a memorable culinary experience, all while supporting a positive social impact.

Maya Community of Santa Cruz

The tour begins with a discovery of the Maya community of Santa Cruz la Laguna. This picturesque village is home to one of the oldest churches in Guatemala, a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Atitlán, the community offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Maya people. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the village, seeing the local customs and traditions.

From the vibrant markets to the charming streets, the Maya community of Santa Cruz la Laguna promises an authentic and unforgettable experience for those seeking to connect with the indigenous roots of Guatemala.

Amigos De Santa Cruz NGO

Visiting Amigos de Santa Cruz, a successful NGO non-profit vocational training center, is the main highlight of the tour. The organization offers classes in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry, providing vocational training and empowering the local community. Visitors can explore the classrooms, café, and store run by the NGO.

Classes Offered	Student Testimonials	Community Impact
Cooking	"The skills I learned have helped me start my own business."	Provides job opportunities
Beading	"I’m proud to support my family through the income from my crafts."	Promotes economic development
Sewing	"This program changed my life and gave me confidence."	Empowers women and youth

The tour of Amigos de Santa Cruz is an opportunity to witness the positive social impact of this NGO and its commitment to the local Maya community.

Vocational Training Center Classes

Amigos de Santa Cruz’s vocational training center offers a range of classes that empower the local community.

Visitors can explore courses in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry. These classes provide hands-on training and skills development, enabling participants to create products for the on-site café and store.

The cooking class, for instance, teaches traditional Mayan recipes, while the sewing class equips students with textile skills.

These programs not only foster economic opportunities but also preserve cultural heritage. By engaging with the local community, travelers gain an authentic understanding of the Maya way of life and the positive impact of the NGO’s initiatives.

NGO-Run Facilities and Programs

At the heart of Amigos de Santa Cruz’s operations lies its diverse array of NGO-run facilities and programs.

Visitors can explore a fully-equipped classroom, a charming café, and a store showcasing the handmade products of the organization. These spaces serve as hubs for the community, providing vocational training in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry.

The café and store, in particular, offer hands-on learning opportunities, allowing participants to gain practical experience in entrepreneurship and customer service.

Through these initiatives, Amigos de Santa Cruz empowers the local Maya community, fostering economic development and social progress.

Santa Cruz La Laguna Village

Nestled on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna boasts one of the oldest churches in Guatemala.

Visitors can explore this charming Mayan community, known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque surroundings. The tour concludes with a delightful lunch at the NGO-run rooftop café, offering panoramic views of the stunning lake.

The village holds several notable features:

1. Historic church dating back centuries
2. Vibrant local markets brimming with handcrafted goods
3. Scenic hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints
4. Opportunities to interact with the welcoming Mayan residents

Lunch at the Rooftop Café

The rooftop café offers travelers a delightful conclusion to the tour, providing panoramic vistas of the stunning Lake Atitlán.

After exploring the NGO’s programs and Santa Cruz la Laguna, visitors can savor a locally-sourced lunch at the café. The menu features traditional Guatemalan dishes, showcasing the talents of the NGO’s culinary trainees.

Diners can relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery as they enjoy their meal. This NGO-run hotel not only provides educational opportunities but also supports the local community by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and employing residents.

The rooftop café delivers a memorable finale to the immersive tour experience.

Tour Logistics and Details

The guided tour of the NGO programs and Santa Cruz la Laguna village begins at the Manos Cruceñás Artisan Store in the CECAP Building.

The tour includes transportation to and from the site and a complimentary lunch at the NGO-run rooftop café overlooking Lake Atitlan.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it operates in all weather conditions, so visitors should dress appropriately.

Key details:

1. Meeting point: Manos Cruceñás Artisan Store, CECAP Building, Santa Cruz la Laguna
2. End point: Returns to the meeting point
3. Start time: 10:00 am
4. Lowest price: $32.50

Tour Ratings and Pricing

Travelers have highly rated the Amigos de Santa Cruz vocational training center tour, with a perfect 5.0 score across 4 reviews. The tour offers excellent value, with the lowest price point of $32.50. Considered ideal for those interested in social development, the tour provides a comprehensive experience, including a guided exploration of the NGO’s programs, a village tour, and a delightful lunch at the rooftop café.

Criteria	Score
Overall Rating	5.0
Value	$32.50
Accessibility	Near public transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, so it may not be suitable for people with significant mobility issues. The tour includes walking through the village and visiting facilities that may not be easily accessible.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. Lunch is included in the tour package, and there are no provisions made for outside food or beverages to be brought along.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Refunds are available if canceled within this timeframe, providing travelers with flexibility to adjust their plans as needed.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Tour?

The tour allows photography throughout, though guests should be respectful and ask permission before taking photos of individuals. There are no stated restrictions, but travelers are encouraged to be mindful of local customs and privacy.

The Sum Up

The Amigos De Santa Cruz NGO offers an enriching tour that showcases its vocational training center and the vibrant Mayan culture of the nearby Santa Cruz La Laguna village. Visitors can engage with local trainees, enjoy traditional Guatemalan cuisine, and take in breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán, all while supporting the NGO’s positive impact on the community‘s economic development.