Welcome to Guatemala: Your CHC Travel Guide
Get ready for an unforgettable journey! This guide will help you prepare for your trip, understand Guatemala’s culture, and make the most of your time visiting Children’s HopeChest programs.
Quick Facts
Fun Fact: The Guatemalan currency, the quetzal, is named after a sacred bird whose feathers were once used as currency in Mayan culture.
Population
17.1+ million people
Capital City
Guatemala City
Life Expectancy
73 years
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal
Country Size
About the size of Tennessee
Languages
93% Spanish; 7% Mayan & other dialects
Religion
50–60% Catholic, 40% Protestant, ~1% Indigenous Mayan faith
Top Exports
Bananas, raw sugar, coffee
Government
Presidential democratic republic
Poverty
370,000+ vulnerable children
How-To Travel Guides
How to: Start Your Trip Prep
How to: Pack Your Carry-On
How to: Stay Healthy in Guatemala
How to: Come as a Learner
Travel Safety
What to Wear
Trust in Your Travel Team
Travel: Why it's Important, How to Share Your Story, and Ways to Make an Impact
The Purpose of Partner Visits
How to Tell Your Story
What is the HopeChest Ambassador Program?
Travel Safety
Food & Water Safety
Daily Expectations
Through partners like you, real change is happening in Guatemala.
children sponsored
0
+
CarePoints across the country
1
saved through VSLAs in FY25
$
0
+
Important information and documents to complete before your trip
Before You Go: required Steps
Visit Policies
Child Protection Policy
Minor POA & Memorandum of Understanding*
*Please print, sign and notarize this POA & Memorandum of Understanding and return to travel@hopechest.org at least four weeks before your trip. This must be done even if a parent or parents are traveling with the minor.
Good to Know Before You Go
Travel Tips & Cultural Information
CDC Health Notices
Destination Inspiration
Books & movies to help prepare your mind and heart for your partner visit:
- When Helping Hurts in Short Term Missions by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
- Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton
- PovertyCure (docuseries with Michael Miller)
- Feeding Phil