Travel With Us To

Guatemala

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A Unique Opportunity

Is your church or business interested in serving on a 410 Bridge trip?

In 2016, the 410 Bridge started partnering with communities in beautiful Guatemala. 

Because of our unique community development model, communities are empowered and projects become sustainable, they are not fully dependent on Western short-term missions teams to complete or maintain.

This allows each team time and energy to pursue relationships as they work alongside community members to reach their goals through activities, projects, and visits to their homes and churches. 

 

We see teams encounter life-changing experiences and are inspired to continue using their gifts to serve the Kingdom!

2024 Open Trip Opportunity

Guatemala – Rancho Viejo Community from Oct 12-19, 2024

Cost (excluding airfare) – $1767 per person

Team led by a 410 Bridge staff member. Minimum of 10 people needed on the team. 

Deadline to register for trip is May 31, 2024. Message us using the button below for more information.

For Our Music Lovers!

Enjoy a beautiful playlist of Guatemalan Praise & Worship curated by our team on the ground in Guatemala! 

Start learning the melodies and words of songs that you may hear in the churches and communities you’ll visit.

We also have playlists focused on cultural music you may hear throughout the markets and cities. Check it out!

Get to Know

Guatemala

History

Around 10,000 B.C., it is believed that groups began to farm and form villages. Some of them became the Maya who dominated Guatemalan history from 250 A.D. to 900 A.D. In the 16th century, Spain invaded Guatemala and fought the largest remaining indigenous group, the Quiché. 

In 1821, Guatemala claimed independence from Spain. Within 50 years of gaining independence, Guatemala’s economy was booming, thanks to coffee exports at the cost of indigenous people.

Guatemala has witnessed both economic growth and successful democratic elections, though it continues to struggle with high rates of poverty. Today, one-third of the population still lives in cool highland villages. Maya women continue to weave brightly colored cloth and fashion the same traje, or suit, that their ancestors wore. More than half of the population is indigenous.

Language & Etiquette

Spanish is the official language with 40% of the population speaking Amerindian languages. There are 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca. 

Guatemalans have a reputation of being some of the most civil, polite people in Latin America and are quite formal in social situations. It is a male-dominated culture and women are treated differently than men. Women are expected to do all of the housework and cooking.

Introductions should be made with a polite greeting of “buenos días/tardes” (good morning / afternoon or evening). If you’re introduced to someone, a gentle handshake and a “con mucho gusto” (“pleased to meet you”) is appropriate. It’s also considered polite to stand when greeting someone.

Climate Conditions

Guatemala’s climate is tropical, hot and humid in the lowlands, and cooler in the highlands. The coastal plains and lowlands have a distinctly tropical climate and temperatures range from highs of 100 Fahrenheit and lows of 70 Fahrenheit at night. 

Most of Guatemala, however, is rural and mountainous. Nighttime temperatures in the mountains are cold and on occasion, nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing. Daytime temperatures average around 70 Fahrenheit.

Their rainy season runs from May through November.

Want To Learn More About Traveling
With Us To Guatemala?