Good preparation helps your team arrive ready to serve. Start six to twelve months ahead and move through these milestones with the El Faro team.
Send El Faro your preferred dates, estimated team size, church or organization, participant ages, and the kinds of ministry or projects you are considering. You do not need every detail before making contact.
The first conversation helps determine whether the timing, group, and goals are a realistic fit. Individual volunteers, church teams, medical teams, and vision-trip leaders may follow different planning paths.
El Faro prepares a quote and discusses project options connected to current local priorities. Planning meetings help clarify the type of work, team expectations, cost, transportation, lodging, meals, documents, and preparation schedule.
Job Hammond is the primary United States contact. Job and Jon Keehn help connect U.S. preparation with the Guatemala-based team and on-the-ground logistics.
Teams should plan six to twelve months ahead when possible. The deposit is due approximately two months before travel, and the remaining balance is due one month before arrival.
Payment dates, cancellation questions, and changes in team size should be discussed early. Cancellations are handled case by case, so prompt communication is important when circumstances change.
Rates start at $85 per day. Teams also contribute toward a project budget, commonly $150 to $250 per person, based on the selected work.
The base cost includes air-conditioned lodging, 20 meals, and local ground and boat transportation connected with the team itinerary. Airfare, travel insurance, passport expenses, personal spending, and project contributions are separate.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a short visit. Entry requirements can change, so every traveler should review current official guidance before departure.
Most teams fly into San Pedro Sula, Honduras. El Faro coordinates the approximately three-hour bus ride, the Honduras–Guatemala border crossing, and the final boat trip to the campus.
Travel days require patience. Group movement, luggage, border timing, roads, and weather can affect the itinerary. Follow the coordinated team schedule rather than making independent transfer plans.
Izabal is typically 80–90°F throughout the year, with a rainy season from May through October. Pack lightweight work clothing, modest ministry clothing, rain protection, sturdy shoes, personal medication, sun and insect protection, and only the tools or supplies confirmed by the team leader.
Do not fill luggage with unrequested donations. El Faro can explain what is useful, what can be purchased locally, and what should not be transported across the border.
Open the Guatemala packing guide
Greet people before moving into a task, dress modestly, ask permission before taking photographs, and let local leaders guide communication. Spanish is not required, but learning a few respectful phrases is worthwhile.
Teams should prepare through prayer, conversation, fundraising, and honest expectations. The goal is not to control every moment; it is to arrive ready to serve, listen, learn, and respond well when plans change.
As travel approaches, the team confirms participant information, payments, documents, flights, shirts or team materials, packing, project details, and emergency contacts. Leaders should make sure every participant understands the itinerary and behavior expectations.
On arrival, El Faro staff guide the group through transportation, campus orientation, lodging, meals, the week’s ministry plan, and the rhythms that help the team serve safely and respectfully.
The inquiry takes a few minutes and gives our team what it needs to respond well.
