TENTATIVE USFSP GUATEMALA TRIP

Planned for Spring 2009

Saturday:   

Travel to Guatemala City; Transport to Historic Antigua (UNESCO Protected city): Lodging in local hotel; Orientation to Guatemala; Dinner as a group (unless arrival is late) (many options depend upon arrival times).

Sunday:             

Travel to Finca Santa Anita: organic, fair trade coffee farm; this Cooperative is composed of former guerillas from the civil war in Guatemala.  As part of the peace agreements that ended the civil war, people received land for farming.  Here the team will meet with leadership of the coop farm to discuss issues related to fair trade, organic coffee and the complexities of earning money; lunch at the farm; tour/hike of the farm.  Time at this farm will be eye opening, adventurous and an experience that you will not forget.

Monday:

Workday at Finca Santa Anita.  Each participant will have the opportunity to hike up to the fields with a family and participate in the work of the day.  No longer will that Grande Latte be taken for granted after a day in the fields with the workers!  Depart early in the morning with members of the community to participate in the coffee process (work will depend on the time of year); return in the afternoon for lunch; process time as a group; dinner in homes of community members.

Tuesday:

Depart Santa Anita early in the morning and travel to Panajachel on Lake Atitlan.  Cross this 50 square mile lake (surrounded by 3 volcanoes) and arrive in one of the smaller communities on the Lake, San Juan.  Lunch at Finca El Volcan, a fair-trade, organic coffee farm (the farm land is privately held, but members bring their coffee to the cooperative); Tour of the operations of the farm and discussion with the leadership

Wednesday:

Early morning visit to weaving cooperatives and then a departure for Antigua.  Along the way the group will stop in Ixamche in Tecpan.  This is the site of Mayan ruins and the group will be able to see a bit of the ancient history of Guatemala.  Then it is on to Antigua for an afternoon meeting with the Director of GreenAsItGets Coffee.  This coffee company is attempting to improve upon fair trade by relationship buying and paying about 25% more per pound for its coffee.  Dinner in Antigua and a free evening.

Thursday:

The group will have the opportunity to meet with members of ANACAFE (Government Organization for the Promotion of Guatemalan Coffee) to discuss some of the following topics:

• History of Coffee Production in Guatemala
• Role of ANACAFE in Promoting Guatemalan Coffee on the World Market
• Different Types of Coffee Grown in Guatemala’s Regions
• Logistics of Buying and Selling Coffee on the World Market
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic vs. Non-Organic Coffee & Fair Trade vs. Traditional

Become a Coffee Expert! Have you ever wondered what the experts look for in a cup of coffee?  Learn the art of coffee tasting.  Information will be presented on the different categories in which coffee is evaluated and the methods the tasters use to evaluate the coffee. We will also learn some of the secrets of the coffee barristers on how to prepare an irresistible cup of coffee … que rico!

Friday:

A delicious breakfast of fabulous Macadamia Nut pancakes at a Macadamia Nut Farm near Antigua; Tour of the farm and discussion on the benefits macadamia nuts for the Guatemalan farmers and for community health; possible lectures available:  Sue Patterson, former Consulate General and now director of WINGS (dealing with women’s health and education); Rigoberto the Director of ProBigua, a library program with a language school that generates funds for the program; historical walking tour of the famous Antigua with a resident historian.

Saturday:

Hike Volcano Pacaya, an active volcano! The group will be able to get very very close to the lava and experience the wonders of an active volcano.

This hike is one of the more memorable experiences in Guatemala and one NOT to be missed! Return late afternoon for time to shop and finish off time in Guatemala with a final meal.

Sunday:

Depart for Tampa Bay early in the morning.

Additional Information:

Estimated Cost:  $1400; Based on double occupancy; includes all ground transportation; all lodging; all tours; minimum of 2 meals per day; all guides; all lectures.  Does not include tips at hotels; taxes at airport (currently $3); nor spending money.

For more information please contact:

Michael Luckett, PhD

College of Business

USF St Petersburg

COB 302

 Phone: 727-873-4084

luckett@stpt.usf.edu