Working with the Mayan Itza from the Guatemalan Jungle

I have been searching for an initiative just like Grassroots Journeys for many years. Having travelled extensively throughout the world, I have always searched for ‘different’ and more culturally enriched experiences. More recently I returned home from an 18-month journey, which took me overland down the entirety of the Latin American Continent.

One of the highlights of that trip was working in the jungle of Northern Peten, Guatemala with a Mayan Itza community. I was part of a community development project aimed at recording and helping to preserve traditional medicine and its associated cultural practices. Over 300 medicinal plants species and their associated uses where documented during my three months with the community. It was so special to be able to witness the daily life of a small and remote community, to learn about their traditions and beliefs and to be able to communicate and share my life experiences. It is definitely something all people should attempt to experience.

After my time working in the jungle I continued my trip south into Latin America. I often found it difficult to find smaller organisations that promoted ethical and sustainable community tourism that would enable me to experience, discover and learn about the cultures and people of areas I was travelling through. Having worked and volunteered on a number of community development projects I can appreciate that many of these communities and organisations have limited resources and find it difficult to promote their community tourism practices to a more global audience. That is why I believe Grassroots Journeys can be a useful tool in bringing these smaller communities ‘together’, forming a network that will call out to like-minded people seeking a different and culturally enriched travel experience.

Please remember to respect the communities you visit, taking only memories and leaving only footprints.

Share this article