Tour a NGO Non Profit Vocational Training Center Amigos De Santa Cruz and Explore the Mayan Village

Set out on a meaningful journey with the Amigos De Santa Cruz NGO, a vocational training center dedicated to empowering local residents. Explore the charming Mayan village of Santa Cruz la Laguna, featuring historic sites and local culture. Enjoy a guided visit to the center, where you’ll learn about its programs, followed by a delicious lunch at the rooftop café. This tour offers a unique opportunity to support the community and gain insights into their daily lives. What awaits you in this picturesque setting?

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Tours In Panajachel.

Key Points

• Discover Amigos De Santa Cruz, a non-profit organization offering vocational training in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry for local residents in Santa Cruz la Laguna.
• Experience a guided tour showcasing the NGO’s classrooms, café, and store, along with an exploration of the different training programs.
• Visit one of Guatemala’s oldest churches in the scenic lakeside village and enjoy a delightful lunch at the NGO’s rooftop café with breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan.
• Engage with the local community and learn about their rich cultural heritage during this well-rounded, private tour experience.
• Convenient transportation to and from the meeting point in Santa Cruz la Laguna is provided, though the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Overview of Amigos De Santa Cruz

Amigos de Santa Cruz is a non-profit organization that operates a vocational training center in the scenic village of Santa Cruz la Laguna.

The center offers classes in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry, providing valuable skills and career opportunities to local residents.

The facility features a classroom, a café, and a store run by the organization, allowing visitors to experience Guatemalan culture and support the local community.

Amigos de Santa Cruz is an ideal destination for travelers interested in social development and contributing to sustainable initiatives that empower marginalized populations.

Classes and Programs at the Center

At the center, visitors can explore a variety of vocational training courses designed to empower local residents. From cooking to carpentry, the program offers hands-on instruction to help participants develop practical skills.

Course	Description	Duration
Cooking	Learn traditional Guatemalan recipes and culinary techniques	2 weeks
Beading	Create unique jewelry and accessories using local materials	1 week
Sewing	Master the art of textile design and garment making	3 weeks
Carpentry	Develop woodworking skills to build furniture and home goods	4 weeks

The classes not only teach valuable trade skills but also foster a sense of community and self-reliance among the participants.

Exploring Santa Cruz La Laguna

After exploring the vocational programs at the NGO, visitors can venture out to discover the charming village of Santa Cruz la Laguna.

This scenic lakeside community is home to one of Guatemala’s oldest churches, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Travelers can stroll through the picturesque streets, admiring the traditional architecture and interacting with the friendly locals.

The tour culminates with a delightful lunch at the NGO-run rooftop café, offering breathtaking views of the stunning Lake Atitlan.

This experience allows visitors to enjoy the local way of life and appreciate the unique charm of this Mayan village.

Tour Highlights and Experiences

While exploring the NGO’s vocational training programs, visitors can expect a well-rounded and engaging experience.

The guided tour takes guests through the NGO’s classrooms, café, and store, showcasing the center’s offerings in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry.

After the program visit, the tour continues to the scenic village of Santa Cruz la Laguna, where travelers can explore one of Guatemala’s oldest churches.

The experience culminates with a delightful lunch at the NGO’s rooftop café, offering breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The meeting point for this tour is the Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store, located in the CECAP Building in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

From here, the tour will start at 10:00 AM and return to the same location. Transportation to and from Santa Cruz is included in the tour.

The tour is a private experience, so only your group will participate. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation.

Confirmation of your booking will be received when you make your reservation. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Accessibility and Logistics

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s conveniently located near public transportation.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation. Children must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the tour.

The meeting point is at the Manos Cruce??as Artisan Store, CECAP Building, in Santa Cruz la Laguna, and the tour returns to the same location.

The tour starts at 10:00 AM and includes transportation to and from Santa Cruz.

As this is a private tour, only your group will participate in the experience.

Positive Traveler Feedback

Travelers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on their experiences at the NGO Vocational Training Center.

With a near-perfect 5-star rating, reviews praise the excellent cooking classes, knowledgeable instructors, and flexible itinerary. Highlights include the quality of the food and the engaging experience with the local culture.

One reviewer described the rooftop café overlooking Lake Atitlán as a "must-visit," while another noted the "thoughtful" and "meaningful" nature of the entire tour.

Plan Your Visit to Amigos De Santa Cruz

Visitors eager to explore Amigos de Santa Cruz, a renowned non-profit vocational training center, can plan their visit with ease.

The center is located in the scenic lakeside village of Santa Cruz la Laguna, with a guided tour taking travelers through the NGO’s programs and the surrounding community.

The tour includes exploring the historic church and ends with a delightful lunch at the NGO-run rooftop café, offering breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan.

Transportation to and from the meeting point is provided, and the private tour ensures a personalized experience.

Advance booking is required, and while the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, though children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s suitable for all ages interested in learning about the vocational programs and exploring the local Mayan village.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to take photographs during the tour. The tour guides encourage visitors to capture the vibrant culture and artisanal works at the vocational training center and throughout the scenic village.

What Should I Bring With Me for the Tour?

Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera to capture the scenic views, and any personal items they may need. It’s also recommended to bring local currency for purchases at the NGO-run store and café.

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include gratuity. Guests are encouraged to tip the guide and any other staff members at their own discretion, based on the quality of the experience and service received.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour itinerary can be customized to your preferences. You can discuss any desired modifications with the organization before the tour to ensure it meets your interests and needs.

Recap

Set out on a meaningful journey with Amigos De Santa Cruz, a vocational training center in the Mayan village of Santa Cruz la Laguna. Explore the center’s programs, enjoy a delicious lunch, and discover the village’s historic sites and local culture. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the community and support its empowerment through skills development.