Etnica: 10 Reasons to Experience Ethical Tourism in Guatemala
Etnica is a conscious enterprise that helps connect locals to travelers who visit Guatemala. They support local communities by offering community-based travel experiences off the beaten path while keeping the planet in mind.
Etnica, a travel company and social enterprise, works with fair trade and sustainable values to offer fascinating tours. I sat down with Sofia Godoy, CEO, to learn how this sustainable company began.
The company began when Sofía noticed that there was a lot of green-washing and tourism in Guatemala that wasn’t authentic or ethical. Paulo and Sofia (the founders of Etnica) decided to start the company to especially help women.
This unique company looks to not only support art in Guatemala but also show people how art is created and provide an educational experience.
Etnica makes the tourism industry in Guatemala more inclusive and gives back to the local communities including artisans, farmers, and fishers. They consciously cultivate meaningful partnerships and create a bridge between locals and travelers. They offer high-quality tours that truly immerse visitors in everything that this stunning Central American country has to offer.
Etnica organizes tours to Antigua Guatemala, Acatenango Volcano, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Santiago, Chichicastenango and many other gems.
What is Ethical Tourism?
Ethical tourism is a responsible form of tourism that’s aware of travel’s consequences on the environment, local economy, and people. Many places in the world, including Guatemala, benefit from ethical tourism because it keeps the communities in mind and creates jobs for many people in need.
Ethical tourism is becoming more popular. We need to make changes to protect the environment and prevent further climate change. Ethical tourism creates awareness so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of having a responsible holiday and helping the community in the process.
Etnica: 10 Reasons to Experience Ethical Tourism in Guatemala
Let’s find out why ethical tourism is the best idea for your next vacation!
See also: Top 10 Best Departments of Guatemala
1. Improve your Communication and Language Skills
If you’re looking to improve your Spanish-speaking skills, taking any of Etnica’s tours is a wonderful immersive experience that will allow you to practice with native speakers.
Etnica offers homestays in Guatemala that will help you improve your conversational skills and put your language fluency to the test. This kind of tourism in Guatemala is all about supporting local communities, and many of these locals love to help travelers looking to learn Spanish and practice during their stay.
Etnica provides a wonderful opportunity to pick up some slang and gives you a linguistic exchange that creates opportunities for both sides.
2. Support Local Communities
Etnica is looking to transform the tourism industry in Guatemala to make it more inclusive, immersive, and generous with the local communities. Ethical tourism looks to leave a positive impact wherever the travelers go. All the tours cultivate a meaningful partnership between travelers looking to learn about the Guatemalan culture and local artisans looking to share their art.
This kind of tourism in Guatemala creates an unforgettable experience that positively impacts the locals by providing opportunities and helping the local economy.
3. Enjoy the Local Food and Help the Local Economy
A big part of Guatemalan culture is the food. During your travels in Central America, enjoy the cuisine, which has both Spanish and Maya influences. When you travel with Etnica, you’ll visit local diners and taste food prepared in Guatemala as part of your immersive experience. The purpose of this kind of tourism in Guatemala is all about keeping it local and the food is no exception.
Certain dishes are prepared only on specific dates so, make sure to ask what’s in season and enjoy the flavors Guatemala has to offer. Eating in Guatemala is a ritual, and going to the market is the best way to find fresh ingredients and experience the tastes of Guatemala.
4. Have Educational Experiences
When you immerse yourself in local activities and learn about the artisans in Guatemala, you get to learn about the Mayan culture. This unique journey will bring you closer to the Mayans including their food, art, traditions, and rituals.
Guatemala has a living culture that is well preserved and tourist-friendly. People are warm and welcoming and willing to share about Guatemalan culture. It’s an affordable and educational experience for those looking to have a slower but more authentic trip.
Hand-picked for you: 10 Must-See Ancient Mayan Sites in Guatemala
5. Go Volcano and Jungle Trekking
Guatemala is known for its jungles and volcanoes. Etnica offers hands-on adventure if you’re looking to explore the vast nature Guatemala has to offer.
NChoose from kayaking on the shores of Lake Atitlán, cycling to an ancient Maya city or enjoying the sunset from a majestic temple. There are many adventures to choose from with Etnica.
6. Support Climate Change and Biodiversity in Guatemala
Tourism takes its toll on destinations and the people who live there in the form of pollution, waste production, and carbon footprint. That’s why ethical tourism in Guatemala is essential.
It’s time for large enterprises and small businesses alike to take responsibility and commit to becoming a more responsible and conscious operation.
Etnica focuses its efforts on transforming tourism in Guatemala, implementing responsible practices, and offering low-impact adventures in rural communities.
Etnica is a part of Turismo Declara (Tourism Declares) in declaring a worldwide climate emergency. This helps raise awareness and encourage more people to get involved in ethical tourism in Guatemala.
7. Enjoy a Homestay in Guatemala
Going on a homestay in Latin America is a wonderful form of Spanish immersion. It’s another great way to support the local community and experience local customs when traveling. Local families open the doors to their homes and love to share experiences and simple meals. You become a member of the family and get to experience what it means to be Guatemalan.
Etnica’s homestay program puts you in touch with the right family for you and offers an unforgettable and immersive experience.
8. Learn about Artisan Stories and Visit Uncharted Beaches
The huipiles and ceramics from Guatemala make for perfect souvenirs of your travels. Local artisans are happy to show you how they create their art. And talk about the traditions and history behind their art.
Create your own customizable itinerary by choosing the activities you’d like to experience. Etnica helps many travelers plan their trips.
9. Take Coffee Tours
Another popular activity in Guatemala is taking a coffee tour. A major part of the Maya Indigenous community is coffee culture. Because the soil in Guatemala is so rich and the weather tropical, coffee plantations here grow and produce some of the best coffee in the world!
Rich Guatemalan soil and diverse microclimates provide the ideal conditions to harvest crops all year long. Guatemala has eight coffee-producing regions that produce exceptional coffee. Because there’s so much volcanic soil in Guatemala and an unbeatable altitude, coffee farms are found throughout the country.
See also: Coffee Tour: Countries in Central America and South America With the Best Coffee
10. Volunteer in Guatemala
Last but not least, volunteer in Guatemala with Etnica and leave your mark. Create ties with local community libraries, help NGOs, support educational organizations, or help conserve and protect the environment in Guatemala.
Etnica connects volunteer organizations to those looking to help the local communities in Guatemala. It’s a rewarding experience because people appreciate you taking the time to help them out.
Travel to Guatemala and Experience Ethical Tourism
Guatemala is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Spanish and ethical tourism. It’s full of wonder, nature, history, culture, and food. What’s more, this way of traveling helps the planet and the community. Get ready for an immersive and unforgettable experience in Guatemala!
If you’re looking for immersion in Spanish before you go, check out How to Learn Spanish in 6 Months and Spanish Classes Online: Why You Want Immersion Style.
In the United States alone, approximately 53 million people speak Spanish. The U.S. is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. 41 million native Spanish speakers in the U.S. speak Spanish in their homes. By learning Spanish, you’ll have more job opportunities and be ready to communicate easily at home or when you travel.
Sign up for a free trial class at Homeschool Spanish Academy before your trip to Guatemala. Learning Spanish improves your comprehension skills and enhances your vacation experience. Check out our flexible programs and affordable prices.
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