Inter Pares Solidarity Tour 2016 to Guatemala
Travel will take place from February 17-27 2016.
Guatemala is a country full of rich cultural traditions and awe-inspiring natural beauty. This
natural wealth and beauty are a treasure and a curse, where exploitation of its rich lands has
profited few, and where inequality and injustice permeate many aspects of society. But the
country is also filled with remarkable people, whose courage and generosity continue to
inspire the struggle for social justice.
Guatemala’s 36-year internal armed conflict came to an end in 1996 with the signing of peace
accords. Yet for much of the population – in particular the country’s Indigenous peoples who
experienced gross and systematic human rights violations – real peace with justice remains
elusive.
For over 30 years, Inter Pares has been working in solidarity with people and organizations in
Guatemala. We continue to do so today, supporting the long-term struggles to end impunity
for human rights violations committed during the armed conflict. We support communities
whose futures and livelihoods are under threat from the activities of foreign corporations that
operate mines and large-scale plantations in their communities. We work with migrant justice
groups that raise awareness of the risks migrants face on their dangerous treks north. We
support the movement for greater recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights. The work is
challenging, but rewarding.
In February 2016, you are invited to contribute to this work and deepen the bonds of solidarity.
Inter Pares will lead a 10-day Solidarity Tour, in which a group of 14 of our supporters will join
us in meeting with counterparts, learning from their struggles, and engaging through personal
connection with people who, in the midst of challenges, are building more hopeful futures.
By travelling with Inter Pares staff
members, you will have trusted
guides and interpreters. The
experiences you will have will not
only bring vividly to life programs
that your donations support, but
are another way to build peopleto-people solidarity between
Canada and Guatemala. The
inspiring examples of struggle and
change that you will see will be
unforgettable.
What will happen on the Solidarity Tour?
The tour will last 10 days, including pre-departure orientation and travel. In Guatemala, tour
participants will travel together around the country in a small bus. We will meet with Inter
Pares’ many counterparts: NGOs, small community development organizations, advocacy
groups, and Indigenous leaders. Time will be spent in Guatemala City, as well as in the rural
countryside and mountains. Throughout the 9 days, we will also visit historical and cultural
sites and local markets, including the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, and the vibrant market
town of Chichicastenango.
Solidarity Tour cost: $4,500, which includes a donation of $1,000. This includes:
 return airfare to Guatemala City
to a Canadian city;
 ground transportation in Guatemala;
 accommodation (based on double occupancy) and meals;
 scheduled activities (tours and fees);
 briefings on the country’s social, political, and economic realities; and
 a donation of $1,000 in support of Inter Pares’ programming in Latin America (a
charitable tax receipt for this amount will be issued).
During the tour, you will:
 Travel to remote communities and experience Guatemalan society, food and cultures;
 Meet with courageous human rights activists and community leaders working on the
front lines to defend Indigenous peoples’ rights;
 See the work of organizations that are providing support to people forced to migrate,
and accompanying survivors of human rights abuses;
 Build solidarity with national-level organizations that are linking these struggles to
broader projects for social change.
Applications are due by October 1. Staff will notify all applicants if a spot is available for them
by September 4. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is due as soon as your participation has
been confirmed by Inter Pares. The balance will be due November 21.
Inter Pares
Attn. Solidarity Tour
221 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa, ON K1N 6P1
We hope to travel with you!