JANUARY 07, 2023 – FEBRUARY 04, 2023
Guatemala City (GUA)
Active volcanoes. Tasty vegan food. Might-just-change-your-life kind of scenery. Welcoming locals. Awesome sunsets. Stunning hikes. The chance to combine wanderlust with work.
Ready for an escape like no other?
Experience all this and much more on Quetzal, my one-month vegan work and travel programme connecting adventurous souls to the pure beauty of Guatemala.
Vegan Adventure Holidays invites you to become part of something new and exciting – a one-month Guatemala experience that’s bound to change your life, mindset and everything in between. With an international community of compassionate vegan travellers by your side, you’ll have all the ingredients for a soul-shaking trip. Plus, you won’t need to press pause on work or the passion project you’ve got in the making – as we explore Guatemala, we’ll balance work and play, every day.
On my vegan work and travel programme, you’ll experience Guatemala’s rapidly expanding vegan food scene, hike active volcanoes in your free time and become part of a community of like-minded travellers. Just bring your vegan business, day job or passion project, and I’ll take care of the rest!⠀
In 2014, I started running vegan-friendly adventure holidays with just one 7-day expedition in Guatemala – a country that holds my heart. Since then, I’ve witnessed the transformational power of community and travel, and have now expanded my company to bring escapism and exploration to as many people as possible.
This work and travel programme is Vegan Adventure Holidays level two, the next chapter of vegan tourism where people like you get the opportunity to form connections, call a new country home for a month, co-live and co-work with other incredible people.
Quetzal, my vegan work and travel programme based in Guatemala, is perfect for:
So, whether you’re taking your first steps into the digital nomad lifestyle, would just like to experience it for one month, or finally want some time to dedicate to that passion project you’ve been putting off for years, Vegan Adventure Holidays welcomes you to Guatemala.
Your base for the month will be an apartment or house in Central Antigua, where you’ll have full access to a great co-working office with high-speed internet.
When you choose to work is entirely your choice. As a community, we’ll be there to help and support each other’s professional development – probably over a soya milk cappuccino with incredible views of three active volcanoes in the distance! Co-working in Guatemala certainly beats wrestling for a table at your local coffee shop.
Included in our vegan work and travel programme will be two experiences per week – one on the weekend and one during the week. Whether we’re making friends with pups at a local animal sanctuary, watching natural light wash over Guatemala on a sunrise volcano hike, or meandering through the cobbled streets of Antigua, you’ll be forever grateful to have swapped your desk for adventure!
Throughout the week, there will also be social meet-ups, inspirational goal-setting workshops, presentations from community members and a myriad of other events and sessions to keep you motivated long after our stay together comes to an end.
Of course, the month will involve more than salsa music and epic scenery! We’ll work hard on our vegan businesses, jobs or passion projects throughout the day – without the usual distractions of day-to-day life at home – and live EVERY moment to the fullest in our free time. Think escapism, without compromising on your professional goals.
What a way to start the weekend! Explore nestled-away ancient Mayan villages by bike and see more of the breathtaking Guatemalan countryside with an experienced bilingual local guide.
Fancy hiking a volcano before work? You’ll take in epic sunrise views over the most impressive volcanic landscape in all of Central America – and still be back at your computer by 9am.
Get moving after a day at the co-working office! You’ll lend a hand to a local animal rescue centre by walking rescue dogs and making friends with pups – they’ll appreciate it so much!
Enjoy a fun, relaxing and truly nourishing start to your weekend at an all-level yoga class, held in a beautiful, treetop studio. Tucked away into the hillside amongst an avocado plantation – with stunning views of the nearby volcanoes and Panchoy Valley – this studio promises a truly mindset-shifting session.
Let’s not forget that it’s not just your adventure, it’s also the adventure of the people that call Guatemala home!
Many of these kind, welcoming locals are in some way dependent on tourism to earn a living so the distribution of revenue through the tourism industry is extremely important.
In order to try and provide economic space to locals, I’m planning something that will allow both you as the traveller and the local to experience the richness of the diversion of travel — Learning Pathways.
Each optional learning pathway will be themed and over the course of the one month work and travel program will take you on an exciting journey through one or two sessions each week.
Make your very own piece of jade jewelry, take a watercolor painting class with a local artist, learn how to make delicious vegan food with a Guatemalan chef and support female-led businesses in Guatemala in the process!
Improve your Spanish with experienced and qualified Guatemalan teachers. One of the most rewarding aspects of the human experience is our ability to connect with others, knowing the local language makes you a local no matter where you are.
There’s this place where adventure finds you, a place where solitude, wilderness, and adventure are only minutes from peaceful parks, cute coffee shops, and a killer vegan food scene. Meet Guatemala, the beating heart of Central America.
It’s a place surrounded by volcanoes, with trails that begin right outside your door.
It’s a place of rivers and lakes, sweeping valleys, local and international travellers, arts and culture. And it’s time you see that place for yourself.
Guatemala has the unparalleled natural beauty and cultural vibrancy to reel you right in for an unforgettable travel experience from the moment your vegan hiking boots touch the ground!
Peddle and paddle your way around Lake Atitlán, explore Guatemala’s backcountry on a stunning Antigua valley day hike, take a vegan cooking class, say YES to an optional volcano hike, and spend a day volunteering at a local animal sanctuary with a group of fun, like-minded vegan adventurers.
Fiery sunsets and savagely beautiful landscapes await, so prepare to be seduced!
🇺🇸 Payal from the U.S.A
🇦🇺 Judy from Australia
🇬🇧 Siobhan from the U.K.
“Emma has a great track record for both vegan travel, and running a vegan business, and as such is ideally suited to run such a mouth-watering proposition for vegan business owners and entrepreneurs looking for more than just the standard series of talks, workshops and presentations. Expect both the settings and the content stand to be standout, and your host to excel beyond all expectations.”
From 11 March 2022, Guatemalan nationals, diplomats and foreign nationals resident in Guatemala who wish to enter Guatemala must present either:
I will update this is there are any changes prior to the departure date of the work and travel program.
No, you’ll be responsible for your own airfare to and from Guatemala City. Airport transfer to/from Antigua will be included.
Yes, all guests will be required to have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. I’ll be asking for proof before departure.
Most travellers will receive a 90-day visitors visa upon entry to Guatemala but if you think you might require a visa to enter Guatemala, you’ll need to get that in advance at your own expense. Vegan Adventure Holidays does not offer any help in this area but you might find this website helpful.
While there is a strong emphasis on coming together as a community, there will also be plenty of time for you to explore on your own. Travel is all about adventure and discovery and spending time on your own is encouraged!
Your Vegan Adventure Holidays Program Managers and local City Managers will on hand to give you suggestions and help you decide what to do. You’ll have access to a city guide which will help you see what solo travel opportunities are available and there will also be side trips in the Vegan Adventure Holidays travel shop.
Your base for the month will be a shared apartment or house in Central Antigua, the price includes a private room.
If you have to cancel, I’ll be very sad but I do understand that life happens so here’s what you need to know:
A comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover you for cancelation so don’t worry about it too much! You’ll receive further information about travel insurance closer to the departure date.
*Please understand that Vegan Adventure Holidays reserves the right to change these policies without prior notice due to an ever-changing landscape within the tourism industry at present.
Payment is due in full 90 days prior to the start date of the work & travel program.
Email Emma at hello@veganadventureholidays and I’ll answer your questions and queries personally.