El Salvador In conjunction with SalvAide, a Canadian not-for-profit bringing Canadians and Salvadorans together to foster social and economic development in El Salvador, a delegation of business professionals is travelling to El Salvador, where for them, lessons in humanity and humility will be just part of this incredible experience.

Engage with the local people, who continue to struggle after having lost their homes to natural disasters in recent years. Take part in local community life. Stand in awe of the natural beauty. Work and learn alongside the people of El Salvador. Together, you will strengthen their communities and build hope for the future.

About El Salvador
In the Central American country of El Salvador, you will stand in awe of the natural beauty, where lush Pacific lowlands sweep up through fertile hills to rugged mountain chains. But travelling in El Salvador is also a lesson in humility, for contrasting with the vibrant colour and breathtaking landscape . One of the key elements to SalvAide's mandate is to develop Canadian awareness about the social and economic development challenges that Salvadorans face. As volunteers of SalvAide, we will connect with two grass-roots Salvadoran non-governmental sustainable development organizations with whom SalvAide has worked since 1985-- CRIPDES and CORDES. During our time in El Salvador, we will work with initiatives like Fair Trade Coffee Co-ops, Organic Cashew producers, forest conservation projects, several eco-tourism projects, a women's microcredit program, and an appropriate technology irrigation project. Join us, and become an active partner with the people of El Salvador as they strengthen their communities and build hope for the future.

Lodging & Meals
Each team in El Salvador stays in clean, safe and modest accommodations. These vary and will be confirmed, but are usually small hotels or larger retreat centers. Meals may be in restaurants, or prepared by local community members accustomed to cooking for North Americans. Teams will be provided with clean bottled water.

R&R Program
Explore La Palma, an artisan town renowned for the spectacular colours found in the handmade works of art, as well as the beautiful colonial town of Suchitoto. Visit the mountains mountains including El Pital, the highest point in El Salvador, and take in the breathtaking views. Spend a day in Esquipulas, a Guatamalan town founded in the mid-1500’s by the Spanish, where you will visit the beautiful colonial church and enjoy the colourful and unique culture. This program reveals the beauty and culture of Central America, and promises to be a wonderful end to your Voluntouring experience.

Date
November 2009

Cost:
Contact Aquila for costs and details. The cost includes lodging, meals, ground transportation within El Salvador, cultural tours, orientation materials and a donation to SalvAide. The cost does not include round trip air transportation to El Salvador or fees for required visas or inoculations. Aquila will arrange for your visa upon confirmation of your registration, and Aquila would also be pleased to arrange your air transportation, if you wish.