Alyra’s team is developing an amazing expedition for a Montreal high school that will combine learning the history of  pre -Columbian Maya, cultural immersion, beautiful series of villages, each with a mix of colonial architecture in indigenous tones and experiencing excursions in nature. The most important objective is to accomplish a development project in order to improve the quality of life in a hosting village  in the pacific coast of El Salvador .

PART 1 – Day 1-13: Development project in the community of El Zonte

• Development project in El Zonte
• Learn about traditional El Salvador crafts and workshops: thread craft, mobiles, baskets
• Dance lessons
• Pupusa traditional dish cook lesson
• Surf lessons and play sports with locals from the community.

Private transport from San Salvador airport to El Zonte (2h)                                                                              13 nights in the community of El Zonte in homestays 

PART 2 – Days 14-18: Ruta de las Flores- Cerro Verde National  Park- Joya de Cerén

• Discover differents towns of the heart of El Salvador’s coffee region where it lies the scenic Ruta de las Flores (Route of the Flowers). Ruta de las Flores consists of five small towns along a winding 35 km stretch of highway along the mountains. • Tasting of delicious coffee from the different towns of “Ruta de las Flores”
• Explore the volcano complex of Cerro Verde National Park, which showcases some of El Salvador’s most amazing volcanoes: Cerro Verde, Izalco and Santa Ana (Ilamatepec). We will sightseeing along eco-trails into the inactive volcanic crater of Cerro Verde,enjoying panoramic views of Izalco volcano and walk through a dwarf forest to see Santa Ana volcano. Finish at the volcanic Lake Coatepeque, noted as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
• Visit El Salvador’s only UNESCO World Heritage site,the archeological site of Joyas de Ceren that it is often referred to "Pompeii of the Americas", in comparison to the famed Ancient Roman ruins .Joya de Cerén was a pre-Hispanic farming community that, that was buried under an eruption of the Laguna Caldera volcano c. AD 600.

 3 nights in the towns of Ruta de Las Flores                                                                                                            Day 17: Private transport to the airport at San Salvador and flight back to Montreal.                                     Day 18: Arrival in Montreal in the morning.

• Preps

  Travel documents
  A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the date of your return flight back home.

  Luggage
  The least amount of luggage possible. We recommend bags that are practical and easy to carry. One large bag and a small day back-pack is ideal.

  Health
  We recommend you consult your local medical travel clinic (or doctor) a few months before leaving in order to ensure you have the necessary vaccines. Your medical insurance card might not cover costs incurred due to injuries or health costs when you are abroad. If you need to travel with medication of some kind, please bring a doctor’s prescription.

  Safety
  We recommend you bring a concealed belt that can hold your important documents, credit cards and currencies. It is illegal to take any objects found in archeological sites or any natural resources from any of the national parks, ecological reserves, protectorates or any other sites visited.

  Insurance
  Find information of our availaible travel insurance: All inclusive travel policy and Youth travel policy.

• These prices include

  • International flights from Montreal and back;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation;
  • Lodging (in the community): in host families, 1-2 per family for students;
  • Lodging (outside the community): multiple occupancy for students;
  • Food: 3 meals a day (Local authentic food will be served);
  • Snacks and potable water at all times;
  • Organization of the community projects and coordination with the local community leader and members;
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and potable water during meals;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides (when mentioned);
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Tips to local guides, drivers, restaurants, etc.;

• These prices do not include

  • 0.1% for the OPC (Consumer Protection Office);
  • Insurance Package: Medical, Interruption and Cancelation coverage;
  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports)
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;
  • Transportation from the school to the airport and back;
  • Laundry and any other personal expenses.