Looking out towards the river from the main house.

The boat putters to a stop as you pull closely to the deck stretched over the calm river.  A rope swings dangles over the ledge and there are two hammocks hovering above the water as well.  You can’t see much of the hotel as you pull in because lush jungle dominates the area.  But as you walk the long wooden path back into land, the view opens up into a large open complex surrounded by vibrant colors and foliage.  You breathe deeply the fresh air, admire the variety of hammocks, and know you’ve reached home sweet home…at least for the next few nights.

Located on the Rio Dulce near Livingston on the southeastern edge of Guatemala, Finca Tatin is the type of hotel you can easily and happily lose yourself in.  It consists mainly of cabanas which can hold 2-4 people, both with private and shared bathrooms, but there is also a dorm that sleeps up to 8 people.  This isn’t a party hostel though; it’s a place to escape the craziness, settle down, and relax.  The atmosphere is tranquil and the view serene.

Hammock Heaven: inside the Grande Casa.

Literally nestled into the jungle, the sounds of wildlife are all around you.  Finca Tatin was built around the environment instead of knocking it down to make room.  Its natural construction material and open floor plan allows for not only a soothing breeze, but a complete view one can enjoy from one of the plethora of hammocks strewn about.

You are greeted not only by this incredible view, but by the eccentric and entertaining Paulo who is full of energy and information about almost anything you can imagine asking him.  Even if you don’t plan on doing much more than relaxing here, you will muster the energy for a kayak trip down river, a hike through the jungle, or even a bird watching tour.  If you prefer to indulge in luxurious relaxation, there are massages and a sauna to help facilitate that after a long day of swinging, swimming, and floating in the peaceful river out front.

Swing into the river to feel refreshed and invigorated.

There is no reason to ever feel bored here because there are plenty of interesting characters to keep you entertained all night.  Dinner is served family style and it’s always a delicious feast you’ll never leave hungry from.  This environment is conducive to meeting other people and sharing conversation, nevermind how tasty everything is.

People generally come to the Rio Dulce area to experience something different from the rest of Guatemala.  While Livingston is a mere 20 min boat ride away from Finca Tatin, it’s a world away from Guatemala.  Decorated by lively and vibrant Garífuna people and culture, this beach town resembles more of Belizean culture than traditional Guatemalan. Livingston is indeed an interesting city to check out, but for me, the Rio Dulce experience is best enjoyed from the shores of a quiet jungle getaway.

Rio Dulce as seen from the peak of the jungle trek led by Luis.

Real atmosphere comes from meeting the locals who live in the area. The entire local staff is warn, friendly, and open to talking with travelers. If you decide to hike to or from Livingston, Luis will be your guide.  He not only blazed the path himself 8 years ago, he’s the only guide and walks the 4 hour path daily. His sweet smile and interesting stories will make your experience more enriching.  Luis answered all our questions about the area and offered interesting facts that only a local would know.  He even took our group to his house to meet his massive family who all live together.  Truly an authentic experience.

While we all love a good night out in Antigua, sometimes we need a little escapism and relaxation to remedy ourselves.  And if you’re anywhere in the area of Rio Dulce, hop on a boat and float down to Finca Tatin.  Don’t forget to stay longer than you anticipate as time moves as swiftly as the river.  Grab a beer, settle in a hammock, and rest your mind and body.

About Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday was just an ordinary girl from suburban California until she studied abroad in the random and entertaining island of Malta. After that, she decided to explore every corner of the world in search of extraordinary adventures. Suddenly she was climbing cliffs in Thailand, befriending monkeys in Bolivia, and practicing the ancient martial art of sunmudo in Korea. Ruby is our global party expert and her experience in shenanigans all over the world has given her an endless series of stories.

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Everybody needs a little getaway from the real world. The best way to do this is by traveling to a new place and experiencing the wonders of the world for a few days, no matter where you are. Whether it be a weekend or simply a day trip, it’s important to carry your belongings in a comfortable manner.

A lot of people underestimate the advantages of using a backpack for a weekend trip instead of a small suitcase. By using a backpack, you can have everything you need with you at all times and it’s a lot easier to carry around compared to a rolling suitcase. Another advantage of using a backpack is that you don’t have to check your bag when flying which saves you both time and money.

Picking out a backpack can be difficult because there is an abundance of them on the market. Here are some reliable day and overnight backpacks that have their own unique characteristics:

The Slingsafe Backpack (photo courtesy of Travel Smith)

Slingsafe 300 Gll Backpack – This is a good, super lightweight bag that would make traveling easy. A lot of people worry about their identity being stolen while traveling which this backpack helps prevent by having a RFID – blocking technology system. RFID is the technology that enables you to wave your credit card over a scanner instead of swiping it, convenient for both shopping and thieves. The blocking system this bag has prevents people from scanning your bag for your credit card number. Another interesting security feature of this backpack is that it’s slashproof on the bottom, which means that strangers will not be able to cut a hole so that your stuff falls out. Also, this pack is waterproof which prevents everything in you bag getting soaking wet when strolling or hiking in the rain.

The Northface Pack (photo coutesy of REI)

The North Face Surge Daypack – Many bags today have a compartment to carry laptops. This bag goes a step further and has a spot to carry power cords and other accessories that you might need. Not only is this bag convenient for electronics, it’s also great for hiking because it has a hip belt that is storable. This padded hip belt wraps around your waist and provides extra support, which allows you to hike in a more comfortable fashion. Durability in a bag is important for all types of environments, not just the outdoors. Fortunately this backpack is made of ballistic nylon which means it’s immune to most moisture, tears, and abrasions. Knowing that all of your belongings are safe inside your bag allows you to fully enjoy your day or overnight trip.

The Flapjill Daypack (photo coutesy of REI)

Osprey FlapJill Daypack – This backpack distinguishes itself from others because of its unique appearance. Instead of having a zipper at the top, it has a flap cover with 2 quick release clips. These clips are attached to straps that you can tighten and relax depending upon how full your bag is. The bag comes with three different colored straps; allowing you to change the appearance of your bag at any time. Other features include an area designated for laptops up to 15.4” screen, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and an internal draw cord which protects your belongings from the weather. The unique layout of the bag might prevent some people from buying it, but it’s actually a great bag for small trips and everyday use.

The Conor Flashpoint (photo courtesy of Magellan's)

Conor Flashpoint – This backpack from Eagle Creek is good for the traveler with a laptop because there’s a compartment meant solely for them. It’s easy to get your laptop in and out which is convenient when going through security at the airport. This backpack also has two main easy access compartments which allow you to organize your bag nicely. It also has the unique safety feature of lockable zippers on the bag. The straps are very comfortable which is nice because when coupled with its size and shape, it can be used for more extensive travel, school, hiking, business, or anything else.

The Convertible Brussels Pack

Baggallini Convertible Brussels Backpack – At first glance this bag doesn’t look like a backpack. However, you just have to move one of the straps and the bag can convert from an across the shoulder to a regular backpack. This is convenient because you can switch it up so that your shoulders do not get too tired.  This bag is definitely on the smaller side which means it will weigh less and is ideal for daytrips. If you use the detachable coin/ID pouch, I would recommend keeping it in an easily accessible spot in the biggest part of your bag.

Just like long-term backpacking bags, there is a wide selection of overnight and day bags to choose from. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the different bags that are put in front of you. That is why it is important to keep in mind that you need a backpack that is not only suitable for the trip you intend to take, but for your general lifestyle as well.

About Megan Williams

Megan is our Editorial Intern. She lives in Long Island, New York, has studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, and traveled across Europe.

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An interview with Heather Graham, the Director of Communications and Fund Development of Casa Guatemala.

Two girls from Casa Guatemala.

Casa Guatemala, located on the Rio Dulce near the southeastern coast of Guatemala, is an orphanage and school serving over 300 children who have been abused, abandoned, suffer from malnourishment, or were living in extreme poverty. These children come from all over Guatemala and the surrounding Mayan villages. CG seeks to provide a safe home, love and nurturance, proper health care, and an adequate education to the children of Guatemala and strives to equip the children in their care with the skills and education needed to become upstanding, empowered citizens in their community. CG strives to become fully self-sustained through the businesses that they run which provide financial support and meaningful job training for the older children. These businesses, Hotel Backpackers and a butcher shop “Granja de los Niños”, improve the financial sustainability of the organization so that the quality of life for the children can continue to improve without the fear of crisis due to a lack of consistent funding. Sustainability projects such as these and for these purposes are setting an admirable and effective example for other NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organization) worldwide.  The following is an interview with Heather Graham, the Director of Communications and Fund Development of Casa Guatemala.

Heather enjoys spending her time with the kids.

World Travel Buzz: When and what were some of your very first volunteering experiences, including the first time you volunteered abroad?

Heather: In middle school and high school I was involved with World Vision and other 24-hour Famine Drives. At seventeen, I volunteered with Public Access Television in Canada, both on and off the air. I helped with things like Arts & Community Projects. My first work with an NGO was with the David Suzuki Foundation. The first time I volunteered abroad was when I came here to Casa Guatemala in 2001.

WTB: How did you hear about Casa Guatemala?     

Heather: I was looking to travel around Central America and volunteer while I was there. I also wanted to improve my Spanish, which was minimal at the time. I began researching volunteer opportunities in the area and when I found Casa Guatemala and I liked their mission, values, and what they’re vision was, so I committed to three months. I spoke with their representatives in Canada before I left home, and that secured my thoughts and opinions on the project.

And what was that first experience like for you? 

I started off working on the farm as the Farm Supervisor, so I was slaughtering chickens and pigs and making blood pudding. I was driving a boat around and bringing eggs to the butcher’s & Farmers Market every day; we had over 10,000 chickens at the time so it was pretty intense. I didn’t know a lot of Spanish to be speaking to so many Mayans, Spanish guys, and farmers, so it made me learn Spanish really quickly. I began managing our store in town shortly after that, which led to managing the hotel and opening our restaurant and bar.

Wow. All that in three months?

No, I actually ended up staying for three years! Then I left and did some traveling. I eventually came back and then decided to go back to Canada and earn my degree in Non-Profit Management so that I could come down here and work full time.

Heather hard at work.

So your volunteering experiences eventually led to a career path for you?   

Absolutely.

Although you are no longer a volunteer yourself, your position now entails working with them, most of whom come from outside Central America. What has it been like getting to know them and facilitating their experiences at Casa Guatemala?   

You get to see a lot of potential, to see people push themselves to levels that a lot of times I don’t think they’ve ever reached before. It’s a really good dynamic of really inspired people who are working to do something bigger than themselves.

I can imagine. What advice do you have for people interested in long term volunteering that will help them have a positive impact and fulfilling experience, wherever they choose to go?   

They definitely must be open-minded, patient and be there to observe and to learn. They will need to consider the strengths & weaknesses of the NGO, as a lot of times they are severely under-funded. They should really consider the culture into which they are going and can’t come in with an ethnocentric attitude. They really need to choose their project wisely and consider doing something where the impact of what they’ve done will continue after they’ve gone. They must engage the local people and make sure they’re doing something the people actually want; making sure they’re getting positive feedback from them. You really need to consider a lot before you go into an area you’re unfamiliar with, equip with all of your grand ideas on how to change or save the world, because quite frankly, that’s been tried before and it just simply doesn’t work. There are geo-political schemes and cultural schemes rooted in the places you are going to that you may not have taken into consideration upon arriving. So really it goes back to being open-minded and patient and being there to learn.

Approaching the orphanage from the river entrance.

Casa Guatemala is currently looking for female volunteers to help in the girl’s house. To qualify you must be 24 or older, able to speak Spanish, and willing to commit to at least three months at the Children’s Village. For more information on Casa Guatemala, their current projects, volunteering opportunities & application, or to donate, visit their website.

About Lisa DeChavan

Lisa recently jumped fearlessly down the rabbit hole and traded the color-coded pushpins in the World map on her wall for a one-Way ticket to Latin America. She lives for solo, eco-friendly, indie travel, coupled with a focus on philanthropy. Lisa’s main goals are to immerse herself in each culture she encounters through volunteering & to share her adventures through both written word & media.

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We live in a modern and constantly changing world, and as modern techonolgy continues to advance, it shifts and changes the way we do just about everything. Even the way we travel has already been affected by the ubiquity and convenience of iPhones and other mobile smartphones.  I always travel with my Android phone, even when I don’t have a local SIM Card, a mobile phone makes it easy to hop on free wifi networks at cafes and bars around the world.  And you’d be surprised how many other budget travelers are using their phones and ipod touches as travel accessories.

This awesome infographic from MyDestination.com gives some insight into exactly how has changed world travel forever.

Made by My Destination, locally informed, globally inspired travel guides.

About Justin Jones

Justin Jones is the Founder and Editor in Chief of World Travel Buzz. He thrives on adventure and loves connecting with fellow travelers, contemporary misfits, and kindred creative spirits.

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