Our top 10 epic moments on the Central America Program

Throughout this past month we have had some of the best experiences of our lives. Here are our top 10 most epic moments of the trip so far. 

10. The cenotes in Tulum

One of my favorite parts of Tulum was getting to experience the various cenotes in the area. A cenote is a cave-like formation, typically with freshwater, where we got to enjoy activities like cliff-jumping and swimming. These formations were also sacred to the ancient Mayan populations, which made the experience all the more special. The crystal blue waters welcomed us with open arms and left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! 

9. Scuba diving in Cozumel

Before diving in Cozumel I didn’t know what to expect, but it exceeded any expectations I had beforehand. The ocean floor and its animals were so colorful and full of life... it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and I will never forget it!

8. Bonding in Tulum

Tulum was the first place we went on program. I will have fond memories of hanging out as a group and playing Chess, Uno, and Jenga in the evenings after dinner. Everyone started to become really close and we all had so much fun getting to know each other. 

7. Floating through the mangroves

There have been several epic moments in Central America so far. From swimming in cenotes to hiking up volcanoes, it feels like we have done it all. However, I would have to say that my favorite epic moment so far would be in Tulum when we floated through the mangroves in the old Mayan canal and treated it as a lazy river.

6. Meeting the group

One of the best moments so far was meeting my group for the first time in person. It is crazy how fast we became a family and it has been so fun traveling with them. My group mates have become some of my best friends and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.

5. Swimming with sharks

For me the most epic moment so far was scuba diving and seeing sharks! Being underwater is like being in a completely different world. Seeing the sharks swim around and realizing I had the privilege get to experience their world, even if only for a little bit, was amazing and something I will never forget.

4. Sunrise on top of the Acatenango

For the select few who deemed the 4 am wakeup call and steep uphill hike in complete darkness worth it, watching the sunrise from the Acatenango summit was an unforgettable experience. Although the wind was bone-chilling, the 360 degree mountain views, glowing city lights, vivid colors of the sky, and steaming hot chocolate from our guide Willie made the physical discomfort entirely worthwhile.

3. Hike up Volcano Acatenango

Hiking up the misty mountains of the Acatenango volcano was one of the most amazing moments of my life. The views of the vast cities and hills of Guatemala were breathtaking and a once in a lifetime experience. The hike was a great experience, passing the time by talking to friends and experiencing the different environments of the mountain, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

2. Even more cenotes!

Imagine swimming in a cave  with crystal blue water that goes deeper than you can imagine. Sounds incredible right? There are many ancient Cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula. These wonderful caves are sacred to the Mayan people and you can tell why. Swimming in the clear water with stalactites hanging over my head was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more connected to the earth. I never thought I would ever get to experience anything like it. That’s just one of the amazing things you get to do on the Central America program. 

1. Watching a lava-spewing crater

One of the most surreal things thus far on our trip was awaking to the rumble of Volcan de Fuego in the middle of the night. Unzipping our tents, we were treated to stunning views of glowing lava contrasted by the dark, starry sky. So worth the intense trek to get up there!