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11-day expedition for youth to Guatemala & belize

Book of Mormon

Expedition

 
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Expedition 2025

Culture. Adventure. Testimony.

For 11 days immerse yourself in the Land of the Book of Mormon! Gain a greater understanding of the Book of Mormon, personal independence, confidence, empathy, leadership skills, and friends that will last forever.

Recommended for ages 14-18.

Ask us about our other tours — adults and parent/child.

Ancient Mayan Ruins — Book of Mormon History

The ancient Mayan ruins that you visit correspond with the history of the Book of Mormon. In the Book of Mormon that you will receive in your welcome packet we have marked passages that you will study as you visit these proposed sites of the Book of Mormon:

  • First city settled by Nephi

  • Waters of Mormon where Alma organized the church of Christ

  • Land of Helam occupied by Alma and his followers

  • Valley of Alma

  • East Wilderness where the Nephites, under the direction of Captain Moroni fortified the cities

  • Possible temple sites of the Savior’s visitation to the Americas

Guatemala and Belize are among the most beautiful countries in the world where you are never far from a smile. The people are welcoming and love to laugh. Though many face poverty, they are rich in joy. There is a rich deep culture that you will find yourself immersed in and grow to love. You’ll enjoy the following cultural activities:

  • Weave your own traditional Mayan clothwork with the women weavers at Lake Atitlan

  • Learn to cook Mayan cuisine

  • Make chocolate from bean to bar in Antigua

  • Walk the beautiful streets of Antigua — a world heritage site and once the Spanish capital of Central America

  • Visit the artistic streets of San Juan

  • Dinner and games with missionaries and members of the church

  • Participate in baptisms at the Guatemala City temple

  • Volunteer at the local elementary school near Lake Atitlan

unforgettable excursions

So many exciting unforgettable excursions are peppered throughout the itinerary. With your new tribe you will participate in these “bucket-list” activities:

  • Hike a volcano and roast marshmallows from the heat

  • Zipline through the lofty tree canopy

  • Float on a tube through a cave network

  • Cliff jump into a beautiful freshwater lake

  • Take a catamaran off the island coast to snorkel in crystal blue waters

  • Take a walk and boat ride through the jungle

  • Explore a Caribbean island with your new best friends!

Leadership Training

Become a L.E.A.D.E.R. as you study and grow with your “tribe.” Understanding the 5 Steps of Progression and applying the 5 Principles of Leadership within a proper framework of self will enable you to do great things in your life.

technology reframing

Technology can be a problem. But, it can also be leveraged as force for good to increase productivity, spread the gospel, and build relationships. Ensign Roots programs educate youth on how technology affects them, and how to responsibly use it by setting goals and developing good habits. Understand the neuroscience behind the digital brain and behavioral frameworks to thrive in the digital age.

Location

Guatemala & Belize


Guatemala

Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City

Day 2: Kaminaljuyu, Antigua, Chocolate Lesson, Ice Cream and Games with Locaal Members

Day 3: Pacaya Volcano hike, Explore Streets of Panajachel

Day 4: Lake Atitlan, Cooking & Weaving Lessons, Volunteer at School, Artistic City of San Juan, Cliffs of San Marcos

Day 5: Atitlan Nature Reserve, Dinner with Members, Baptisms at Guatemala City Temple

Day 6: Attend Church, Fly to Flores

Day 7: Visit Tikal Ruins

Belize

Day 8: Zipline, Jungle Walk, Cave Tubing

Day 9: Boat ride, Lamanai Ruins, Papusas & Games with Local Youth

Day 10: Catamaran snorkeling in the Caribbean, Explore Caye Caulker, Beach day, Testimony Meeting

Day 11: Return Home


Price

Price: $3,149 (excludes international airfare, approx. $750-850)


2025 Dates

Session 1: June 3 - June 13

Session 2: June 17 - June 27

Session 3: July 1 - July 11

Session 4: July 15 - July 25

Session 5: July 29 - August 8


Travel

Departure Airport: Salt Lake City

Travel Documents: American citizens must have a US Passport valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry.

Vaccinations: Ensign Roots does not require any specific vaccinations for this expedition. However, we suggest you carefully research and decide what is best for you. Information can be found at the Center for Disease Control website.

For more information regarding our international excursions, see the FAQ Programs and Parents pages.


By the Numbers

  • 8 Hours of Responsible Technology education

  • 1 Public school tutoring children

  • 1 Sabbath day at the local church

  • 2 Evenings with missionaries and church members

  • 1 Domestic flight in Guatemala

  • 7 Fun Excursions — jungle walk, zip line, catamaran snorkeling, cave tubing, boat ride, beach day, and volcano hike

  • 12 New friends for life (your “tribe”)

  • 6 Ancient ruins and Book of Mormon sites

  • 1 Session of Baptisms at LDS temple

  • 1 Powerful testimony meeting

  • 6 Cultural immersion activities

  • 12 Hours of Leadership Training