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