It’s Time You Come To Visit
Are you hoping to expand your horizons, walk in solidarity with the people of Honduras, and take in the beauty of their country? Are you ready to gain a better understanding of Honduran life and culture and Olancho Aid Foundation’s work? Have you been to Juticalpa before and want to visit those friends who feel like family?
A trip to Olancho might be just what you’re looking for.
Limited space is available for each trip and reservations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Additional dates may be added once trips are full.
Travel Opportunities 2022
Room, board, in-country transportation, and cultural exchange experiences are included in the price of each trip. Travelers have the opportunity to participate in faith-based experiences, including daily Mass, if desired.
University, High School,
Youth, and Church Groups
Are you a youth minister, travel coordinator, teacher, or parish leader interested in organizing an immersion experience for your group of 10-40 people? We work with group leaders to develop custom travel itineraries to meet the needs of organizations like yours. Contact us to schedule a 20-min introduction call to learn more about what Olancho Aid can offer and if it might be a good fit for your group!
The International Classroom:
An Experience In Education
Are you a traveler that is interested in learning more about the educational environment in Central America? Are you interested in gaining a global perspective on the education system and opportunities for Central American youth through cross-cultural exchanges in and outside the classroom? Step into Olancho Aid Foundation’s classrooms in Honduras and make connections with local teachers, students, and families while enjoying recreational activities and exploring the specialties of culturally unique Olancho.
Leave with tangible opportunities for the US classroom and a deeper understanding of the experiences and circumstances from which some of your students who emigrated to the United States may have come.
Exploring Sustainable Communities
for Environmental Justice
This immersion experience will provide an introduction to life in rural Honduran communities where climate instability has impacted the environment, food supply, public health systems and the social fabric of families and the community.
You will also learn about Olancho Aid’s Sustainable Communities programming by visiting our ground-breaking sustainable agriculture project, Agape Farm, and visiting our water filtration plants at our schools and rural community sites. Learn about climate challenges, hear first-hand accounts of how daily life has changed, and learn about local initiatives for clean water and sustainable farming.
Alumni Homecoming Trip:
For Former Volunteers
Volunteer alumni, do you long for baleadas? Ready to reconnect with your service experience and other volunteer alumni in Honduras? We get it. Olancho Aid welcomes you back to reconnect with our work, the schools, the team, our community partners and learn about our new projects!
Olancho es ancho para entrar y angosto para salir. Call an old friend and plan a reunion in Juti today!
Homecoming Trip:
For Return Travelers & Sponsors
They say, “Olancho es ancho para entrar y angosto para salir” which means “Olancho is easy to enter and hard to leave.” How long has it been since your last visit to Juticalpa? If you’ve participated with a team or sponsor a student in Juticalpa, this trip is designed for you. You’ll visit the Olancho Aid schools, Agape Farm, and a water filtration facility in the rural communities. You’ll connect with students and families from Escuelita Nazareth and sponsors can spend time with the student or family you have been supporting.
Nazareth Marathon for Runners, Walkers, and Friends
Travel details and virtual race information coming soon! The 5-6 day trip will include accommodations at a local hotel, in-country transportation, meals, race registration, and cultural activities.
Traveler FAQs
Unless otherwise noted, travelers stay in a retreat-style setting. Modest bunk rooms sleep four to six people. Sheets, towels, and a pillow are provided. There is a community bathroom with toilets, sinks, and showers near each room. Some modern luxuries like hot water, air conditioning, and wifi are not available at the retreat center. Wifi will be available sporadically throughout the trip.
Travelers will have the opportunity to sample culinary specialties of Juticalpa. Meals may be enjoyed at local restaurants, at the retreat center, as a picnic, or even in the home of a community member. Vegetarian options can be offered if requested in advance. Those with food allergies should discuss restrictions with us before their trip to determine the type of accommodations that can be made.
Olancho Aid Foundation has been welcoming travelers to Juticalpa for over 20 years. When traveling abroad, an understanding of cultural norms and potential risks is critical. The team in Honduras including bilingual guides, drivers, and trip organizers are residents of Juticalpa who are skilled in assessing potential risks, making travel arrangements accordingly and selecting trusted local services to ensure a positive and safe experience.
Room – see above “What are the accommodations like?”
Meals – See above “ Where will we eat?”
Bilingual Guide – A local guide will be with the group from 8a-7p daily and available 24/7.
In-country transportation – Travelers will be met at Palmerola International Airport by their bilingual guide and driver. They’ll then drive 4.5 hours to Juticalpa. Transportation for all planned activities will be provided and the driver will return the group to the airport on the day of departure.
Cultural activities – Various opportunities will be planned for the group to experience the beauty of Olanchano culture and people.
Travel-medical insurance – Insurance covers expenses at local clinics and evacuation in case of emergency. It DOES NOT cover expenses related to travel delays due to COVID-19.
Pre-Departure COVID test – Currently, a negative test is required to fly into the United States. Each member of the group will receive one test at a local clinic before departing Honduras.
Donation to Olancho Aid Foundation – A portion of your payment ($450 to be exact) is a tax-deductible contribution to help advance the impact of Olancho Aid Foundation in Honduras.
Flight and other travel expenses to and from Palmerola International Airport.
Expenses related to a prolonged stay due to COVID. In the unfortunate case that a traveler were to test positive for COVID and were required to isolate and retest before traveling home, Olancho Aid will help the traveler to coordinate arrangements but the traveler will be responsible for expenses such as lodging at a local hotel, an additional COVID test, transportation to the airport (if they have to go on a different day than the rest of the group), meals, and any other expenses while in-country after the planned date of departure.
Olancho Aid continues to monitor the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Honduras and abroad. Appropriate precautions will be taken to keep travelers, staff and community members safe. Proof of vaccination and boosters (as recommended by the CDC) are required at least two weeks before departure. As the situation continues to change, expectations will be communicated to participants the week before their departure and adjusted upon arrival if needed. Masks will be provided when necessary and one COVID test will be provided at a local clinic before departure to satisfy international flight requirements.
Packing List – Coming Soon
Those with additional questions are encouraged to schedule a call with an Olancho Aid representative here or email your question to info@olanchoaid.org.