1) Q: What’s the food like?
A: All meals at the site are traditional, hearty Nicaraguan fare with a few twists. Expect to eat lots of rice and beans, fresh fruits, cabbage salad, pancakes, chicken and beef. Dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated – just be sure to give us a heads up well before your departure date!
2) Q: Is the food safe?
A: All food on site is cleaned and prepared with bottled water and handled using exemplary food safe measures. Our cooks are re-certified annually on best practices when serving food. Any restaurants that we may visit as a group have been vetted for health and safety standards and serve filtered or bottled water as well.
3) Q: How will I get bottled water out in the rural area? Will I need to buy my own?
A: You will be provided with bottled water throughout your stay! Please bring a reusable bottle (1 liter Nalgene or similar recommended) to refill as we go – we’ll provide large bottles with a pump for everyone to refill from but will not provide small plastic bottles!
4) Q: What vaccinations do I need?
A: That conversation is best had with a medical professional! Please check the Government of Canada’s travel advisory site (https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/nicaragua#health), and/or talk to your family doctor prior to departure.
5) Q: What are the sleeping arrangements? Can I share with my friend/partner?
A: During hotel stays, guests will be matched up with someone from their party whenever possible. If travelling alone, guests will be paired up with another person of the same sex. On site, everyone sleeps in bunk beds – males in one room, females in another! Lower bunks should be given to those with restricted mobility or greater need.
6) Q: How much of my trip fee actually goes to projects in the community?
A: A large part of the trip fee covers the costs of meals, accommodations, and ground travel. Any remaining amount and any donations go towards the building projects. We are a volunteer-run organization, aside from employees in-country who ensure the safety of trip participants, as well as oversee the projects and continuance of the projects. When there are no trips, and no need for community masons, cooks, and cleaners, our administrative costs are extremely low. Please check our Annual Report for more detailed financial information.