Quetzaltrekkers Leon is the only all non-profit, all volunteer-run trekking and outdoors association in Nicaragua. In fact, apart from our sister organization, Quetzaltrekkers Guatemala and the recently founded Condortrekkers Bolivia, we might just be the only organization of our kind anywhere in the world. Quetzaltrekkers offers adventurous hikes through the volcanoes in the surrounding areas of Leon, Nicaragua and then donates ALL profits to locally-run projects working with disadvantaged youth.
History
Quetzaltrekkers was founded in 1995 as a means of self-sustainable, grassroots fundraising for the functioning of Asociación Escuela de Calle (EDELAC) with the overall aim of combating the unfortunate reality of children living and working on the streets of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
The idea of QT was simple: raise money from tourists and use all of it to help the Guatemalans that need them most, namely, street children and other at-risk youth. From these humble beginnings, Quetzaltrekkers grew to become the biggest trekking operator in Xela and possibly all of Guatemala.
As interest in the treks expanded over the years, so did QT’s ability to help Quetzaltenango’s street children. In 1999, Quetzaltrekkers opened the Hogar Abierto, a dormitory that continues to act as an immediate crisis center and (in many cases) permanent home for troubled youth who lack families that can cover their basic needs.
