We host mission trips throughout the year from churches, schools and families who are interested in sharing their skills and knowledge. Mission teams work in our programs during their stay, side by side with Nicaraguan children, teens and adults. Mission trips are a great opportunity to learn firsthand about our work, to build new relationships and to be a part of God’s plan for transforming lives in Nicaragua. Contact us today if you are interested in organizing or participating in a mission trip.
Sample Schedule
Every trip is different, and we try to be as flexible as possible to accomodate your interests, skills, and availability. The sample schedule below is just an example meant to show you what your trip could possibly look like:
Day 1
- Arrival in Managua
- Travel to Matagalpa, visit to Rayo de Sol office and orientation meeting with staff
Day 2
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast and devotional
- 8:30 a.m. Walking tour of Nuevo Amanecer and El Tule neighborhoods
- 9:30 a.m. Community service project, school improvements
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:30 p.m. Walk to Las Lomas (rural community) and Young Life gathering
- 5:00 p.m. Return to hotel
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Day 3
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast and devotional
- 8:30 a.m. Community service project, school improvements
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:30 p.m. Visit to small businesses
- 3:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School activities
- 5:00 p.m. Return to hotel
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Day 4
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast and devotional
- 8:30 a.m. Community service project, school improvements
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School Activities
- 4:00 p.m. Wrap-up meeting
- 5:00 p.m. Return to hotel
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Day 5
- Travel to the U.S.
FAQs
How safe is Nicaragua?Nicaragua is a developing country steeped in tradition, rich in culture, and filled with treasures to discover. However, as with any developing country, you should be aware of situations that, while unlikely, may arise. Most common is petty crime and theft. Travelers need to be aware of and take responsibility for these type of security risks by not walking at night in the bigger cities, always traveling in pairs or threes, keeping money and other valuables in a money belt (if not at home/the hotel), and knowing where they are at all times. Rural areas are generally very calm, but as with any city, particularly in the developing world, you must use common sense. It is not recommended to wear expensive jewelry, carry a lot of money or credit cards, or carry large purses, wallets, bags or cameras in public or crowded areas. When visiting schools or any private homes, visitors should not leave valuable items unattended. That said, we will usually be traveling as a group, accompanied by local staff, and will only be using private transportation, so the risk of theft is very minimal during your stay.
What is the current political situation in Nicaragua?
Protests throughout the country in 2018 led to the cancellation of all mission trips during that time period due to safety concerns for trip participants. However, things calmed down towards the beginning of 2019, and trips resumed again that summer. You should always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings while in an unfamiliar area (whether at home or abroad), but we are confident that it is once again safe for groups from the U.S. to visit. If you have further questions about the political crisis of 2018 or the current situation in Nicaragua, send an email to connect@rayodesol.org and we would be happy to talk with you.
What kind of activities will we do?
Every trip is different, but past groups have painted schools, conducted medical clinics, planted gardens, built school kitchens, led workshops, trained teachers, taught Bible lessons, organized sports tournaments, and more. We would love to help you figure out how the interests and skills that God has given you can contribute in a healthy way to the ongoing long-term development efforts in Nicaragua. Additionally, we like to focus on building relationships rather than solely completing projects, so you’ll also spend time meeting families, hearing from local leaders about how they’re working to improve their community, and participating in cultural activities.
Is it ok if I don't speak Spanish?
¡Claro que sí (Of course)! We encourage you to try to learn a few basic phrases before you come so that it’s easier to connect, but we provide translators that will help you communicate with all the Nicaraguan children, youths, and adults that you meet. Additionally, anyone who’s been on a mission trip before can testify to how strongly God can knit our hearts together with others despite the language barriers that separate us.
Can I bring my children?
We’re flexible, but our general recommendation for the best experience on your end is to wait to bring children until they’re about 7 or 8 years old. At this age they’re better able to understand and participate in what’s going on. But again, we’re open to what works best for you and your family.
What foods can I eat?
We will generally be eating at hostels, hotels or restaurants where we know that the quality of food is safe to be eaten by volunteers. It is not recommendable to eat any foods from street vendors. Families or community members may offer you food at some point during your stay, though it is best to decline politely. For a short term stay, it is not worth the risk of going through the discomfort of stomach problems. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please let us know ahead of time, so we can plan accordingly. It’s always a good idea to pack some snacks or meals that can be easily prepared here. US food products including Trail mix, Cliff bars, mixed nuts, cookies and other packaged snacks are great for everyone to pack along for long road trips or afternoon snacks. There are some convenience stores that sell these products, though they will not always be accessible.
Can I drink the water?
It is strongly suggested that visitors only drink bottled water throughout the duration of their time in Nicaragua. Though the local people drink water from the faucets and the water in Managua is highly-chlorinated (so most bacteria is eliminated), your stomach might not be used to the water and in order to avoid any travel sickness, it is best not to drink it. When dining out, be sure to drink only bottled water and take caution to only use purified ice cubes. When brushing your teeth it is not recommended to use the tap water. Bottled/filtered water is available in all hostels, hotels and restaurants.
What vaccinations do I need?
Make sure to check the CDC guidelines for any updates, but the recommended vaccinations are those standard for international travel: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Additionally, hepatitis B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for most travelers. Malaria is not a significant risk in the city of Matagalpa, but there are rare cases.