From the peaks of the Andes to the shorelines of the Caribbean islands, from ancient Mayan ruins to modern cities of South America, and from wealthy tourist towns to the most impoverished barrios, Latin America is a rich tapestry of culture, diversity, and beauty woven together by the common thread of the Spanish language. 

 
  
 
It’s a special place, and we think it deserves a special Race.

So next January, we invite you on a unique journey – a journey of immersion and deep connection. Spend 11 months exploring all Latin America has to offer and investing your heart in the people, the language, the stories.

You’ll start on the islands. In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic you’ll begin your journey where the European explorers began their encounter with Latin America centuries ago. The Caribbean islands boast exceptional beauty, but spiritual battles rage as voodoo and witchcraft still have a tight hold on many of the people. Learning firsthand about spiritual warfare will break your heart for these people and prepare you to fight for each one you meet.

 
Next you’ll tackle the heights of the South American mountains and the depths of the Amazon Jungle. In Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia you will encounter the extremes of Latin America – wealthy cities and heartbreaking poverty, jagged peaks and lush rain forests, indigenous people and recent immigrants. 
 
You’ll work with established contacts and also blaze new trails. Ministry here could look like anything from construction to hospital visits to leading a small group Bible study. In an area famous for its challenging landscape, even getting to your ministry location could be an adventure.
 
For the second half of your Race, you’ll travel the length of Central America. Starting at the crossroads of the west – the Panama Canal – and traveling north, you’ll get to see the intricacies that make each Central American nation unique. 

You’ll experience westernization in Panama, bask in the glow of Costa Rica’s famous sunsets, meet the hardworking farmers of Nicaragua, shop in the colorful markets of Guatemala, climb the active volcanoes of El Salvador, and spend time with the orphans and street children of Honduras

 
You’ll visit some of the poorest places on earth and learn how beauty and hope can come out of poverty. And as you end your journey in Honduras, Spanish for “depths,” you’ll reflect on the depth of cultural immersion you’ve experienced and the depth of God’s love you’ve come to understand.
 
  
 
This is a World Race unlike anything we’ve done before. We want to give you the opportunity to go deep – culturally, linguistically, and relationally.

If you’ve been learning Spanish, this is the perfect chance to put your translation skills to the test in a big way. It’s a chance to use what you’ve been studying to minister to nations of people in their heart language. If your family comes from Latin America, this could be an amazing opportunity to explore your heritage and love people in a unique way.

And if God has placed a calling on your life for Spanish speakers or Latin America, this is your chance to spend 11 months asking him to deepen and specify that call.

 
You’ll come out of these 11 months familiar with Latin America, skilled in Spanish, and equipped to take the next step in the journey of bringing hope to the part of the world you love. What are you waiting for? You can start your journey today.
 

*While fluency in Spanish is not required, some Spanish ability or a strong desire to learn is encouraged.

**Due to decreased cross-continental airfare costs, the Spanish route is $2,000 less expensive than other World Race routes.