Typical Mission Trip Costs
The mission trip contribution that is paid to Amigos for Christ (typically $275, in April 2019 the amount will increase to $300) covers in-country transportation, meals, sleeping accommodations, and a T-shirt. Sheets, towels, pillows, and purified water are also provided. For other costs associated with a mission trip see information below.
Before Mission Trip
- Passport Fees costs vary; visit here for more information.
- Shots and immunizations costs vary; consult your doctor or a travel clinic. To view the CDC recommendations for Nicaragua, visit here.
- Amigos for Christ mission trip contribution typically $300 for a one-week trip.
- Plane tickets typically $600-1,200, depending on airline and departure city.
- Sign your waiver visit here.
- Read the Code of Conduct visit here.
During Mission Trip
- Government Entrance Fee into Nicaragua $10 in cash, paid at the airport.
- Special activities $15-$20 in cash, which will be collected upon your arrival.
- One/two meals in town $5-10 in cash.
- Souvenirs costs vary; optional.
- Airport meals costs vary; but plan for one meal each way.
Request Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Amigos for Christ
- Is Amigos for Christ associated with a religious organization? We are a Christ-centered, faith-based, nonprofit organization that exists to make Jesus more visible. You can read more about who we are here. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are absolutely welcome to come serve with us.
Your Mission Trip Activities
- What kind of work does Amigos do? The first step to a healthy and sustainable life is clean water; unfortunately, many communities in Nicaragua don’t have access to safe water sources. Our biggest efforts are drilling wells and manually laying pipe to carry water to peoples’ homes. We then install a flush toilet and a shower to help eliminate skin disease and parasites. We also work in education, health, and economic development.
- What exactly will I be doing on a mission trip? Great question! Now we’re getting down to business. During your trip you’ll work alongside Nicaraguans from rural communities to help build their water systems and/or bathrooms. You may have an opportunity to jump in on some of our education, health, or economic development projects, too. We completely immerse mission trip participants, like you, into the local communities where we work. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with someone is the best way to build relationships and experience life change. Get ready to grab a shovel and practice your Spanish!
- Is the work I’ll be doing strenuous? Let’s get down to brass tacks. It is quite hot in Nicaragua! The labor we usually perform can be strenuous in the heat. We encourage rest breaks and require everyone to hydrate a lot. Take it to the bank, you WILL consume more water than you could begin to imagine. We won’t pull you out of the shade and put a shovel back in your hand, but you will be stretched to work and do more than you may have thought possible.
- Where is the work site located in Nicaragua? We work in various rural communities in the Chinandega area of northwest Nicaragua. The work sites are all over the place, but range from a 1-2 hour trip each way.
Your Mission Trip Costs
- How much does it cost to participate on a mission trip? Amigos charges $300 to cover ground transportation, accommodations in Nicaragua, insurance, food, and purified water. Airfare can range from $400 to $1200 depending on your departure city and dates of travel. You will also need about $100 cash for local expenses and souvenirs if you want. Add that all up and you get anywhere from $750- $1550.
Your Mission Trip Requirements
- What should I bring on the trip with me? Once you sign up for a mission trip, we will provide you with a detailed packing list. We encourage you to pack clothing that is comfortable and inexpensive. Many volunteers leave things they don’t need behind as donations.
- Do I need a passport to go on a mission trip? YES. And make sure it doesn’t expire for 6 months after your scheduled trip (their rules, not ours). You do not need a visa if you are an American citizen. Other nationalities should check with their consulate regarding visa requirements. If you don’t have one, you can apply for one at a passport center which are often located in your local post office. When you book your trip make sure you put your exact full name on your airline reservation. Someone in an office somewhere likes that stuff to match up perfectly.
- Do I need any shots or prescriptions prior to leaving? Shots are optional but we highly recommend Hep A and Hep B. You should also be current on your Tetanus shot. Consult your family doctor, county health center, or the CDC for more information.
- What if I take medications or have any health conditions? Since Nicaragua has an extreme climate and is a developing country, sometimes there are people with certain medical conditions that struggle here. If you have the following medical conditions or any questions, please contact the Amigos office before you register for a trip or buy your flight: severe peanut allergies, diabetes, epilepsy, hemophilia, past history of heat strokes, if you have been hospitalized within the past year, or any other conditions about which you are concerned. Sharing this information does not automatically mean you will be disqualified from coming on a trip, it just allows us to make the best decision possible about how to keep you safe and healthy should you join us in Nicaragua.
- If I am under 18 years of age, can I attend a trip without my parents? You will need a person who is at least 18 years old to act as your “Guardian” on the trip. This can be a youth minister, teacher, adult friend, or family member. Your parents should write a note stating that this person has their permission to travel with you to Nicaragua. Please contact the office if you have any questions or concerns. In addition, everyone attending the trip will need a witnessed “release and waiver of liability” form. Everyone must agree to the Amigos for Christ Code of Conduct in order to make the trip. All paperwork is due at least 30 days prior to departure. All of this is included in our online sign up process.
- Do I have to speak Spanish to go on a mission trip? No. We will teach you some easy phrases to get the conversation going. Don’t let this stop you. We have testimonies from hundreds of folks that will tell you that working through some Spanglish and forcing yourself to communicate with what you know is a wonderful thing.
- Can young children go on a mission trip with their parents? There are several family mission trips scheduled each year. We recommend that children be at least 5 years old and have all recommended immunizations before they come to Nicaragua.
- Anything else I should know? We recommend that you take a look through our Code of Conduct and Waiver of Liability before registering for a trip or purchasing your plane ticket.
Staying in Nicaragua
- How long is a mission trip? 7 days. Our trips run Saturday to Saturday. We also offer extended stay opportunities during the summer. For more information, click here.
- Will I be safe on a mission trip? Yes. This is our number one priority while you’re here. We fly into Managua, Nicaragua’s capital, and are taken directly to Chinandega by buses provided by Amigos for Christ. Once you’ve arrived, we stay together at our Amigos Compound and are transported to our work sites together every day by our very own Amigos buses.
- We are looking forward to hosting mission trips in 2019. Currently, the State Department has listed Nicaragua as a Level 3 Advisory (Reconsider Travel). We strongly recommend that you visit the State Department’s website as you make your decision to join us for a mission trip. You may also consider purchasing travel insurance in the case that you need to reschedule your mission trip.
- What will I eat each day? That’s a great question. Our marketing team is obviously attracting the right kind of people to this page. For breakfast, the staff at our Amigos Compound provides a buffet that includes some variety of fruit, bread, cereal, and juice. Sometimes we get pancakes! Dinner is usually rice and beans with a meat and salad. We won’t steer you wrong. We know everyone needs a nice hearty meal after a long work day. FYI, lunch is our favorite…PB&J sandwiches!
- Where will I sleep each night? Think big rooms with lots of bunk beds and lots of fans. We have separate dorms for guys and gals.
Signing up
- Are missions always done in groups, or can I go down to Nicaragua alone? You will come with a group or join an existing group for your first trip. A certain amount of orientation is required in making the trip, adapting to the surroundings, performing the work, and getting to know everyone on your trip. Once you complete a mission trip, there may be opportunities to travel to Nicaragua alone to join our mission.
Specialized Trips (Medical, etc.)
- I am a doctor/nurse and am interested in going on a mission trip. What types of medical skills do you need on the trips? Check our mission trip schedule here and contact our home office here about jumping on one of many surgical trips we have each year. If you want to learn more, visit our Surgical Missions Trip page.
- What do medical teams do on mission trips? Medical teams work alongside Nicaraguan surgeons, doctors, and nurses in local hospitals in Chinandega. Our approach is to work alongside people and learn from each other while building relationships.
Other Questions
- When are my mission trip fees due, and what if I change my mind? Due to the political situation in Nicaragua, we are not requiring mission trip contributions prior to your trip. Your contribution will be due once you have completed your mission trip. If you have any questions please call the Amigos Office at 770-614-9250.
