Where does the delegation stay while in El Salvador? When in San Salvador, we stay at a comfortable guest house where delegates share rooms usually 2-4 people per room. If travel during the delegation requires an overnight stay outside of San Salvador we stay in a number of different kinds of places including guest houses, hotels, people’s homes and in municipal/government buildings.

How many people will be on my delegation? Delegation size varies greatly by delegation the average delegation has around 17 participants but in the recent past we have had delegations as big as 60 people and as small as 10.

Do we fly down together or do we meet in El Salvador? Delegates are responsible for arranging and purchasing their own transportation to El Salvador. There are a number of daily flights on major airlines to the Monsenor Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport located outside of San Salvador.  Your travel from the airport to the guest house is included in the price of your delegation provided that you arrive and leave on the indicated dates.

Is there an orientation before traveling to El Salvador? Yes, CISPES provides an orientation before traveling to El Salvador either in person or over the phone. Once accepted to your delegation you will also receive a reading packet on Salvadoran history and specifics topics related to the delegation, as well as a logistics packet including a suggested packing list. Upon arrival in El Salvador delegates will also receive an in country orientation.

Is it dangerous to travel to El Salvador? The safety of delegates and brigade participants is CISPES’ highest priority. Although social and economic disparities in El Salvador have led to high crime and murder rates, international delegations are not specifically targeted. In order to assure the safety of all delegates, we ask everyone to agree to following a set of security guidelines that we have developed based on our extensive experience leading delegations to El Salvador and in coordination with our Salvadoran partners who understand the local context. By following these guidelines CISPES has never had a major security incident in the over 30 years we have been bringing delegations to El Salvador, including during the years of the Civil War.

Are there scholarships available? There are limited scholarships available. CISPES also provides extensive fundraising support. Please contact the delegation coordinator listed on the website for the scholarship application form.

Is there a minimum or maximum age limit? Unfortunately we cannot accept delegates who are under 18 years old however we do not have a maximum age limit. Our delegations often range from participants in their 20s to participants in their 60s and 70s.

What if I have more questions? If you have more questions please contact the specific delegation coordinator listed on the website or National Organizer at [email protected].