Global Health Missions

People from the village waiting for clinic.

What is the cost of this trip/what am I financially responsible for?
You are responsible for the cost of your plane fare, which changes depending on time of year. We do work with a travel agent to ensure that we're getting the best price possible. We also would like to remind you to check with your airline for any additional costs. While in Panajachel, you are responsible for paying for your room and food. Lunches are bag lunches provided by locals and dinners typically cost approximately 20-30$ per evening, depending on where we go. Rooms are 15$ per night. We stay at the Hotel Quichicale and the price of the room includes a breakfast.

What and how do I pack?
We ask that all those going use their luggage space for medications and supplies. We often use our carryon luggage for needed clothing and medical equipment for the week. Although it is not common, luggage can be lost and often takes the week to find its owner. Because of this we ask that you place your medical equipment (stethoscope, blood pressure cuffs) in your carry on luggage. Please also carry on any vital personal items such as medications and important paperwork. Other items to pack: Antibacterial hand soap Antibacterial wipes Multiple toothbrushes. The tap water is not purified so use bottled water to brush your teeth. If your toothbrush does come into contact with the water you should toss it. Please leave jewelry and expensive items such as purses at home.

Are there any immunizations I should get?
The CDC does not recommend any immunizations at this time. We do ask you to check their web site for up to date information and traveling tips. For your research purposes, Panajachel is in the Lake Atitlan region. We also encourage those interested in going to check with their insurance provider regarding healthcare coverage while traveling.

What kind of medical equipment do I bring?
We ask that you bring your own stethoscope as well as a blood pressure cuff and ophthalmascope/otoscope if you have one available.

What kind of clothing should I bring?
Guatemala typically has warm beautiful weather: 70's-80's during the day, and cool evenings. For clinic we ask that you wear either scrubs, or casual khaki type of clothing. Clinics are often dusty and days are long. Sneakers are the shoe of choice for clinics. We ask that practitioners refrain from low-cut shirts, tank tops, or shorts for clinic attire. We often bring a fleece jacket for the clinics in the morning as it can be chilly. Typically at night jeans/khakis are appropriate attire for going to dinner. At the end of our week we spend a night in Antigua, a beautiful tourist town one hour outside of Guatemala city, so bring one nicer outfit for our last hurrah night out! Flip flops aren't encouraged; although the weather is warm, streets can be quite dirty and dusty.

What is a typical clinic day like?
Our clinic days start early!! Typically we get picked up around 7-7:30 AM for clinic. An important note: We expect you to be ready and on time! We hire drivers to take us places and they are on a schedule. Clinics are advertised prior to us coming, and often patients are in line waiting. Arriving at the clinic site and setting up takes time, so we need you to be punctual and ready to go- this means getting breakfast out of the way, snacks and supplies packed and bathroom trips done! Clinics can be 15 minutes to an hour away. If you get motion sick bring something to treat yourself. Clinics typically run until 4-5 pm. We do take lunch breaks for about an hour. After clinics, there will be time to unwind with group dinners. Each night before we're done you may be asked to help pack supplies for the next day.

What if I can only stay part of the week?
We understand personal time constraints and welcome all those able and willing to go with us! There are multiple reliable shuttle companies that can take you back to Guatemala City.

Do I bring cash or credit cards?
We do not encourage you to use travelers checks as they are difficult to cash. Typically the connecting airports have places to exchange currencies and this is a good time to do this. Using a credit card in Panajachel is fine- you get the current exchange rate for the day, however having some cash is a good idea as well. In the past we have experienced a few travelers having their credit card numbers stolen and used, so perhaps consider getting a temporary credit/debit card for the trip and then destroying afterwards.

What if I don't speak Spanish?
We provide translators for clinics. Bring an english/spanish dictionary with you and have it at all times.

What happens to leftover meds and supplies?
These are donated to Mayan Families or to Dr Lyle Waldman, a local physician with whom we work for the week. Both parties continuously work with and treat the poorest of the poor. We know our supplies are in good hands and will continue to help those who need even when we're back home.

© 2011 Global Health Missions