Guatemala
TRIP DATES: March 1-9, 2024
On this trip, we will be working with our Guatemalan partners to provide dental and health education services in communities surrounding Chiquimula and Senahú. We will also have opportunities to help at construction sites, assist with gardening projects, and serve in orphanages and schools.
Both medical/dental and general volunteers are needed.
TRIP DATES:
FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 4, 2024
TRIP DATES: FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 4, 2024
TRIP DETAILS
The iHelp Foundation team will hold an in-service meeting (either in person or via Zoom, depending on volunteers’ locations) prior to departure. The meeting will discuss cultural considerations to be aware of, the itinerary, volunteer roles and expectations, and more. You will receive more information about the in-service meeting once you have registered and paid your deposit.
The itinerary for our upcoming trip to Guatemala is still in the process of being finalized. However, you can view the itinerary from our October 2023 trip below to get an idea of what the trip will look like.
October 5th (Thursday)
2:30 PM: Group 1 departs
10:00 PM: Group 1 arrives and lodges in Guatemala City
October 6th (Friday)
7:00 AM: Group 2 departs
6:55 PM: Group 2 arrives in Guatemala City
Group 1 spends the day sightseeing in Guatemala City, Antigua, or Tikal
Groups 1 and 2 lodge in Guatemala City
October 7th (Saturday)
6:00 AM: Leave for Senahú
1:00 PM: Arrive in Senahú
1:30 PM: Clinics
5:00 PM: Construction and gardening projects
7:00 PM: Dinner and hotel in Senahú
8:00 PM: Team meeting
October 8th (Sunday)
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Personal time or church services
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Community service projects
6:00 PM: Dinner and hotel in Senahú
8:00 PM: Team meeting
October 9th (Monday)
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Clinic
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Clinic and service projects
6:00 PM: Dinner and hotel in Senahú
8:00 PM: Team meeting
October 10th (Tuesday)
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Clinic
1:00 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Rest/free time
6:00 PM: Dinner and hotel in Senahú
October 11th (Wednesday)
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM: Travel to Chiquimula
11:00 AM: Clinic and construction, lunch while working
5:00 PM: Dinner and hotel in Chiquimula
6:00 PM: Team meeting
October 12th (Thursday)
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Clinic and construction, lunch while working
5:00 PM: Dinner and hotel in Chiquimula
6:00 PM: Team meeting
October 13th (Friday)
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Clinic and construction, lunch while working
2:00 PM: Pack up
2:30 PM: Travel to Guatemala City
6:00 PM: Dinner and hotel in Guatemala City
7:00 PM: Team meeting
October 14th (Saturday)
4:00 AM: Arrive at Guatemala City airport
2:05 PM: Arrive home
You will need to complete the trip registration form (which requires a scanned copy of your passport) and a signed waiver/release of liability form.
The iHelp Foundation does not access your final cost until after you return from the trip. However, a typical 10-day iHelp Foundation trip to Guatemala costs volunteers roughly $2,100. The cost breakdown includes:
iHelp Foundation Operator Fee: $50
iHelp Foundation Contribution Fee: $400 (covers scrub tub, medications, patient supplies, construction supplies, transportation to/from airport and clinics, clinic lunches)
Airfare: $900-1300 (typically close to $1,100)
Lodging: $600
When you register for the trip, you agree to send a $1,000 deposit to the iHelp Foundation within two weeks and cover any flight cancellation fees should you request to withdraw from the trip.
*Note the $2,100 cost estimate/breakdown excludes breakfast (about $5/day) and dinners (about $10/day), travel insurance or flight insurance, and background check expenses.
The iHelp Foundation will purchase your flight to Guatemala (La Aurora International Airport) unless you indicate that you would like to purchase your own flight in the registration form). This helps us ensure each individual or group arrives near the same time to allow travel together as a team. We actively watch flight prices and patterns well in advance to book the most cost-friendly flights.
The iHelp Foundation will also book your hotel room to allow the team to stay together and make travel to and from clinics efficient and safe.
Please review the vaccinations recommended for travel to Guatemala by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Please note that malaria is found in Guatemala but not prevalent in the areas where we work. Yellow fever is also not a risk in Guatemala, but the Guatemalan government requires proof of yellow fever immunization if you have traveled to a country where the disease is a problem.
We encourage you to schedule an appointment with your local health department or primary care physician at least a month before departure to ensure you are up to date on your vaccinations.
The iHelp Foundation is committed to your safety. We take safety precautions seriously and work with our Guatemalan partners to prioritize safety.
We encourage you to review the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information on travel concerns to Guatemala.