Frequently asked questions:

For non-medical Volunteers: Very few locals speak English. A phrase book is absolutely necessary if you don’t speak Spanish. For long-term volunteers who don’t speak Spanish, and intensive six-week Spanish course is recommended prior to coming. It is very important that volunteers use Spanish. Although these courses do not teach everything, you will learn a lot more, and it will stick if you put it in practice.

For Medical Volunteers: It is necessary for medical staff to have an advanced level of Spanish, perhaps with the exception of surgeons or specialists, to be decided by the medical volunteer director. The Spanish in the village is easy to understand compared to other Spanish speaking countries because it is a second language for everyone in Santiago Atitlán.

The local members of the Hospitalito Atitlán staff are bi-lingual in Spanish-Tz’utujil, and they act as Tz’utujil translators. Using English adds another translation, which is not beneficial for patients. The patient will prefer and feel more comfortable in confidential interaction with less people.

What does the Hospitalito offer volunteers?

Hospitalito Atitlán is committed to welcoming volunteers as a pillar of sustainability. We offer orientation and assistance in finding housing and transport.

The Hospitalito cannot offer financial support to short term volunteers. We do offer, depending upon availability, access to comfortable, basic accommodations to medical staff on schedule for a donation of $140 a month to cover expenses. For long-term volunteers, six months or more, a small stipend and medical insurance may be available.

I would like to know more about the area, what books should I read, what websites?

See our Recommended Readings and Links page.

How do I know I would make a good volunteer?

The following is directed specifically at medical volunteers, but is applicable to any volunteers in a foreign country.

From HVO’s “Highly Effective Volunteers” (http://www.hvousa.org/volunteerToolkit/pdfs/effectiveVolunteer.pdf--a very good article worth reading in entirety--see Who Makes a Good Volunteer):

What combination of skills and personality makes for a highly effective international volunteer? Surprisingly, the personal characteristics of exceptional volunteers, in any discipline, are remarkably consistent: people who are patient, flexible, adaptable, innovative and open to new experiences and ideas are typically the most successful and satisfied volunteers.

“An outstanding HVO volunteer is a combination of skilled health care provider/educator, ambassador, and adventurer,” said David Frost, DDS, MS, Chair of HVO’s Board of Directors. “A volunteer has to be willing to share knowledge and skills in his/her area of expertise on many levels, with specialty peers, interested support staff and patients both in the treatment of routine and complex cases as well as the teaching of techniques from basic to cutting edge. The best volunteers are adventurers – people willing to accept a challenge, something out of the ordinary, which will ultimately enrich themselves and others.”

See the HVO website for resources for volunteers.

I have particular skills. Would you be able to use them?

Please write a little about yourself to our Volunteer Coordinator. We will put your talents to use to the best of our abilities.

What will be different about working at Hospitalito Atitlán?

Read the orientation document “Exercising your Health Profession in the Social and Cultural Environment of Santiago Atitlán”, and look at our List of Recommended Readings and Links, for some information about some unique aspects of our town.

When is a good time to come?

Please consult our volunteer coordinators, and visit our Volunteer Calendar, to plan the best time for your volunteer stay.

Before coming:

What are the visa requirements for staying in Guatemala for long periods of time?

At the airport your passport will be stamped allowing you 90 days in the country. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to go to Guatemala City to the immigration office, for an additional 90 days. This costs $10 and is guaranteed, but no further extensions will be given. After 180 days, you must leave Guatemala for two nights, after which the same rules apply.

What are the licensing requirements?

All medical volunteers function under the medical license of our Medical Director, Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc. A Guatemalan medical license is not needed to practice short term. The Hospitalito is committed to take responsibility for processing of licenses for long-term volunteers (more than six months commitment).

What kind of care does HA offer?

Hospitalito Atitlán provides the only 24-hour emergency care within a distance of two or three hours. We currently are limited by our temporary location and have only six inpatient beds at this time.

In addition to 24-hour emergency service, we attend outpatients and general consultation Monday to Friday. For emergencies beyond our capabilities, we stabilize and transfer. The Hospitalito provides complete obstetric services, including operative delivery when needed. Our most common patients are OB of all types, pediatric diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, parasites, and trauma. We also see a fair number of adults with various acute and chronic illnesses. On occasion, when patients are not willing or able to be transferred, we can have patients who would otherwise be in an ICU. We also sometimes have general surgery (usually simple surgeries like gall bladders, hernias etc.) and other specialty care, depending on the presence of specialists.

Diagnostic tests available: Hospitalito Atitlán recently purchased lab equipment and we now are able to do more that 40 lab tests. Additional tests are sent across the lake to Panajachel to Atitlab.

What are the most common patient cases?

OB of all types, pediatric pneumonia and diarrhea, parasites, and trauma. We generally have two to eight inpatients at a time. ER sees 10-25 patients a day. We also see adults with various acute and chronic illnesses and complications from diabetes. Our most common surgeries are C-sections. There is no malaria or dengue, but intestinal parasites such as ascaris, giardia, and entomoeba histolytica are endemic.

What vaccinations are required of recommended?

There are no required vaccinations.

All medical personnel coming to Santiago should be current with the following vaccines: tetanus, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and typhoid. TB skin test should be within one year. Those volunteering for a long period should consider prophylactic Rabies vaccine. Because of the altitude, Atitlán does not have malaria.

See http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm for their Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications.

Should I bring donations for Hospitalito Atitlán?

Please print and copy the medical and non-medical wish lists, and share them with your co-workers, church or civic group and friends. These lists are updated frequently and are what we NEED. If you have something to donate that does not appear on the wish list, please consult with the medical director, Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc (jmcha7@yahoo.com).

What is better not to bring?

Listed below are some examples of items we have received as donations in the past that we do not want and have caused problems because of disposal issues.

Expired medications: Guatemalan law does not permit us to accept expired meds. Donors of medicines should please send medications that have expiration dates at least six months, preferably one or two years from the expected arrival date. We cannot afford the expense (per kilo) to send items to a medical waste company near Guatemala City. We understand that the medicines may still be effective, but for legal and social reasons we can no longer give our patients expired medications.

Used clothing: Once in awhile we get garbage bags full of old clothing, often in sizes ridiculous for Guatemala. We have even received bags full of underwear with holes! We are happy to receive donations of small children’s clothing that are in good condition.

Medical equipment that cannot be serviced in Guatemala: We have received some wonderful machinery, which we have been unable to maintain and repair in Guatemala. We have found that accepting donations of medical equipment that can be serviced in country is going to be absolutely necessary in the future. In all cases check with the wish list for updated information on our needs.

What clothing will I need?

The climate: April to November is rainy season, it rains most afternoons and everything is in bloom. During this time, it would not be unlikely for the high to only reach about 65 degrees, so come prepared for quite a few cold and rainy days. Bring pants that will dry fast, once the rain starts, it will be a while until it stops and your warm clothes won’t have much time to dry.

Modest clothing for women - the Tz’tujiil people are very conservative.

Shorts are acceptable only on the Pacific beach. Bare shoulders, belly buttons and midriffs are considered suggestive. Although most people allow for different standards for foreigners, it is recommended to consider local standards. This is absolutely necessary for those who interact with patients. Avoid military style clothing and camouflage for unnecessary connotations to the experience of the community during the war.

What is appropriate clothing for medical staff at the Hospitalito?

The dress code is fairly casual at the Hospitalito. Some volunteers wear scrubs or coats, but others wear their own clothes. Bring what you are comfortable wearing to attend patients (also see the answer to the previous question).

What else should I bring?

Sunscreen

Day pack

Hat

Good small flashlight

Good walking shoes

Swim suit

Towel

Clothing you can layer (some of it warm!)

Lightweight pants (blue jeans don’t dry during rainy season and are difficult to handwash)

Insect repellent if you plan to travel to the lowlands

Something against motion sickness if you need it

During rainy season (April-November), poncho and/or umbrella

Depending on where you are staying, sleeping bag and/or travel pillow

How much money will I need?

Guatemala can be very inexpensive. However, there are many temptations and good restaurants which can upset the best planned budget.

Good restaurants cost between $4 and $5 for breakfast or lunch and more for dinner. Travel across the lake to Panajachel or San Pedro costs around $5 roundtrip.

If you watch your spending, prepare food at home, walk or take the Q1 transportation in town, and stay in the inexpensive lodgings, you will get by on less than $100 a week.

What about bringing my family?

Guatemala is a great place for children. Many of our volunteers have brought their families. It is a great opportunity for learning Spanish and about different ways that people live. For long term, there are several bilingual (English and Spanish) schools (primary and high school) in Panajachel, across the lake, to which a number of children travel each day from Santiago Atitlán.

Arrival:

Should I call to make my hotel and travel reservations in Guatemala?

It is recommended that you make reservations by internet or investigate the cost prior to making the call. Unless you use Skype or have an international calling plan on your phone in the US, calls to Guatemala can be expensive.

My flight arrives in the evening, where should I stay when I arrive in Guatemala City?

We recommend that you stay near the airport or nearby in zones 9 or 10. There are small simple airport hotels, costing $15 to $30 a night depending if you request a private bath. Following is a list and the contact information. You can request that they arrange transportation to Panajachel with the shuttle service (ATITRANS or STA) at the time you make your reservation. Biltmore Express in Zone 10 is a very nice hotel that costs about $85 a night. A driver with a sign that says Biltmore Express, Holiday Inn and Camino Real is waiting for passengers before they exit the airport. The latter two hotels cost twice as much as the Biltmore Express.

Here are some links that can be useful:

Good general travel information for Guatemala City:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Guatemala_City

Listing of Guatemala City hotels, with location, prices and contact information:

http://www.guatemalaturistica.com/

Hotels near the airport (over $50):

http://www.channels.nl/airports/airports_gua.html

Hotels/hostels near the airport (many have airport pickup and drop-off service as part of their package):

Dos Lunas Guest House  21 Calle 10-92, Zona 13 - Aurora II Tel: (502) 2261-4248 or (502) 2261-4337

Email: info@hoteldoslunas.com or hoteldoslunas@gmail.com

Website: http://www.hoteldoslunas.com/

Hotel Bed & Breakfast "Mi Casa"

5ª Avenida "A" 13-51 Zona 9.

Tel: (502) 2339-2246, (502) 2339-2247

FAX (502) 2332-1364.

Email: info@hotelmicasa.com or hotelmicasa@intelnett.com

Website: http://www.hotelmicasa.com/

Hostal Los Volcanes

16 street 8-00 Zone 13 Aurora 1

Guatemala City

Tel: (502) 2261-3040, (502) 5853-7016 or (502) 5119-1302

Email: info@hostallosvolcanes.com

Website: http://www.hostallosvolcanes.com/

Hostal Hermano Pedro

6ta Ave 20-53, zona 13, Aurora 2

Tel: (502) 2360-7203, (502) 2261-4419 or (502) 4212-5896

Email: Infogt@hhpedro.com

Website: http://www.hhpedro.com/

Hostal Aurora II

20 Calle “A” 9-58, Aurora II, Z.13

Tels: (502) 2360-7203, (502) 2360-7213

Fax: (502) 2331-6476

Email: hostalaurora2@hotmail.com

How do I change money?

Aurora Airport has ATM machines, and you will find them in most parts of the country, including Santiago Atitlán. Personal checks are sometimes cashed at a higher exchange rate at the Posada de Santiago, and at El Huipil in Panajachel. Cash and Travel Checks can be changed at any bank. Two banks operate in Santiago Atitlán.

The US dollar is the common foreign currency; the euro is more difficult to change.

Transport:

How do I get to Santiago Atitlán?

You have various options, beginning with the quickest, most comfortable and expensive....

Private van: Will pick you up at your hotel or at the airport. If you arrive on an evening flight, it is recommended that you spend the night in Guatemala City or in Antigua before coming to Santiago Atitlán. Travel time to Santiago Atitlán is 3 1/2 hours. The driver will take you shopping and make whatever stops you desire along the way. Cost: Q750 or about $100. Write mailto:mrebeca.petzey@gmail.com to schedule a private van pickup. Send all your flight arrival information in this email.

Shuttle tourist vans: Will pick you up at your hotel or at the airport (you will need a reservation). Travel time four to five hours to from Guatemala City to Panajachel, a one-hour boat ride to cross the lake ($3) and tuk-tuk to your hotel ($1).

STA- http://www.transportguatemala.com/sta.htm - online reservation form

ATITRANS – Schedule and rates: (link to word document)

You can contact Atitrans at info@atitrans.com or call 7831-0184 / 5572-0288 (country code 502)

The following for the brave, foolish, or experienced:

Second class buses leave from the same location almost every hour until 4 PM, costs Q35. Take a taxi to “donde pasan los camiones que van a la costa sur” (Where the buses pass for the pacific coast.) A taxi costs $6 to $10. The smaller buses (called “camionetas”) usually drive very fast and you must share a seat with up to four other people. Your luggage will go on top, unless are allowed to keep it with you. “Ayudantes” (helpers) will want to help you find your bus. Be firm saying you want to go to Santiago Atitlán, as many helpful people will offer a part way trip, where you will get off and wait for a bus to Atitlán. The buses will say Atitlán in the window on front.

We do not recommend these public buses if you do not have experience traveling in the third world, or if you have unwieldy luggage. The bus terminals and buses have skilled pickpockets and diversion artists. Disoriented travelers are easy targets. However, if you are comfortable linguistically, do not have too much luggage and keep your wits about you… it is not that mysterious. The buses are not as comfortable as the vans, but offer an interesting cultural experience.

Once you are here:

Where can I stay?

When you confirm your plans with our volunteer coordinator, and decide on your length of stay, we will assist in locating accommodations within your budget. Or go online and look at the better local hotels, and make your reservation there.

http://www.posadadesantiago.com/

http://www.ecobambu.com/

http://www.tioshabaj.com/

Would I like a home-stay?

We find home-stays successful only with a few families that have had years of experience offering home-stays. The problem can be in food preparation and staying healthy. Home-stays are recommended for those planning to stay a month or more. A home-stay includes meals and laundry and cost about $10 a day (Q75). You will have a private room.

How do I find out about private housing?

Contact mrebeca.petzey@gmail.com

Where is the Hospitalito in relation to town?

Hospitalito Atitlán’s temporary location is in Cantón Tzanchicham, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from town.

How can I receive mail?

Address mail in your name care of

Hospitalito Atitlán

Tzanchicham

Santiago Atitlán

Sololá, Guatemala

Central America

Mail can be quick, but larger envelopes go through customs and can take months.

What about phones and internet?

There are several internet cafés in town that charge $1 an hour. Cell phones are for sale in town for $20, local calls cost Q1, and Q2 to the US (25 cents) per minute.

US cell phones will not work here unless you purchase a special chip. An inexpensive way to call other countries is to get a Skype account, or use another internet based phone service (you will have to bring a headset).

How can I stay healthy?

Many recommend that you use a probiotic, acidofilus, before you travel and during your trip, especially if you have taken antibiotics in the past year. Use purified water for drinking and brushing teeth. Fruits and vegetables should be soaked in water with a few drops of chlorine, iodine or other disinfectants. Eat street food at your risk.

Where do I do laundry?

If you rent a house, the guardian will find a woman to come to do your laundry, weekly or more frequently if needed. This will cost about Q20 or $3 a load. You should be advised that hand washing can be hard on delicate fabrics, and you may want to give special instructions or find other alternatives to bringing them. If you do a home-stay, your laundry may be included in the cost, but if your clothing is heavy or difficult to wash, you could be charged extra.

There are currently two laundry services in Santiago called Lavanderia Ropa Justa and they pick up and deliver. You can reach them at 5768-8099. The other, Rebe-K, is located right past El Pescadora when walking up from the dock. It is also an internet café, so it does not appear to be somewhere to do laundry.

Where can I buy food? What is available?

The Atitlán market is open every day, with the main market day on Friday and smaller markets on Tuesday and Sunday. Vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, onions, carrots, radishes, broccoli, green beans), fruit, eggs, and free range chicken and beef are always available, as well as seasonal foods.

There are two grocery stores in town that sell mozzarella, yogurt, canned beans, tortilla chips and other nonperishable food (each has things the others don’t). Simon’s is on the left as you come up the hill from the boat dock, has a variety of food items. Corazon de Jesus (no sign) is across from the meat door on the east side of the market.

There is a small Tienda near the Hospital called Las Largaritas on the road to The Bambu. They carry an excellent choice of gringo foods and wine and serve a limited lunch menu, including sandwiches.

El Horno, (also in Pana and Sololá), has great pastries (cake, pie, éclairs) along with sandwich’s, including a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the homesick. Sarita’s: an ice cream store is the only healthy place to buy ice cream besides La Posada, which has homemade ice cream.

In Panajachel, specialty meat cuts, imported cheeses and butter, tofu, tempeh, juices, granola and other more gringo style goodies are available in several different stores (Pana Super and Chalo’s). Pana also has a Health Food store, on Santander, which mostly has herbs but also certain health food items. The market there is also better, with a bit more variety.

Things difficult to get (and good to bring with you if you like them): Chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, fine teas, brown rice, miso, nutritional yeast, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Does the Hospitalito have food available?

The Hospitalito does not currently offer food services to patients or staff. We hope to soon have a small store onsite for snacks and a limited variety of foods like licuados, yogurt and fruit, and possibly sandwiches.

A number of local restaurants will deliver via tuc tuc.

What restaurants in Santiago Atitlán do you recommend?

Brendi’s: near the market. Basic comedor fare, but she is a good cook. Her specialty is fried chicken.

Kathleen’s: around the corner from the park. It is also a comedor. She has a little more variety, and a dish of the day.

El Pescador: Top of Calle de los Turistas. Favorite of tourists, it also has more of a variety on the menu that appeals to foreigners. A little more expensive.

La Posada de Santiago, Hotel Bambu and Tiosh Abaj all have fancier restaurants with nice ambiance and fine cuisine. Especially recommended is La Posada, which does a truly wonderful job (David, the owner, is a very exceptional chef).

Can I study Spanish while in Santiago Atitlán?

There are a number of Spanish teachers in Santiago Atitlán, with varying levels of experience that give classes from conversational to quite formal. Here is a short list:

Rosa, Victoria and Alejandra: The longest standing Spanish school in Santiago Atitlán, run by Rosa and her daughters, who have many years of experience. (502) 5968-8883

There is also another Spanish school very close to the hospital called Eco Spanish School.

(502) 4198-2053 or (502) 4168-8806

www.ecolanguages.org

What are the major holidays in Santiago Atitlán?

Semana Santa is the week before Easter Sunday.

The 25^th of July is the fiesta of Santiago, the patron saint of Santiago Atitlán.

September 15^th is Guatemala’s Independence Day.

November 1^st and 2^nd Todos Santos (All Souls Day) is celebrated.

The Christmas holidays begin in mid-December and last until January 6^th (the arrival of the Three Kings).

Miscellaneous:

Is Guatemala safe?

There are areas in Guatemala City that are NOT safe and areas around the lake where is not recommended to walk alone, especially at night. Guatemala remains a poor country, and visitors from the first world will have to be aware of their inescapable comparative affluence, which may make them targets mainly of overcharging, and sometimes crime. But, if you use common sense and are aware of your surroundings, Santiago Atitlán feels very safe.

Health Care and Mental Health Care?

The Hospitalito, a small primary care hospital, provides basic healthcare for volunteers. Any potential volunteer with potential or ongoing mental or physical health problems must discuss these with the chief of medical staff prior to coming to Santiago Atitlán. Hospitalito Atitlán is unable to provide mental health-care or any controlled drugs or prescriptions for controlled drugs for volunteer staff. Many prescriptions should be brought from home or filled in Guatemala City.

Does Hospitalito Atitlán receive medical students for clinical rotations?

Medical students are welcome after they have completed a clinical year and have an advanced level of Spanish. The minimum time for a student volunteer is one month. They will be integrated into the team, in the different areas of the hospital, and will be able to apply their knowledge under the direct supervision of the chief of medics or of the doctor on turn. Medical students will rotate through clinical and non-medical areas, and will also be expected to fulfill a specific function during their time at the hospital. Please plan your any travel plans outside of Santiago, before or after your work schedule at the Hospitalito.

I am interested in doing an investigation for credit in Santiago Atitlan at Hospitaltio Atitlan. What do I need to do?

Medical students or others interested in doing research projects in Atitlán, while affiliated with the Hospitalito, should also request and fill out our Studies and Investigations Form, to be submitted for evaluation and approval of our Investigations Committee. Students must arrange one or more local mentors, with help from the Investigations Committee, who will be the local advisor to their study, making sure of its local applicability. Of what benefit will this study be to the community? How will needs in the community that may emerge as a result of this study be addressed? What kind of follow up is offered if the study merits it? Students applying will have to pose these and other questions. Studies that fill local needs and demonstrate integral consideration of all phases of the investigation (before, during, and after) will be approved. Guidelines will be provided to applicants. Three to six months is recommended for a valuable study in Santiago.

What is the relationship of the Hospitalito, Fundación K’aslimaal, and AMIGOS Hospitalito Atitlán?

Fundación K’aslimaal (Tz´utujil for life/rebirth), Hospitalito Atitlán’s board of directors, is committed to the establishment of the Hospitalito as a stable long-term institution in Santiago Atitlán partnered with the community to improve health. AMIGOS Hospitalito Atitlán, inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States, has partnered with K’aslimaal to raise funds in North America as our principal international fundraising arm.

Why does the Hospitalito charge for its services to the community?

There are two sources of funding for the Hospitalito: patient fees and private donations. Without both, the hospital will close. The hospital cannot, even if it wanted to, provide free care. Hospitalito is private and independent. It receives no government funding. It is not aligned with any religious or political organizations. Without donations of money, equipment, medicine and volunteer labor, the hospital cannot remain open. It is important to remember this when you are donating free labor, and possibly, medicines that are then sold to patients. It is by charging patients for their care and medicines that the hospital gathers the money it needs to pay rent, electricity, permanent staff salaries, essential but non-donated medicines and supplies.

We know that there are many people in Santiago Atitlan and the surrounding area without resources. There are men who are the sole providers for a family of six or more, and who earn the equivalent of $4.00 per day. There are also successful business owners, merchants, and hotel owners, people who own several vehicles and pay $3,25 or more per gallon of fuel. In the past, those of Atiteco middle class traveled to private hospitals for elective surgery. One must also keep in mind the cost of travel to the National Hospital in Solola, where it is said that care is provided for free, but in reality never is. The price of crossing the lake on the public boats has risen to Q15 per person, one way. When a family member is ill, it’s customary for many family members to see the physician together. Also. The faster boats charge Q20 per person, one way. There is an additional cost to take the bus from the centre of town to Solola. Recently, a man was told that gall bladder surgery would cost Q7000 (almost $1000) at the National Hospital, this is not free care.

Hospitalito has two full-time social workers available to evaluate the family’s ability to pay for services, discounting their charges from 25% to 90% as necessary. We know that the hospital will never be sustainable based on patient charges, but we feel that those with resources to pay for charges should do so. In Santiago Atitlan, people value what they pay for. In some communities where care and medicines are handed out for free, the care is not seen as of value. Below are the charges for clinic visit and for the ER

Consultation...................Q15 (US $1.90)

Emergency....................Q50 (US $6.25)

PATIENTS ARE NEVER REFUSED CARE BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO PAY.

If you would like to discuss financial issues, please do so with the social Worker, the Hospital Administrator or Director, and NEVER with patients.

What should I avoid doing in Santiago Atitlán?

Coming into a community like Santiago Atitlán, it is easy to be concerned about making faux pas, especially as a volunteer. Generally speaking, people are pretty tolerant of the ways of foreigners. Many more allowances are made for the behavior of gringos than people would make for themselves, since after all who knows what these people from other cultures think. Nonetheless, there are things that one could do that inadvertently cause concern or insult. Be aware that you are inevitably affluent in comparison to most locals which is a complicated thing to come to terms with, and which may make certain things good to be aware of invisible. For example:

-Avoid handouts of money to the children of town. This encourages begging!

-While you may be tempted to pay more than things are worth, this can create a false economy and adversely affect those who are not on the international economy. Again this is difficult, since many things are based upon this dual economy of services and products priced for folks who earn first world wages, and the things that are priced for people who earn Guatemalan wages (because of this even Guatemalan wages have a great range and certain things affordable to some will be unimaginable to others).

-Social politics in town are far more complicated than you can ever imagine. Santiago Atitlán is a large town and everyone is related in some way. Some interfamily conflicts are generations-old and one will often never know people’s prior relationships with each other until a problem arises. Be aware that this may always be a possibility. Foreigners who might become involved in these conflicts will leave, locals will have to live here in town with each other. Local methods of dealing with problems will reflect this, sometimes to the frustration of outsiders who are unaware.

-We have prepared some materials to educate you a little about some of the problems that have been created by decades of paternalism, both national and international, towards the poor in Guatemala. See our Recommended Reading and Links page.

What is the linguistic situation on Lake Atitlán?

Spanish is the common language in Guatemala, but in villages and towns in the highlands, Mayan languages are most common. In Santiago Atitlán, Tz’tujil is spoken. To the east, in San Lucas Tolimán, the languages are Spanish and Cakchiquel. To the west, in San Pedro La Laguna, a different dialect of Tz’tujil is spoken.

Language maps, links:

Mayan Languages: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayan_Languages

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Mayan_Language_Map.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Idiomasmap.jpg

Mesoamerica: http://www.proel.org/mundo/mesoamerac.htm

http://www.sil.org/Mexico/maya/00i-maya.htm English

http://www.sil.org/Mexico/maya/00e-maya.htm Español

http://www.vacilando.org/index.php?title=Mayan_languages

What traditional health providers exist in Guatemala?

There is a full spectrum of ritual specialists and traditional health-care givers in Guatemala. Most receive their calling as a ‘don’, a gift from God, in dreams or other mystic means at different points in their lives. They range from priests and shamans, to curanderos, midwives, bonesetters and people who prepare the dead for burial, as well as others. All of these specialists exercise their calling as a duty, a charge or ‘cargo’ that they must carry for the proper continuation of the world, and are accorded respect in the community because of it.

Modern times have certainly affected these different practices. Midwives, who traditionally do not receive any training or apprenticeships and practice principally in an empirical way, are now required by the Ministry of Health to attend monthly meetings where they receive trainings about signs of risk and other topics, and are required to maintain an identification card.

Bonesetters or “hueseros” have a great deal of credibility in the communities and are often the first choice when there is a broken bone. While doctors often see many broken bones that were inadequately treated by bonesetters, there are also many accounts by individuals in which broken bones were very effectively treated by visits with hueseros. San Pedro la Laguna has long been famous for their hueseros, though of course some are known to be better than others.

Santiago Atitlán has a few curanderos, and many, mix traditional medicines with modern ones. Traditional/modern remedies are most often tried at home under the direction of family members.

See the list of Recommended Readings and Links for readings about midwives, hueseros and other kinds of traditional care giving in the area.

What is in a name?

Santiago is the name given by the Spanish conquerors to the Tz’tujil village of Atitlán. One would naturally assume that Santiago is the local short version for the town’s name, but most people from town and from surrounding areas refer to Santiago Atitlán as Atitlán. Since there are many Santiagos in Guatemala, saying Atitlán is more precise.

Groups:

I would like to bring a group of volunteers, what work would they do?

We have begun construction on our new property, and there is plenty of work for groups (we estimate dedicating the first floor in late 2010) There are also often many jobs around the hospital itself at its temporary location, such as sorting and inventorying donations or purchases of medications and supplies (medical or personnel can be useful for this), doing gardening and grounds upkeep, carpentry, electrical work, machine repair or other projects. Please consult the volunteer coordinator for current tasks that groups might do, and for a copy of our Group Information Sheet and Form (which asks for the number of participants, any special skills they may have, and a group work schedule). PLEASE keep us advised of changes in your schedule so that we can make arrangements. We will need a list of names and addresses of participants, so that we may keep everyone updated about our doings with our newsletter. There are black out dates when we may not be able to accommodate volunteer groups: Easter week, July 25th, November 1, and Christmas Week.

What about accommodations for groups?

La Posada de Santiago is well equipped to handle groups of all sizes and has had years of experience preparing economy meals and sack lunches for volunteer groups. Sometimes economy lodging is also available for individual volunteers. Visit their web site at http://www.posadadesantiago.com/.

Also inquire at the Hotel Bambu (http://www.ecobambu.com/).

Turicentro TioshAbaj is another large hotel in town that can accommodate groups. (http://www.tioshabaj.com/)

There are also several less expensive hotels in town that do not have the ability to communicate via web. Please ask our volunteer coordinator for information and help with these.

What else?

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

Hospitalito Atitlan ~ Medical Volunteers