Hospitalito Atitlán is a small private non-profit hospital serving a population of 43,000 Tz'utujil Maya on the southern shore of beautiful Lake Atitlán in the highlands of Guatemala. Local physicians, nursing, and administrative staff work closely in collaboration with volunteer medical personnel from around the world to provide a comprehensive scope of care, including the only 24/7 emergency and surgical obstetrical care within a 2-hour radius.

More than 60 percent of the patients speak only Tz'utujil, the local Mayan dialect. Hospitalito staff translates Tz'tujil to Spanish for medical volunteers. HA has gone to great lengths to make services affordable to everyone. Social Workers are available to evaluate the resources of the patient and family and provide up to a 100% discount for those with limited resources.

Health problems in the Atitlán area are those that usually affect people in a poverty stricken area. Childhood diseases include significant respiratory and diarrheal illnesses, as well as the chronic effects of malnutrition. Obstetrical issues are often complex, with high levels of pre-eclampsia plus other social issues that impact both mothers and babies. Diabetes, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by open cook fires in the home are issues that affect the adult population. Trauma and substance abuse are also frequently seen.