Guatemala is home of the Maya that once built immense temples in the rain forest, developed a sophisticated way to keep track of time and recorded their undertakings in hieroglyphs on stone monuments, on pottery and in bark books. This ancient Maya may be gone, but their descendants still make up the majority of the Guatemalan population.

Santiago Atitlán offers its medical volunteer breath taking scenery and spring like temperature all year around. It is also a town where the Maya culture is very strong. You will see it in the beautiful local cloth, in people’s dress and how they handle themselves. You will hear it, as the Maya language Tz’utujil is the predominant language in town. You may smell it from the many wood burning fires that is still the most common way for keeping a pot of beans simmering for hours, or prepare piping hot corn tortillas. You will feel it as the friendly laughter of a newfound friend touches your heart.

Whether treating diabetes, stitching a machete injury, or bring a new baby into the world, medical volunteers will feel strong links both to the past and to the future, and a deep sense of personal and professional satisfaction. The Hospitalito changes lives, not only of its patients, but its volunteers, as well; come join us!