FAQ

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the trips.

If you don’t find what you are looking for, reach out to us via email at maggiecarlson@hdlff.org

Hospital de la Familia Foundation - doc volunteers in scrubs
Hospital de la Familia Foundation - doc volunteers with cleft lip patient
Hospital de la Familia Foundation - doc volunteers in tshirts
Hospital de la Familia Foundation - operating room

How do the teams work?

Volunteers are essential to the success of The Hospital de la Familia Foundation’s mission in Guatemala. We are very grateful for each and every volunteer who travels with us. Many volunteers express that they have life changing experiences at the hospital.

Teams consist of various combinations of medical /surgical specialities and provide much needed care to the people of Western Guatemala and Southern Mexico. You do not have to be a medical professional to volunteer, general helpers without medical degrees are always needed as well as Spanish speakers who can act as translators. Team compositions are up to the team leader of each team.

The donation fee covers:

  • Guatemala City hotel the first night of arrival,(breakfast and shuttle from airport included), room and board at the hospital, and ground transportation to and from the hospital with the team.
  • Team travel is by bus, the trip takes 5-8 hours depending on traffic, road construction, and stops along the way.

The donation fee does not cover:

  • Airfare
  • Your stay in Antigua at the last 1-2 days of the trip (hotel, food, and shuttle to the airport).

  • Most teams stay at the hospital 7-10 days.
  • Volunteers need to stay for the entirety of the trip, early departures cannot be accommodated.
  • Lodging at the hospital is dormitory style with 3-8 people per room.
  • Three meals a day are provided by a lovely kitchen staff who provide food that is safe to eat.
  • Snacks and beverages are also provided.
  • Scrubs are provided, feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
  • Laundry is done daily so you don’t need to pack much.
  • We ask volunteers to pack only a carry-on suitcase so that each person’s luggage allowance can be reserved for supplies.

Once accepted to a team, more information is available on the registration website
and travel specifics will come from your team leader.
Thank you for your interest; if you volunteer we are certain you will have a wonderful experience!