Medical Mission Requirements
- The maximum number of participants on each trip is 34.
- Following the Child Protection policies of the Diocese of Charleston and its zero-tolerance, participants are now required to attend a SAFE HAVEN training and agree to a background check done by the diocese. If you are a volunteer/employee of any of the Catholic parishes in the diocese, you should have complied with these requirements already. Missioners from outside the diocese or non-Catholic missioners, please contact our office for instructions on how to comply: missions@charlestondiocese.org.
- Getting there: A direct flight from Atlanta (3.5 hrs) to Guatemala City. From Guatemala City, a 3+ hour bus ride to Panajachel, and then a boat trip across Lake Atitlan to San Pedro. Because the Sisters of Bethany arrange all transportation, everyone is required to take the same flight to Guatemala City and remain together throughout the entire trip.
- A current passport is required.
- In addition to the cost of the airfare, participants are asked to contribute at least $350 per person for the week. This includes a shared room, board, and travel arrangements to and from the airport in Guatemala City. Other than your personal spending money, there are no other expenses.
- Your contribution may be tax-deductible.
- Accommodations are at a small motel in San Pedro. These are very basic accommodations with two beds, electricity, running water, and two people per room.
- The clinic is a 10-minute, uphill walk from the motel.
- The currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal. Rate changes, but on average 1 US dollar equals 7.5 Quetzals.
- The temperature is mild year-round, high in the mid-80s, cooler in the evening.
- The rainy season extends from May through October.
- The convent, clinic, and the hotel have Wi-Fi. Internet cafes in San Pedro offer computer/telephone use for a small fee.