Where else do you get to climb on ancient ruins?

Traveling to Guatemala

Volunteers who have traveled with us to Guatemala often say that it was an amazing, life-changing experience. But traveling to a different country can be scary – language barriers, different foods, unfamiliar surroundings. We totally understand that, but we’ve been working in Guatemala since 2002 and have taken dozens of volunteer groups to the country’s highlands to work in maternal and child health clinics. We love Guatemala, and we think it’s time to dispel some myths about traveling there.

Personal safety

Any good and/or slightly neurotic traveler is sure to Google their destination first. If you do this with Guatemala, unfortunately, one of the first things you might come across is that the US State Department ranks the threat of violent crime in Guatemala as “critical.”  This is a little misleading, though – the primary reason for this rating is gang violence and drug trafficking. Luckily for you, you are most likely not a member of a Guatemalan gang, and therefore have much less to worry about. Of course, common sense rules apply: travel in groups, maintain a low profile and avoid high-risk situations. Plus, rural areas, like the ones we’ll be working in, are typically very safe. And since we’ve been traveling here for over a decade, we have great relationships with the locals and know our way around.

Sometimes we let you play with machetes (well, usually just to help clear bush while hiking).

Weather

Hurricanes are big, scary storms. But don’t worry – we’ve thought this through. While hurricane season runs from June-November, the risk of hurricanes peaks in October. Most of our trips, therefore, occur in the spring and summer months. Earthquakes do occur in Guatemala, but are typically just minor tremors. The only other natural disaster threat in Guatemala is volcanoes – and we do not typically play in those.

Illness

Hospitals in Guatemala City are usually adequate, but services in rural areas are much more lacking – obviously, that’s why we’re working there! Again, upon Googling this you’ll see that no vaccinations are required for travel to Guatemala, but the US State Department recommends getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid. Before devolving into full-on hypochondria, take a deep breath: your chances of contracting any of these diseases remain quite low. Familiarize yourself with the ways in which these diseases are transmitted –hepatitis B, for example, is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, so as long you keep your fluids to yourself you should be fine. Most travel-related illnesses can be prevented by avoiding drinking unboiled or unpurified water (including fruits and vegetables washed with unboiled water, ice, and drink mixes), avoiding contact with ill individuals, and making sure to eat, drink, and rest properly. Still worried? Quick reminder: you’re traveling with a bunch of people who love global health. We’ll take care of you.

Check out those happy smiles. Must be the snazzy volunteer t-shirts. 
The Big “What-If?”

While people may cite the above reasons as to why they’re reluctant to volunteer with us in Guatemala, often the biggest thing holding people back is the fear of the unknown. What if I get homesick? What if the food is horrible? What if all my social awkwardness comes out and no one likes me? Honestly, those are the things we can’t answer for you. Everyone experiences Guatemala differently. However, there are some things we can promise:

  1. You will learn a lot. Learning in the real world is much different than learning in school – no matter how many times you read about something in a textbook, it will be so much more real and make so much more sense when you see it for yourself.
  2. You will see things in a whole new way. Travel is the best way to open yourself up. Whether you’ve been to Central America dozens of times or never left the United States, every strange new food you try, each group of people you meet, and each new vista you gaze upon has something unique to teach you.
  3. You won’t regret it. You’ll push yourself, you’ll learn new things, and you’ll help change the world in your own little way. If helping the women and babies of the world live healthier isn’t worth stepping out of your comfort zone, what is?

So are you ready to join a trip? Contact us today to set up your life-changing experience.To learn more about our Volunteer Program, contact us at  [email protected]

Did your heart just melt? Yeah, mine too.

Also, if you want to find out more about the amazing work that Impact Global Health Alliance Global does to serve in highlands in Guatemala and other communities worldwide, please read more here on our website, Facebook page, YouTube, and join us in our effort to save lives of women and children in forgotten communities around the world by fostering sustainable health services.

by Britnae Purdy, Impact Global Health Alliance intern