Guatemala Signature

The Need

Despite its breathtaking beauty, Guatemala’s environment is highly vulnerable to natural disasters that deeply affect the health and wellbeing of its communities. The people of Antigua, in particular, continue to recover from the devastating 2018 volcanic eruptions that displaced families and blanketed villages in ash. Guatemala is also prone to earthquakes, adding to the challenges faced by its population.

Preventable diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, cholera, and tuberculosis remain leading causes of death, while malnutrition—especially among children—contributes significantly to high mortality rates. In fact, Guatemala experiences approximately 22.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, a number that underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare access and education.

International Medical Relief (IMR) is the largest single provider of medical and dental missions in Guatemala.  As a premier partner in 89 communities throughout the country, IMR is committed to helping Guatemala achieve global health security by enhancing access to quality healthcare services. Rapid and effective responses to public health threats are essential for preventing disease outbreaks and promoting lasting community well-being.

By joining the IMR team, you will work hand-in-hand with local communities to elevate health outcomes throughout Guatemala. IMR deploys volunteer brigades to remote and underserved areas where access to quality medical care is scarce. Our mobile clinics provide vital services to children, women, families, elders, and other vulnerable populations.

Together with your fellow volunteers, you will educate community members on maintaining good health and caring for their loved ones. You’ll treat a broad range of acute and chronic conditions including dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, pneumonia, and digestive illnesses.

IMR’s key focus on this mission is acute medical and dental care and community health training. Your efforts with IMR will help build healthier, stronger communities and bring lasting hope to the people of Guatemala.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began working in Guatemala in early January 2018 and quickly responded to the Volcán de Fuego eruption in June of that year, providing critical disaster relief during a time of urgent need. Since then, IMR has remained committed to preventive efforts by delivering community health training, medical treatments, essential supplies and equipment, and ongoing sustainable clinic operations—serving tens of thousands of patients with the support of our dedicated medical and non-medical volunteer professionals.

As the premier global leader in medical missions,  IMR is dedicated to ensuring that each mission aligns with specific objectives in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—namely UNSDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, UNSDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

In alignment with UNSDG 3, IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, helping to improve individual and community health while building a strong pipeline of future healthcare and public health leaders.

In support of UNSDG 8, IMR actively contributes to local workforce development by creating training opportunities and strengthening the skillsets of our staff through year round engagement opportunities. IMR is committed to enhancing economic stability in the regions we serve by hiring and training local community members, professionals and students in meaningful, skilled roles. We provide fair compensation, ongoing skills development, and opportunities that foster economic resilience locally. As staff members grow in experience, IMR invests in their advancement—promoting staff into higher-level leadership roles within clinic operations and offering a path toward long-term job security and professional growth.

Aligned with UNSDG 17, IMR operates exclusively through formal invitations and strong partnerships with local stakeholders. We work under the guidance and leadership of our host communities, ensuring that our efforts are sustainable, culturally respectful, and deeply aligned with local health priorities.

This Mission

to sustainable health programs while providing compassionate care in underserved communities. IMR’s Guatemala medical missions are built on three foundational pillars: acute medical care, acute dental care, and community health education and training—delivered by teams of passionate non-medical volunteers as well as nurses, dentists, and doctors without borders and barriers to hinder their commitment to providing greater access to healthcare.

IMR operates mobile medical clinics across thousands of communities, offering healthcare services throughout Guatemala’s remote regions where medical infrastructure is limited. These comprehensive, multi-disciplinary clinics are designed to reach underserved populations with essential care. Through IMR’s international medical corps, volunteers provide medical screenings, treat acute conditions, educate families on preventive care, and connect patients with chronic conditions to NGO health clinic partners in Guatemala for long-term support.

Whether you’re a medical student volunteering in Guatemala, participating in a nursing volunteer trip to Guatemala, or engaging in volunteer travel in Latin America, IMR provides a platform for meaningful travel to Guatemala that fosters personal growth and social impact. IMR’s presence helps strengthen the local health system, builds trust, and promotes community resilience from ongoing long-term medical solutions to disaster relief volunteering in Guatemala. As part of the larger ecosystem, IMR’s global brigades contribute to a healthier, more connected world.

Lodging/Transportation

The team will be staying in a beautiful 4-star hotel located in this wonderful city.  You will be able to enjoy the local food, music, and an array of shops nearby. Tour the Chocolate Museum, where you will learn how to make chocolate from the bean! Everything is within walking distance and the city is full of color, wonderful smells, and amazing food. The culture of Guatemala will come alive as you explore the city after clinic and during your day off.

Upon your arrival in Antigua, all  transportation to clinic has been arranged for you.  Professional drivers, safe vehicles, and security are some of the many reasons to join IMR on a trip.  Don’t nap – there’s a lot to see in the valleys and hills surrounding your home away from home this week!

Highlights

IMR’s greatest highlight in Guatemala is family engagement, both from our volunteers and the communities that come to the clinics; family is the true highlight of this trip! Whether with the IMR Family you meet on the trip, Your Family that you bring along and share this experience with, or the Patient Families in every community that you care for along the way, everyone wants you to help keep their children healthy and their elderly loved ones comfortable.  You will be a part of many families!

You will have a free day to explore Antigua with its quaint cobblestone streets and colorful colonial architecture.  Salsa dancing on your list?  Try it out!  Always wanted to hike a volcano?  Do it here!  Always wanted to be a chocolatier?  Visit the famous chocolate factory!   Enjoy your day – make it your own!

When you join the International Medical Relief (IMR) team on our mission to improve the quality of life for the incredible people in Guatemala, you will spend most of your trip around La Antigua, a city identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its rich culture, colonial history, vibrant colors, and mix of baroque colonial architecture, La Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most fascinating destinations. Mountains, active and dormant volcanoes, and an abundance of green foliage frame the city.

While in La Antigua, you will wake to the songs of local birds, the smell of fresh bread baking in traditional ovens, and be surrounded by three incredible volcanoes. Known for its rich culture, colonial history, vibrant colors, and mix of baroque colonial architecture, La Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most fascinating destinations. Mountains, active and dormant volcanoes, and an abundance of green foliage frame the city. Walking through the main town square still offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Extend Your Stay

Since you’re already embarking on an incredible journey across the globe, why not make the most of your time and explore the magic of Guatemala a little longer? Extend your stay with International Medical Relief and experience an unforgettable adventure through our exclusive trip extension, thoughtfully curated by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

Wander through the charming lakeside villages of San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna, and Santiago Atitlán, and meet Maximón, the legendary folk saint. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and culture of Chichicastenango Market, one of the most iconic artisan markets in Central America. Then, step back in time on a private guided tour of the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, hidden deep in the lush Guatemalan jungle.

Travel with confidence alongside our trusted partner, Worldwide Navigators. Their experienced team specializes in purposeful, immersive travel and is here to help you plan every detail of your Guatemalan adventure.

Ready to extend your journey? Reach out to them directly at travel@worldwidenavigators.com and start planning the next unforgettable chapter of your mission experience!

Itinerary at a Glance