Your generous donation helps to save and change lives every day.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need.
Overview
The Need
Honduras is a country celebrated for its natural beauty, but it also faces significant socio-economic challenges, with over half of the population living in poverty. Contributing factors include high unemployment and limited access to quality education, with some schools having up to 80 students per teacher. While many children start school, only about 30% continue to 6th grade, and just 8% reach the university level.
During this trip, your team will visit remote communities that lack access to healthcare facilities, as many of the small hospitals are distant and few. Healthcare services are scarce in these rural areas, making medical outreach essential.
The towns where we will provide care have a high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, especially in the months following the rainy season, which is when we will be there. Due to limited access to clean water and sanitation, conditions such as skin infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal diseases are common among both adults and children. Oral health is also a significant concern, and dental care is critically needed.
Your skills in patient care and health education can make a profound difference in these communities. We invite you to join us in delivering compassionate healthcare and support to those in need.
Our Work
International Medical Relief first served Honduras in 2018 and has since cared for thousands of patients through professional staff and medical brigade volunteers. IMR strives to provide sustainable health care by contributing medical services, medicine, supplies, training, and education to the community.
With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each correlating to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.
IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association with UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care and health education.
This Mission
One of the most exciting things about this trip is the indigenous communities you will serve in. The ancient inhabitants of the area were the Lencas and they called the site “de las Piedras” (of the Stones in English), due to the land’s topography. This is revealed by the information stored in the ecclesiastical census of Fernando Cadiñanos in 1971, registered under the name of “Valles de las Piedras” (Valley of the Stones in English), in the district of the parish of Ajuterique.
Its archaeological remains, the natural wealth, and the kindness of its people make this a perfect destination to visit and enjoy its charms. It is also known for the excellent coffee that is produced throughout the region and the exquisite gastronomic variety that it offers.
The archeology in the area dates back more than 2,000 years BC. Caves have been discovered that house samples of rock art and vestiges of disappeared civilizations.
In addition to working with the indigenous communities, we will work to make a tremendous difference in the health of the community through dental care, medical care, and education. We will also work with local Honduran doctors, dentists, nurses, and public health experts on this trip, and the learning exchanges will be a true highlight of your time in Honduras.
Lodging/Transportation
On this Medical Mission Trip, you and your fellow team members will be staying at an accommodation with safe, clean, comfortable rooms. Transportation will be provided to and from clinic each day.
This region is known for producing some of the world’s best coffee. High up in the mountains is a beautiful lodge where the team will stay. It was built by the coffee plantation owners in the middle of the beautiful coffee plantations. If you are a coffee drinker, this trip will surely tempt you. Located in the community of El Pastal at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level, you will be close to nature for hiking or fishing.
These farmers have a vision to contribute to the community. They practice organic agriculture, the implementation of an innovative educational methodology, to ensure a promising future for future generations and to continue to be recognized as a leader for its quality of coffee.
In addition to the amazing coffee, the Honduran cuisine you will be treated to is all organic and healthy. Traditionally, the ancient cultures like Maya, Lenca, and Garifuna blend with African and Caribbean influences and Spanish flavors, which all play an important part in making the local cuisine a favorite around the world. Carne asada, pastelitos de carne (meat pies – yum!), baleadas (traditional flour tortilla with a sumptuous filling of cheese, avocados, beans, and sometimes with scrambled eggs and ground beef), Yojoa fish, corncakes wrapped in banana leaves, arroz con leche, and the famous Honduran Horchata (a simple drink of rice, water, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla and milk added afterward) will make you wish you never, never have to leave.
Highlights
El Chiflador Waterfalls
Enjoy a very special hike high up in the mountains to the famous El Chiflador Waterfalls. This stunning place is more than just a waterfall. Wander through forest paths past stunning aqua waters that you can swim in. The majestic waterfall is located in the village of La Estanzuela, in the municipality of Marcala, surrounded by a great vegetation of pines, oaks, and wild plants that make the landscape splendid. This waterfall is so enchanting that it offers special moments, becoming the perfect place for a refreshing visit and souvenir photos.
Giant’s Cave
Located a few meters from the La Estanzuela Waterfall, this archaeological site is one of the most amazing and important in the country. It is considered by archaeologists as the place where the first settlers of Honduras, and perhaps all of Central America, lived. It measures about 30 meters high from the surface of the mouth to the highest roof, 25 wide and eight deep.
Extreme Canopy Ziplining
Optional opportunity: If you’re up for the adventure, you can participate in canopy adventure ziplining! Extreme Canopy El Chiflador is an activity for adventure lovers where you can enjoy nature and have fun at the same time. It is called Extreme Canopy because it is the highest in Central America and Honduras. Adventure lovers will find the Extreme Canopy El Chiflador in the La Mogola village, located about 5 kilometers from the central park. The zipline has six cables that will carry you over imposing pine trees and through a majestic waterfall 80 meters high. It was declared one of the most extreme zip lines in Honduras and Central America.
Costs affiliated with any attractions outside park entrance are at the volunteer’s expense.
You will love this trip – it’s one of our favorites! See the itinerary for more details.
Extend Your Stay
You’re journeying across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Central America to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Join us on an exclusive trip extension to Nicaragua or Costa Rica provided by our partner Worldwide Navigators and some visit of the area’s highlights.
Worldwide Navigators offers three opportunities to extend your time in Central America to create an amazing vacation following your humanitarian work. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book one of these extensions or get more information.
- Visit Roatan Island paradise for gorgeous beach relaxation.
- Explore La Fortuna, undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful destinations, teeming with colorful gardens and views of the mammoth Arenal Volcano.
- Experience the unique town of Puerto Viejo, situated on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.
See the Extensions tab on this page for details on these amazing experiences!
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrivals & Orientation
Clinic
Clinic
Free Day
Clinic
Clinic
Departures
Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab
Sustainable Impact
Your Journey
Weather
-
Average High and Low Temperature in Marcala, Honduras ©WeatherSpark.com
-
Average Hourly Temperature in Marcala, Honduras ©WeatherSpark.com
Clinic Photos
Gallery
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
You will need to arrange your flight destination to be Palmerola International Airport (XPL) in Comayagua, Honduras. If you need assistance booking flights, please contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com. You may also choose to arrange transportation from the airport to your accommodation, which you may purchase from within your portal under Trip Add-Ons.
Arrivals & Orientation
You will arrive and meet your team at Comayagua (XPL) – Palmerola Intl. airport. Please arrive by 2pm so we can transfer to our accommodations, where we will be staying for the week. On the drive you will get to see the beautiful Honduran countryside – watch for coffee farms along the way!
When you arrive at your accommodation, you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your team. Our hosts will share about their partnership with IMR, the Honduran culture, and the communities that we are serving.
Meals: Dinner,
Clinic
Your first clinic! You and your team will provide community healthcare in a public health setting to continue IMR’s long-term, sustainable education efforts. Education is as important as medical and dental care for our patients. Each clinic includes basic health education according to the specialties and skills of the IMR volunteers, as well as the needs of the local people. When communities become empowered to take health and wellness issues into their own hands, they become self-sufficient. IMR provides learning opportunities for the local communities through classes and hands-on learning to sustain their well-being beyond our visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
It’s your second day of clinic and you are on a roll! Keep up the great work! Lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, malaria, STDs, and sepsis are all on the list of the top 10 causes of death in Honduras, and you’ll likely see these in your patients.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Free Day
For your free day, make sure to bring your adventurous spirit! We will hike to the enchanting El Chiflador Waterfalls on a path through the dense forest that winds past beautiful blue water that’s perfect for swimming. Near the waterfalls is Giant’s Cave, an important archaeological site in Honduras believed to be the home of the first settlers in Honduras – and possibly all of Central America.
If you’re up to the challenge, you might opt in for extreme zip lining on the highest zip line in Central America. You’ll soar over the tall trees of the forest and through a waterfall before returning safely back to the ground below.
Clinic
Your third day of clinic is surely to be great as you now know the ins and outs of clinic operations, hands down. The children of Honduras tend to experience malnutrition, diarrhea, respiratory diseases and acute respiratory infections, and complications from parasites more frequently than adults, so you may have patients with these complaints.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Clinic
On your final day of clinic you’ll likely reflect back on all those whose lives you touched during the week – and the lives that touched yours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Departures
After breakfast you will transfer back to Comayagua for your flights home, then say goodbye to your new family and many new friends you shared your week with. It will be hard to leave – the beauty of Honduras and the soul of her people will stay with you. We hope to see you again!
You can schedule your return flight out of Comayagua at your convenience to give you the time if you want to explore the area. Interested in extending your stay to see more of Central America? Our partner, Worldwide Navigators, offers exclusive trip extensions just for IMR volunteers! See the extensions tab on this page for details.
Meals: Breakfast,
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extension Photos
Extensions
You’re journeying across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Central America to experience some of its top tourist attractions? Join us on an exclusive trip extension to Nicaragua or Costa Rica provided by our partner Worldwide Navigators and some visit of the area’s highlights.
Worldwide Navigators offers three opportunities to extend your time in Central America to create an amazing vacation following your humanitarian work. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book one of these extensions or get more information.
Corn Islands, Nicaragua
Highlights:
- Big Corn Island, a lush, rustic and still mostly unsettled paradise
- The endless beaches and neighborhood trails lined with fresh fruit trees on Little Corn Island
- A charming bungalow stay on the virgin shorelines of the Corn Islands
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive on Big Corn Island
While your plane descends to Big Corn Island, notice the spectacular island-scape sprinkled with colorful wooden houses. Big Corn Island is lush, rustic and still mostly unsettled, with beaches perfect for lazy days and peaceful, serene nights.
At lunchtime, wander into a barefoot bar and order up some fresh Caribbean lobster, a Corn Islands staple and their number-one industry. Pick a beach and take an afternoon siesta and swim in absolute tranquility.
Once you’ve had enough sun and sand for one day, grab dinner in one of Big Corn’s surprisingly plentiful restaurants and sit in awe as you watch the sun dip into the vast, blue Caribbean Sea before heading to your bungalow for the night.
Day 2: Little Corn Island
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before taking a panga (small boat) to the jewel of the Caribbean, Little Corn Island. Yet undiscovered by most, Little Corn will charm you with its old-world feel and laid-back Caribbean vibes. A strict no-car zone, Little Corn is a pedestrian paradise, with endless beaches and neighborhood trails lined with fresh fruit trees.
Check in to your bungalow for the night before meandering along virgin shorelines. Explore golden coves and get to know the charismatic locals that make Little Corn their home.
Day 3: San Jose | Departure Home
Rise early in the morning for breakfast and a few last hours soaking up the magic of this beautiful island. Go for a snorkel, or lounge on the beach.
Then you’ll make your way back to the airport for your departure home.
What’s Included:
- 3-Day, 2-Night Tour
- Ground Transportation
- 2.5 to 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
You Will Need to Provide:
- Customary Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Souvenirs/Gifts
- Currency Exchange Fees
3-Day, 2-Night All-Inclusive Tour starts at $950. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book or get more information.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Highlights:
- Explore La Fortuna, undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful destinations, teeming with colorful gardens and views of the mammoth Arenal Volcano.
- Experience a gondola ride and zip line at the Arenal Volcano.
- Walk the rainforest canopy on the Arenal hanging bridges and splash at La Fortuna Waterfall.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose | La Fortuna
After landing in the charming Costa Rican capital of San Jose, travel to the quaint town of La Fortuna. Just a few hours northwest of the capital, La Fortuna is undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful destinations, teeming with colorful gardens and views of the mammoth Arenal Volcano around every bend.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel before capping your night with dinner at a lively La Fortuna restaurant. From fine dining to ultra-casual eats, La Fortuna has an almost endless variety of dining options, with something for every taste and every budget.
Day 2: Arenal Volcano | Zip Lines & Gondola Panoramic Views
Spend the day taking part in two adventurous activities!
Your day will start riding an open-air gondola from the ground to the heights where you’ll be dropped off an at observation area for fantastic views. From this area, you will start riding down on a zip line track stretching across canyons and in between treetops. The exhilarating adventure of zip lining down the mountainside ultimately returns you to the starting point at the main building.
Day 3: Arenal Hanging Bridges | La Fortuna Waterfall
To maximize your limited time in the area, we have designed an alternative to show you the main attractions located around the volcano. There is no doubt that the forests are one of the highlights. Therefore, we will first visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk through the forest along trails and bridges that allow you to see plants and animals from high above.
In the afternoon, you will arrive at the second place of interest, the La Fortuna Waterfall, famous for its height of 60 meters. There you can take a refreshing swim in its cool waters or take pictures of its beauty. At the end of the trail, you will enjoy a delicious fruit break to recharge your batteries.
Day 4: La Fortuna to San Jose | Departure Home
After your morning breakfast and checkout, say goodbye to this picture-perfect village and head to San Jose where you’ll catch your flight home.
What’s Included:
- 4-Day, 3-Night Tour
- Ground Transportation
- 2.5 to 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
You Will Need to Provide:
- Customary Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Souvenirs/Gifts
- Currency Exchange Fees
4-Day, 3-Night All-Inclusive Tour starts at $900. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book this extension or get more information.
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Highlights:
- Explore the unique town of Puerto Viejo, situated on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica
- Discover Cahuita National Park, home to the largest coral reef system in Costa Rica as well as many animals
- Walk along lush and lively rainforest trails of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Viejo
After landing in the charming Costa Rican capital of San Jose, travel to the beachside town of Puerto Viejo, about a 4-hour drive away. Situated on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica near the border of Panama, Puerto Viejo is much less crowded than tourist towns on the Pacific side, with a diverse array of visitors and locals. You won’t find fast food chains or high-rise hotels here, but you will see colorful homes, exquisite uncrowded beaches, and exotic wildlife. Take a deep breath of warm ocean air and spend your first day getting settled into Paradise.
Day 2: Jaguar Rescue Center | Chocolate House | Waterfall Tour
Discover the Jaguar Animal Rescue Center located near Playa Cocles. This center serves as a refuge and rehabilitation center for many local animals including members of the cat family, monkeys, snakes and more.
At the Chocolate House, learn the process in which indigenous chocolate is made by the people who know it best. Watch a demonstration of the process, from the growing of the Cacao plant to the making of chocolate. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Day 3: Hike to Cahuita National Park
You’ll hike through the Cahuita National Park beginning in the community of Cahuita, along white beaches and up to Cahuita Point. Then you’ll have the chance to relax and swim in the calm water of the Caribbean Sea.
Day 4: Puerto Viejo to San Jose | Departure Home
After your morning breakfast and checkout, say goodbye to the sleepy seaside village and head to San Jose where you’ll catch your flight home. Promise yourself you’ll come back soon!
What’s Included:
- 4-Day, 3-Night Tour
- Ground Transportation
- 2.5 to 3-Star Accommodations
- Daily Activities & Excursions
- 2 Meals Per Day
- Tours & Entrance Fees
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
You Will Need to Provide:
- Customary Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Souvenirs/Gifts
- Currency Exchange Fees
4-Day, 3-Night All-Inclusive Tour Starts at $900. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book this extension or get more information.
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation of $2600 will go toward the ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Donation Payment Deadlines
$2400 due by December 16, 2024
$2600 due by February 16, 2025
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, the participant must upload ALL your required documents and forms, sign their liability form and make your 50% donation including your $35 application fee by December 16, 2024. This savings opportunity does not apply to disaster relief missions.
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission, please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Your Donation to IMR for Your Mission Cost Includes:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- Transportation
- Lodging
- Costs associated with the clinic
- Food
- Tips for services provided to the IMR team
- All logistics, including translation services and security as needed
Additional Costs That You Are Responsible For:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- International and Domestic flights to the country.
- Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
- Required or recommended insurance
- Vaccinations and medications common for travel
- Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
- Required or desired mission supplies, personal equipment, or small gifts for the special people you meet
- Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled team mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor
- COVID-related fees such as testing, vaccinations, and quarantines as required by in-country arrival/departure or USA arrival/departure
- Each team member is responsible for carrying medical supplies for the deployment. All fees associated with transport are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Financial FAQs
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
Download the Team Guide
