Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala 2026

The cost of this trip for each volunteer is a tax deductible donation of $TBD to Global First Responder.  We will post the final cost for this trip as soon as possible.  Volunteers are also responsible for purchasing their international airfare.  Volunteers should not purchase airfare before being notified by their team leader that the trip and dates are confirmed.

PLEASE NOTE:  THE DETAILS OF THIS TRIP ARE NOT FULLY CONFIRMED!  WE WILL UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  

About the Trip: Join Global First Responder as we travel to Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala for 5 medical camps.  This will be our first trip to the area but our hosts are experts at non-profit activities.  Our hosts bring decades of experience in this area to our team and specialize in working with challenged women to give them freedom, control, and economic stability for themselves and their children through education and empowerment through pride, dignity, and self-esteem.  We’ll work in partnership with local organization to provide comprehensive medical and social clinics for 5 full days.

Sustainability:  On this first trip, we will provide sustainability by supporting local NGOs working to empower women and families by improving education and employment opportunities and increasing opportunities for all ages.  

Check back for more information about other sustainability projects as we continue to plan this portion of our mission.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS TRIP BEFORE YOU APPLY:

We want you to be prepared for volunteering and caring for others!  Please read this section carefully and make sure that you are capable of participating fully in the following conditions. If you are not flexible regarding accommodations, transportation, food, and working conditions, we are happy to recommend other organizations for you to consider.

Team Leaders: Our team leaders are in place for your safety and to ensure that the clinical experience is excellent for our patients and team members.   Any and all concerns on the trip should be addressed in a timely manner directly with the team leader. Your team leader will do their best to address your concerns and will take appropriate action.  Please be aware that changes to your satisfaction will not always be possible.

Physical Conditions: This trip has excellent conditions.  The team will be staying in a guest house familiar with teams of all kinds.  You should be prepared for short walks through villages carrying gear, rough roads, and basic bathrooms during clinic.  Temperatures should be moderate (high 70s daytime and low 60s at night). Mosquitos are a real concern so please be prepared with mosquito repellent of your choice and consider using a wash on your clothing prior to the trip.  Please bring your own supply of sunscreen, bug spray, anti-itch and anti-fungal creams. Please remember that the areas where we work may be remote and have only basic, rudimentary facilities.  Electricity, flush toilets, hot water, and showers may not be available throughout your stay.

Food: If you have food allergies or personal likes or dislikes, please be aware you are responsible for bringing food that meets your needs.  We recommend you bring bars, snacks, camping food, and other food items that will keep you healthy and satisfied on the trip.  In general, our trips provide clean, well-cooked and safe food that is a mix of home-cooked, small local restaurants, and guest house cooked meals. If you have life-threatening allergies, please make this known to the team leader prior to each meal so it can be discussed with the cooks and you should assume that the food may not be allergen-free, regardless of what you are told.  If you require an epipen, make sure you have at least 2 pens within date on hand.  

Lodging: On this trip you will be staying in a lovely guest house.  Single, double and family rooms are available.  If you request a single room, there will be an additional charge.

Personal Electronics: You will be able to charge personal electronics in the evening and overnight at the guest house.  Please bring an extra battery for those electronics you are using in clinic.  Wifi and electricity are rarely reliable in clinic. We recommend researching and bringing the correct plug adapters for any countries you may be visiting or transiting through on this trip.

Arrivals and Departures for the Medical Team:  We will provide detailed information on where and when to meet the team in a few weeks.

What’s Included: This trip includes lodging, transportation, translators, drinking water, and most meals for the official dates of the trip. We will provide more details shortly regarding transportation to and from the airport and the meeting location.

What’s Not Included: Your international airfare, snacks and drinks other than water,  vaccines, and pre/post trip travel costs and expenses, trip insurance, your online e-visa (if required), and any post- trip adventures you wish to engage in while in Guatemala!

Cost: The cost of this trip is TBD.  We will let you know in the next few weeks. You are responsible for purchasing airfare that meets the required arrival and departure times.  We always suggest giving yourself extra time for delayed or cancelled flights and that you purchase trip insurance from a reputable carrier.  This trip is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.  You or your donors will receive a tax receipt upon making your donation.

How is your cost calculated?: At Global First Responder we strive to keep your costs low and our quality high.   We value your participation and willingness to volunteer your time and expertise. Everyone at Global First Responder is also a volunteer, donating their time to administrative tasks and paying their own way to participate in medical and construction missions around the world and here at home.  The fee you pay covers the actual cost of your expenses during the trip, including lodging, transportation, meals, and translator fees and expenses. In 2026, we are continuing to add a $100- 200 general fee to each volunteer to cover the increased costs of medications and supplies so that we can continue to provide excellent care for our patients.   At GFR, no one is paid a salary and everyone is a passionate volunteer, doing our part to help drive our mission of “One Global World, One Global Family”.

After the trip: What is there to do in Guatemala?  Well – If you like outdoor adventure: Hike Guatemala’s active Pacaya Volcano with a local guide, take an ATV ride to Cerro de la Cruz, or explore Lake Atitlan.  If you like cooking, take a cooking class or learn how to make chocolate or take a food tour.  Carve a piece of jade or take a historical tour of the area with beautiful churches and museums.  And that’s just the start!

Click here to apply for this trip:  I want to join the GFR team in Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala!                                                                                                         

If this is your first time applying in our application system, please create a login and password. You may use this login and password for all future trips you apply for (and we hope to see you on LOTS of GFR trips!!)

Itinerary:  THIS IS TENTATIVE! PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ANY ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON THIS ITINERARY.

Prior to August 23: Plan to arrive Antigua, Guatemala on 8/22 to meet your team on 8/23.  The hotel and all expenses are on your own until the official start of the trip.

August 23: This is the official start of the GFR trip.  After getting settled, your team will prepare for clinic and do some team building.

August 24 – 29:  Your team will have 5 days of clinic with a day off for a few activities.  All activities are “on your own” for cost but our teams generally find fun things to do together.  s.

August 30:  Your GFR trip ends after breakfast. We will provide more details about where the trip ends shortly so you can make further arrangements.  We thank you for your hard work!!