Team Visits

What Teams Do

Everyone helps courier supplies from the U.S. After in-country orientation, teams accompany Mayan health workers and the Coordinator on 2- to 4-week giras (circuits). The teams will visit 18 rural Mayan communities--from isolated mountain settlements of the Ixil area to the Pacific coastal plain. We observe, record community data, collaborate with local health leaders and teachers, and continue the intercambio cultural (cultural exchange). We accept hospitality from the communities and live at the same level as community members.

Volunteers should be in good health, comfortable with travel in a developing country, and have an interest in human rights. Spanish-speaking and professional health-care skills are bonuses but not necessary. Health professionals work alongside Mayan health promoters, participating in consultas when requested.

Example Preparation Checklist for a team member

Join us!

Our Volunteers

Team members must be respectful of indigenous cultures, flexible, and patient; comfortable about working with a non-proselytizing, faith-based group; in reasonably good physical and emotional health; and honest about how they respond to physical and emotional stress, fatigue, diet change, and loss of privacy.

Spanish-speaking and professional health-care skills are bonuses but not necessary.

Photos from past summers: 2012 Team Summary | 2012 Team 1 | 2012 Team 2 | 2012 Team 3

2024 Summer Team Visit

Ophthalmologists Lisa Lane & Jason Levine and Tucson Samaritan Taylor Leigh, join Coordinator Ila Abernathy in Guatemala in early June.

Joinus May 18, 3 -5 pm, for a farewell/despedida gathering. View PDF handout with details about May 18 event

2023 Summer Team Visit

Summer Team: Jacob, Manny, Victor, Ila, Lisa, Kia, Vlad

2022 Summer Team Visit

Left: High in the mountains in Pal, the project Jeep (a gift from Michael Hyatt to The CPR-Sierra St. Michaels' Guatemala Project) at rest, 2022.
Right: Health leader Gustavo and RN Dorothy stand in front of a waterfall on the way to Sumalito, Nebaj, Quiche, 2022.

2017 Teams included (from left to right): Eli, Freya, Kate, Zaria, Kathleen, Michael, Gina

Physical Demands

Depending on the "gira," physical demands vary from moderate to extremely strenuous (7-9 hours on muddy, steep mountain trails). Altitudes vary from just above sea level to around 8,000 feet.

Best Team Size

Think small! We work well in 4 to 5 person teams, including a Mayan health leader, the Project Coordinator, a health professional, and others. Ideally, 3 of the 4 visitors will have functional Spanish.