NEXT TRIP: March 7th-14th, 2026​​​

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Fall Trip: September 19th-26th, 2026

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​Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charleston currently hosts medical mission trips to San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala. We work with the Sisters of Bethany and the Catholic Diocese of Sololá-Chimaltenango there. 

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Doctors, nurses, dentists, ophthalmologists/optometrists, interpreters, and others are needed! These trips not only provide much-needed health care for Guatemalans, but participants find their own experiences to be life-changing.

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Participant Information

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• The maximum number of participants on each trip is 34.

 

• Following the diocese's Child Protection norms and a zero-tolerance policy, participants must attend a VIRTUS training and agree to a background check by the Diocese of Charleston. If you are a volunteer or employee of any of the Catholic parishes in the diocese, you should have complied with these requirements already. Missioners from outside the diocese or non-Catholic missioners, don't hesitate to contact our office for instructions on how to comply: Missions@charlestondiocese.org.

 

• Getting there: A 3.0-hour flight from Atlanta (3.0 hrs) to Guatemala City. From Guatemala City, a 3+ hour bus ride to Panajachel, and then a boat trip across Lake Atitlan to San Pedro La Laguna. Because the Sisters of Bethany arrange all transportation, everyone should take the same flight to Guatemala City and remain together throughout the trip. A current passport is required. No visa is necessary if you are a U.S. citizen.

 

• Participants are asked to contribute at least $350.00 per person for the week in addition to the airfare. The fee includes a shared room, board, and travel arrangements to and from the airport in Guatemala City. Other than your spending money, there are no additional expenses.

 

• Your contribution may be tax-deductible.

 

• Accommodations are at a small hotel in San Pedro. These are basic accommodations with two beds, electricity, and running water, two people per room. The Clinic is a 10-minute (uphill) walk from the hotel.

 

• The currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal, and the rate change on average is 7.5 Quetzals to a dollar.

 

• The temperature is mild year-round, high in the mid-70s, and cooler in the evening.

 

• The rainy season extends from May through October.

 

• The Convent, the Clinic, and the hotel have Wi-Fi and usually have a good cell phone signal.

 

YOUR LIFE WILL BE TRANSFORMED; YOUR FAITH WILL BE STRENGTHENED!