Antigua, Guatemala

A surgical and audiology mission destination since 2001, Antigua is our oldest and largest mission. The team annually travels to Hermano Pedro Hospital in late January for two weeks.

Antigua, a World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest Spanish settled cities in central America. The community reflects a mixture of Guatemalans as well as a significant as well as significant tourist activity. It is surrounded by several active volcanoes yielding a spectacular setting.

Hermano Pedro Hospital is a large facility with eight ORs. Our surgical programme is set once the professional make-up of the team is established, usually in late fall of the previous year. In a typical year, surgical specialties include gynecology, general surgery and ear, nose and throat (ENT). We also offer a Hearing Clinic at the hospital and services include hearing testing and the fitting and programming of hearing aids.

General Surgery

Many Guatemalans work in agriculture or other physical labour and hernias are a common condition. A hernia repair can get a patient back to work and providing for their family.

Gynecology Surgery

It is challenging for indigenous Guatemalan women to access gynecology health care. Our team provides essential surgeries that often ends years of discomfort and helps women return to their normal daily activities.

ENT Surgery and Hearing Clinic

Patients of all ages will sometimes travel long distances to visit our hearing clinic.

Children who suffer from hearing loss are unable to attend school and often experience social challenges. Through our program, we are committed to helping them integrate more fully into their communities. Surgeries include tonsillectomies (in children over age 2), adenoidectomies, septoplasties, and other procedures.

Antigua Mission

Our dedicated medical team worked tirelessly to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. We are happy to report that our mission was a success, with 130 individuals receiving the surgery and medical care they needed. In addition, our hearing clinic was able to provide 83 individuals with access to hearing aids. We are grateful for the support of our donors and volunteers who made this mission possible.

Next Mission: January 24 to February 8, 2025.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024

Join us

Medicos team arrives in Antigua with supplies.

Medicos team organizes the medical supplies that were brought from Canada.

What is an average day like?

The average day begins with an early morning start with at least 6 surgeries scheduled for the day. Surgeries are typically finished by 4 pm. In the evenings, volunteers enjoy their down time exploring the Antigua, a World Heritage Site, and try one of many nearby restaurants.

Guatemala Mission Newsletters

Our Guatemala Mission Newsletter is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about our surgery and medical care projects in Antigua. In it, you can find travel planning tips and key information for volunteers, and updates on our hospital and medical facilities in Antigua. See our most recent newsletters below or click the past newsletters button to view more.