About this trip
Dr. Stuart Seides, physician chief executive of MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute (MHVI) and Anne Seides Vice President, Surgery, Orthopedics and Neurosciences at MedStar Health, invite you to join them in Guatemala for a journey beyond compare.
Engage in meaningful interaction and collaboration with healthcare professionals, academics, government, and community leaders focused on improving the healthcare infrastructure and delivery in Guatemala. Develop an appreciation of Guatemala’s response to health challenges through a mutual exchange with representatives from local hospitals and universities. Hosts may include local speakers as well as visit to facilities like the Hospitalito Atitlán and a local university such as Universidad de San Carlos (USAC).
Learn about the importance of alternative medicine and the role of the local “Birthlady” and Shaman in the indigenous Mayan communities. 45% of Guatemala's population is indigenous.
This journey is especially unique as we have partnered with a social enterprise, Ninos de Guatemala, who invest all their profits in the education of almost 600 children in Guatemala. Your participation directly supports their mission, and you will have an opportunity to see firsthand the amazing work they are doing.
Cultural highlights on this unique journey include: hiking an active volcano, exploring the colonial town of Antigua, a day trip to explore Tikal National Park, one of the world’s finest examples of pre-Columbian Mayan civilization and museum visits in Guatemala City. Journey to Lake Atitlan, once described as “the closest thing to Eden on Earth” by Lonely Planet and visit indigenous communities to learn about the cultural heritage and daily life.
Non-healthcare professionals are warmly welcomed on this journey and will enjoy privately guided cultural activities while the delegates are in meetings. Highlights for guests include a local cooking class, chocolate workshop and a visit to a honeybee farm in addition to the group activities mentioned above.
Download Itinerary HERE
Download program highlights HERE
What’s included
- Hotel AccommodationsHotels including daily breakfast
- Most MealsBreakfast & lunch daily, 4 dinners as described in the itinerary
- Local GuideLocal English speaking guide will be with you throughout
- Private local transportPrivate transport and driver as well as private boat transfers at Lake Atitlan
- 24/7 Travel SupportNanda Journeys team support before, during and after travel. 24/7 during travel.
- Professional Meetings10-20 hours of professional exchanges with your counterparts in host country
- Unique ItineraryNanda Journeys has designed this program exclusively for Stuart, Anne and their guests
- Community ImpactThis journey directly supports several small businesses and an NGO providing much needed economic support for their organizations.
- Most TipsTips for restaurants, local guides included
- Passport & VisasPassport application, renewal and visas (if applicable) are not included
- Alcoholic BeveragesMeals include soft drinks with alcoholic beverages being at your own personal expense
- MealsMeals not mentioned
- InsuranceTravel insurance is not included, but highly recommended. Nanda Journeys will provide recommendations
- TipsTips for national guide and hotel staff are not included. Suggested tipping $10-15 per day guide, $5-7 driver, $2-4 in room maid service.
- Personal ItemsAny item purchased at the hotel or restaurant which is not mentioned in the daily itinerary
- FlightsInternational flights not included. Nanda Journeys can assist with booking flights, or you can book your own.
Available Packages
By selecting this package you acknowledge flights are not included. Nanda Journeys can provide booking assistance with flights. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions HERE
** Nanda Journeys will endeavor to assist persons requesting a roommate, however, a shared room cannot be guaranteed. Participants will be contacted to confirm space in a shared occupancy room approx. 90 days prior to travel. If we are unsuccessful in finding a suitable roommate, the enrollee will be invoiced the applicable single supplement **
By selecting this package you acknowledge flights are not included. Nanda Journeys can provide booking assistance with flights. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions HERE
Itinerary
Journey to Guatemala, a country otherwise known as the “Land of Trees” and once referred to as the ‘closest thing to Eden on earth” by Lonely Planet. After claiming your luggage and clearing customs in Guatemala City, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to Antigua (about an hour away). {Flights not included, can be booked for an additional fee}
Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It’s renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, many of them restored following a 1773 earthquake.
The Good Hotel is a former private mansion and a small boutique hotel infused with minimalistic design and local touches. It has been chosen for its wonderful location and relaxed and friendly environment, but more importantly, for the unique and important role it plays in giving back to the local community of Antigua. All profits from the hotel go directly to funding three local schools that have been established to educate over 500 children in underserved communities in Guatemala.
Rooms feature traditional washing sinks, private patios and open-air showers. All rooms surround the inner garden and have a small writing desk, safe, coffee and tea amenities, luxurious towels, rain and hand-held shower, as well as organic bathroom amenities made locally.
Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening at Welten Restaurant.
Overnight: Good Hotel
Included Meals: Dinner
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY HERE