Guatemala Medical
Mission Trip
Wilderness and Travel Medicine Seminar
16 Hours Category I CME
February 7-13, 2011
A wheelchair can affect the life of a needy and disabled child in a profoundly positive way!
A wheelchair can affect
the life of a needy and disabled child in a profoundly
positive way!
About the Wheelchair Delivery
Project
The goal of this short - term, non-profit
medical mission trip is to donate and deliver
wheelchairs to needy disabled children in Guatemala.
It is estimated that at least 100 million children,
teens and adults worldwide need a wheelchair but cannot
afford one. Some international organizations believe
that the number could be as high as 6% of the population
of certain developing countries.
A wheelchair can truly make a profound
and life-changing difference in the life of a child.
This short-term medical mission trip was
designed so that physicians of all specialties,
along with their non-physician
families and guests can take an active role.
Wheelchair delivery is unique in that every person in
the group can take an active part in personal fitting,
instruction, and delivery of the wheelchairs to the
children. No prior knowledge is necessary---the
requisite wheelchair delivery and fitting skills will be
taught to the group on site in about 2-3 hours. The CME
participants, along with their spouses / guests can then
all be involved as a useful part of the delivery team.
You (and your family) will experience the joy of
personally delivering and fitting the wheelchairs to
disabled children.
The needy children are escorted from locations around
Guatemala by local volunteers from nearby cities to our
delivery site in Antigua.
The cost of each wheelchair (including the cost of
transporting the needy child to our delivery site in
Antigua) is around $250. This is through Hope Haven.org
, a non-profit. $500 of your trip cost on this
non-profit trip will be donated to the purchase of the
wheelchairs, so each attendee will be "sponsoring" all
of the costs for two needy children---and then you will
personally deliver and fit the wheelchair these two
children during our stay in Antigua.
Your spouses, children, or guests are welcome
to sponsor, deliver, and fit wheelchairs as part of our
"team."
During this short term medical mission trip, the
Wilderness Medicine CME lectures will take place each
morning and evening.
W'ell also have time to explore some of the fantastic
scenery and culture in this charming and beautiful part
of Guatemala.
Our hope is that this short
term medical mission trip will increase the awareness of
the needs and abilities of people with physical
disabilities, and also promote the joy of giving and
serving!
 Antigua, a charming colonial city!
Project / trip location: Antigua , Guatemala---an ancient and
picturesque colonial city with fantastic cultural and
natural beauty nearby.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrive in Antigua.
Check in to our hotel. Welcome reception and dinner. CME
lectures.
Day 2 - Half day guided walking
tour of Antigua. Touring beautiful cultural and
historic areas around Antigua. Afternoon free to explore
on your own.
Day 3 - All day guided trip to
spectacular Lake Atitlan (see below)
Day 4 - Guided trip to the
famous indigenous markets at Chichicastengo
(see below)
Days 5 - 6 (February 11-12)
Wheelchair delivery and fitting to needy,
disabled Guatemalan children
Group size max - 15 people
Day 7 - After breakfast Departure (or
begin optional post-trip excursion to Tikal, Coban, etc)
Trip cost: $1,995 per person (Course
cost includes lodging, most meals, and "included"
activities for the 7 days.)
Trip cost also
includes $500 donation per person which will ALL be
directly towards the cost of the wheelchairs (to
Hope Haven a
non-profit). Cost for the wheelchair and
transportation to the delivery site for one disabled
child is $250.00.
Single supplement: $400
Additional CME cost: $695 (16 Hours Category I
CME)
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For detailed itinerary or to register for
Guatemala Mission CME Trip please call
Bio Bio Expeditions at 1-800-246-7238
ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
Rich colonial
history, Mayan folklore, charm & adventure!
Antigua is among the worlds best
conserved colonial cities. It is a magical and
captivating small town that makes you feel time might
have stopped some 300 years ago. From its colonial
architecture to its beautiful surroundings, strolling
through town on the cobblestone streets, you will
experience the splendors of ancient times! The city was
once the third most important Spanish colony in the
Americas. More than 30 monastic orders called Antigua
home, leaving stunning monasteries, convents and
cathedrals in the town. Its setting is breathtaking,
nestled between three dramatic volcanoes: Agua, Fuego
and Acatenango!
Nestled between three volcanoes,
near many small colonial towns and Indian villages and
only an hour from the Pacific coast, Antigua is an ideal
city from which to base yourself for a few days and
partake in all sorts of adventurous sporting and
cultural activities without having venture too far. Try
an unforgettable hike up the Acatenango or Pacaya
volcanoes, mountain bike riding the cool green
highlands, take a guided city or culture tour, deep sea
fish the deep blue Pacific for Marlin and Dorado, or
simply relax under the sun... Great adventure, fauna,
flora and spectacular scenery await...
ANTIGUA'S HISTORY
Antigua Guatemala is a fascinating
place to visit today. Founded in 1543, as a Spanish
colonial capital of what is now Central America, it was
abandoned in 1773, leaving us most of the buildings from
the 17th and 18th centuries. It is truly a jewel of the
Americas offering something for all travel tastes.
Colonial history that is always present offers an array
of cultural activities including many art galleries and
exhibits, performing arts, popular arts, films, forums,
markets and cultural tourism in general.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
There is something eternally
charming about Spanish colonial towns, and Antigua is
the perfect example. It is among the worlds best
conserved colonial cities in the world. It is a magic
and captivating small town that makes you feel time
might have stopped some 300 years ago. From its colonial
architecture to its beautiful surroundings, strolling
through town on the cobblestone streets you will
experience the splendors of ancient times! There is much
to marvel at in Antigua... monuments, cathedrals,
culture, Indian markets, nature hikes, tours, cafs,
bars, great assortment of restaurants, night life,
etc...
Antigua's Treasures: Ruined
cathedrals, Baroque facades, Museums, Markets...
Antigua City Tour - Half
Day Tour ---Included
Well take a private 3 hour guided
walking tour of La Antigua, with an expert guide who
will share with you the many wonders of this city, once
the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas
& home to more than 30 monastic orders, stunning
monasteries, convents and cathedrals from the Spanish
colonial days. The tour consists of an informative walk
behind the walls of this colonial capital, focusing on
cultural trends, city history, restoration efforts and
the city today.
Spectacular Lake Atitlan
- Full Day Tour---Included
Well take a day tour of
breathtaking Lake Atitlan, a deep-blue volcanic crater
lake surrounded by three picture perfect volcanoes and
the colorful Maya villages resting on its shores.
Described as one of the most beautiful lakes
in the world by late British author Aldous Huxley, it is
definitely one of Guatemalas most spectacular natural
attractions. Spend the afternoon visiting
the lake side villages of Panajachel, Santiago, San
Pedro and St. Catarina Palopo - take a hike up one of
the three volcanos, kayak, scuba dive, etc. There are a
myriad of activities to enjoy at this amazing lake.
Chichicastenango - Full Day Tour -Included
The most famous and colorful indigenous
market in Central America!
Our private guide and driver will
take you on a truly memorable cultural experience.
Located at 2500 meters above sea level, Chichicastenango
is well known for its famous market days on Thursdays
and Sundays where vendors sell handicrafts, food,
flowers, pottery, wooden boxes, condiments, medicinal
plants, candles, pom and copal (traditional incense),
cal (lime stones for preparing tortillas), grindstones,
pigs and chickens, machetes, and other tools. In the
central part of the market plaza are comedores (small
eateries).
Among the items sold are textiles,
particularly the women's blouses. The manufacture of
masks, used by dancers in traditional dances, such as
the Dance of the Conquest, have also made this city
well-known for woodcarving.
About our Hotel during
our stay in Antigua
Hotel
Posada de Don Rodrigo is a place where
beauty encounters elegance, service, and great taste,
right in the heart of beautiful Antigua Guatemala. This
spectacular hotel, which in reality is three renovated
15th century colonial homes, one of which, "La casa De
Los Leones," is registered as a historic monument. All
the rooms are unique and distinct; no two rooms are the
same. Feel the magic from time the church bells begin to
toll, while enjoying a succulent breakfast and great cup
of world famous Antiguan coffee in its full service
restaurant, setting the pace for a great day ahead.
Hotel AMENITIES
- 35 single, double or triple rooms, each room with authentic baroque furniture
carved by genuine craftsmen of Antigua, ashed fireplaces, silent ceilings, are
additional surprises which await you
- Private bathrooms with hot and cold water
- Large full service restaurant area serving local and international cuisine
- Conveniently located in the middle of Antigua right under the famous arches
- Room service
- Internet, fax and telephone service available
CUISINE
A full service restaurant within the
hotel is available, preparing dishes of great, Antigua
tradition, as well as a select gourmet menu of
international cuisine. During lunch and dinner, the
cheerful sound of our authentic marimba will make your
dining experience a truly special one.
OPTIONAL TOURS
For info and reservations on
the optional tours below, please contact:
Tropical Discovery Services, Inc.
E-mail:
info@tropicaldiscovery.net
USA: (888) 575-1639 -
Guatemala: (+502) 4211-0297
France: +33 (0)1 58 28 56 22 - Germany: +49 (0)5205
607382
Tikal - Day Tour
Construction of Tikal began around
BC 300, although its most important poque was between
AD 200 - 900 - in what is known as the Classic Period of
the Mayan civilization. The temples at Tikal were built
to reach the sky, with the Temple of the Serpent
reaching 70 meters high and offering a magnificent view
of the rainforest canopy and other temples. The site
covers 16 square kilometers and contains over 3,000
structures. Tikal can be visited from Antigua in a day
trip - leaving in the morning and returning in the late
evening. Tikal packages include all transfers, flights,
entrance fees to the park, a bilingual guide, and lunch.
Price: $637 (1 pers),
$510 per person (2 pers.), $460 per person (3-4 pers.)
or $435 per person (5+ pers) including ground & air
transport, private bi-lingual guide, entrance fee and
lunch (without beverages).
Copan Ruins, Honduras -
Day Tour
After a quick transfer to the
airport in Guatemala City, a short 45 minute flight will
take you to Chiquimula and from there via private
transport across the border to the colonial village of
Copan - and the site of the some of the most interesting
Maya ruins yet uncovered. Copan is famous for having
been the "Paris of the Maya World," with an enormous
quantity of intricately carved statues, ornate temples,
and beautifully detailed "stelae" (carved stone
monuments).
Price: $530 per
person (3 pers. minimum) including ground & air
transport, private bi-lingual guide, entrance fees and
lunch. Border crossing fees not included.
* Please Note: Day
tours by private mini van also available at $250.00 (1-2
pers) $265.00 (3-4 pers) & $280.00 (5-9 pers) - 5 hr
drive each way. Price includes transport only.
Canopy - Half day tour
Enjoy an Antigua Canopy Tour within
the beautiful setting of Finca Filadelfia, just 10
minutes away from Antiguas city center. The tour lasts
an average of 3 hours. An Unimog Mercedes Benz vehicle
especially adapted for safe transportation will take you
up the mountains from where you will start your canopy
tour, offering spectacular views. Antigua Canopy Tours
consists of a series of platforms up in the trees linked
by horizontal double zip lines from one tree to another.
The guides that accompany you have been fully trained to
provide assistance to visitors to travel through the
system and you will begin your adventure with a short
introduction period.
Two different tours are available:
Forest Express & Canyon Express. Forest Express features
6 zip lines varying in length and height. This
unforgettable experience finishes with an assisted
rappel down from a tree 40 feet high. Canyon Express is
designed for adventure lovers: Enjoy the thrill of two
mega zip lines over the Canyon, almost 1700 feet long
each one at a height of 500 feet.
Price:
Forest Express: $50/person (children under 12: $35)
Canyon Express: $50/person
Forest & Canyon Express combination: $75/person.
Groups of 8 people or more: Forest OR Canopy Express:
$40/person; combination of both tours: $60/person.
Includes: Round-trip transportation from Antigua,
equipment and bilingual guide
* Guatemalans & nationals of Central
America get a $10 discount on individual tours; $5
discount on tour combinations and group rates (ID
required).
* Public tours leave at 8:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 12:20
p.m. and 1:20 p.m. from the Capuchinas Convent.
* Private tours can be arranged for groups of 10 persons
or more.
* Antigua Canopy Tours have been designed for all
visitors (age 5 years+) and do not require of a lot of
physical effort. Children younger than 12 years old
should be accompanied by adults.
Suggested Tours From
Antigua: Volcano hikes, biking tours, deep sea
fishing, culture tours... Nestled between three
volcanoes, an hour from the Pacific coast, two hours
from breathtaking Lake Atitlan, and dozens of authentic
Mayan villages, Antigua is an ideal city from which to
partake in all sorts of exciting adventure and cultural
experiences.
Faculty for Guatemala
Short Term Medical Mission CME course:
Gene Allred, MD Ashland, Oregon; Emergency Physician; whitewater guide for over 20 years; swiftwater rescue instructor; avid backpacker, canyoneering, backcountry skier, scuba diver, sea kayaker. Has taught wilderness medicine on six continents. Director of National Conference on Wilderness Medicine.
"Dr. Allred's Wilderness Medicine course is
excellent, well planned and flawlessly
executed... a wonderful course. It is both
interesting and practical for people who
spend time outdoors."
Janet Fenwick, CRNA Los Angeles
"Dr. Allred is just outstanding... such a
good speaker... warm, gracious and inclusive
of others. I might have graduated AOA from
med school if all the lecturers had been as
good."
Cynthia Payne, M.D., Radiology
Raleigh, NC
Joseph
B. Serra, M.D. ,orthopedic surgeon
from Stockton, Ca. He has been active as
faculty at Wilderness Medicine National
Conferences for over 25 years.
Dr. Serra has served the Rotary Foundation
as a volunteer orthopedic surgeon to Malawi,
Africa on eight tours; primarily performing
surgery on polio victims called crawlers.
He has received many awards including the
Service Above Self award, the Foundation
PolioPlus Pioneer award, and the
Distinguished Service Award of the Rotary
Foundation. Joe served as a Rotary Governor
of District from 1994-95.
He has also served as team physician for the
University of Pacific, the Milwaukee Brewers
farm system, and the Stockton Ports baseball
team.
Dr. Serra recently received the Lifetime
achievement Award from San Joaquin Medical
Society.
His favorite activities include skiing,
mountaineering, travel, and giving
power-point presentations about Rotarys
legacy to the world---the eradication of
polio.
For detailed itinerary or to register for
br>
Guatemala Mission CME Trip please call
Bio Bio Expeditions at 1-800-246-7238
