Guatemala

November 5th-12th 2027

Veterinary Continuing Education

Volcanoes, colonial cities, unforgettable education, and extraordinary adventures.

Colorful buildings line a cobblestone street in a colonial town with a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky. Antigua Guatemala

Why Guatemala

Guatemala is a country where towering volcanoes overlook colorful colonial cities, coffee plantations stretch across the mountainsides, and one of the world's most beautiful lakes becomes the backdrop for meaningful learning. Every day combines veterinary education with authentic experiences that immerse you in the culture, landscapes, and people of this remarkable destination.

Experience Highlights

  • Backstage Zoo tour in Guatemala City

  • Chocolate creation experience

  • Local markets

  • Cultural city walk through Antigua

  • Cooking class

  • Traditional Culture

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival and welcome dinner

Day 2

Morning CE, Backstage tour of Guatemala City Zoo. Transfer to Antigua. Dinner with Dance of the Moors

Day 3

Morning CE, Chocolate Tour Workshop, Antigua City walking tour

Day 4

Morning CE, Community Cooking Class, free afternoon

Day 5

Morning CE, Transfer to Lake Atitlan with Solola Market Visit

Day 6

Morning CE, San Juan and Santiago Village tour

Day 7

Morning CE, Free day to enjoy the sites

Day 8

One last CE then transfer back to Guatemala City Airport

Continuing education

Deborah Aronson VMA CVMA

A woman with long, curly red hair smiling outdoors in autumn, wearing a gray coat and black scarf.

Dr. Deborah Aronson is a veterinarian, educator, and speaker whose work focuses on

helping veterinary professionals navigate the most emotionally complex moments in

practice with greater confidence, compassion, and clarity.

As the founder of three in-home euthanasia practices, the first in 2008, she is deeply

experienced in providing in-home hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life services for

companion animals. Her approach is shaped not only by clinical practice, but also by

formal training in clinical chaplaincy for humans, giving her a unique perspective on

communication, grief, and the relationships at the heart of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Aronson serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the University of Vermont's

Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate Program and is a

recurring guest instructor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary

Medicine. She has presented nationally and internationally for organizations including

the American Veterinary Medical Association (A VMA), the University of Pennsylvania

Annual Conference, the Utah and Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Associations, and

the International Association of Veterinary Students.

In addition to her teaching and speaking, Dr. Aronson has authored professional

publications on humane euthanasia techniques, developed continuing education

programs for veterinarians and veterinary teams, and collaborates on educational

initiatives that advance the field of veterinary hospice and palliative medicine. She

currently serves on the organizing committee working toward recognition of the

American College of Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Whether teaching veterinary students, technicians, or experienced clinicians, Dr.

Aronson is passionate about equipping professionals with practical communication

skills that strengthen client relationships, support team wellbeing, and elevate the

quality of end-of-life care.

End-of-Life Care in Companion Animals: From Comfort to Closure

End-of-life care is more than euthanasia. This program explores the clinical, procedural, communication, ethical, and practice-management skills veterinarians need to provide high-quality care from the first recognition of decline through aftercare and bereavement.

  • 12 hours of CE

  • RACE approved (approval pending)

  • Small group learning

  • Expert Speaker

  • Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary (or similar), based on twin-share occupancy

  • Private transfers and transportation as specified

  • Arrival meet-and-greet and departure assistance based on one group arrival and departure transfer

  • Sightseeing tours and admissions as included in the itinerary

  • Local taxes on accommodation and included services, based on current rates

  • Guatemala Zoo Backstage Tour with macaws, giraffes, and rhinos

  • Chocolate Tour Workshop at a coffee hacienda with hands-on cacao experience

  • Antigua City Walking Tour

  • Community Cooking Class

  • Transfer to Lake Atitlán with Solola Market visit

  • San Juan and Santiago Village Tour with textile cooperatives and Maximón visit

  • Dinner with Dance of the Moors in Antigua

What’s included

Trip Excludes

  • International and domestic airfares, airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and seat selection fees

  • Travel insurance, visas, and passport fees

  • Personal expenses and optional tours/activities

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Porterage unless noted

  • Early check-in and late check-out charges

  • City/resort taxes unless otherwise stated

  • Any future increases in taxes or fuel surcharges

  • Items not specifically listed under "Tour Price Includes"

Trip Price

Travel Package
$2,850 per person
Based on double occupancy

Single Room Supplement
+$1,290

Veterinary CE Registration
$950
12 hours of CE • RACE approval pending

Veterinarian attending CE: $3,800 + airfare based on double occupancy

Single room supplement (no roommate): $5090 + airfare

Non-veterinary travel companion: $2,850 + airfare based on double occupancy

CE registration is purchased separately from the Guatemala travel package. After registering for CE, you will receive an email within 24 hours from beyondscrubsvet@stephtravelsllc.com to complete the booking process.

Is this experience right for you?

This trip is designed for veterinary professionals who:

  • Love to travel

  • Prefer small groups

  • Enjoy authentic cultural experiences

  • Want more from continuing education

  • Value meaningful connections

FAQ

Ready to reserve your spot or learn more?