A Midwifery Study Tour of Colombia & Peru

South America

Colombia | Peru

4 August – 16 August 2025
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Starting with Colombia, you’ll explore this home to vibrant culture and intriguing colonial history. Then travel to Peru, where you’ll discover the renowned treasures and ancient Inca sites. This will be an immersive CPD journey that takes you from the Caribbean coast, through the Amazon and up to Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Outline

We are delighted to present our exclusive Midwifery CPD study tour for an unforgettable adventure through two of the most breathtaking countries in Latin America!

Starting with Colombia, you’ll explore this home to vibrant culture and intriguing colonial history. Then travel to Peru, where you’ll discover the renowned treasures and ancient Inca sites. This will be an immersive CPD journey that takes you from the Caribbean coast, through the Amazon and up to Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

During this 12 night CPD professional study tour you will combine a rich cultural experience with visits to local hospitals, NGO’s and charities, examining Midwifery, women’s health and traditional medicine, in countries where modern and traditional health care are widely practiced.

Your conference days will explore current midwifery trends as they pertain to the Australian and South American contexts.

How does working with women differ and how is it the same? Are the challenges encountered similar or different?

What cultural considerations influence care?

What can you take home to consider in your practice?

We will explore the science and art of midwifery in South America. We will consider available data on service provision and outcomes as well as the beautiful traditions practiced around motherhood on the other side of the South Pacific. Immerse yourself in learning about the way Midwifery works in Peru and Columbia and networking with like-minded Midwives in your profession.


Presenter:

LORIN VELTKAMP
BNSc, Grad Dip Mid, Master of Public Health

Lorin is a Registered Midwife currently employed at the Townsville University Hospital in Queensland. As well as practising clinically, Lorin is employed in multidisciplinary healthcare education.

Over the past twenty years, Lorin has held various clinical roles including that of Caseload Midwife in a Birth Centre, Clinical Midwife at a tertiary referral centre and Midwifery Educator. Her work has spanned the globe from Thursday island in Australia ‘s far north, to the Arctic Circle in Canada. Lorin has lead quality improvement activities, written clinical curriculum for online education modules and presented Internationally at conferences such as CAPWHN.

Her public health work has included roles in disaster management. Lorin also spent a few years working in pre- hospital care.

Lorin has lived and worked in the Middle East, Sub Saharan Africa and South America including more than a year in Peru. She knows Latin America well and looks forward to sharing your journey.

JASON DAWSON

Jason Dawson is from the Gold Coast, Queensland. Whilst studying his Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University he developed an interest in mental health and has worked in this field of nursing for many years since completing his studies in 2008.

In this time, Jason has undertaken varied roles including Acute Inpatient Nursing, Community Nursing, clinical facilitating and Nurse Unit Manager positions. In 2012,  Jason combined his passion for nursing with his love of travel and founded CPD Cruise Pty Ltd with the view to providing Nurses the opportunity to update and improve their skills in diverse and unique locations.

Lorin and Jason look forward to sharing not only their many years of clinical experience but also to facilitating opportunities for attendees to share experiences and challenges with each other. There will be lots of fun to be had within the learning environment.


The Program: The program content is provided by expert Educators with extensive clinical and education experience. Education at Sea combines quality education with fabulous travel adventures. We have taken a holistic approach to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure you get the most out of your education-travel experience.


Disclaimer: Sessions are correct at time of publication. Sessions are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers and EAS reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.

Itinerary

 

Day and Location Events
Day 1: 4th August 2024      Cartagena, Colombia

Unpack your bags at the Ermita Cartagena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Relax and enjoy a cocktail on their rooftop swimming pool bar.

Evening: 5pm to 6pm

Enjoy this opportunity to mingle with the other attendees at the complimentary drinks and registration function.

Day 2: 5th August 2024 Cartagena, Colombia

Conference Day: 

This session will welcome you to our conference and commence our education with a look at the culture of Midwifery.

-What is the culture of Midwifery in Colombia and how does it compare to where you work?
-What does the UNESCO recognition mean for Midwifery?
-What is our role in passing on traditions in healthcare?
-What traditions are passed on in Colombian communities?
-What are the threats to this knowledge?
-What is a traditional midwife?

We will explore the rich traditions of Colombia and explore the latest Australian data on birth outcomes and consider our role in promoting normal birth.

Morning Session: 11am to 1pm

Current challenges in Care:

This session will explore some the challenges Colombia uniquely faces in providing care including care for the refugee population from neighbouring Venzuela, ongoing internal displacements from conflict, and access to care for left behind groups, including those impacted by the Zika virus.

Lunch: 1pm to 2pm

Afternoon: 2pm to 5pm

This afternoon we will explore the current outcomes in Colombian pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care. We will take a deeper look at the demographics of cesarean section rates, abortion services and contraception use, adolescent pregnancy and recent changes to the legal framework of child marriage. We will compare and contrast current maternal and neonatal outcome measures.

We will also explore the current recommendations regarding the role of midwives in our world, by considering global sexual and reproductive healthcare workforce reports.

Day 3: 6th August 2024 Cartagena, Colombia

Reflection Day:

Take the day to explore and reflect on on the previous day’s content. Explore the historic Walled City of Cartagena. Wander through colonial architecture and sample the local food.

Afternoon: 4.15pm – 7pm Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a beautiful 2-hour sailing experience through Cartagena Bay while watching the spectacular sunset over the sea.

Inclusions:

-Typical local snacks
-One drink (with or without alcohol – a glass of wine or a beer)
-Additional drinks and services can be purchased onboard if
desired

Day 4: 7th August  2024 Cusco, Peru

Morning: 11am Transfer to airport

Flight times:

Cartagena to Lima
Departure time: 2:04pm
Arrival time: 5:45pm

Lima to Cusco
Departure time: 11:20pm
Arrival time: 12:45am

Day 5: 8th August 2024 Cusco, Peru

Free Day: Explore all that Cusco has to offer

Day 6: 9th August 2024 Cusco, Peru

Full Day: Visit to Hampi Warmi Project

Recovering women’s true feminine essence is the only thing that can genuinely bring sustainable “empowerment” back to women, as this has a direct effect on self-knowledge, more selfresponsibility towards our bodies, self-love and self-esteem, which are the basic drivers to making and sustaining positive changes in women’s reproductive health and lives.

A viable way in which Andean women of rural Peru can successfully defend their real agency in reproductive health has to be sustained by the following conditions: to have a solid cultural identity, a local women’s network that can support and empower each other and can advocate for the promotion and defense of women’s health rights, and the access to unbiased
information in reproductive health which is woman-centered.

Thus, Killa Warmi (Moon Woman in Quechua, Andean native language) Project was first created for Andean women and girls of Peru in 2008 as an intercultural reproductive health education project, as part of the vision of Hampi Warmi (Woman Medicine in Quechua) Initiative.

The goal of Hampi Warmi Initiative is to bring reproductive autonomy back to Andean-Quechua women, through reconnection with the sacredness of our female bodies and honoring of our Rites of Passage, the revaluing of our embodied female body-wisdom and of practices that sustain their women’s health in holistic ways, their connection to Pachamama, and strengthening of local female support networks.

All of these components are transversal to the workshops/wisdom sharings/ women’s circles on which the project is based, together with the project’s strong focus in the revitalization of Andean local feminine medical knowledge, which is sustained by Andean community midwives whose knowledge is now at risk by the current politics of Peru in public reproductive health.

Day 7: 10th August 2024, Sacred Valley
 

Cusco – Pisac – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We will be picked up around 7 a.m. and drive to Pisac to see the first Inca ruins of the tour. At Pisac you can see magnificent Inca remains. The ancient architecture and engineering of the Inca temples is breathtaking and will sweep you off your feet.

Our guided tour of Pisac lasts about 2 hours. Then we will head back to the valley to visit the most colorful and traditional local market in Cusco region and where you can buy traditional textiles at low prices.

After our visit to the market our sightseeing continues as we drive along the beautiful Sacred Valley. Our next destination is Urubamba. we’ll arrive there at around 12 p.m. In this stunning town you will have the opportunity to choose one of the many delicious local restaurants to have lunch at (not included).

From Urubamba it‘s 30 minutes drive to get to the last Inca ruins on our tour, known as Ollantaytambo (Inca palace). This ruin was built with pink granite rocks and is another impressive example of Inca craftsmanship. Here you can see the second biggest rock from the Inca times (90 tons) which was used as part of the Temple of the Sun. we will have a guided tour of the site.

After we will head to the train station, which is 15 minutes by foot. We will take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. During the trip you will see many glaciers and snow-capped peaks, lush, green valleys and Incan farming terraces on both sides of the valley.

Day 8: 11th August 2024 Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

You will have breakfast at your hotel and then we will take a very early bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu, the Inca city that was lost to the jungle but rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop the citadel is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba River. Once there you will be given a 2-hour guided walking tour of the site. Our expert guide who will explain the history of this ancient Inca citadel will make you back in the time by taking you to the most interesting areas of the citadel. After your Machu Picchu tour, you will have some time to be at Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.

Upon return to Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy. From Ollantaytambo or Poroy you will travel by minivan to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel.

Day 9: 12th August 2024 Amazon Jungle
Morning: 6am Transfer to airport – Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
 
Departure time: 8:20am
Arrival time: 9:10am
 
Upon arrival at our lodgings we will be welcomed with a delicious refreshment made with fruits of their region, then you can access your bungalow to leave your belongings and get ready for an introductory walk around our lodge.
 
Lunch: We will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our expert cook.
 
Afternoon: Adventure Circuit
 
After lunch, we will have a brief rest before heading to our hanging bridge to gear up with our safety equipment and begin ur extreme adventure activities. The hanging bridge spans approximately 200 metres, offering a chance to observe giant ants, birds, and other insects from the Amazon rainforest along the way. Our guide will provide professional explanations about these species.
 
BOAT RIDE AND CAIMAN SEARCH
 
In the afternoon, after experiencing maximum adrenaline, we will embark on a rustic/artisanal boat for a ride through the waters of the Tambopata River. During this ride, we will have the opportunity to observe birds, parrots, and herons in the sky above. We will move slowly to increase our chances of spotting species that live around the rivers.
 
We will wait for the sunset on the Tambopata River, giving us the chance to witness one of the best sunsets in the world. The interplay of the sky’s colours, the shadow of the giant trees, and the reflection on the river’s water creates a truly spectacular scene.
 
Once night falls completely, we will search for caimans along the shores of the Tambopata River. We will have the privilege of seeing various types of caimans that inhabit this river. We’ll observe them closely, with the possibility of capturing one, taking photos with it, and then returning it to its natural habitat.
 
This interaction with wild species will undoubtedly be one of the best experiences you’ll have in the Amazon jungle. Additionally, if we are fortunate, we may encounter a family of capybaras, the largest and heaviest living rodents in the world. These animals often move in large groups and are very calm and passive, allowing us to capture incredible photographs.
 
DINNER
 
After an afternoon full of good adventures, we will taste a delicious dinner made by our expert cook who will be delighted with the flavors made with local ingredients, cultivated in our lands.
 
Day 10: 13th August 2024 Amazon Jungle

We will leave early, around 4:30, to take advantage of the sunrise at the Tambopata River.

TAMBOPATA RESERVE (LAKE SANDOVAL)

We will board a traditional boat to head to the Tambopata Reserve. We will navigate the Tambopata River for about an hour and will be able to observe birds throughout the journey. We will also observe the union of the two main rivers of this region (Tambopata River – Madre de Dios River).

Upon arriving at our destination, at the entrance to the Tambopata Reserve, we will start a walk of approximately 40 minutes. Along the way, we will see giant trees, medicinal plants, monkeys, birds, insects, rodents, and reptiles. This reserve is one of the most important in Peru, as it has a record of over 1000 bird species.

Upon arriving at the lake, we will board a rustic rowboat. Our guide will row on the lake, where we can observe macaws, herons, taricayas, black caimans, anacondas, and the largest otter in the Amazon (river wolf), some specimens of which are currently endangered. After seeing the great biodiversity, we will return to our lodge for lunch and enjoy some rest in the afternoon.

BONFIRE OR NIGHT WALK

When night falls, we will have a bonfire where we can share anecdotes and mysterious stories experienced in the jungle. We will also taste a small exotic drink made from roots of the most well-known and medicinal plants of the region. Alternatively, we can take a night walk to search for wildlife in the forest, depending on the group’s preference.

Day 11: 14th August 2024 Lima, Peru

PARROTS OBSERVATION AND SUNRISE VIEW

We will wake up very early to prepare for an incredible experience: a festival (show) of various types of parrots inhabiting this Amazon region. We will embark and travel by land or river for approximately one hour from our lodge. This experience will be unique and unforgettable. We will enjoy the sunrise and listen to the songs of insects and Amazonian birds. For bird enthusiasts, this is a grand celebration as these parrots can only be seen in the Amazon.

Upon arrival, we will observe a large number of parrots gathering every morning at the clay wall, ready to continue their diet. The minerals in the clay they consume are essential for their nutrition and detoxification. It is recommended to maintain a safe distance to avoid startling or threatening the parrots.

BREAKFAST

We will enjoy a continental breakfast and then provide instructions for the activities planned for the rest of the morning.

Forest Walk

We will walk for approximately one hour, observing a variety of trees, medicinal plants, and tasting wild fruits along the way. During the hike, we will also see wild animals such as monkeys, birds, squirrels, sloths, and snakes. We will have the opportunity to see a specimen of Brazil nut tree, one of the most significant and majestic trees of this Amazonian rainforest, as it is unique to Peru’s Madre de Dios region.

Morning Session: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Today we will explore demographic data on midwifery care in Peru. We will compare causes of death and look at strategies implemented to address these. Peru is making advancements in maternal and neonatal care outcomes that are the envy of other Middle income countries. We will also explore the human rights framework for obstetric violence and how this applies to Australia and Peru

We will explore research and testimonies from Australia and consider accounts of sterilisations without consent. We will also look at the current research on ethnobotanicals and their role in women’s healthcare.

Afternoon: 1:30 PM Transfer to airport – Puerto Maldonado to
Lima.

Day 12: 15th August 2024 Cartagena, Colombia

Morning: 6am Transfer to airport – Lima to Cartagena

Departure time: 9:20am
Arrival time: 12:56pm

Afternoon: Free time to relax or explore Cartagena

Day 13: 16th August 2024 Cartagena, Colombia We say our final goodbyes – Safe Travels

For information relating to pricing, bookings, flights and travel insurance please complete the booking enquiry box or email enquiries@educationatsea.com.au


Itinerary Disclosure: Itinerary, topics and Education program are subject to change without notice.

Presenter Disclosure: Education at Sea makes every effort to ensure the advertised presenters deliver the program. However in the unlikely event a presenter is unavailable Education at Sea reserves the right to use a suitably qualified substitute presenter.

International Flights & Travel Insurance

We are happy to provide airfare and travel insurance quotes upon request for any travel needs. There is no obligation.

Booking your airfare and travel insurance with Travel Direct Australia/Education At Sea provides the convenience of having all your travel plans organized under one roof. This also comes with the advantage of having all your associated travel costs on a single statement of account.

Please email travel@traveldirectaustralia.com.au or note it on your booking form that you would like a quote.


DISCLAIMER: Any amendment, cancellation etc. fees are subject to carrier terms and conditions. Travel Direct Australia will not be held responsible for any financial loss due to cancellation from unforeseen circumstances. We strongly recommend you take out travel Insurance at the time of booking.

Bookings can be held for 24 hours, we issue the ticket the same day payment is received. Prices are subject to change if payment is not received within this time.

 

Pricing
  A Midwifery Study Tour of Colombia & Peru –  Why not invite a friend or colleague to join you!
Twin Share $5990 per person 
Single Supplement (Own room for one) $1150 per person

A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is required to confirm your booking with the final payment date due on the 4th April 2025.

*Prices are subject to change, Education at Sea and Travel Direct Australia has reserved the right to re-cost pricing in the event of significant currency fluctuations.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL: 4

Significant amounts of walking on uneven surfaces is required to enjoy many of the sites and attractions we will visit. We recommend this tour only for those with good levels of fitness and mobility.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:
  • Accommodation, including breakfast in Cartagena
  • Welcome drinks reception
  • Cartagena Sunset Cruise including Drinks
  • Flight from Cartagena to Cusco
  • Accommodation, including breakfast in Cusco
  • Vistadome train ride to Aguas Calientes
  • 1 Night accommodation and dinner in Aguas Calientes
  • The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour
  • Lodge accommodation in the Amazon Jungle
  • Entrance fees to the National Reserve of Tambopata
  • 2 kilometer guided hike through the jungle searching for monkeys, brown agoutis, and butterflies as you learn about the trees and plants which grow there
  • Visit Lake Sandoval
  • All transport within tour
  • Lunch or dinner as mentioned per itinerary
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS:
  • An extensive program based on current best practice
  • Dedicated Space for expert presentations and reflection
  • Coffee breaks and lunches on presentation days
  • Education content that meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian program
  • Presenters that are excited to be able to share their skill, knowledge, and passion with Attendees
  • An online library filled to the brim with educational content that allows you to create your own learning experience
  • A Registration Reception including complimentary drinks where you can meet other Attendees and network with Convenors and Presenter/s
  • A locally sourced handcrafted Cambodian Welcome pack and additional information to support a fantastic study tour experience
  • A Transcript reflecting all education sessions, presentations and hospital/health centre site visits
  • A Certificate of Completion identifying the CPD hours attached to the Program for you to include in your CPD Evidence Portfolio
EXCLUSIONS
  • Flights to and from Australia
  • Meals & Drinks not mentioned
  • Transfers from and to international flights from Australia
  • Travel insurance

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS:

“You” and “Your” means all persons named in a booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). “We”, “us”, “our” and “EAS” means CPD Cruises Pty Limited trading as Education at Sea.

BOOKINGS: A booking request is accepted when we issue a statement of account showing your deposit paid. It is at this point that a contract between us and you comes into existence subject to these Booking Conditions. We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion. No employee of ours other than a director has the authority to vary or omit any of these Booking Conditions or to promise any discount or refund.

SERVICES: We commence providing services to you as soon as your receive your statement of account. This includes significant work undertaken prior to travel to arrange and coordinate the delivery of your travel arrangements. The services we provide to you are limited to (a) the arrangement and coordination of your travel arrangements; and (b) the delivery of travel arrangements which we directly control.

PRICES & EXCLUSIONS: Prices stated are in Australian Dollars and are current at the time of publication. We reserve the right to vary the cost of your travel arrangements prior to commencement for circumstances beyond our control such as the imposition of fuel surcharges or new or amended Government charges. We also reserve the right to vary the cost of your travel arrangements due to currency fluctuations. However, we will not vary the cost for currency fluctuations once full payment has been received. The price includes your CPD education fee, accommodation, regional and domestic flights, transportation and other inclusions as per the published itinerary. International and airport/hotel transfers are not included unless specifically stated. Costs associated with passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, meals (other than those stipulated), emergency evacuation costs, gratuities, and all items of a personal nature are not included.

DEPOSIT: A $600 deposit per person is required to confirm your booking. Please note that we may not hold any services for you until we receive payment of your deposit, meaning that services may become unavailable or prices may increase, in which case you will be responsible for paying the increased price, and we will not be responsible if services become unavailable.

FINAL PAYMENT: Payment in full must be received by the 4th April 2025. If you fail to make payment by the due date, we will remind you to make payment. In addition to the payment, you will also be responsible for any costs imposed on us by suppliers resulting from late payment. If we do not receive payment within 7 days after the reminder, you will be deemed to have cancelled your booking.

CANCELLATION TERMS: You may cancel your booking by giving written notice to us. All deposits are non-refundable due to services offered commencing at the time of booking confirmation. Should you cancel after the final payment date or no show 100% of the booking value is non-refundable.

CLIENT NAMES – EXACTLY AS PER PASSPORT: For security reasons, airlines and our overseas suppliers require names to be given exactly as stated in your passport. If you do not advise the correct information and we have to re-issue airline tickets or other documentation, then you will be responsible for any fees charged (such as airline cancellation charges or re-issue fees) in addition to our own reasonable administration fees.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: It is strongly encouraged that you are adequately insured for the duration of your trip. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation, medical requirements, luggage and additional expenses. We strongly suggest you purchase insurance at the time you pay your deposit. For an non obligation quote please email travel@traveldirectaustralia.com.au.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & VACCINATIONS: It is a requirement that you hold a valid passport with sufficient validity and any required visas for your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the necessary documentation to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries to be visited. It is also your responsibility to obtain vaccinations that are required for the countries we are visiting, please enquiry with your local physician for advice regarding vaccinations.

ACCOMMODATION: Due to the dynamic nature of the travel industry, we may need to substitute hotels and transport options. We will endeavour to minimise substitutions. You acknowledge that these substitutions will not be considered a significant change.

IMAGE USE: When on tour, we may take photographs or make recordings of activities that identify you. We reserve the right to use any images and/or recordings for promotional and marketing purposes. You consent to this use and acknowledge you will not be entitled to any payment or other compensation. If you do not consent to the use of your image or likeness, please advise us before the CPD Study tour commences..

 

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