While we are not an NGO, your time and any dental resources donated locally have value. We will help you qualify your tax-deductible contributions by providing you with a Certificate of Participation. In addition, materials and resources donated can be qualified as tax-deductible through our partners. We will also document any hours necessary to obtain Continuing Education credits.

In addition to an incredible experience of travel and giving back in the beautiful country of Nicaragua, your inclusions are:

• All Accommodation
• All Meals
• In-country transport as related to your itinerary
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Cultural excursions and local visits, including recreational
• Certificate of Participation
• NicaRisas Shirt

Travel Insurance and flights, but we can help you organize those if you need. Reach out to Christy at Christy@venture-within.com

Unfortunately, because we are not able to retrieve deposits made on your behalf on our end, if you cancel, you will not receive a refund.

The NicaRisas Programs are small and intimate to create a long-lasting and memorable impact – for you and the communities in which you will serve.

The 5-day Outreach Programs are limited to 3 visiting dentists, alongside Dr. Brannon, with Christy as your all-around support, which is a total of 5 participants in the daily activities. You will be working with potentially hundreds of locals during your outreach days.

The 7-day Outreach Programs are limited to 1 visiting dentist, traveling alongside Dr. Brannon to northern areas in Nicaragua, totaling 2 dentist professionals for the 7 day experience.

We will provide you with details about your retreat location, the local community, and the items you should pack once your placement has been secured. The following list is a good place to start:

• Dental resources to use for your practice, and anything you would also like to donate and leave behind. We will be in touch with you once you’ve signed up to establish what dental materials this could consist of.
• Small travel bag
• Clinical loops, personal clinical gloves, and any other type of PPE you may require.
• Sunscreen 30+ is recommended
• Insect Repellent. Our retreat locations are in gorgeous tropical locations, which is a favorite for mosquitoes. It is recommended that you bring repellent such as “Off! Deep Woods”, DEET (30%), or other lotions that will protect your skin from insect bites.
• Waterproof jacket (especially for the Aug/Sept program dates, as this is rainy season in Nicaragua.)
• Comfortable flip flops
• Running shoes
• Swimsuit
• Jeans
• Light Jacket
• Sunglass/Hat
• Casual/Dressy clothes for a night out. Please note, dressy clothes can be worn with flip flips if you feel.
• Toiletries. These should include soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other personal items. For female participants, your brand of feminine products may be difficult to find in pharmacies near our retreat locations, so we advise you to prepare accordingly.
• Lip balm (SPF encouraged)
• Basic first aid kit including Band-Aids, antiseptic, anti-itch cream, pain reliever medicine, tissues
• Personal medications
• Allergy medication (personal option)
• Dramamine or other motion sickness preventative (personal option)
• Re-usable water bottle
• Journal/Writing Pen
• Chargers for phone, laptop

Nicaragua has no real winter period, and the sun shines here throughout the year. With over 12 hours of sunshine a day, the sun rises at about 5 am and sets at about 6 pm consistently throughout the year. During February, the climate is fairly dry.  During the May – September months, there is regular rainfall, but usually the days are a mix of hot sunny days with rain in the afternoon to turn the jungle and hillsides a beautiful emerald green. November and December usually see no rain, and the climate is just about perfect.

While some level of Spanish is ideal, there will be English throughout your trip. Feel free to brush up on a few phrases if you like, but you will definitely pick up the basics during your experience. “Buenas dias” (good day) is always a good place to start.

We take every measure possible to ensure the safe facilitation of each retreat. Without health and safety, the successful completion of each retreat just wouldn’t be possible. Your health and safety is the first and most important step.

• All participants are supported with departure planning and preparation and are thoroughly briefed on health and safety concerns, destination information, local language, and climate prior to departure via emails and Zoom calls.
• Our team is highly experienced in managing groups of professionals travelling in developing countries, with extensive experience navigating any physical or travel challenges that may arise.
• In addition, we carry First Aid kits with us at all times and we have knowledge of the closest source for medical care​
• Our local in-country representatives provide assistance to all NicaRisas groups in every situation, including logistical challenges as well as illness.

We do our best to look after each participant, so if you have further questions about our health and safety procedures, please feel free to send an email to christy@venture-within.com, and we’ll be sure to reach out and alleviate any concerns you may have.

As an American passport holder, no. You will need to be a $10 entry fee at the immigration desk upon arrival, which grants you 90 days in the country.

In order to participate in the program, it is highly recommended that you be sure you have international travel insurance that includes unlimited medical coverage. Check with your healthcare provider or credit card company to see what options they have for you.

If you would like temporary travel insurance while abroad, we recommend Genki.