Population – 13 million, Area - 108,889 sq km (42,042 sq mi), Currency – Quetzales (GTQ; symbol Q) = 100 centavos, Flight times - From New York to Guatemala City is 5 hours 10 minutes and from Madrid is 11 hours 30 minutes, Cities – Guatemala City (capital), Flores, Santo Thomás de Castilla, Puerto Barrios, Quezaltenango, Escuintla, Time Zone – GMT-6, Weather - varies according to altitude, the coastal regions and the northeast are hot throughout the year with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F), Languages – Spanish and 22 indigenous languages, Religion - About 60% of the population is Catholic, most of the remaining population is Protestant, barring some indigenous communities that hold services combining Catholicism with pre-Columbian rites, Electricity - 115-125 volts AC, 60Hz; there are some regional variations; plugs are the flat two-pin American type.

The Republic of Guatemala is a country in Central America, in the south of the continent of North America, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast.

Except for the south coastal area, and the vast lowlands of the Peten in the north, Guatemala is mountainous, with a hot tropical climate more temperate in the highlands, and drier in the easternmost departments. All of the major cities are situated in the southern half of the country; the major cities are the capital Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango and Escuintla. The large lake Lago de Izabal is situated close to the Caribbean coast

Guatemala has approximately 10 million inhabitants, influences of the Maya and the Spanish colonists are strong throughout Guatemala. In the cities, European influence (especially German) is well evidenced. Much of the clothing and food is still made in the traditional Mayan way in small villages in the highlands, and many Mayan ruins can be found. Along the small Caribbean coast, there are influences of African culture in the religious ceremonial songs, dances and food.

Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites.

Guatemala's climate is lovely year round and makes travel possible at any time. The rainy season is generally from May to November. Climate variations are due to altitude, but it is generally hot throughout the country. The north has a hot, tropical climate with maximum rainfall between May and September. The coastal regions and north east are hot, with a dry (November to April) and rainy season, with temperatures averaging 68°F (20°C). The highlands, including Guatemala City and Antigua, have a pleasant climate with less rainfall than the coast, and cold temperatures at night.

Medical Tourism is also known as Medical Travel, Health Tourism, Health Travel, Medical Value Travel, Healthcare Abroad, Medical Overseas, Overseas Medical, Surgery Overseas, Medical Outsourcing and Offshore Medical. Medical tourism can be described as a healthy holiday. In most cases, medical tourists are not your average vacationers opting for medical or cosmetic treatment, just because it is available, but patients with significant health concerns for whom the cost of their health-care is a primary concern and the vacation aspect a secondary one. Indeed, someone needing medical or cosmetic treatment would not go abroad if the 'affordable healthcare' factor-quality of treatment, cost savings and wait time did not justify it. As long as you are healthy enough to travel, you stand to benefit from medical tourism’s offerings.

Medical Tourism is a combination of wellness and healthcare coupled with leisure and relaxation which is aimed at rejuvenating a person mentally, physically and emotionally, drawing away from his daily routine to a relaxed environment in an exotic location. Medical Tourism is the process of traveling abroad to receive superior medical, and cosmetic care by highly skilled surgeons at some of the most modern and state-of-the-art medical facilities in the world. This means that those who choose medical tourism are able to utilize the services of some of the top surgeons in the world, all while enjoying exotic locales and accommodations. Patients can put the money they are saving on the procedure into turning their journey into a magnificent, world-class retreat. For millions of patients, it is the only way to get the needed or desired medical treatment, without wiping out their entire life-savings.

Relative to its neighbors in Central America, Guatemala is a newcomer to promoting it s services internationally. However, it doesn’t take a back seat to any countries in Latin America regarding the quality of care and technology. There are many U.S. trained physicians that carry out different medical procedures every day. The current vice-president of Guatemala is a well known cardiologist in Houston, Texas.

Orthopedics, cardiology, cancer treatment, plastic surgery and dental treatment are medical procedures that are very well practiced in Guatemala.

Many private hospitals have state-of-the-art facilities and technology. There has been millions of dollars committed by the community leadership to provide such infrastructure.

Guatemala is a small country, lush and mountainous, that is graced with beautiful scenery, a rich indigenous culture, colonial history and important archaeological ruins. The country lies at the heart of the Mayan culture in Central America with remarkable Mayan sites scattered throughout the land, none more so than the magnificent ruins of the ancient city of Tikal, set deep within the jungle.

The Mayan villages of the highlands are spread amid the breathtaking scenery of smoking volcanoes and spectacular lakes, where ancient customs and traditions persist despite five centuries of European domination. Their culture is expressed through vibrant weekly markets, bright traditional clothing, fabulous handicrafts, different languages and colorful religious festivals. Lake Atitlán, a beautiful deep lake ringed by volcanoes and Mayan villages, is a remarkable place combining astounding scenery with traditional culture.

Guatemalan society is split between the traditional and the modern, each following their own path in a country sprinkled with remnants of a colonial past. Nowhere is the Spanish legacy more evident than in the charming city of Antigua with its cobbled streets, plazas and elegant fountains, and towering volcanoes as a backdrop. Interrelations between the Spanish and the native population produced a mixed population, the Ladinos, who have embraced their European heritage and are typically city folk.

A rough past provides a troublesome background to the country and its people. Inequalities between the Spanish-speaking Indians and indigenous cultures, and rich and poor, have been a source of tension and discord throughout the years. The violence caused by political differences has left thousands dead, while the devastation caused by earthquakes has left people homeless and in need of world aid. Despite this travelers are drawn to the intriguing mix of cultures and history set amid dramatic scenery, with extremely considerate people to show them the sights that Guatemalans are justifiably proud of.

Travel And Stay

Sightseeing

The two most popular cities that attract tourists are Guatemala City and Antigua. The latter is described as a fantasy land in which building codes are adhered to, trash is collected, power lines run underground, traffic is diverted, and stray dogs do not overrun the city. The city is therefore aesthetically gorgeous and is nestled in between three volcanoes making the view spectacular. The city is filled with students attending the language school and the hostels provide colonial-chic accommodations. Also, you will not be disappointed with the gastronomical offerings of Antigua, which are considered some of the best in the country.

Guatemala City is the largest City in Central America and is the center of the country’s politics, wealth, and power. Recently, some conservationists have worked to preserve the historic center and as a result, fashionable cafes and bars have opened in restored buildings drawing throngs of tourists and students alike. Also, the city is home to JardinBotanico (Botanical Gardens), which is fun for the whole family.

Outside of the major cities there are natural settings for travelers to enjoy. 30 minutes by car from Guatemala City is Lake Amatitlan, which has spectacular views of volcanoes and is the perfect setting for a barbecue, picnic, or boat trip. MixcoViejo is the site of important Mayan ruins and is one of the finest completely restored archaeological sites in the country.
Shopping

Shopping in Guatemala can be very rewarding. In Mayan towns, there are a plethora of colorful Mayan inspired, hand-crafted items such as tapestries, weavings, and paintings. Also available in markets throughout the country are leather goods, silver jewelry, ceramics, and jade. The most famous market is Chichicastenango (two hours from Guatemala City and Antigua), which is open on Thursdays and Sundays. This market has an impressive mix of indigenous groups and draws vendors from all over the country who sell a variety of items from ladies blouses to food. For luxury items, you can find expensive crystals and other high end goods in Guatemala City.

Visa / Entrance Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport but do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days in Guatemala. One extension of an extra 90 days is allowed without going through the visa process, which can be obtained at the Immigration Office.
Airlines Servicing this Destination

Guatemala has many airports, but the one most pertinent to medical tourists is La Aurora International in Guatemala City (GUA).

The following airlines have flights to Guatemala City:

• Air Canada
• Continental
• American Airlines
• COPA
• Iberia
• Spirit Airlines
• United
• Mexicana De Aviacion
• US Airways
• LACSA
• Delta
• AeroMexico
• Northwest Airlines

Hotels

A room in a budget hostel or guesthouse ranges from $14 to $30 USD per person per night in Guatemala City and $9 to $20 USD per person per night in Antigua. A room in a 3 star hotel costs between $50 and $135 USD per night for a double occupancy room. On the luxurious end of the spectrum, a 5 star hotels starts at $120 USD per night.