Mexico is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is surrounded on the north by the US, on the south and west by the North Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico. The “United Mexican States” is a federation comprising of 31 states and a federal district, the capital Mexico City, is one of the world s most populous cities.

With an estimated population of 109 million, it is the 11th most populous country and the most populous Spanish speaking country in the world. As the only Latin American member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) since 1994, Mexico is firmly established as an upper middle-income country.

Today, Mexico is a traveler's paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialized cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, deserted beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna.

This mix of modern and traditional, clichéd and surreal, is the key to Mexico's charm, whether your passion is throwing back margaritas, listening to howler monkeys, surfing the Mexican Pipeline, scrambling over Mayan ruins or expanding your collection of posable Day of the Dead skeletons.

Mexico is enjoyable year-round, but October to May is generally the most pleasant time to visit. The May-September period can be hot and humid, particularly in the south, and inland temperatures can approach freezing during December-February. Facilities are often heavily booked during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and Christmas/New Year, the peak domestic travel periods.

Mexico's climate has something for everyone: it's hot and humid along the coastal plains, and drier and more temperate at higher elevations inland (Guadalajara or Mexico City, for example). Try to avoid the southern coast between July and September - the resorts are decidedly soggy and jam-packed.

Currency

Name: Mexican Peso (Peso)
Exchange rate: Go to www.gocurrency.com

Monterrey

Mexico’s third largest city, Monterrey is one of the leading industrial and financial centers of Mexico. Located in the northern part of the country, the city is very accessible by air from any international location. In addition, its entrepreneurial character has earned it world-wide prestige.

Monterrey is a very versatile city, and there is much more to it than just business and industry. A modern, well-planned city that is easy to navigate and full of cultural offerings, Monterrey is populated by friendly and helpful people who are eager to present their city as the most advanced in Mexico. Monterrey was ranked as the most secure city in Latin America and Mexico in 2005 and one of the two most secure in 2006.

Monterrey's population of over one million (three million in the urban area) is the most educated in Mexico and the city on a per capita basis has more colleges, universities and institutes of technology, than any other Mexican city. Another example of this city's progressive stature is the fact that over twenty per cent of Mexico's computers are said to be located in Monterrey.

There are a number of nearby attractions to attract tourists, especially those interested in a vacation complimented by all of the amenities that are associated with the convenience that a large city offers. Quality restaurants, modern shopping malls, numerous museums and cultural attractions abound here. The mountains, canyons and desert that surround the city offer pleasant diversion and a wide variety of tourist activities, many of which are not readily available anywhere else in Mexico. Some of the Mexico's best hiking, mountain biking, cave exploring and nature areas are located within fairly close proximity to the city. A visit to Monterrey is sure to surprise even the most accomplished traveler. Tourists often overlook this charming city, opting for the beach resorts and the promotional popularity of other Mexican cities. As word of Monterrey spreads, this should change. Tourism has become more prevalent in recent years, as traveling businessmen spread the word about Monterrey and even return to vacation with their families.

The city is served by the General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (moving more than 5.25 million passengers in 2006). There are many non-stop flights to key US hubs (Atlanta, Chicago-O’Hare, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles and Houston-Intercontinental). There is also non-stop service to Madrid, Spain.

More information when visiting Monterrey…

Spanish is the official language of Mexico. English is a secondary language.

Its weather, though reasonably pleasant in spring and autumn, is hot in the summer; the average high reaches 35 °C (95 °F) in August, with an average low of 23 °C (74 °F).

Winters are cool but not cold. The average January high is 19 °C (67 °F) and the average low in January is 8 °C (48 °F); however, temperatures below freezing are exceedingly rare. Rainfall is scarce, but more prominent during May through September. Humidity in winter can be high, although without showers. Snowfall is a very rare event.

Passport is required for entrance from the US.

Chihuahua City

Chihuahua City ("chi-WAH'-wah") is the capital city of Chihuahua state. Although the population of the city is less than 750,000, the state is the largest in Mexico with over a quarter of a million square kilometers of territory. Chihuahua occupies nearly 13% of Mexico's total land space. It also shares a long land border with the USA. Although the state capital of Chihuahua provides the eastern terminus of the Copper Canyon train, it has not really been part of the Mexican tourist trail in the past; ignored by some guidebooks and distanced from the cluster of cities in Mexico's colonial heartland, Chihuahua has been overlooked by many people who visited Mexico's other colonial cities.

It is nevertheless, a very important city in Mexico: its wealth built on agriculture and industry which still thrive here. It's also one of Mexico’s most important historical centers. Chihuahua's atmosphere is truly Mexican and deeply patriotic, which adds remarkably to the sense of history found here. Its remoteness from the traditional colonial heartland means that it hosts fewer tourists than its counterparts; although a tour of Mexico's colonial heritage, without including Chihuahua, would be incomplete. Chihuahua's colonial center is filled with handsome colonial buildings, mansions and palaces - most are open to the public - and also has some fine museums, including the ex-houses of two of Mexico's most famous leaders.

Surrounding Chihuahua City are a number of areas of outstanding natural beauty which lend themselves to adventure and eco tourism, something the local government here is actively promoting.

This is a city with an authentic Mexican feel, a friendly atmosphere, important historical significance and a selection of fine attractions. A stay of 1 or 2 nights here, either as part of colonial city tour, an adventure holiday, perhaps as part of a copper canyon train ride, will be rewarded with your discovery of a true hidden gem within Mexico's rich colonial heritage.

Chihuahua is served by Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport.

More information when visiting Chihuahua…

Spanish is the official language of Mexico. English is a secondary language.

Chihuahua City sits at a reasonably high altitude of 1,500 meters (4,800ft) above sea level. Because of its arid, inland location, it is hot and dry most of the year. Mexico's rainy season does not really affect this area.

Passport is required for entrance from the US.

Patient Logistics Coordinator

Noemí Villanueva is an International Patient Logistics Coordinator at CHRISTUS Muguerza Hospital in Monterrey, México. As a patient logistics coordinator, Noemi enjoys assisting international patients, facilitating the medical travel process, and making sure patients feel comfortable and ‘at home’ during their stay in Monterrey. Patients arriving in Monterrey will exit the customs area of the airport to be welcomed personally by Noemi. As an exemplary ambassador to international patients, Noemi’s natural warmth and energy provides an excellent welcome to care at CHRISTUS Muguerza.

Noemi’s professional experience includes journalism, public relations, and marketing in a broad array of media, having served as a Public Relations Manager, Editor, Assistant, and Reporter in magazines, radio, and TV. She is an extrovert and plays an active role in the community through her coordination of large events and committees, which have included:

• “Promotion and Sales Committee” at the 2005 International Congress of Entrepreneurs and Business Incubators
• “Program of Socially Responsible Leaders” organized and sponsored by corporations COPARMEX and SELIDER
• “The Youth Institute Seminar of Competitiveness” organized through a public and private partnership, including ITESM, COPARMEX, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security
• AIESEC Committee, Human Resources

Given Noemi’s lifelong interest and dedication to social programs and volunteering, Noemi is a natural fit at CHRISTUS Muguerza. Noemi has helped communities in rural Mexico through her active participation in a variety of social programs. Noemi also enjoys volunteering to help Children’s Cancer Associations.

Noemi earned her Marketing degree at ITESM Monterrey Campus and has international experience gained from her study abroad at the University of Economics in Prague, Czech Republic.

Internacional Patient Coordinator

Gabriela Ivette Garcia Manjarrez is an International Patient Logistics Coordinator at CIMA Hospital in Chihuahua, México.

Her experience is as follows:

March 2005 up today CIMA HOSPITAL, CHIHUAHUA

Public Relationship Chief

• Corporative patient care planning and supervision
• Planning and organizing patients’ relocation to domestic and international destinations
• In charge of organizing cultural, social and scientific events
• Lead the customer service staff’s activities and support their proceedings with patients and their families.
• Provide guidance to patients and family members in regards to hospital procedures.
• Responsible for complaints and suggestions handling from patients and relatives
• Responsible for the evaluation of customer satisfaction

August 2004 – March 2005 CIMA HOSPITAL, CHIHUAHUA

In charge of: Payroll, monthly closings and Infonavit and IMSS payments
Head of the Payroll Department

October 2000 – August 2004 CIMA HOSPITAL, CHIHUAHUA

Human Resources Coordinator, in charge of:

• New staff members’ induction
• Monitoring contracts and receipts for medical fees
  
• Organizing social events, cultural and sports events
• Coordinator of the Safety and Hygiene Commission
• Recruitment and personnel selection
• Supervise staff transportation service
• Coordinate the English program certification
• Assist training courses’ supervision and planning

Hampton Inn- Galerias Obispado

Hampton Inn is a leading brand of quality, value-priced hotels. Here you'll find clean, fresh, comfortable rooms standard with a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and complimentary in-room movie channel. Enjoy complimentary local calls and no surcharge for using a calling card. Guests also enjoy the following complimentary items: On the HouseTM hot breakfast, Hampton's On the RunTM breakfast bags (Monday-Friday), high speed internet access in every room, wireless internet access in the lobby and more.

Marriott Courtyard-San Jeronimo

Courtyard Monterrey San Jeronimo is located in Monterrey's residential area, only five minutes from the major financial, corporate, and medical centers, and just steps away from the city's most exclusive shopping malls and restaurants.

The property is about 40 minutes from the international airport of Monterrey, a beautiful city that combines natural beauty and powerful industry, both key factors in Mexico's economy. With the quality standards and excellent service of the Marriott chain, Courtyard Monterrey San Jeronimo has a helpful staff, high speed internet access and a business center to stay in touch. There are 167 luxurious and comfortable guestrooms uniquely designed. They are equipped with facilities to help you relax with internet and pay-per-view movies. The benefits of staying in a Courtyard hotel and enjoying the service, the style, and the standards of the Marriott chain are endless. Enjoy such services as money exchange, a on-site laundry, and room service. At Courtyard Monterrey San Jeronimo we know that a balanced life is essential, thus when it comes to relaxation we offer a refreshing swimming pool with lounge chairs, for relaxing and unwinding after a busy day. The hotel features a restaurant with a comprehensive menu of international dishes, and there is also a lounge bar, perfect for relaxing after a busy day.

Hampton Inn-Chihuahua City

When you visit our hotel in Chihuahua City, right away you'll notice the blend of local and European influences. Whether you stroll the historic streets and explore the elegant 19th century plazas or visit the modern museums and recreational areas near our Chihuahua City hotel, there's something for everyone. Located 15 minutes away from the hospitals, or if you're looking for a Chihuahua City hotel in the new residential and shopping zones, we are here for you. Also available is free Internet-WIFI, gym and pool area for your convenience.You get the great comfort of our famous “Cloud-nine” beds as well as complimentary breakfast and cocktail hour.

Christus Muguerza Hospitals

Founded more than 70 years ago, Christus Muguerza is the first hospital in Mexico to receive JCI accreditation. Christus Muguerza’s hospitals are located in Monterrey about 160 miles south of the US/Texas border.

Since 2001, the Group has been affiliated with CHRISTUS Health, a faith-based, non-profit health system based in Dallas, TX that is comprised of 40 hospitals, in-patient and long-term care facilities as well as dozens of clinics, physician offices and healthcare services in more than 70 cities in North America.

CHRISTUS Muguerza integrates more than 70 years of medical services and a commitment to innovation which, combined with its affiliation to CHRISTUS Health, a leading Catholic health system in the US, enables it to offer world-class medical services in Mexico.

CHRISTUS Muguerza offers its patients services in virtually every field of medical specialization, such as cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, gynecology, neurology, transplants, plastic surgery and bariatrics. The high-quality procedures and standards focus primarily on patient-safety and well-being. State-of-the-art telemedicine system allows the Group to monitor and follow-up patients in hospitals that share this technology all over the world.

While positioning itself as one of the leading healthcare corporation in Mexico, comparable to the best in the world, CHRISTUS Muguerza has invested more than $100 million dollars in the last four years in facilities, technology and service line development. This has allowed the Group to continue to be a leader in technological innovation and medical infrastructure in global healthcare.

The 2 primary Hospitals are:

Alta Especialidad Hospital

Sur General Hospital

Hospital CIMA-Chihuahua

The Center for International Medicine (CIMA) Hospital in Chihuahua City, offers to the community, top of the line medical care. CIMA is supported by avant-garde technology, trained personnel, and professional specialized physician, and it always strives for excellence to offer the best medical care service.

Opened in 1998, CIMA began as a partnership of a private group of local physicians, “Compania Plaza Medica Chihuahua”, local entrepreneurs, “Promotora de Hospitales Mexicanos”, and investors from “Nacional Fianciera, SNC”. The mission of CIMA Chihuahua is to be an International Medicine Center that uses equipment of high technology offering services of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for the well-being of the regional, national, and international community..
The hospital is operated by the International Hospital Corporation (IHC), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and affiliated with the Baylor University Medical Center.

Clinica Cumbres-Chihuahua

Clinica Cumbres is the first ambulartoy surgery clinic in the State of Chihuahua. The clinic offers a broad group of highly qualified and certified doctors to go along with the latest equipment and newest technology.

Clinica Cumbres has been recently awarded accreditation from the Joint Commission International,

Clinica Cumbres’ mission is to be a specialized medical organization providing services of ambulatory surgery with high quality and security for the patient and his/her family, with competitive prices supported by an updated technology, modern management system, and to maintain international standards of operation, recognized by international certified authorities.