Guatemala is a beautiful country located in a convenient geographical area for people living in Canada and the United States, as it is from 2 to 6 hours of flight distance. Guatemala is a country in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, El Salvador to the Southeast, and, Honduras and Belize to the East. It s history includes the arrival of the first human settlers, some 12,000 years ago. The Maya civilization dominated the region for thousands of years. The Spanish influence of today arrived in the 16th century and gained it s independence in the 19th century. Guatemala has had strong ties to the United States due to it s location in Central America. Also, the influence is very prevelant and has been since the presence of US based companies that produced fruit in it s very fertile agricultural lands.

Today, Guatemala has many tourist attractions, as archeological places, Mayan and colonial cities, virgin rainforests; regions where you get involved with indigene culture, 5 stars-hotels at low prices and much more.

Guatemala City, is the capital of Guatemala. It has a surface area of 108.889 square kilometers (42,042 square miles).

Guatemala is a small country with a striking variety of topographic features. Nearly two-thirds of the country is mountainous and volcanic. Parallel to the Pacific lies the Sierra Madre mountain range, with peaks that rise to an elevation of up to 12.000 feet. 33 volcanoes dominate the landscape, and these, coupled with the lush tropical rain forests to the north, the fertile plains of the south and east, the beautiful lakes, and the wonderful rivers, make this a land of varied contrasts.

Food varies in Guatemala, you will find from traditional food from different regions of Guatemala, to usual franchises from the United States (McDonald´s, Burger King, Dominos Pizza, and Friday´s).

Currency

Name: Guatemala Quetzales
Exchange rate: Go to www.gocurrency.com

Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala and the largest city in the country. It is also the largest city in Central America with a population of over 3.2 million for the metropolitan area. Originally a small town, the city saw great expansion as a result of the designation as the country’s capital in 1775. Antigua, Guatemala, the prior capital, was nearly destroyed as a result of a water volcano.

Today, Guatemala City is the economic, governmental and cultural capital of the Republic, and it functions as the main port of entry into the country, with the country's largest international airport, La Aurora International Airport.  Currently, the airport is in the final stages of it’s renovations, making it one of the most modern facilities in Central America.

In addition to a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and shops, the city has a wide variety of art galleries and museums (including some fine collections of Pre-Columbian art) and continually offers an increasing amount of cultural activities.

More information when visiting Guatemala City…

Official language of Guatemala is Spanish.  There are 23 regional languages (21 are Mayan languages as Kaqchiquel, Quiche, Mam, Q´eqchi, Garifuna and Xinca).

The temperature is consistant in Guatemala. It is located in the tropical zone, and has a range of climates that varies according to the altitude. There are two seasons: the rainy months run from May to October, and the dry ones from November to April. The average temperature is 75° F, with small variations in the lowlands and in the highlands.

Passport is required for entrance from the US and the Guatemalan government charges a USD $4.00 fee to exit the country, payable at the La Aurora International Airport. This fee is payable in cash or by Visa credit card.

Premier MedEscape On-Site Representative: Audrey Lorein Rinze Espana

Hometown: Guatemala, City Education: Bachelor´s Degree in Systems, with specialization in Hotel and Tourism Administration Universidad Galileo ( 2002-2008). Languages: Spanish and English Background and Experience: Angels Abroad,S.A.” Position Held Business executive and medical trip guide (November 2007-up to date) “Hotel Aeropuerto” Position Held: Administrator (October 2007-up to date) “Aeroméxico, S.A.” Position Hold: Passenger Service Agent (July 2007-October 2007) Grupo TACA (Crew member “ATR” – July 2003) Aeroméxico S.A. (Traffic and Luggage International Division /Flight Tickets, International Division- May 2007)

My Goal:
I enjoy being involved in Medical Tourism of Guatemala, as I have always liked to assist people for other countries.  That is why, I have worked for companies in the field of tourism, hotels and airlines.  I offer the best and personalized service for tourists.

Premier MedEscape On-Site Representative: Audrey Lorein Rinze Espana

Hometown: Guatemala, City Education: Bachelor´s Degree in Graphic Design, at the university of Universidad Rafael Landivar (currently studying) Languages: Spanish, English and German. Background and  Experience Angels Abroad,S.A. Position Hold: Photography and medical trip guide

My Goal:
I am involved  in Medical Tourism of Guatemala, because I am aware that people in the world  are suffering, and oftentimes, cannot afford the treatment where they live. When they leave their home, they need to have someone to care of them, when taking a medical trip.  I would like people feel comfortable in this beautiful country, and thus I will do my best to make it possible.

Westin Camino Real

Just minutes from local shopping and entertainment, The Westin Camino Real, Guatemala is a stylish hotel and convention complex.. Located in the city center, guests will enjoy the location, convenient to business and local culture.

Offering a variety of services to make your stay more relaxing, guests will leave The Westin Camino Real, Guatemala feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Spend the day by our outdoor heated pool, enjoy a game of tennis or squash, or renew your body and mind in their state-of-the-art fitness center. Use the business center to take care of any last-minute details for that perfect event.

Their 271 guest rooms are beautifully appointed, featuring a classic European décor. Contemporary amenities include satellite television and dual-line telephones.

Radisson Guatemala Hotel

With a prime location in Guatemala City's financial and business district, close to major offices and shopping centers, the newly remodeled offers the kind of warm hospitality, inviting atmosphere and top-notch services sure to please business and leisure travelers alike. Rooms are spacious suites that have amenities such as high-speed internet access, kitchenettes, mini bars, coffeemakers hairdryers and irons. Buffet breakfast is included.

With a prime location in Guatemala City's financial and business district, close to major offices and shopping centers, the newly remodeled offers the kind of warm hospitality, inviting atmosphere and top-notch services sure to please business and leisure travelers alike.

La Grande Maison Hotel and Spa

This beautiful mansion-like hotel is ideal for post care and recovery for patients requiring personalized attention. With 10 large suites, Le Grande Maison is located  in a country setting, approximately 30 minutes from Guatemala City, Le Grande Maison offers a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with breathtaking views. Their professional staff of Estheticians, Surgeons, Physicians, Nutritionists and other types of clinicians, will bring you an ample range of services to satisfy the different needs you may have.

Under Construction