Guatemala, the land of the everlasting spring, is resplendent with culture, color and people. It is poised to become a popular medical tourism destination because of its high-quality hospitals, doctors and dentists – located just a short plane ride from the U.S.

MedVoy just returned from the second annual Service Summit that promoted the Health and Wellness tourism sector. In attendance was Guatemalan president Alvaro Colom Caballeros, which underscores the country’s deep commitment to medical tourism. Hospital Herrera Llerandi is already undergoing JCI accreditation and boasts an infection rate of only 1.2 percent, lower than many U.S. hospitals. Other hospitals are following suit; already having ISO certification and distinguished American and European Board Certified surgeons. Hope International has RapidArc Radiotherapy for IMRT treatment, that only 25 percent of U.S. hospitals own, along with pulmonary gating and a linear accelerator.

Dentistry is in the Mayan blood; they performed the world’s first dental implants as early as 900 B.C.! Following this tradition, Guatemalan Dental Schools are rigorous and by law, every dentist belongs to the Sociedad Dental de Guatemala, which is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dentists speak fluent English, use state of the art technology and are either trained or have relationships with US Dental Schools and colleagues. Furthermore, specialists follow international accreditation guidelines and belong to governing membership bodies, such as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the American Medical Association of Orthodontist and Prosthetics.

Guatemala’s climate produces some of the world’s best coffee, and these cool, green highlands hold rejuvenating qualities. Surrounded by volcanoes and steep hillsides, Antigua is colonial gem protected as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby Lake Atitlan, a deep blue lake fringed with volcanoes, lies in an ancient volcanic crater and is considered one of the most unique and beautiful lakes in the world.

There is authenticity of the culture in Guatemala where you can witness the Mayan culture of past and present. The myriad of archeological sites, the most famous being Tikal, showcase the impressive early cities built in precise alignment with the solar system. Local villages embody the Mayan culture wearing traditional clothing and speaking over 22 distinctive languages.