Guatemala: Heart of the Maya World and Key to Global Health

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Guatemala is located in Central America, bordering Mexico to the north and northwest, Belize and Honduras to the east, and El Salvador to the southeast. It has coasts on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This location grants it a diversity ranging from the Petén rainforest, home to Maya ruins, to the mountainous highlands surrounded by active volcanoes.

Guatemala is known as the "Heart of the Maya World" and a cradle of biodiversity and ancestral culture.

• Natural Beauty: Highlights include the stunning Lake Atitlán (surrounded by three volcanoes and considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world), the ruins of Tikal (majestic Maya pyramids deep in the jungle), and the colonial architecture of Antigua Guatemala (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Culture and Customs: Maya culture is vibrant and alive. Traditions are authentically displayed through colorful textiles, handicrafts, rich cuisine, and a unique worldview. Customs vary significantly between the Indigenous communities of the highlands and urban areas, offering a profound intercultural experience.
• Country Slogan: Although it has used several, common slogans that capture its essence are: "Guatemala: Heart of the Maya World" or "Guatemala: Country of Eternal Spring."

1. Official Language: Spanish
2. Other Languages: More than 22 Maya languages are spoken (such as K’iche’, Kaqchikel, and Mam), which underscores the cultural richness and the need for interpreters in healthcare.
3. Currency: The Quetzal (GTQ).
4. Exchange vs. USD: The Quetzal is a relatively stable currency, trading approximately between 7.6 to 7.8 GTQ per 1 USD (please check the current rate). U.S. dollars are accepted in hotels and tourist areas, but the Quetzal is needed for minor expenses and rural areas.

The primary entry point is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.

• Direct Flights: Numerous direct flights are available from major U.S. hubs (Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York).
• Flight Duration: A direct flight from the East/South Coast (like Miami) takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Guatemala faces one of the largest health disparities between urban populations and the Indigenous communities of the highlands and rural areas.

For students in medicine, nursing, nutrition, and other disciplines, traveling to Guatemala for health missions represents an essential educational experience:

• Intercultural Health: The opportunity to work in Indigenous communities that maintain their own ancestral healing practices (worldview) challenges volunteers to practice culturally competent medicine.
• Health Challenge: Health groups directly confront endemic issues like chronic malnutrition (one of the highest in the region), lack of basic hygiene, and limited access to prenatal and pediatric care.
• Skill Development: Students will develop diagnostic skills under limited resources and learn to work effectively with interpreters (vital due to the multiplicity of Maya languages).
• Real Impact: Direct service in these communities leaves a tangible impact on prevention and quality of life, offering future health professionals a global service perspective that will transform their careers.