Orthopedic Surgery in Cabo: Why It’s Becoming Mexico’s Leading Destination for Joint Care

Cabo San Lucas has always been known for luxury vacations, crystal-clear waters, and celebrity hideaways. But in 2025, a new trend is emerging—high-level orthopedic surgery in paradise.

While cities like Guadalajara and Mexico City have long been recognized for affordable medical care, a growing wave of patients—especially from the U.S. and Canada—are choosing Cabo for a very different reason: premium orthopedic procedures combined with a luxury recovery experience.

From hip replacements and knee surgeries to arthroscopy and trauma repair, Cabo is redefining what it means to get orthopedic care in Mexico. And at the forefront of this movement is Dr. Enrique Vélez, one of the country’s most trusted and internationally trained orthopedic surgeons.

The Trend: Why More Patients Are Choosing Orthopedic Surgery in Cabo

According to recent health tourism data, Mexico remains a top choice for Americans and Canadians seeking joint surgery. But Cabo is now leading the charge in a surprising way:

Patients cite shorter wait times, international-standard facilities, and elevated recovery experiences as key drivers.
In 2024, the number of medical tourists to Baja California Sur increased by over 38%, with orthopedic procedures among the top five reasons for visits.
Many private hospitals in Cabo have upgraded to American accreditation standards, aligning care with that of top U.S. institutions.

“Cabo isn’t just beautiful—it’s becoming one of the most trusted locations for orthopedic surgery in Latin America. The quality here is matching global benchmarks.”
— HealthTravel Mexico Review, 2025

Why Orthopedic Surgery in Cabo Is Different

1. World-Class Surgical Precision, Without the Wait

In places like Canada and the UK, patients can wait 6–18 months for knee or hip replacement surgery. In Cabo, patients typically:

Schedule surgery within 2–4 weeks
Receive pre-op consultations virtually
Undergo surgery in state-of-the-art private facilities
Work with English-speaking care teams every step of the way

2. Internationally Trained Surgeons

Unlike in some parts of Mexico where surgeons may only have local training, Cabo’s top surgeons—like Dr. Vélez—bring:

U.S. or European fellowships
Experience with advanced implant systems
Access to robotic-assisted tools and digital surgical mapping

3. Safe, Modern, and Accredited Hospitals

Hospitals in Cabo such as H+ and Saint Luke’s offer:

International infection control standards
On-site imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray)
ICU-level backup systems
Multilingual staff with a focus on private, secure, patient-first care

4. Private Recovery in Paradise

Unlike other cities where patients may recover in crowded hospitals or return immediately home, Cabo offers:

Resort-style post-op recovery suites
Access to private chefs, in-home physical therapy, and ocean-view accommodations
Safe outdoor spaces (beaches, gardens, pools) to support stress reduction and mobility rehabilitation

Cabo vs. Other Cities in Mexico: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Cabo San Lucas	Mexico City / Guadalajara / Monterrey
Surgeon-to-patient ratio	Low (more personalized care)	High (larger volume clinics)
Travel & safety	Safe resort infrastructure, direct flights	Higher urban density, more logistics
Language & communication	High English fluency	Mixed; translation often needed
Facility atmosphere	Private, relaxed, high-end	Public hospitals or large crowded units
Recovery environment	Beachfront, luxury-friendly	Urban; hotel-based or hospital ward
Surgery timeline	2–4 weeks	Often 3–9 months
Follow-up care	Concierge and virtual	Case-dependent
Cost	Mid-range, high value	Low-mid cost, more variability

“Cabo offers a best-of-both-worlds model: trusted surgical expertise and a recovery environment that actually supports healing.”
— Dr. Enrique Vélez

What Patients Are Saying

“I originally looked at Guadalajara for my knee replacement, but the idea of recovering in a sunny villa in Cabo was too good to pass up. I had surgery within 3 weeks of my consultation with Dr. Vélez, and I was walking the beach within two. I saved money, skipped the line, and felt totally safe.”
— Melissa C., 61, Vancouver, Canada

“Cabo isn’t just a vacation spot—it’s a health destination. Dr. Vélez treated me like I was family. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
— James R., 55, Austin, TX

Who Is Choosing Cabo for Orthopedic Surgery?

Cabo’s orthopedic surgery clients in 2025 include:

Retired Canadians seeking faster hip replacements
Active Americans with sports injuries needing arthroscopy
Working professionals who want short recovery times without sacrificing care
U.S. citizens looking to avoid $40,000 hospital bills for a procedure they can get in Cabo for $10,000 or less
International residents of Mexico (expats) who want trusted bilingual orthopedic surgeons

Healing in Cabo: The Medical-Vacation Advantage

You’re not just getting surgery—you’re getting a head start on healing.

Here’s what post-op recovery looks like for most patients in Cabo:

Morning rehab walks along the shore
Daily follow-ups via WhatsApp or in-person with Dr. Vélez’s care team
Nutritious meals prepared by chef services (if staying in a villa)
In-suite massage therapy or mobility sessions
Afternoon rest in oceanview rooms or shaded garden areas

Studies show that patients who recover in warm, low-stress environments experience reduced inflammation, lower pain perception, and faster mobility return.

“I didn’t just feel like a patient—I felt like a guest, like a person being truly cared for.”
— Karin W., 69, Arizona

What Types of Orthopedic Surgeries Are Available in Cabo?

At DocVelez.com, patients routinely come to Cabo for:

Joint Replacements

Total Knee Replacement
Total Hip Replacement (including anterior approach)
Shoulder Replacement (anatomic and reverse)

Arthroscopic Procedures

Meniscus repair
ACL reconstruction
Shoulder labrum repair
Cartilage preservation

Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery

Fracture repair
Complex joint reconstruction
Non-union correction

Sports & Lifestyle Procedures

Bursitis or tendonitis treatment
PRP injections and biologics
Joint decompression and alignment

Each surgery is personalized using:

Pre-op imaging
Custom-fit implants (when needed)
Minimally invasive techniques
Transparent pricing and recovery timelines

About Dr. Enrique Vélez: Cabo’s Trusted Orthopedic Leader

Dr. Vélez is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with:

20+ years of experience in joint replacement and trauma surgery
U.S. and European training in advanced surgical techniques
A reputation for honest, compassionate, bilingual care
A fully integrated care model (pre-op, surgery, post-op, rehab)

He’s one of the few orthopedic surgeons in Mexico offering:

Anterior hip replacements
Complex revision surgeries
Outpatient joint replacement with next-day mobility
Full virtual planning + concierge recovery support

Planning Your Surgery in Cabo: What to Expect

Initial Consultation
Conducted virtually. Dr. Vélez reviews your medical history, imaging, and goals.
Custom Surgical Plan
You’ll receive a written quote, procedure timeline, travel planning help, and pre-op testing instructions.
Arrival in Cabo
Most patients arrive 2–3 days before surgery. Our team assists with hotel, villa, or private suite arrangements.
Surgery Day
Performed at a modern, fully accredited surgical center. Most patients walk on Day 1.
Recovery in Cabo
7–14 days of monitored recovery in a peaceful, luxurious setting. Rehab begins immediately.
Return Home
You’ll receive a complete discharge plan, virtual follow-ups, and support for continued therapy at home.

Ready to Explore Orthopedic Surgery in Cabo?

The future of orthopedic surgery in Mexico isn’t in the big cities—it’s on the coast.

If you’ve been considering knee or hip surgery and want to combine:
✅ Surgical excellence
✅ Safe, luxurious recovery
✅ Transparent pricing
✅ Soothing natural healing…

Then Cabo San Lucas may be the answer.