Guatemala

Guatemala Flag

Why visit Guatemala?

For adventurous outdoorsy travelers seeking to enjoy architecture, beaches, birdwatching, colonial towns, culture, exotic wildlife, hiking, history, jungles, lakes, rainforests, ruins, scenic kayaking, and volcanoes. 

Tikal National Park (Ancient Mayan Citadel) Tikal, Guatemala. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee, masks, rum, and woven products.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Fiambre (salad). Gallo en Chicha (chicken stew). Kak'ik (turkey soup). Pastel de Banano (banana cake). Pollo a la Cerveza (chicken/beer sauce). Tamales. 
• Local Drink to Try: Dorada (beer). Gallo (beer). Guaro (liquor). Limonada con Soda (lemonade refreshment). Ron Zacapa Centenario (rum). Sol (beer). Victoria (beer). Zaya Gran Reserva (rum).

Lake Atitlán (Guatemalan Highlands), Guatemala. Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• In 1524, conquered by Spain.
  
• In 1541, the capitol moved due to volcanic mudflows.
  
• In 1773,  the capitol moved due to earthquakes.
• In 1776, new capital was founded.
  
• In 1821, became independent from Spain.
• In 1898, José María Reina Barrios (1854-1898), General was assassinated. 
• From 1960-1996, endured a bloody civil war.
  
• In 2012, Erick Barrondo won their one and only Silver Medal in the Summer Olympics (London) in Race Walking.
• One of the most traveled destinations in Central America.
  
• Most populated country in Central America.
  
• Volcán Tajumulco (13,850 feet), is the highest point amongst Central American countries.
  
• Has 5 lakes, 61 lagoons, 100 rivers, 4 swamps, and 252 wetlands.
• Exports include cloths, flowers, fruits, handicrafts, organic coffee, sugar, textiles, and vegetables.
  

Natural Monument Semuc Champey, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Photo Credit:  iTICS Guatemala/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Coffee Harvest Celebration, (April) Holy Week, (July) Coban Folklore Festival, La Fiesta Nacional Indígena de Guatemala, (August) Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción, and (November) Day of the Dead Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Holy Week, Labour Day, Mother's Day, Army Day, Bank Holiday, Assumption Day, Independence Day, Day of the Race, Revolution Day, All Saints' Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

Holy Church Cathedral Metropolitan Basilica of Santiago de Guatemala (Metropolitan Cathedral), Parque Central, Guatemala. 

Photo Credit: David Diaz/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• One of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere and Latin American country.
  
• Lake Atitlan and Rio Dulce are amongst the world's most beautiful lakes.
  
• Central and western areas have active volcanoes.
  
• Postal service is unreliable.
  
• Toilet paper is not flushed, instead disposed of in a nearby wastebasket.
• Beyond the beach or resort avoid wearing shorts in public.
• The legal driving age is 22.
  
• Avoid public transportation.
• Lowest literacy rate in Central America.
  
• Crime against Americans is known to occur armed robbery, carjacking, pickpockets, purse-snatch, sexual assault, and theft.
• Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.
• Do not use public ATMs due to scams.
  
• Strong currents, riptides, and undertow occur along the Pacific coast beaches.
  
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Aside from Guatemala City medical care is limited, medicine and equipment shortages are common.
• Medical facilities may require payment prior to rendering treatment or care.
• Zika disease is prevalent.
• Do not hail for public taxis.

Hill of the Cross, Guatemala City, Guatemala. Photo Credit: codyvanscyoc/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Subject to earthquakes, fires, floods, mudslides (May - November), hurricanes (September - October), tropical storms (May - November).

• Best Time to Visit: November - April
• Coolest Months: November - February
• Hottest Months: March - April
• Peak Season: December - March

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Photo Credit: renatomonterroso/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Antigua Guatemala, Quiriguá, and Tikal.

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.