Little known by mass tourism (and perhaps for this reason even more fascinating), Guatemala is a Central American nation rich in volcanoes, forests and splendid colonial cities and remains of pre-Columbian populations.
Organizing atrip to Guatemala means facing an adventure to rediscover traditions that are still authentic, only slightly touched by modernity and tourism. Very different from neighboring Mexico, Guatemala will amaze and enchant the traveler willing to leave any prejudice at home.
Where is Guatemala
Guatemala is a state of Central America. It borders Mexico to the northwest, southern Belize and El Salvador and Honduras to the southeast. To the west it also overlooks the Pacific Ocean and east of the Gulf of Honduras, belonging to the Caribbean Sea.
When to go to Guatemala
The best time to travel to Guatemala is between December and April, the dry season. From May to October, instead, the rains insist, which especially on the east coast overlooking the Caribbean Sea can transform into tropical cyclones.
Curiosities about Guatemala: 5 things to know
Little is known about this magnificent country in Central America, but if you have decided to leave, here are some curiosities to prepare you for your journey.
1. Guatemala City is subject to strange phenomena
The capital, Guatemala City, is often subject to natural chasms, since it is built on volcanic rock. Many times these caused victims: it happened that a portion of land between two roads collapsed, precipitating a palace and a house.
2. Its symbols: quetzal and cocoa
The symbol of Guatemala is the quetzal, a bird in danger of extinction, characterized by a long tail and colorful plumage. It also gives its name to the national currency and is depicted on the flag of the country. At the time of the Mayans cocoa was instead used as currency.
3. It's a big coffee producer for Starbucks
Guatemala is the largest supplier of coffee for Starbucks, as well as being the seventh largest coffee producer in the world. And it is the fifth largest sugar producer and the largest producer of cardamom.
4. What do they eat in Guatemala?
Cusine in Guatemala is not very different from that of Mexico, although poorer. The most important and most widespread dishes are tortillas, black beans and enchilladas, but you should also taste fish and meat, as well as the delicious fruit. Guatemala also produces good rum and a very alcoholic beer. The best places to taste local cuisine are the markets, both in the villages and in the cities.
5. Souvenirs from Guatemala
Do you want to take home with you a typical souvenir of your trip? Let yourself be enchanted by Guatemalan crafts products, produced using techniques that have been handed down from Mayan times. You will find in particular very fine and colorful fabrics, as well as jewelry and ceramics. Also interesting is the production of straw and wooden toys and dolls.
You're eager to leave for Guatemala now, aren't you?
