EXTENSIONS: 108,889 square kilometers
POPULATION: Approximately 12.3 million inhabitants.
Capital: Guatemala City
LANGUAGE:
• Official language: Castilian
• Other languages: 23 indigenous languages.
CURRENCY:
- Quetzal. Quetzales
- 1 Euro = 10.174; $ 1 = 7.80 Quetzales
TIME DIFFERENCE: 6 hours less than the meridian of Greenwich.
- October to March, seven hours less than in Spain.
- April to September, eight hours less than in Spain.
ELECTRICITY: 110 -120 volt plugs with two pins. Adapters are required for European appliances.
Telephone code: + 502
Religión:
• Official Religion: Roman Catholic.
• Other Religions:
GOVERNMENT:
- It's a republic.
DOCUMENTATION
- If you are from one of the European Community countries, United States, Mexico or South America (except Colombia) must present a passport valid for at least 6 months, which will allow you to remain in the country as a tourist, for a maximum period of 90 days.
- European citizens do not need a visa.
TRANSPORTATION:
- By air:
- There are two airports, the main one is La Aurora International Airport, located in Guatemala City, which is currently under renovation to become the most sophisticated airport in the region, and upgraded to category 1 in air safety operation by the USA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, it has Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, Petén, whose main attraction is the proximity to the various archaeological sites, especially Tikal. Most flights come at very early morning hours from the airport in Guatemala.
- From Spain, Iberia flies direct on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to the country.
- TACA regional airline is offering flights within the country.
- There is now a national airport remodeling plan that includes a total of eight airports for internal flights in the country and abroad.
- By boat:
- By sea there are two entries, the first in the Pacific coast in Puerto Quetzal, and the second in the Atlantic Ocean at the port of Santo Tomás de Castilla. In March, the terminal of Puerto Quetzal received an award as the port with the greatest innovation, recognized at an international level, and published in the Dream World Cruise Destinations magazine. This shows the tourism capability of infrastructure, connectivity, services and the potential that Guatemala has to also strengthen the segment of cruisers and maximize its potential.
COMMUNICATIONS:
- Mail: Airmail to Europe takes 12 days.
- Internet: There are several Internet cafes in Guatemala City and tourist sites.
• Newspapers: The most important newspapers are: Prensa Libre, Siglo Veintiuno, elPeriódico and Diario de Centro America (Official Journal).
PLACES OF INTEREST:
- Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango, Biotopo de Quetzal, Livingston and Tikal.
GASTRONOMY:
- Beans and corn are the basic products; meat, cheese, avocado, rice and many spices along with a variety of fruit supplement the diet.
- Typical and traditional dishes are complemented with fine restaurants that offer creation of international chefs using the variety of fresh national ingredients. In the most important tourist centers like the City of Guatemala, Antigua, Flores, Livingston and Panajachel there are several restaurants that have been listed internationally as "best of".
FESTIVALS:
- March-April, Easter
- 12 October, Columbus Day
- October 20, commemorates the Revolution of 1944
- November 1, All Saints Day
- December 25, Christmas
Folk Festival:
- July 23: Different ethnic groups with different languages and a rich colonial past, have created an explosion of folk festivals: religious, local traditions or anything else one could imagine. Such is the case of the National Folk Festival Rabin Ajaw in Coban, Alta Verapaz.
- November 1: All Saints' Day, held two of the most important folk festivals: the horse races in Todos los Santos, Cuchumatán and the flight of the Giant Kites (kites) in Santiago Sacatepéquez.
PRODUCTS AND TOURIST DESTINATIONS:
- Maya Archaeology. Guatemala has countless archaeological sites of prehispanic periods. Tikal's majestic city is the ultimate symbol of the Mayan culture. In the last decades other spectacular places as San Bartolo have been discovered, with its magnificent murals; Yaxhá with its beautiful roads towards the city and its incredible lagoon; El Mirador, where you can find, based on its volume, the largest pyramid in the world; Takalik Abaj with its ten terraces that rise 1,500 meters above the Pacific and which is the transition from the Olmec to the Maya civilization; and the Maya Botanical Gardens, as El Pilar near the border with Belize, which have begun its recreation as archaeologists learn more how the Maya were able to live harmoniously and sustainably with nature.
- Living Culture of the Indian population. One can live this experience in every corner of the country, especially in the western region. The colours, traditions, languages, rituals and customs of the country have their origin in the 23 ethnic groups living in Guatemala. Each clings to its ancestral roots, distinguished from each other by their outfits, according to the peculiarities of each population. "Vibrant," "kaleidoscopic," and above all "authentic" are adjectives that clearly describe life in the highlands. Guatemala's geography is dominated by Saint names superimposed over the traditional indigenous names: San Francisco Panajachel, Santiago Atitlan, San Pedro Carchá, San Jose and the complicated Poaquil Chichicastenango, which in turn illustrates the syncretism between Indian and Christian traditions.
- Religious Tourism: while the church’s bells sound in the small towns, loudspeakers in the field call for the religious services and the Xamans (Mayan religious authorities) practice Mayan rituals in deep caves, all at the same time, even in the same city. The canonization, in 2002, of the Hermano Pedro de Betancourt, a religious of the colonial days, has created a pilgrimage for Catholics. On its own account, the Holy Week in Guatemala is a surprising mixture of symbols, sounds and aromas. Colorful carpets made of fresh pine leaves, dyed sawdust and flower petals are leading the way, in cities and towns, under the perfume of incense, of the processions typical of the time, becoming one of the tourist and religious attractions most memorable and sought by tourists from around the world.
- Cruises: Guatemala has terminals on the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific. Passengers arriving at the ports will find a wide variety of nearby destinations such as Colonial and Mayan cities, lakes surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Tourists can enjoy a great variety and richness of our country in a short stay. Handicrafts, textiles, gourmet coffee, famous rum, jade jewelry, traditional food, marimba and other attractions, accompanied by the warm spirit of our people, create a guaranteed invitation to return.
ACTIVITIES:
- Sport fishing in salt waters: In the Pacific coast there have been important fishing records. Recently, anglers released 240 fish during a tournament in one day. Guatemala also maintains the records: releases in one day, and releases per boat per day, releases per person per day, and releases per boat per year. Guatemala is one of the few countries to regulate sailfish fishing and the use of circle hooks, which cause no harm to fish, thus ensuring conservation of the species. Guatemala’s Pacific waters are full of shellfish, turtles, humpback whales and dolphins that are also an attraction for people who do not fish.
- Golf: Golf players around the world are discovering that Guatemala has world-class golf. Playing in Guatemala costs a fraction of what the international golfers are accustomed to pay. Thanks to the wonderful climate in Guatemala, golf, both for beginners and professionals, can be played 365 days a year. More and more golfers are being attracted to Guatemala for tournaments, like the Tour de las Americas or the International Hooters Tour NGA. Most first-class hotels have agreements with the best golf courses, and by only contacting the concierge you can enjoy a day of golf.
- Surfing: Surfing has become very popular in the Pacific coast of Guatemala in recent years, especially during the months of March to October. There are many surf camps, or if you prefer you may also camp on the edge of the beach. In addition, beginners or experts can travel without a surf table, as there are many places where you can rent and also take classes.
- Rafting: Guatemala is a country with many natural resources, where there are many mountains and rivers. So it's no wonder that in recent years the popularity of rafting is increasing. The variety of rivers in Guatemala to go either rafting or kayaking, goes from level 2 to level 5, and this can even be done during the dry season that goes from December to May. The rivers for rafting in the Caribbean side are not only spectacular in themselves, as for their incredible water, blue or green, but because along the way, on its way to reach the Atlantic, you can see monkeys, toucans and macaws. It is very popular to combine tours that include rafting and cycling, as did a British group who crossed Guatemala, from the Pacific to the Atlantic in 10 days.
- Climbing and Mountaineering: You can go anywhere you want in Guatemala. From Tikal to Nakum, or vice versa, around most parts of Lake Atitlan or to more remote places for bird watching, finding orchids and crocodiles. If you also want to do something more adventurous you can climb active volcanoes, a unique experience, where you can see lava flows, and active craters. In Guatemala there are specialized companies that are engaged in organizing climbing tours, which provide equipment and accommodation.
- Mountain Biking: Cycling is faster than walking and tourists can cover much more ground in a mountain bike. In Guatemala there are companies that provide cycling equipment, guides and assistance anywhere in the country. "From the Pacific to the Atlantic by bike "From Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Everything is possible, although you will even see the more experienced cyclists walking on the steeper slopes of the country.
- Sailing: The Caribbean coast of Guatemala is a paradise for sailors. Rio Dulce has become one of the best sailing destinations for those seeking a comfortable price and a safe place to anchor. Río Dulce is an ideal location for excursions: Tikal is in the north, Quirigua on the east and the mountains to the west. There is also sailing on Lake Atitlan and Lake Amatitlán, places where they have developed sailing tournaments.
- Horseback Riding: El Mirador to the north of the country, is one of the favorite destinations for horseback riding: two days one way and two days back, starting in the village of Carmelita. Also, for those who want to climb an active volcano they can go on horseback. In the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes in Huehuetenango, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape on horseback; ride organized by a hotel located in the mountains.
- Diving: Guatemala also offers a variety of dive programs where you can find countless sea treasures to discover. Most dive centers will provide equipment and logistics support to organize your trip.
ENTERTAINMENT:
- - Theme parks, water and Entertainment:
The complex IRTRA parks, includes a water park - Xocomil -, a theme park that recreates the attractions of the country - Xetulul, and a variety of European and Asian style restaurants and attractions, among others. First-class facilities, themed restaurants and shops are also part of IRTRA in Retalhuleu, which has attracted the attention of more than 36 million visitors, three times the total population of Guatemala. Other parks such as Guastatoya, Valle Dorado and Longarone are located on the route to the Atlantic and offer modern amenities and tourist attractions. Chatún Park in Esquipulas, is another option conveniently located near the famous Basilica del Cristo Negro de Esquipulas.
- Museums: Covering tastes from art lovers to even natural science, from railway to textile museums, and of course, archeology.
- National Palace of Culture
- Heraldry and Arms Museum
- Museum Miraflores of Kaminal Juyú
- The National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
- National Museum of Modern Art "Carlos Merida"
- National Museum of Natural History "Jorge A. Ibarra "
- Museum of History of Guatemala
- Museum Fray Francisco Vasquez
- Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Dress
- Museum of the Holly Week
- Fe Museum (Museum de la Catedral Metropolitana)
- Museum Popol Vuh
- Casa MIMA
- Museum of Natural History at the University San Carlos de Guatemala
- Bodegas Museum of the nineteenth century, Cervecería Centroamericana
- Museum of the University of San Carlos de Guatemala (MUSAC)
- Museum of Culture Flavio Herrera
- Children's Museum of Guatemala
- Museum Carlos F. Novella
- Railway Museum
- Museum of Paleontology and Archaeology "Ing Roberto Woolflok Saravia "in Estanzuela
SPANISH SCHOOLS:
- The neutral Spanish of the Guatemalans and the environment in which they can learn has attracted foreign governments, students from high schools and universities.
- The locations for learning Spanish are very diverse: from the beach to the remote highlands
- Learning the language is an incredible experience because you can share the day to day life with a Guatemalan family, learning the idioms of the language