When traveling to a Guatemalan destination, be it inside a major town or city or along a trail on the side of an active volcano, avoid displaying your valuables at all costs. 1871-1898 - Guatemala sees a series of liberal governments which oversee the modernization of the country and the introduction of new crops. The dominance of an Indian culture within its interior uplands distinguishes Guatemala from its Central American neighbours. It is estimated that 200,000 people were killed during the 36-year conflict, making it the longest in Latin American history. Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana. They were also prolific artists. 1976 - 27,000 people are killed and more than a million rendered homeless by earthquake. Read about our approach to external linking. One thing to remember about travel advisories is that they always take the side of caution. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. Just as deep as it is beautiful! It's nearly impossible not to become enamored with the traditional skirts, comfy pants, table runners, rugs, wraps, and eclectic mixture of bags. Guatemala | History, Map, Flag, Population, & Facts | Britannica Civil war raged in Guatemala from 1960 to 1996, and its effects are still felt throughout the country today. The ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal in Guatemala is one of the major sites of Mayan civilization and was inhabited for 16 centuries from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD. Since the Mayan civilization was first developed by the Maya (a group ofIndigenous people of Mesoamerica), the language has evolved into 21 dialects that can be heard today on a trueMayan encounter. Make sure to get receipts for your items, too, when you leave items in your hotel room safe before you head out. Its the highest peak in Central America at a whopping 4, 202 metres. 2002 - Guatemala and Belize agree on draft settlement to their long-standing border dispute at talks brokered by Organization of American States (OAS). The indigenous Maya make up about half of the population but rights campaigners say they face extreme inequality. Take a tuk-tuk to this place for an authentic, yet practical experience. 2005 November - Guatemala's leading anti-drugs investigator is arrested in the US on charges of drug trafficking. 2003 - Guatemala - along with Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras - agrees on a free-trade agreement with the US. Climb to the top of the ruins to spot local residents (were talking toucans and macaws). Recent travel advisories from a good number of countries push tourists and travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting the country of Guatemala. 1970s - Military rulers embark on a programme to eliminate left-wingers, resulting in at least 50,000 deaths. 8. Do you want to learn some fascinating facts about Guatemala? Do you like chocolate bars? 2003 November - Presidential elections go to second round. Its great being able to interact with native speaking people and having a conversation with them not just doing all the work on paper. Guatemala is also famous for its volcanoes; there are 37 in the country. The civil war in Guatemala was fought between November 13, 1960, and December 29, 1996. Check it out to discover more about Guatemala and its culture. To look at underlying beliefs that encourage the observed behaviors of l. a. cuarentena, which refers to the forty days of postpartum recovery observed by Mexican immigrant girls within the United States. Everything You Need to Know About El Sombrern There are many risks to look out for when visiting some places in Guatemala. Coffee experience recommendation from Dennis,one of Intrepids local leaders in Guatemala: If you are an avid coffee drinker like myself, I would recommend going to places that show you the whole process of acquiring coffee. It is moved to Ciudad Vieja in 1527 follwing a Kaqchikel attack. A shocking legend about him says when the village men would head off to work,Maximn slept with all of their wives! It is located in the Guatemalan Highlands, a part of the Sierra Madre mountain range. To learn more about the Mayans, dive into some of the texts that survived the Spanish conquest: Popol Vuh, Chilam Balam, and Rabinal Ach, which are all available in Spanish and English. Your email address will not be published. Antigua is a must see as well as Lake Atitlan. Also, exercise caution when trying to hail a taxi. Which safari destination should Keep the wheels turning: how bicycles are empowering Top 10 travel experiences for young adults. Travel boards from different countries ask travelers to observe extreme caution while traveling to or reconsider traveling all together to the following areas in Guatemala for safety reasons. 3. Its also bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean down to the south. Curious about this important fact? However, there are long-standing Mayan, Xinca, and Garfuna roots too. Luis is still Duolingos CEO, and he continues to blaze trails in the fields of technology and education. (Source: UNESCO), 3. By doing so, youll be able to coordinate with establishments in your destination beforehand to make sure every activity is safe and away from danger. 1999 - A truth commission blames military for 93% of all massacres, tortures, disappearances and assassinations during the war which left 200,000 dead and disappeared. When it comes to language, Guatemala takes pride in being diverse. The people of the town told him to be careful: dont speak to the dead, just give them the peaches and leave. Tikals Mayan ruins are embedded in the jungle. A multitude of products, from soaps and boxed cereals and bottled drinks to automobiles, bear foreign . ), Bilingualism: How the US Compares to Other Countries, Ahead of the Pack: How Becoming Bilingual Now Can Leap your Child Ahead of Their Peers. 1931-44 - Jorge Ubico, wins presidential election. From a distance you can spot them pop out of the rich green canopy its breathtaking. By dialing the said number while in the country, you can either ask for assistance or set up a police escort. Leading causes of death Guatemala | Statista A major thank you to Intrepids local Guatemala tour leader, Dennis Asturias, for his on-the-ground insights! With a population of 18.4 million, (as of 2021) Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and the fifth-largest country of the North American continent. 900s - Widespread political collapse sees warfare, cities being abandoned and a northward shift of population. 2018 April - Guatemalans vote in a referendum in favour of referring a two-centuries-old border dispute with what is now Belize to the International Court of Justice. 2011 December - President Colom apologises to the relatives of the more than 200 victims of the 1982 massacre in the village of Dos Erres during the civil war. Usually, one of their accomplices will pretend to help you get it out, effectively distracting you from whatever is going on in your surroundings. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. Expansion of the Kiche kingdom in the Guatemalan Highlands. From 1960 to 1996 Guatemala suffered from a 36-year civil war between the US-backed government and leftist rebels supported mainly by indigenous people. 1991 - Jorge Serrano Elias elected president. In the 1970s, Guatemalan businesswoman and philanthropist Yolanda Fernndez de Cofio came up with a meal with small portions for kids. (Source: Lonely Planet, Britannica), 15. Guatemala is the most populated country in Central America. 2012 March - President Perez Molina proposes decriminalising drugs as a way of combating the illegal narcotics trade. 2015 October - Jimmy Morales wins presidential election. Guatemala has eight coffee regions: Antigua, Acatenango, Atitln, Cobn, Fraijanes, Huehuetenango, and Nuevo Oriente, and the coffee grown in each of these regions tastes remarkably different. However, while these warnings can sometimes be intimidating and scary, it doesn't erase the fact that you can still travel to . 12 Guatemala Facts That You Probably Don't Know - Intrepid Travel Blog Chocolate. Im left-handed, a failed drummer, an amateur goalkeeper, and I drive a 1988 Subaru J10. Thats right, Guatemala became a republic 200 years ago! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Intrepid Travel is committed to using travel as a force for good. Browse allembroidered story cloths or all the artworks inspired by legendsin our online shop! 2006 December - The government and the UN agree to create a commission - to be known as the CICIG - to identify and dismantle powerful clandestine armed groups. Interesting article. 1951 - Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzman becomes president, continuing Arevalo's reforms. Galapagos Travel Tips: What You Need to Know Before Planning Your Vacation, Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Monterrico, Guatemala, BEST Things You Must Do In Los Glaciares National Park, 10 Things You Should Know Before Going To Placencia, Belize, 10 Best Tandem Kayaks For Every Adventurer In 2020, 12 Best Travel Adapters and Converters for Every Traveler, 10 Toddler Travel Beds That Can Do Wonders To Any Parents & Kids. Humans shed skin too. Only slightly larger than the U.S. state of Tennessee, Guatemala is a mountainous country with one-third of the population living in cool highland villages. 2007 July - Amnesty International urges the government to ratify the CICIG as a first step towards tackling the culture of impunity it says has contributed to Guatemala's soaring murder rate. When traveling to a different country, its a good travel habit to have important travel contacts available on hand. If you are lucky, you can even roast them over molten rock. 2023 BBC. Today, Guatemala is a mass producer and exporter of chocolate products. Since its independence, Guatemala has gone through two revolutions, several dictatorships, a US-backed intervention, a long civil war, many military coups, and 22 earthquakes. 1524 - The first capital, Villa de Santiago de Guatemala is founded near Iximch, the Kaqchikel capital city. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? About 2 km away from the main plaza in Antigua is a place called La Azotea. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America 68th overall. When you do plan your trips, however, always give due diligence and do some research beforehand. Guatemala has at least 30 volcanoes, of which four are currently active: Pacaya, Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacan. San Jorge La Laguna is a small village that overlooks Lake Atitlan and is home to locals eager to let you in on their traditional crafts. Growth of the dome has produced pyroclastic flows as recently as the 2001they can be identified in . Unbelievable history, great artists, delicious food, exceptional inventions, lush landscapes, imposing volcanoes, horror storiesthis little country has a bit of everything! 1979-1996 - The country witnesses assassinations, massacres and disappearances throughout its territory. 2004 July - $3.5 million in damages paid to victims of civil war. An estimated 626 Indian villages are annihilated under the "scorched earth" offensive. In contrast, both Mr Giammattei and Ms Torres, a former First Lady, have stood for president a number of times. 1960-1996 - Civil war begins after a far-left guerrilla movement, inspired by the Cuban revolution, emerges and is promptly followed by a far-right counter-guerrilla movement. The story of La Llorona is told with different variations throughout Central America, and was adapted into a film by award-winning Guatemalan filmmakerJayro Bustamante. 40 Most Funny & Interesting Facts About Guatemala City A young lady named Xkik heard the story of the beautiful, forbidden fruits growing on the cursed tree. Guatemalan entrepreneur Luis von Ahn founded reCAPTCHA in 2007. Another department in many travel advisory boards crime hotspot list is the Chiquimula Department. Although underrated, Guatemala is still one of the most beautiful places tourists can visit in Latin America. Top 8 Interesting Facts About Guatemala - WorldAtlas Daily life and social customs. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. 2011 November - Former army general Otto Perez Molina of the right-wing Patriotic Party wins presidential elections, takes office in January. 2009 September - An ex-paramilitary officer, Felipe Cusanero, becomes the first person to be jailed for the forced disappearance of civilians in Guatemala's civil war. 2006 July - A Spanish judge issues a warrant for the arrest of former military leader Efrain Rios Montt and other former officials over atrocities committed during the civil war. Did you know that a Guatemalan businesswoman invented the beloved McDonalds Happy Meal? Tikal National Park has earned its title as the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and natural wonders. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Additionally, its divided into eight development regions and 22 departments. Read about our approach to external linking. It is mountainous, forested and dotted with Mayan ruins, lakes, volcanoes and orchids. Guatemala profile - Timeline - BBC News Surprising Things You Probably Never Knew Guatemala Gave the World Nearly 93% of Guatemalans speak Spanish. There is always security in numbers, so never plan on a solo trip when youre in a high-risk country. The country additionally acknowledges that 25 languages are spoken in its territory: Spanish, Xinka, Garfuna, and 22 Mayan languages. The Beautiful Lake Atitlan However, this is a country that's steeped in history, culture and local traditions, and visitors should do their research before they arrive. Some are also involved in worse crimes. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. The coffee has a distinct flavor to it, typically full-bodied and has rich chocolate and cocoa flavors. The new regime is marked by repression and the emergence of the first death squads. Apart from that, criminals posing as police officers can also be found near the border, where they harass and extort valuables from unsuspecting tourists. 1999 - UN-backed commission says security forces were behind 93% of all human rights atrocities committed during the civil war, which claimed 200,000 lives, and that senior officials had overseen 626 massacres in Maya villages. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. The chupacabra . Like, really big. Guatemalans wear Huipiles (an incredible garment typically woven by local women) that hold a sacred meaning based on region. Its also located within a national park and is surrounded by a thick jungle, all the more adding to how impressive the site is. By 1880, coffee accounted for 90% of Guatemalasexports and even today, its one of their main exports and sources of income for the country. If that is your cup of tea, so be it. Apart from the Mayan ruins, the small, colonial city of Antigua is another heritage site popular among tourists. Violent street crimes and gang-related violence can also happen here. 1904 - Amid an economic downturn, Guatemala signs a deal with the giant US United Fruit Company giving it tax exemptions, land grants, and control of all railways on the Atlantic side of the country - in return for overseeing development. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? He wrote a book based on Guatemalan myths and legends called Leyendas de Guatemala (Legends of Guatemala). Join me for the ride at talk-to-strangers.com or keep up with my Instagram @julesfayegermansky and Twitter @julsgermansky. Its also hard to see the people around you. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. 2019 - The US and Guatemala sign a migration agreement, to require migrants from El Salvador and Honduras who pass through Guatemala to seek asylum there first. Guatemalan culture and geography offer such an incredible amount of variety. If that is true, that is the coolest thing I ever heard! Furthermore, according to the World Bank estimates, in 2020, 16.86 million people were living in Guatemala. Of these, the most noteworthy volcano is Tajumulco. 1963 - Colonel Enrique Peralta becomes president following the assassination of Castillo. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. Other forms of distraction may include dropping coins and someone pretending that they need assistance. The use of Guatemala dates back at least to 1524. Two hundred years ago, on September 15, 1821, fifteen men signed the Act of Independence of Central America, which proclaimed the independence of Central America from the Spanish Empire. President Giammattei has said his priorities are tackling corruption and dealing with migration, which has caused tension in relations with the United States. And out of over 30 volcanoes, only three are active: Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito. Armed attacks can occur in these border areas, mostly as a product of drug-related crime. Enjoy these Guatemalan ghost stories! 2015 August - A court rules that ex-military ruler General Efrain Rios Montt must face a retrial for genocide in January despite suffering from dementia, but he will not be tried in person or be sentenced if found guilty. Other Basic Facts About Guatemala . Read about our approach to external linking. Diplomatic relations restored with Belize, from whom Guatemala had long-standing territorial claims. If you dont have an important place to visit in this area, its best to avoid it altogether on your trip to the country. The Guatemala crime rate is high, and its one of the countries with the highest crime rate in all of Latin America. Intrepids 13-day small group adventure from Guatemala to Mexico). 2004 December - UN mission, set up to monitor post-civil war peace process, winds up, but the UN says Guatemala still suffers from crime, social injustice, human rights violations. Many of the best places are in shops around Antigua. ASMR - 8 true scary stories that happened in the woods. El Sombrern - or Tzipitio, or Tzizimite, or simply "the goblin," depending on who you ask - serves as a cautionary bogeyman, particularly for young girls. Instead of coming to Peten via public land transportation on major roads and highways around the region, tourists should fly directly to the Flores Airport, if they are able to. 2007 May - Guatemala ratifies an international adoption treaty, committing it to ensure that babies are not bought or stolen. Highways and roads within the department should also be avoided as much as possible. (Source: World Bank), 22. Usually, some of these scams involve a form of distraction while accomplices rob tourists of their valuables. 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala While not all of Guatemala is extremely unsafe, some are just more safe than others. So, its best to always stay alert while out and about. Like all regions in this list, this northeastern Guatemalan department is a hotspot for many different types of crimes, which can range from petty theft to violent armed assault. However, following a devasting earthquake in 1773, the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1776. 2. When big yellow American school buses near 10 years or clock in 150,000 miles, some are auctioned off and driven down to Guatemala. Of these 33 volcanoes 3 watch over the colonial town of Antigua: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Despite being one of the lesser-traveled countries in the Americas, Guatemala has a rich past, colorful culture, and beautiful natural wonders that can leave any tourist in awe. Recommended reading: 10 Creepy Myths from Spanish-Speaking Countries. Interesting facts about Guatemala 1. Cases of crime dont happen to the majority of people, but its still a must to take note of the dangers of visiting this country. 2023. No#13: Highest violent rates Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. 1844-65 - Guatemala ruled by conservative dictator Rafael Carrera. In a place where you most likely dont have any friends or acquaintances, knowing how to contact officials who can help you definitely puts your mind at ease. Some of the more famous volcanoes in the country include Pacaya and Acatenago. There are three active volcanoes in Guatemala, one of which, the awesomely named Volcan de Fuego, erupted for the sixth time in 2017 this past June. Arbenz resigns after the army refuses to fight. The lake is the deepest lake in Central America and is believed to be 900 feet (300 meters) deep and covers 48 square miles (125 square kilometers). Did you know that British author Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) fell in love with Guatemalas most famous lake, Lake Atitln? Many public ATMs out on the streets can be tampered by anyone. They call chocolate the food of the Gods. 1994 - Peace talks between the government and rebels of the Guatemalan Revolutionary National Unity begin; right-wing parties win a majority in legislative elections. 2007 November - Alvaro Colom of centre-left National Unity of Hope Party wins presidential elections with nearly 53 percent of the vote. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts. The best place to be in at night when youre in Guatemala is your hotel room. On a visit you can buy your own precious stones from the jewelry stores around Antigua. Theyve set up nested protection for the eggs along the beach (an area thats an important nesting site for olive ridley turtles). All of us (well, the chocolate lovers among us) would agree with the Maya people who worship the cacao tree. 1952-54 - The US sees new Guatemalan regimes as communist, and is influenced by lobbying by the United Fruit Company whose profits had been hit by improvements in labour conditions on its plantations. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. Ultimate Guide To Planning A Trip To Komodo National Park For First-Timer, Best Time to Visit Egypt: A Season-by-Season Guide, 16 National Parks in Alaska: A Complete Guide. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? Evelyn Gomez and Erick Cacao are two of the most extraordinary people I have ever met, and talking with them in Spanish at the beginning of classes is always so fulfilling and greatly contributes to my happiness, joy, and wellbeing., Its a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. The country shares land borders with the countries of Mexico (north and west), Belize (northeast), Honduras (east), and El Salvador (southeast). Guatemala has unique geology resulting from its location on the confluence of three tectonic plates. It is a country of striking features and a strong indigenous culture. Volcan Tajumulco is the highest mountain in Central America reaching up to 4,220 mt (13,786 ft)a large stratovolcano in the department of San Marcos in western Guatemala. Sometimes, it turns out that the mugger is more nervous than you! 1697 - The last independent Maya city, Nojpetn, built on an island in Lake Petn Itz in northern Guatemala, falls to Spanish assault. To this day, she appears at night, crying and calling for her children. Ive spent a lot of time in Guatemala and keep going back. Recommended: Etnica: 10 Reasons to Experience Ethical Tourism in Guatemala. Sunrises from the peak are amazing. 1998 - Bishop Juan Gerardi, a human rights campaigner, murdered. At Tortugario Montericco, you have the opportunity to help with conservation efforts. The Mayans originally occupied part of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, and Guatemala. The country's large indigenous population is disproportionately affected. He was the second Latin American author to win the Nobel; Chilean Gabriela Mistral won it in 1945. Here, tourists are also asked to be careful as heinous crimes can happen. When cats go out at night to prowl, meowing and yowling as they walk along the rooflines, they are warning spirits away. Despite having one of the most popular tourist destination and heritage sites housed in this region, Peten Department remains to be one of the Guatemalan departments that have a high crime rate. If you can, only trust taxis you can book through the airport or your hotel and make sure that theyre deemed safe. Chupacabra | Legend & Facts | Britannica It also tends to become overloaded, with most busses being piloted by reckless drivers. Guatemala is known for its steep volcanoes, vast rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. Earlier on this list, we mentioned author Miguel ngel Asturias. So, exercise a high level of caution while within the area. Guatemala is one of the 21 countries where Spanish is an official language. 1. Most public buses are just repurposed school buses that are old and unmaintained. DK: London. Only 4 hours away from Antigua, its a fantastic spot for enthusiastic photographers to capture some of the best volcano views.