Guatemala

Guatemala has a long history of being a thriving fishing and farming community that can be dated back to 2000 BC, even before the Maya civilization dominated Central America. During the Early Classic period around AD 250, many magnificent temple cities were constructed in the Guatemalan highlands. However, by the Late Classic period, from AD 600 to 900, the primary power had moved to the lowlands of El Peten. However, after the mysterious demise of the Mayans, the Itzaes settled in El Peten.

Interestingly, many of the Mayan ruins were discovered when Pedro de Alvarado came to this country for the King of Spain in 1523. However, the kingdoms remaining in the highlands were crushed by Alvarado’s armies, lands turned into large estates, and the people exploited by the new property owners. Then friars of Dominican, Augustinian, and Franciscan arrived but they were unable to stop the exploitation. Sadly, the religious imperialism they brought with them was the cause of many valuable traces of the Mayan culture to be demolished.

Today, you can still find many of the Mayan ruins and colonial buildings standing in Guatemala. The architecture is quite impressive, making this an excellent place for exploration. While there are many fascinating things about Guatemala, one of the most impressive is the exotic variety of the traditional clothing, all handmade and proudly worn by the Mayan people. The women’s clothing is amazingly colorful and embroidered with great detail. Different villages use different detailing on the garments, a subtle way of separating each.

If you love Mexican food, you might be surprised. While you can sometimes find a taco or tortilla, the food in Guatemala simply is not as good as what you would find in Mexico. Instead of juicy meat and tasty beans and rice, you will find mostly meat that is either grilled or fried and usually tough. However, what most people find interesting is that there are actually many Chinese restaurants in Guatemala. Now, if you love coffee or beer, then you are in for a delicious treat.

Guatemala borders Mexico on the north and west and then to the northeast is Belize and to the east, El Salvador and Honduras. The mountains are dense and forested, almost jungle like. There are also more than 30 volcanoes in the highlands, which are over 12,000 feet above see level. In fact, as you look up the mountains at nighttime, you will notice a soft red glow. In addition to volcanoes, Guatemala also experiences earthquakes.

For the beaches on the Pacific coastline, they are not terribly impressive and primarily black sand. Although the beaches themselves are quite small, the area along the coastline is very rich culturally. Then for the lowlands, there is the jungle of El Peten, which is a beautiful blend of soil where archeologists have discovered dinosaur bones and banana plantations.

There is also a wide variety of wildlife living in Guatemala. For example, there is deer, tapir, peccary, and the quetzal, the national bird that is the most amazing creature you have ever seen. Unfortunately, because of the forests being cut down and the greedy poachers, this bird is near extinction. Even so, the wildlife is diverse, colorful, and a real joy to watch.

As far as temperatures in Guatemala, in the summer, it is common to have days hitting 100 degrees. That coupled with the high levels of humidity and it can be a little harsh during the dry season. Temperatures will generally dip down at night, especially in the highlands where the night air becomes damp and chilly. Because of the extreme heat and humidity, we recommend you visit between December and April.

Guatemala is also an exciting place to visit in that there are always things going on. For example, the week before Easter is called Semana Santa, which is the largest festival, held in this country. There are celebrations, processions, and a huge party. Then in mid to late summer, another festival called Rabin Ajau is held, which is a traditional Mayan celebration. For the month of December, there is another annual celebration in Santo Tomas.

Now, if you enjoy real adventure, you can get of the beaten path a little by visiting Livingston, a jungle hideaway where black Guatemalans live called Garifuna. These people are actually African descendants who were brought to the New World as slaves although some landed there via shipwreck.

Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa is yet another possibility that is located on the Pacific Slope. If you have an interest in learning more about the Mayan culture and art, you certainly want to take a trip here. You will see green sugar cane fields with massive stone heads and remnants of the Pipils, which was a culture, directly linked to the Nahuatl people of central Mexico. The fascinating thing about these people is that no one knows how they got there or what the rituals objects are.

Whether staying within the larger areas of Guatemala, enjoying exciting nightlife, fine dining, or time at the beach or getting back into the jungle areas, you will find this to be a very interesting part of the world. It has an important history that we should all celebrate. Guatemala is a beautiful place with very humble and hard-working people.