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In recent years, political tension in Guatemala has posed a risk among tourists visiting the country. Taxis you can hail from the streets can also be part of a scam that you dont want to be a victim of. Thousands disappeared during the civil war between 1960 and 1996, A truth commission blamed the military for 93% of all the massacres, tortures, disappearances and assassinations during the war, Rigoberta Menchu, a campaigner for Mayan rights, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992. So, many tourist activities include taking in these awesome sights by hiking. Many demonstrations in different Guatemala cities and provinces have taken place in the past few years. If you want to experience a different culture and get a glimpse of days past, Guatemala should be one of the many countries on your bucket list. To this day, she appears at night, crying and calling for her children. Scary costumes and horror movies are thrilling but not real. 1985 - Marco Vinicio Cerezo Arevalo elected president and the Guatemalan Christian Democratic Party wins legislative elections under a new constitution. He played Susana a beautiful song of love in spanish, "Te amo y nunca te dejo mi amor", he sang, which means "I love you and will never let you go, my love" and when Susana heard it she became enchanted by the song and . One thing to remember about travel advisories is that they always take the side of caution. Like, a lot of skin. Sign up for a free class at Homeschool Spanish Academy before your trip and gain some invaluable cultural insight! Guatemalan Indian-rights activist, Rigoberta Mench, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1992. (Source: CIA World Fact Book) 2. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The origin of the name Guatemala is Indian, but its derivation and meaning are undetermined. 1524 - Pedro de Alvarado arrives from newly conquered Mexico, commanding a mixed force of Spanish conquistadors and native allies. You have people in Guatemala that are dark-skinned while other Guatemalans look extremely pale. 2010 October - US apologises for deliberately infecting hundreds of Guatemalans with gonorrhoea and syphilis as part of medical tests in the 1940s. On a visit you can buy your own precious stones from the jewelry stores around Antigua. 8. 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. Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. Apart from lakes and waterfalls, Guatemala is also home to some fiery natural wonders. For example, youve probably heard of La Llorona, a woman who drowned her kids in a river and later killed herself in the same river. While in Guatemala, there are many waterscapes you can find. The country's large indigenous population is disproportionately affected. 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). 1931 - Jorge Ubico becomes president; his tenure is marked by repressive rule and then by an improvement in the country's finances. 1. A young lady named Xkik heard the story of the beautiful, forbidden fruits growing on the cursed tree. Within its regional borders, tourists can visit many historical sites and thermal bath establishments. The US had threatened Guatemala with tariffs if it did not comply. Guatemala is known as the land of the eternal spring due to its temperate climate. He, in fact, crashed in Guatemala in 1938 and spent time in Antigua recovering from his injuries. Guatemala is one of the most beautiful, unique and fascinating countries in the world: there's a reason why it's beloved by backpackers across the globe. The Man with the Hatchet The country is plagued by gang violence and drug trafficking. Is Guatemala Safe? Located in the southernmost region of the country, bordering the Pacific Ocean, the Escuintla Department is another location where travelers are asked to always be vigilant in or to overall reconsider going. (Source:Complete Flags of the World. Tikal, Rio Dulcetheres just so much to appreciate. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Because of this, the country is home to more than 1,500 sites where Mayan ruins can be found and visited by tourists around the world. (2014). When the people saw him, they would run away, shouting and screaming with fear. Former military leader Efrain Rios Montt, trailing in third place, accepts defeat. 1821 - Guatemala becomes independent and joins the Mexican empire the following year. An experience you wont want to miss is a hike up Pacaya volcano. Apart from the Mayan ruins, the small, colonial city of Antigua is another heritage site popular among tourists. Furthermore, according to the World Bank estimates, in 2020, 16.86 million people were living in Guatemala. Theyre more secure in the sense that theyre less likely to be compromised since theyre usually within the bank building, with security looking after them. Guatemala is the home of the Maya civilization. Mis padres son de Guatemala y de El Salvador. When seeking adventure in Guatemala, safety must be a priority, so research is necessary. The chupacabra . Dont wear jewelry outside and dont bring and display expensive laptops and cameras while out and about. 3. Its also located within a national park and is surrounded by a thick jungle, all the more adding to how impressive the site is. Ive spent a lot of time in Guatemala and keep going back. 2004 July - $3.5 million in damages paid to victims of civil war. 2023. It is located in the Guatemalan Highlands, a part of the Sierra Madre mountain range. 1951 - Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzman becomes president, continuing Arevalo's reforms. Tajumulco 1 or 2 days hike. A multitude of products, from soaps and boxed cereals and bottled drinks to automobiles, bear foreign . There was once a man, a wandering peach seller, who went down to the cemetery to sell his peaches. However, because of its unique geography, Guatemala has colder areas, drier areas, misty mountains, damp lowland jungles, scorching beachesyou name it. The means of public transport in Guatemala can be unreliable. Guatemala - along with Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras - agrees on a free-trade agreement with the US. Many Maya women are crafty textile producers. Since its a popular tourist destination, a lot of crime can happen in this Guatemalan department. Guatemalans wear Huipiles (an incredible garment typically woven by local women) that hold a sacred meaning based on region. To make sure your trip goes hitch-free, make sure to observe the following tips as soon as you enter the country. Arbenz resigns after the army refuses to fight. 1970 - Military-backed Carlos Arena elected president. While in Guatemala, try to relax all while staying vigilant. Here are some of the most scary facts about Guatemala: 1. 2. 2008 October - Ex-President Alfonso Portillo is extradited from Mexico to face corruption charges. A court later clears him. So, exercise a high level of caution while within the area. He was stricken with fear, and the very next day he died.. 6. The Mayans often buried rulers with jade items and jade masks. About 2 km away from the main plaza in Antigua is a place called La Azotea. The Spanish, who ruled over Guatemala until 1821, essentially enslaved the indigenous people of the area and forced them to work on their own land for the benefit of the colonialists. Additionally, its surrounded by different towns where you can experience the local culture, each having a twist thats unique to them. (2014). ), Bilingualism: How the US Compares to Other Countries, Ahead of the Pack: How Becoming Bilingual Now Can Leap your Child Ahead of Their Peers. Dennis Asturias, one of Intrepids local leaders in Guatemala, shares a snippet of his experience on the hike: Once at the base of the volcano, you have the opportunity to roast some marshmallows in a pit to celebrate all that effort you put in for climbing this active volcano. If you want to visit Guatemala and stay safe, find someone wholl come with you. In 1992, the Nobel committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to the Kiche Guatemalan human rights activist and feminist Rigoberta Mench Tum for her work based on the respect for the rights of indigenous people., Recommended reading: 13 Famous Hispanic Women in History Who Made Enormous Impact. 1976 - 27,000 people are killed and more than a million rendered homeless by earthquake. Let's start with arguably the most important thing Guatemala has given us - chocolate. Luis is still Duolingos CEO, and he continues to blaze trails in the fields of technology and education. Extra fact: the bath by Quetzaltenangos volcano is naturally heated by a volcanic vent. 1989 - Attempt to overthrow Cerezo fails; civil war toll since 1980 reaches 100,000 dead and 40,000 missing. 2008 - Guatemala and Belize hold referendums and submit their border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for arbitration. The long-tailed bird lives largely in cloud forest. My grandparents always told us a story about a little man who walked the streets in the middle of the night. So, avoid any areas with political demonstrations ongoing. Tourists are also reminded to steer clear of hailing taxis from the streets of Guatemala City. Lake Atitln, The Most Beautiful Lake in the World, Mayan temples in the jungle, Tikal, Guatemala, Free Photo Roasted Coffee Aroma Seed Cafe Caffeine Beans, Raising Multilingual Kids: Spanish Nannies Promoting Bilingualism, Origins of Machismo: Identifying Its Presence in Latino Family Dynamics, Pedro Pascal and Other Hispanic Actors Making Waves in the Industry, 10 Things Latino Immigrant Parents Want You to Know, 2 Controversial Hispanic Parenting Styles: What They Can Teach Us, Forget the Easter Bunny: Easter Traditions in Latin America, Pen Pal Friendships To Boost Your Language Learning, Connecting the Dots: Why Spanish Conjunctions Are Essential for Fluency, Homeschool Spanish Academy Reviews: Top Choice for Language Learning, 3 Key Benefits to Being Bilingual in the Workforce, Food for Thought: 6 Spanish Foods to Learn About (and try! 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. A major thank you to Intrepids local Guatemala tour leader, Dennis Asturias, for his on-the-ground insights! 1996 - Alvaro Arzu is elected president, conducts a purge of senior military officers and signs a peace agreement with rebels, ending 36 years of civil war. They were also prolific artists. 2015 January - The retrial on genocide charges of Guatemala's ex-military ruler General Efrain Rios Montt is suspended, after his lawyers question the impartiality of the lead judge. 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. The country is a major corridor for smuggling drugs. The coffee has a distinct flavor to it, typically full-bodied and has rich chocolate and cocoa flavors. Chocolate. 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. Pickpocketers and robbers might be roaming around the streets. (Source: The Guardian), 17. It is estimated that 200,000 people were killed during the 36-year conflict, making it the longest in Latin American history. Today we're sharing some of our favorite spooky Guatemalan legends: as told by Multicolores artists, illustrated in stitches. There are many risks to look out for when visiting some places in Guatemala. Using your ATM card in any tampered machine runs the risk of having your bank details compromised. Enjoy these Guatemalan ghost stories! The insane number of volcanoes in Guatemala is surely enough to put it on the map. Another department in many travel advisory boards crime hotspot list is the Chiquimula Department. Better yet,stay with a local host family to really immerse yourself in the culture. Apart from that, criminals posing as police officers can also be found near the border, where they harass and extort valuables from unsuspecting tourists. (Source: Britannica), 10. When night fell, the peach seller didnt have anywhere to sleep. 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. 1523-24 - Spanish adventurer Pedro de Alvarado defeats the indigenous Maya and turns Guatemala into a Spanish colony. 2005 March - Government ratifies Central American free trade deal with US amid street protests in capital. They were versed in astronomy and used cacao as currency. Take a tuk-tuk to this place for an authentic, yet practical experience. Guatemalan culture and geography offer such an incredible amount of variety. In the 1970s, Guatemalan businesswoman and philanthropist Yolanda Fernndez de Cofio came up with a meal with small portions for kids. Like, really big. 7. 1944-54 - Guatemalan Revolution: Ubico is forced to resign amid a general strike and protests inspired by brutal labour conditions. 1993 - Serrano forced to resign after his attempt to impose an authoritarian regime ignites a wave of protests; Ramiro de Leon Carpio elected president by the legislature. Guatemalas tallest volcano is Tajumulco (13,789 ft), its located in San Marcos, and its Central Americas tallest volcano, as well. Make sure to get receipts for your items, too, when you leave items in your hotel room safe before you head out. Interesting facts about Guatemala 1. Your email address will not be published. More than 200,000 were killed or disappeared in the 36-year civil war which ended in 1996, Tear gas shot by riot police hangs over Guatemala City where protesters marched against the free trade agreement with the US, Ex-president Portillo was extradited from Mexico but cleared of embezzlement charges, Alvaro Colom was president from 2007 until 2011, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. If youre trying to visit the ruins of the Pre-Colombian Mayan City of Tikal, which is located in the region, take the safest route if possible. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and recent studies, the average person will shed roughly 112 pounds of skin in their lifetime. Recommended: Etnica: 10 Reasons to Experience Ethical Tourism in Guatemala. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. 18. The older I get the more I am able to appreciate this beautiful country. President Giammattei has said his priorities are tackling corruption and dealing with migration, which has caused tension in relations with the United States. It's time to dive into some real-life scary facts that might send a shiver down your spine. The conflict saw an estimated 200,000 people killed with many of the casualties a result of human rights atrocities committed by the government. Unbelievable history, great artists, delicious food, exceptional inventions, lush landscapes, imposing volcanoes, horror storiesthis little country has a bit of everything! It is also the third-largest country in Central America behind Nicaragua and Honduras. I am Guatemalan and the country is so beautiful but it can be a bit dangerous so please be careful. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala. If youre visiting, you need to remain vigilant and watch out for any petty crimes that can occur. In 1950 Guatemala hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games, a quadrennial competition organized in 1924 in which Guatemalan athletes have participated since the games were . The place where Guatemala stands today is part of a large area in the continent where the Mayan Civilization flourished. The country additionally acknowledges that 25 languages are spoken in its territory: Spanish, Xinka, Garfuna, and 22 Mayan languages. Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. Other forms of distraction may include dropping coins and someone pretending that they need assistance. Arguably one of the most mysterious Guatemala facts is one that exists around the worshipping of Maximn. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans And when there, be sure to visitChocoMuseo, a museum thatll teach you about its history and nutritional values. Guatemala is among the biggest jade producers in the world. VISIT GUATEMALA (PLUS 3 OTHER CENTRAL AMERICAN GEMS) ON THIS 9-DAY ADVENTURE. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. 2. It is estimated that this war claimed 200,000 casualties, including genocide committed against the Maya population. In 1934, British author Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) wrote in his journal that (Lake) Atitln is (Lake) Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. Facts about Guatemala. Enjoy these Guatemalan ghost stories! ASMR disturbing law facts - EP. When going to tourist attractions, only take what you need with you. Every year on November 1st, Guatemalans partake in this ritual that has been around for more than 3000 years. 2007 November - Alvaro Colom of centre-left National Unity of Hope Party wins presidential elections with nearly 53 percent of the vote. 2017 August - President Morales orders the expulsion of the head of the UN anti-corruption mission which backed calls by prosecutors for the removal of his political immunity. Major roads and highways in the area are also deemed unsafe. 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. After all, if you heed these travel tips, you dont have to worry too much about encountering some form of danger while youre in the country. Only his head was found, hanging from the dry, naked branches of a dead tree. The Guatemala crime rate is high, and its one of the countries with the highest crime rate in all of Latin America. Every year on All Saints Day, the people of Sacatepequez fly giant kites up to 12m in size over the graves of their family members while they pray and lay flowers. 1823 - Guatemala becomes part of the United Provinces of Central America, which also include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. 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. However, you may want to correct a typo. Transportation is something integral to travel, and you also need it to visit different places in Guatemala. Custom-tailored to fit your needs, you choose your program, schedule, favorite teachers, pace of learning, and more.. 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. The Beautiful Lake Atitlan 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 more you look paranoid on the streets of many major Guatemala cities, the more you seem like easier prey for the bad guys nearby. People flock down to the cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loves ones. Redditor u/Vacancier1807 started a thread where they asked people to share some very creepy real-life facts, and folks online delivered with some terrifying and weird stuff that most of us . He couldnt stand it; he lit his candle. The indigenous Maya make up about half of the population but rights campaigners say they face extreme inequality. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. Both nations will hold referendums on draft settlement. 2014 - The US promises to give millions of dollars of aid to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to combat gang violence and help citizens repatriated from the US, as part of efforts to cope with growing migration. The quetzal is also the name of Guatemalas currency. However, you dont have to dampen the fun of your trip just because of a worrywart. Winter is here! 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. Guatemala means 'land of the trees'. Official name: Republic of GuatemalaCapital city: Guatemala CityPopulation: 17,153,288Area: 108,889 sq kmMajor languages: Spanish, Maya languagesTime zone: UTC-6 (Central Time Zone)(Source: CIA World Fact Book), 1. Required fields are marked *, With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? At any time, something might happen that can make the protest a violent one. It is home to the deepest lake in Central America 2004 May/June - Major cuts to the army; bases are closed and 10,000 soldiers are retired. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Today, textile weaving is still ever-present in towns like San Antonio Aguas Calientes, just outside of Antigua. Apart from the interesting Mayan ruins, Guatemala also boasts having beautiful natural wonders and diverse flora and fauna. The country shares land borders with the countries of Mexico (north and west), Belize (northeast), Honduras (east), and El Salvador (southeast). 1873-85 - Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing. 2014 August - Armed forces chief Rudy Ortiz dies in a helicopter crash of unknown cause in bad weather near the border with Mexico. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Another one of the 22 Guatemalan departments in many travel advisory boards list of places to avoid is the Izabal Department. Just as deep as it is beautiful! 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.