Variety: a word used to describe different types of fruits, vegetables, flowers, options, but never really a culture. The insane number of volcanoes in Guatemala is surely enough to put it on the map. Climb to the top of the ruins to spot local residents (were talking toucans and macaws). Archeological finds suggest that the region was inhabited by humans as far back as 20,000 years ago. More than 200,000 people - most of them civilians - were killed or disappeared. 2014 August - Armed forces chief Rudy Ortiz dies in a helicopter crash of unknown cause in bad weather near the border with Mexico. 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. Now that this stunning country has your attention, check out Intrepids small group adventures to Guatemala. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and recent studies, the average person will shed roughly 112 pounds of skin in their lifetime. 2004 May/June - Major cuts to the army; bases are closed and 10,000 soldiers are retired. Its said that if you keep a cat in your home, the spirits will not come close.. Many Maya women are crafty textile producers. It is moved to Ciudad Vieja in 1527 follwing a Kaqchikel attack. Guatemala is still trying to come to terms with a 36-year-long civil war. Additionally, its divided into eight development regions and 22 departments. And to stay safe while enjoying the better things of the country, you must know the common risks you might be facing. 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. 1981 - Around 11,000 people are killed by death squads and soldiers in response to growing anti-government guerrilla activity. No#13: Highest violent rates they are hot and the seats are hidden with springs and glass. 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. 1995 - Rebels declare a ceasefire; UN and US criticise Guatemala for widespread human rights abuses. Find out about the history behind the 5 granite temples by a fantastic local guide (weve got you covered on Intrepids 13-day small group adventure from Guatemala to Mexico). guatemala didnt create the first ever chocalate bar Joseph fry did in britian, I love all the facts about Guatemala all the culture, and how the Mayans still live there to this day I will need to visit one day which would be awesome that is all i would like to say. And two years after that, in 2011, Luis launched his world-renowned language-learning website and mobile app, Duolingo. Ive spent a lot of time in Guatemala and keep going back. The Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians were trained and equipped by the USA. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Bananas and coffee are Guatemalas biggest exports. 1773-74 - Antigua is destroyed by several earthquakes and a new capital - Guatemala City - is founded in 1776-77. There was once a man, a wandering peach seller, who went down to the cemetery to sell his peaches. Guatemala is still trying to come to terms with a 36-year-long civil war. The indigenous Maya make up about half of the population but rights campaigners say they face extreme inequality. Like many departments on this list, this place should be avoided due to the high crime rate this region has. A UN probe clears Mr Colom. They account for over $2 billion and 20% of Guatemalas total exports. I love my Guat! According to the latest national census, in 2018, 14.901 million people were living in Guatemala, 3.5 million more than in 2002, when Guatemalas National Institute of Statistics (INE) did the previous census. At Tortugario Montericco, you have the opportunity to help with conservation efforts. Intrepids 13-day small group adventure from Guatemala to Mexico). When that happens (and we certainly hope that doesnt happen), dont resist it. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Did you know that two Guatemalans have won the Nobel Prize? Many public ATMs out on the streets can be tampered by anyone. Take a tuk-tuk to this place for an authentic, yet practical experience. 2. Pickpocketers and robbers might be roaming around the streets. 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. 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. 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. There was once a man named Junjunajpu who disappeared from his village. 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. 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. Estimates suggest that Guatemala has 250 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, 200 species of reptiles and amphibians, and numerous species of butterflies and insects. ASMR disturbing science facts - EP. 1998 - Bishop Juan Gerardi, a human rights campaigner, murdered. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for It's a Fungus Among Us: The Good, the Bad & the Downright Scary at the best online prices at eBay! The country of Guatemala has an area that reaches almost 109,000 square kilometers. Of these 33 volcanoes 3 watch over the colonial town of Antigua: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. So, if youre planning on traveling to Guatemala, pack accordingly, meaning bring a sweater as well as flip-flops. These items are hot on the eyes of robbers who may be around you at a certain given time. But the dead were happy to see the man and buy his peaches, paying lots of money for the fresh fruit. 2013 May - Ex-military leader Efrain Rios Montt is convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity, only to have the ruling overturned by the constitutional court on a technicality, forcing a retrial, although no date is set. Believe it or not, thats possible! At any time, something might happen that can make the protest a violent one. He wrote a book based on Guatemalan myths and legends called Leyendas de Guatemala (Legends of Guatemala). 1951 - Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzman becomes president, continuing Arevalo's reforms. Guatemalas tallest volcano is Tajumulco (13,789 ft), its located in San Marcos, and its Central Americas tallest volcano, as well. Antigua is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its architecture and preserved ruins. 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. Since its a popular tourist destination, a lot of crime can happen in this Guatemalan department. Taxis you can hail from the streets can also be part of a scam that you dont want to be a victim of. Apart from the interesting Mayan ruins, Guatemala also boasts having beautiful natural wonders and diverse flora and fauna. Guatemala is one of the 21 countries where Spanish is an official language. 2016 November - El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras announce a joint security force aimed at fighting gangs and cross-border organised crime. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans When traveling to a different country, its a good travel habit to have important travel contacts available on hand. There is always security in numbers, so never plan on a solo trip when youre in a high-risk country. So, avoid any areas with political demonstrations ongoing. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 1970 - Military-backed Carlos Arena elected president. Im left-handed, a failed drummer, an amateur goalkeeper, and I drive a 1988 Subaru J10. While many taxi drivers and companies are reliable, a good number also tend to scam tourists for their money. But the country is also home to speakers of around 21 different Mayan languages, two indigenous languages. 1931-44 - Jorge Ubico, wins presidential election. Sign up for a free class at Homeschool Spanish Academy before your trip and gain some invaluable cultural insight! Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. Guatemalas international airport is also located here, and despite this fact, a reminder for its risk level is still in place. Spanish is the official language and is spoken by 90% of the population. 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. 1954 - Land reform stops with the accession to power of Colonel Carlos Castillo in a coup backed by the US and prompted by Arbenz's nationalisation of plantations of the United Fruit Company. I highly recommend visiting the country. Most of these busses are unreliable, as theyre old and arent maintained that well. 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. Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. 2003 November - Presidential elections go to second round. 7. 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. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 2. It doesnt matter if its a country with higher risk like Guatemala or a much safer country in another continent, you must follow this travel tip. 1991 - Jorge Serrano Elias elected president. Scary costumes and horror movies are thrilling but not real. Enjoy these Guatemalan ghost stories! Jesuit missionaries first introduced coffee to Guatemala in the mid-1700s, and it quickly became one of Guatemalas most important exports. When seeking adventure in Guatemala, safety must be a priority, so research is necessary. Just give them what theyre asking for instead of risking your life to keep it. 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. More heinous crimes can also take place in the area. 2008 October - Ex-President Alfonso Portillo is extradited from Mexico to face corruption charges. The Man with the Hatchet If youre visiting, you need to remain vigilant and watch out for any petty crimes that can occur. Your email address will not be published. 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. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Guatemala remains to be a great place to explore, and you should do so if you can. Do you want to learn some fascinating facts about Guatemala? Diplomatic relations restored with Belize, from whom Guatemala had long-standing territorial claims. Another one of the 22 Guatemalan departments in many travel advisory boards list of places to avoid is the Izabal Department. Questions relating 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. To make sure your trip goes hitch-free, make sure to observe the following tips as soon as you enter the country. ASMR disturbing law facts - EP. From a distance you can spot them pop out of the rich green canopy its breathtaking. Dennis,one of Intrepids local leaders in Guatemala, gives tips on when to go: The nesting season runs from June to December and peaks in August and September. However, you dont have to dampen the fun of your trip just because of a worrywart. 8. Guatemala is one of the 21 countries where Spanish is an official language. Conservative candidate and ex-prison chief Alejandro Giammattei took office in January 2020 after defeating his centre-left opponent Sandra Torres in the 2019 presidential elections, helped by his "tough-on-crime" agenda. 1979-1996 - The country witnesses assassinations, massacres and disappearances throughout its territory. But there were countless others, like La Tatuana, a witch who escaped her execution when she boarded a tiny ship she had drawn in her cell. The people of the town told him to be careful: dont speak to the dead, just give them the peaches and leave. Of those 1,500 sites, the ruins of the Mayan city called Tikal might be the most famous one. 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. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. Many demonstrations in different Guatemala cities and provinces have taken place in the past few years. 2023. Read about our approach to external linking. 2. (Source: Lonely Planet), 21. When it comes to language, Guatemala takes pride in being diverse. The country's large indigenous population is disproportionately affected. Read about our approach to external linking. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America - 68th overall. All the instructors have been great!, Your email address will not be published. The name is derived from the Spanish words chupar ("to suck") and cabra ("goat") and can be translated as "goat-sucker." As a fearsome but probably nonexistent creature, the chupacabra has been characterized as the southern equivalent of the Sasquatch. . So, if you need to withdraw additional cash, its best to do it using ATMs found inside banks. He was stricken with fear, and the very next day he died.. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. These include 21 Maya languages. El Sombrern - or Tzipitio, or Tzizimite, or simply "the goblin," depending on who you ask - serves as a cautionary bogeyman, particularly for young girls. The country shares land borders with the countries of Mexico (north and west), Belize (northeast), Honduras (east), and El Salvador (southeast). It is mountainous, forested and dotted with Mayan ruins, lakes, volcanoes and orchids. Guatemalas national bird is the quetzal. 2009 December - Retired colonel becomes first army officer to be convicted of crimes committed during civil war. (Source: OEC), 25. 2001 December - President Portillo pays $1.8m in compensation to the families of 226 men, women and children killed by soldiers and paramilitaries in the northern village of Las Dos Erres in 1982. Thats right! Although underrated, Guatemala is still one of the most beautiful places tourists can visit in Latin America. (Source: UNESCO), 3. It's a very class-conscious society, with good grooming, neat dress, and cleanliness expected. Or El Cadejo, a dog with red eyes which leads drunkards or drifters to their death. (2014). 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. 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). 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. However, there are long-standing Mayan, Xinca, and Garfuna roots too. Check it out to discover more about Guatemala and its culture. READ MORE: HOW A FASHION SOCIAL ENTERPRISE EMPOWERS WOMEN IN GUATEMALA. 2004 July - $3.5 million in damages paid to victims of civil war. 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. However, this is a country that's steeped in history, culture and local traditions, and visitors should do their research before they arrive. The coastal lowlands are warm and humid. A multitude of products, from soaps and boxed cereals and bottled drinks to automobiles, bear foreign . VISIT GUATEMALA (PLUS 3 OTHER CENTRAL AMERICAN GEMS) ON THIS 9-DAY ADVENTURE. 1931 - Jorge Ubico becomes president; his tenure is marked by repressive rule and then by an improvement in the country's finances. 1954 - Armas takes power after his men invade Guatemala. It provides a glimpse of the countrys history as a colony in the past. Unbelievable history, great artists, delicious food, exceptional inventions, lush landscapes, imposing volcanoes, horror storiesthis little country has a bit of everything! However, many indigenous people in Guatemala still speak their ancestral language, such asKiche, Mam, and Kaqchikel. The key to a memorable and wonderful Guatemalan vacation is safety. (Source: Lonely Planet), 16. If you want to visit Guatemala and stay safe, find someone wholl come with you. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976. 15 Things You Didn't Know About Guatemala | Travel TuesdaysSUBSCRIBE to ALUX: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjPtOCvMrKY5eLwr_-7eUg?sub_confirmation=115 E. 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. 2003 December - Conservative businessman Oscar Berger - a former mayor of Guatemala City - wins the presidential election in the second round. Guatemala is also famous for its volcanoes; there are 37 in the country. Meet Martin Cohen, Intrepids Antarctica expedition guide and 10 awesome places to spend your 21st birthday. Lower respiratory infections came as the second leading cause of death in the country, with an estimated rate of 52.5 deaths per 100,000 people. Within its regional borders, tourists can visit many historical sites and thermal bath establishments. Coffee is big in Guatemala. President Giammattei has said his priorities are tackling corruption and dealing with migration, which has caused tension in relations with the United States. If youve finished reading this article, we assume that youre also searching for answers to the question, is Guatemala safe? And doing so is a great and commendable trait of a good traveler. 1970s - Military rulers embark on a programme to eliminate left-wingers, resulting in at least 50,000 deaths. 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. 1982 - Gen Efrain Rios Montt takes power after a coup, installs military tribunals and launches "scorched earth" counter-insurgency campaign to wipe out guerrilla support in heavily-Indian provinces. 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. If you can, find someone you know and trust who loved in Guatemala and have that person accompany your group. Guatemalan culture is rich with legends and myths, passed from generation to generation, full of vivid images and imagination. Guatemala is thought to be one of the first places to invent chocolate. Usually, some of these scams involve a form of distraction while accomplices rob tourists of their valuables. Although its the highest peak in Central America, it isnt a difficult climb except for the altitude. And when there, be sure to visitChocoMuseo, a museum thatll teach you about its history and nutritional values. Apart from people asking, is Guatemala safe? many who are unfamiliar with the country would also wonder why this place is worth visiting. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! It's time to dive into some real-life scary facts that might send a shiver down your spine. If that is your cup of tea, so be it. Nearly 93% of Guatemalans speak Spanish. The national team competes internationally, and Guatemalan players figure prominently in clubs in other national leagues, especially those of Mexico and Uruguay. All of us (well, the chocolate lovers among us) would agree with the Maya people who worship the cacao tree.