Guatemala or Republic of Guatemala- a state in northern Central America. In the west and north it borders with Mexico, in the east with Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. In the south it is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the east by the Caribbean Sea.
More than half of the territory of Guatemala belongs to the Cordillera mountain belt, represented by the volcanic Sierra Madre highland with the highest peak in Central America - the Tajumulco volcano (4220 m). From Belize, the low Mayan Mountains enter Guatemala. The Pacific coast is occupied by a low-lying alluvial plain.
There are 37 volcanoes in the country, 4 of which are considered active. Due to volcanoes and the structure of the Pacific Ocean, earthquakes are very common in the country. The most powerful earthquake in recent times occurred on February 4, 1976, which destroyed 90% of the capital and other large cities (more than 20 thousand people died and more than a million were left homeless).
The fauna is very diverse. Predators: pumas and jaguars. There are anteaters, porcupines, sloths, and armadillos. There are no large herbivores, with the exception of tapirs. In the forests of the Pacific coast there are iguanas - huge lizards up to 2 m long (they are used for meat, iguana eggs are also obtained). Caiman crocodiles are found in the rivers of Guatemala, whose meat is eaten by local residents.
The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City (Guatemala City), the largest city in Central America.
Climate in Guatemala
The Pacific coast of Guatemala has a hot tropical climate. The daytime temperature in May and June is about +32 degrees, at midday it can reach +40 degrees, at night - about +23 degrees. In December, during the day the air warms up to +27 degrees.
On the Caribbean coast, daytime temperatures throughout the year range from +31 to +33 degrees, night temperatures - from +22 to +24 degrees. Even during the rainy season they remain high. The greatest amount of precipitation in the country falls here (up to 3000 mm per year). The rainy season throughout Guatemala lasts from mid-May to early October. Real tropical showers begin in the afternoon and are very intense, lasting from half an hour to 3 hours.
Since the country's territory is located at a high altitude above sea level, the climate of the interior regions differs from the climate of the coast. The daytime temperature of the hottest month (March) is +28 degrees, but in the evening it will not be more than +20 degrees. In December, during the day the air warms up to +25 degrees, and at night the temperature barely reaches +17 degrees. The rainiest month is August, during which 1000-1300 mm of precipitation falls. The driest month is January. In January, about 50 mm of precipitation falls. Cool winds often blow here and fog forms after rain.
The best time to visit is the dry season (local summer), which lasts from November to May. In winter (from May to October), hurricanes and floods occur due to heavy rainfall.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Population
Population of Guatemala- 13.6 million people (2010). Life expectancy: 69 years for men, 73 years for women. Urban population: 49%.
National composition: Spanish-speaking Guatemalans (mestizo and white) - about 59%, Indians of the predominantly Mayan-Kiche language family - about 40%. In the east of the country, on the Caribbean coast, in the city of Livingston, there is a small black population that has preserved its rituals and customs.
Dominant religions: Catholicism, Protestantism and ancient Mayan beliefs.
The official language of Guatemala is Spanish. Also in the country there are more than 20 officially recognized Indian dialects, including Quiche, Garifuna, etc.
Last changes: 05/15/2013About money
Monetary unit of Guatemala- quetzal (named after the bird - the symbol of Guatemala), 1 quetzal consists of 100 centavos. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 quetzals and coins in 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos.
The quetzal is a non-convertible currency and cannot be exchanged outside the country, so it is highly recommended to exchange local currency before departure (reverse exchange is usually allowed up to the equivalent of $100). The easiest way to exchange unused local currency is at the airport bank (open Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 20.00). It is quite difficult to exchange torn and worn-out banknotes.
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 12.30 and from 14.30 to 16.30 (some branches are open from 09.00 to 20.00), on Saturdays - from 09.00 to 12.30.
Currency can be exchanged everywhere - in banks, exchange offices ("casas de cambio"), shops, markets, hotels (the rate here is not the most favorable) and airports, with preference given to US dollars and euros. Most hotels, restaurants, shops and travel agencies accept credit cards from the world's leading systems.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere: in shops, markets and hotels.
Travel checks can be cashed at most banks and high-end hotels. To avoid additional costs due to exchange rate fluctuations, it is recommended to bring checks in US dollars.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Communications
Dialing code: 502
Internet domain: .gt
How to call
To call from Russia to Guatemala, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 502 - area code - subscriber number.
To call from Guatemala to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.
Landline communications
In the capital, the telephone system is much more developed, but even taking this into account, there is only 1 telephone for every 17 Guatemalans. International telephone calls can be made from almost all major cities and towns, but to do this you will have to use the services of call centers (located mainly in the building of post offices and in large organizations) or from rare specialized pay phones (they work with plastic cards) .
mobile connection
Mobile communications of the GSM 800/1900 standard are much more developed than landline communications and continue to expand at a rapid pace. Local operators provide almost complete coverage of the country around the main cities, with the exception of the north-eastern regions of the country.
Internet
There are a large number of Internet cafes in the capital and in the main tourist areas of the country. Wireless networks are available in some hotels and cafes, as well as at the airport.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Shopping
Small shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00 with a long break. Large - without a break from 9:00 to 20:00.
Shopping: coffee, rum, textiles (ponchos, scarves, bags, etc.), ritual masks and other wooden crafts.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Sea and beaches
On the Pacific coast of Guatemala there are the most popular beaches and resort areas of the country (Monterrico), where windsurfing is most popular among tourists due to the high waves.
On the Caribbean coast, the beaches of Punta de Palma and Livingston are popular, especially for families with children, due to the lack of waves and the shallow depth of the sea off the coast.
Last changes: 05/15/2013History of Guatemala
The first settlements on the territory of modern Guatemala arose in the 1st millennium BC. They were inhabited by the Mayan Indians, who did not have a single state.
In the 2nd-9th centuries AD. e. - Mayan culture flourished, then came a period of decline. In the 10th-11th centuries. The Toltecs, who also included the Quiché tribes, came to Guatemala from Tabasco and conquered the central highlands with the capital Kumarkah (Utatlan). By the end of the 14th century, many peoples of Guatemala were subordinate to the Quiche. In the 15th century, the Kaqchikel people separated from the Quiche, forming their own state.
Early 15th century n. e. There were constant wars between small states.
Colonial period
In 1523, the colonization of the country by the Spaniards began (under the leadership of Pedro de Alvarado). The Quiché tribe, which still remains the largest Indian tribe in Guatemala, offered the greatest resistance to the Spaniards. The conquistadors captured the main city of the Quiché tribe, Gumarca, in 1524. By order of Pedro de Alvarado, the city was burned along with its nobility. By that time, Alvarado, along with his local allies, had already defeated the main Quiche army, led by Tecun Uman, a member of the Quiche royal family, who bore the title of “great leader of warriors,” in a battle on the outskirts of the city of Quetzaltenango. According to the chronicles, Alvarado allegedly personally killed Tekum Umana. By 1525 the Indians were conquered.
The Spaniards began to create plantations and mine gold and silver from the mid-16th century. However, the economic development of Guatemala was very weak. Almost only dyes were exported - from indigo and from cochineal insects. In 1564, the Captaincy General of Guatemala was created.
The importation of black slaves into Guatemala was insignificant. Almost all blacks disappeared among the local population.
Until 1773, Antigua Guatemala was considered the capital, until it was destroyed by an earthquake. The capital was moved to the current city of Guatemala.
Independence period
At the beginning of the 19th century, wars of independence began in the Spanish colonies of America. On September 15, 1821, the independence of Guatemala was proclaimed. In 1822, Guatemala became part of the Mexican Empire, and left in 1823 after its collapse. Soon a federation of Central American countries was created. Its first president was Manuel José Arce. He carried out a number of reforms - education, freedom of religion and also encouraged foreign investment. In 1837, a peasant uprising began. The president was unable to suppress it and resigned. In 1838 the Central American Federation collapsed.
In 1839-40, there was a civil war in Guatemala between liberals and conservatives; as a result, in 1840, the country was ruled by a conservative, peasant Rafael Carrera, President of Guatemala from 1844 to 1865 (until his death).
Since the early 1860s, immigrants from Germany began cultivating coffee plantations in Guatemala, and as a result, coffee became Guatemala's most important export product.
In 1871, liberals carried out a coup d'état in Guatemala, and General Rufino Barrillos became president. He expelled the monastic orders from Guatemala and confiscated their property, as well as the property of the largest conservatives. Under him, the construction of railways began and a number of measures were taken to develop agriculture and spread literacy among the population. At the same time, Barrillos passionately desired to once again create a unified Central American state. After the failure of peace negotiations with neighboring countries, Barrillos decided to forcefully organize a federation, but was killed in a battle against the Salvadoran army in 1885.
In 1898, the conservative Manuel Cabrera became president, who provided the Americans, in particular, the United Fruit Company, with a number of fertile lands on which the company created large banana plantations, which became Guatemala's second export commodity after coffee.
The United Fruit Company significantly expanded the Guatemalan port of Puerto Barrios on the country's Atlantic coast at the beginning of the 20th century. Then it began to expand Guatemala's ports on the Pacific coast.
After the overthrow of Cabrera by the liberals (in 1920), there was a struggle for power, which was won by General Jorge Ubico in 1931. He provided the United Fruit company with new lands, completely free of charge, and therefore enjoyed the support of the United States. In a short time he became a dictator.
In the 1930s, Germany became Guatemala's largest foreign trade partner after the United States - a third of Guatemala's exports and imports. However, in December 1941, Guatemala was forced, following the United States, to declare war on the Axis countries - Germany, Italy and Japan. Guatemala did not participate in hostilities, it only stopped trading with these countries.
In July 1944, junior army officers, students and teachers protested against the Ubico dictatorship. In an effort to retain the levers of power, he transferred the presidency to General Ponce. However, in October 1944 he was overthrown in a coup d'état led by Major Arana and Captain Arbenz. About a hundred people were killed during the coup. The country began to be ruled by a military junta. Then elections were held, and the writer José Arevalo became the President of Guatemala, who pursued a policy more independent from the United States, in particular, established diplomatic relations with the USSR. Arevalo himself called himself a “Christian socialist.”
In 1951, Jacobo Arbenz, who had already become a colonel, won the elections, defeating the pro-American Idigoras Fuentes. Arbenz behaved even more radically - he refused to send a contingent to Korea and nationalized the lands of the United Fruit company, paying it compensation of a million dollars, although Ubico gave these lands completely free of charge, and the company demanded 16 million. Economic pressure on Arbenz did not help, and United Fruit began to seek support in the highest echelons of US government. And she found it with the Dulles brothers, one of whom, Allen, worked as director of the CIA, and the other, John Foster, was secretary of state. President Eisenhower also supported them - he believed that Arbenz was pro-Soviet and was moving towards communism.
Meanwhile, the influence of workers' and socialist movements and parties has really increased in Guatemala. In 1954, the founding congress of the Guatemalan Labor Party took place, with Bernardo Alvarado Monzón becoming its general secretary.
In June 1954, Arbenz was overthrown as a result of Operation PBSUCCESS. Colonel Castillo Armas became president, who returned the lands to United Fruit and refocused on the United States. In 1957 he was killed. Soon, Idigoras Fuentes became president, under whom a civil war began in the country.
It began after the armed uprising of junior army officers who went to partisans in the mountains was suppressed in November 1960. In 1963, Idigoras was overthrown by Colonel Peralta Azurdia, who ruled the country until 1966. After this, Mendez Montenegro became president, and he began a real army war against the partisans, while entire villages that supported the partisans were destroyed. Most parties and movements were declared “outlaw”. Their activists were either killed or forced to go underground.
In 1970, Arana Osorio was elected president. Under him, repression against dissidents reached its peak. For example, on September 26, 1972, the leader of the Guatemalan communists, Bernardo Alvarado Monzon, was executed.
In 1974, Lauherud García was elected president.
In 1976, the capital was destroyed by a strong earthquake. The partisan movement carried out several large-scale military operations. The army responded with massive repression.
Subsequent presidents, Lucas Garcia and Rios Montt, tightened the repression even more. Montt came to power in 1982. Montt's reign (1982-1983) accounted for a third of the known killings during the civil war, for which the partisans were also largely responsible. In 1983, Montt was overthrown and Oscar Mejía Victores came to power. Under him, many Guatemalans fled from the country to neighboring countries.
Vinicio Cerezo began easing repression. In 1991, Serrano came to power, under which human rights were again violated on a massive scale.
In 1992, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Indian activist Rigoberta Menchú, who openly denounced the Guatemalan dictatorship. That same year, negotiations began with guerrilla groups; on December 29, 1996, the government of Alvaro Arzú signed a peace agreement with the guerrillas, but neither the former military rulers nor the guerrillas have yet been brought to justice.
Since 2004, the country's president has been Oscar Berger from the Grand National Alliance party.
On September 9, 2007, the first round of the next presidential election was held, won by businessman Alvaro Colom from the center-left National Union of Hope party and former Guatemalan army general Otto Perez Molina from the center-right Patriotic Party. The second round of elections took place on November 4, 2007. Alvaro Colom won. On January 14, 2008, Alvaro Colom officially took office as President of Guatemala.
Last changes: 05/15/2013Helpful information
The most favorable time to visit the country is the relatively dry season from November to May.
To visit mountainous areas, we recommend taking spring clothes with you, including a sweater for evening walks; for visiting archaeological parks and low-lying areas - light cotton clothes; for the beach - sunglasses and a hat.
By law, you must have with you a document confirming your identity.
Altitude sickness is also common in many western parts of Guatemala, so it is recommended to acclimatize before traveling to the mountains.
All water should be considered potentially unfit for consumption. All water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should be boiled first. It is better to use bottled water.
When moving around the country, you should take into account the peculiarities of its fauna. There are quite a lot of small predators in the forests, but the main danger comes from numerous representatives of reptiles and arthropods. In addition to mosquitoes, leeches, which live not only in ponds, but also in the crowns of tropical forest trees, as well as ticks and spiders, cause quite a lot of trouble in the forested areas of the country. When traveling through the reserves of Guatemala, you should never travel without a guide!
Last changes: 05/15/2013How to get to Guatemala
There are no direct flights between Russia and Guatemala.
The flight takes approximately 18-22 hours (depending on the connection) and usually costs about $1500-1700 (both ways).
Last changes: 05/15/2013National flag of Guatemala.
Guatemala is a country in Central America; occupies an area of 108.9 thousand sq. km. Population - 14.3 million people, mainly Spanish-Indian mestizos and Indians. The official language is Spanish. The majority of believers are Catholics. The capital is Guatemala.
Guatemala. Panorama of the city.
Administrative division: 22 departments. The form of government is a republic. The head of state and government is the president. The legislative body is the unicameral National Congress. Largest cities: Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Escuintala, Mazatenango, Puerto Barrios, Antigua.
Guatemala is located in the northern part of Central America. It borders on Mexico to the west and north, Belize to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. In the south it is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the east by the Gulf of Honduras. About two-thirds of the territory is occupied by mountains. The Sierra Madre mountain range crosses Guatemala from west to east. About two-thirds of the territory is occupied by mountains, many of the peaks are volcanoes. The Sierra Madre mountain range crosses Guatemala from west to east. The highest point of the country is the Tajumulco volcano (4220 m). The main rivers are Motagua and Usumaquinta.
Guatemala. Volcano San Pedro.
There are 33 volcanoes in Guatemala, many of which are active. The Cordilleras here are divided into two branches: Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre. The country is divided into three physiographic regions: the lowlands of the Pacific coast, the highlands of the southern and central parts and the Petén plain in the north, where tropical forests grow. In the southwest of the highlands, separating it from the coastal lowlands, rises the Sierra Madre ridge, on the ancient base of which numerous cones of young volcanoes are superimposed, including the highest mountain in Central America, the Tajumulco volcano (4217 m).
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Guatemala. Lake Atitlan.
In a depression among the volcanoes there is the clearest Lake Atitlan. From the southwest-facing slope of the highlands flow short, turbulent rivers that flow into the Pacific Ocean. Most of the mountainous region is crossed by rivers belonging to the Caribbean Sea: Sarstun, Motagua, as well as tributaries of the Polochik River. Tourists are attracted by picturesque lakes with clear water: Izabal, Ayarza, Guija. Navigable rivers - Montagua, Polochik. National parks: Tikal, Rio Dulce, Atitlan.
Guatemala. Lake Chikabal.
The climate is tropical. The coastal lowlands are more humid and hot, with an average daily temperature of 27° C. The heaviest precipitation falls on the Caribbean coast and the mountain slopes facing it, as well as on the Petén plain (1500–2500 mm per year). The lowlands and lower parts of the slopes are covered with tall tropical rain forest, with closed crowns and almost no undergrowth. Palm trees grow on the Caribbean coast. There are many valuable tree species in the forests of Guatemala: zedrela, dalbergia (rosewood), cypress, acaju (mahogany) and logwood, which produces a valuable dye. Lianas, epiphytes, and orchids grow here. Guatemala is home to about 2,000 bird species. There are especially many tropical birds with colorful plumage, including various species of parrots. The quetzal, a rare bird with bright green feathers and a long tail, has become the national symbol of Guatemala. Quetzal is depicted on the national emblem and flag of the country; the monetary unit of Guatemala is named after him.
Guatemala is an agricultural country. Main commercial crops: coffee, bananas, cardamom, cotton; consumer - corn, rice, beans. Valuable tropical wood and chicle resin (for the production of chewing gum) are produced. Lead-zinc ores and salt are being mined. The food, leather, textile and petrochemical industries are developed. Seaports: Puerto Barrios, San Jose, Champerico. Coffee, raw cotton, bananas, and sugar are exported. Main foreign trade partners: USA, Mexico, Central American countries, Germany. Tourism is developed.
Guatemala. A shop with masks of conquistadors and Mayan gods in the main square of Chichicastenando.
In ancient times, the country was inhabited by Indians. From the 3rd to the 10th centuries, Guatemala was the center of the Mayan Empire. In 1523, the country was conquered by Spanish troops under the command of Pedro de Alvarado. In 1821, during the War of Independence of the Spanish Colonies in America (1810-1826), Guatemala declared independence. Slavery was abolished in 1824. From 1823 to 1839, Guatemala was part of the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. In 1839, the states included in the association declared complete independence. In 1898-1920 and 1931-1944, the country was ruled by dictatorial regimes. The government of President J. Arbenz Guzman (1951-1954), which tried to implement land reform, was overthrown as a result of a military coup supported by the United States. A period followed (1954-1965, 1970-1985) of new coups organized by various military groups; Left-wing rebel groups operated in the country. A civilian government has been in power since 1985.
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Guatemala. Church in Santa Cruz del Quiche.
Tourists are attracted by the picturesque ruins of ancient cities, lively fiestas and folk music, which is performed on a unique musical instrument like the xylophone - the marimba. About half of the country's population are descendants of the ancient Mayans. Among the capital's attractions: the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Natural History, the National Palace, the cathedral of 1815. Near Guatemala City, the ruins of several Mayan cities remain. The largest of them, Tikal, occupies about 15.5 sq. km. Antigua has preserved several buildings of colonial architecture, as well as the Colonial Museum.
Guatemalan cuisine is characterized by dishes made from natural meat, mainly beef and pork. The meat is fried on grills or stewed in special ceramic pots. Popular dishes include tomatoes, corn, beans and beans. Poultry and wild poultry are roasted on a spit or stewed in pots with vegetables. One of the favorite dishes is meat sausages, reminiscent of Georgian kupaty. Table wine is required for lunch and dinner. Ripe fruits are offered for dessert. A mandatory attribute of the national table is strong natural coffee.
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Guatemala. Church destroyed by the 1773 earthquake
Guatemala is a country of absolute opposites, rich in history and blessed with a successful future. This is where turbulent volcanoes and tropical rainforests, sandy beaches and endless coffee plantations are located.
Let's take a closer look at Guatemala: where it is located, the climatic features of Guatemala, the population of the country, what nature is like here, what attractions are worth seeing in Guatemala, the form of government and much more.
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Guatemala: Wikipedia
- The area of the state is almost 109 thousand square kilometers;
- The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala;
- Population – 14.7 million people;
- The official language is Spanish;
- Form of government – presidential republic;
- Currency – quetzal;
- Religion: Catholicism.
Where is Guatemala located on the world map?
Guatemala on the world map is located in Central America. In the north, the state borders Mexico and Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. The country is washed by two oceans:
- Quiet;
- Atlantic.
As stated earlier, The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. It is the largest urban agglomeration in Central America. The capital is located along mountain ranges located on a picturesque plateau. The capital is distinguished by the typical attributes of Latin American cities:
- Bright buses;
- Chaotic markets.
These attributes perfectly emphasize the majesty of the buildings of the Mayan civilization. Previously, the capital of the state was the city of Antigua, but in 1776 it was severely damaged due to a powerful earthquake. Despite the fact that the capital of Guatemala was moved to a new location, Antigua occupies a significant place in the history of the North and as one of the main cities of the Mayan people. The former capital was built at the foot of volcanoes:
- Agua;
- Feugo;
- Acatenango.
These volcanoes rise majestically above colonial buildings that preserve the mystical and mysterious history of the Mayan people.
Due to its geographical location, The climate in Guatemala can be called mild, but it is also worth noting that the air temperature here depends on the altitude above the level of the World Ocean. The local seasons are distinguished by the amount of precipitation and nighttime temperature conditions. Winter lasts from May to October, and summer from November to April. February, March, April and May are the hottest months in the exotic state. The most rainfall occurs between May and October.
On the Pacific coast hot and tropical climate. The average daily temperature in May is +27 degrees. In December, the average daily air temperature reaches +23 degrees.
On the Caribbean coast During the day, the air warms up to +33 degrees throughout the year, and at night – up to +23 degrees. It is also worth noting that during the rainy season the air temperature remains the same. The largest amount of precipitation, by the way, falls in this region of the country.
The best time to visit Guatemala is the dry season, which occurs from November to May.
Nature
Two-thirds of the state's territory is located on the medium-high and high mountain ranges that belong to the Cordillera system. The Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre mountain ranges cross Guatemala from its northern territory to its southern territory. There are 33 volcanoes in this area, some of which are currently inactive. Their height reaches 3800 meters. The highest point in Guatemala is the Tajumulco volcano. Its height is 4211 meters above sea level.
The western and southern parts of Guatemala are located on the Pacific Coastal Lowland, a flat plain pierced by many rivers carrying crystal clear waters from the mountain ranges.
The bulk of the country's population lives in the intermontane region between the Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre ranges. The largest basin is located near Lake Atitlan. On its southeastern side is the capital of the state - Guatemala City. Banana plantations, grain crops and cocoa grow on the basins themselves. And on the adjacent mountain slopes there are pine and cedar forests.
Main attractions of Guatemala
This country must be included in the list of states that are worth visiting at least once in your life. After all, this is where the centuries-old history of the ancient Mayan tribes is combined with the promising future of their descendants. Guatemala is a beautiful place, located in Central America, which is filled with legendary buildings.
The capital of the state is architecturally eclectic. This is where modern glass skyscrapers rise above ancient stately mansions. And the wide and noisy city streets intersect with narrow streets where the local population sips strong aromatic coffee collected from the local coffee plantations.
Guatemala City is located in a picturesque area and is surrounded by volcanoes, lakes and endless plantations. All this can be seen from a bird's eye view by booking a helicopter tour. The cost of such an excursion will average $900 for five passengers.
Favorite tourist spots - cities of Tigal and Antigua. Travelers from all over the world come here to get a closer look at the area where the ancient buildings of the Mayan tribe have been preserved. On the territory of these cities there are currently a large number of pyramids, palaces and temples that belonged to the ancient civilization.
Another city worth visiting in Guatemala is Quetzaltenango. It is famous for its healing hot springs and handmade souvenirs. In the city of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa you can get acquainted with the history of America before its discovery by Columbus. You can take a ride on a luxurious snow-white yacht or on a real fishing boat by visiting Livingston, which is located in the northeast of Guatemala. Boat excursions are also available here.
Local kitchen
Cuisine of Guatemala very similar in its traditions to Mexican, Salvadoran and Honduran. One cannot ignore the Indian and Spanish culinary traditions present here, which have mixed with each other thanks to the rich history of the state. The local population of Guatemala prepares most dishes from the following products:
- Rice;
- Bobov;
- Maize;
- Meat (mostly chicken).
The dishes also always contain a large amount of herbs and various spices. The local population still uses Mayan recipes to prepare their dishes, which have survived to this day.
Coffee is considered the main drink in Guatemala., which is also a first-class export item. You can breathe in the aroma of impeccable black coffee even in the most remote corners of Guatemala. Local residents prefer to drink coffee that is not very strong, but they drink it very often - about 20 cups a day. They don't drink tea that often here. However, the most popular type of tea is “Mate”, which is also traditional throughout Latin America. For drinks, there is a wide variety of fruit juices, since many different fruits grow in Guatemala.
Entertainment and relaxation
If we talk about entertainment in Guatemala, then here there are about 10 national parks and reserves, the flora and fauna of which is very diverse. The country is also home to the deepest lake in all of Central America, called Atitlan. The descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization live at the very foot of the volcano in the vicinity of this lake.
Beach lovers should visit the most popular beach in Guatemala - Monterico. It stretches along the Pacific coast and is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. By the way, it is worth noting that the beach is strewn with volcanic sand.
The country is famous for a large number of different holidays. Each village or city has its own patron saint, whose day is usually celebrated on a grand scale, with musical performances, church services and colorful fireworks. You can get acquainted with traditional clothing and local life by visiting the Sunday markets in Chichicastenango and nearby towns.
Those who prefer an active holiday with a combination of sunny beaches can find many ways to have a great time:
- Hiking through ancient places;
- Surfing;
- Mountaineering on volcanoes;
- Rafting;
- Diving and much more.
What to buy?
If you want to bring some souvenirs to your loved ones, then the best option would be folk art products of the local population of Guatemala. This can be homemade clothing, Indian calendars, knitted items, semi-precious stones, wooden products, ritual paraphernalia of the Mayan civilization and much more.
Such souvenir gifts, as a rule, can be bought at local markets, and the price for them can be reduced almost in half if you haggle well. All city streets are literally strewn with various products with images of the quetzal bird, which is also the national symbol of Guatemala.
If you want to bring products as a gift, then you should pay attention for chocolate and coffee. Even the smallest store has a huge selection of these products.
All sights of Guatemala
Guatemala (capital of Guatemala) Guatemala(Guatemala), city, capital of Guatemala. Located in a valley in the Guatemalan Highlands, at an altitude of over 1500 m. 770 thousand inhabitants in 1970 (in 1940≈165 thousand, in 1957≈360 thousand). Knot w. etc., going to the ports of San Jose and Champerico (on the Pacific Ocean), Puerto Barrios (on the Caribbean cape) and the capitals of neighboring countries - Mexico City and San Salvador. Airport . Enterprises of the food, textile, leather and footwear, furniture industries; railway workshops, cement production.
═ The city was founded in 1524 under the name Santiago, later renamed Guatemala City. In 1541 it was destroyed by an earthquake and after restoration in 1776 it became the administrative center of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. In 1821, the independence of Guatemala from Spain was proclaimed here, and in 1823 the creation of the federation of the United Provinces of Central America was announced, the capital of which was Guatemala. The city suffered greatly from earthquakes in 1874 and especially in 1917–18, but was restored. In 1944, an armed uprising occurred in Georgia, which was the beginning of the Revolution of 1944–54.
═ The city is laid out on a rectangular grid and is built up mainly with 1-2-story houses. Among the large buildings are the cathedral (1782-1815), the theater (1852-59), the presidential palace (1933), and the government palace (1941).
═ There are 4 universities in Guatemala (including a state one), the National Conservatory, the Guatemalan Academy, the National Museum of History and Fine Arts and the National Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of Guatemala.
Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .
See what “Guatemala (capital of Guatemala)” is in other dictionaries:
GUATEMALA (Guatemala), the capital of Guatemala (see GUATEMALA (state)). 0.9 million inhabitants (2004; with suburbs 2.5 million inhabitants). International Airport. Food, textile, leather and footwear industries. Universities. Museums, incl.... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
1) Republic of Guatemala, state in the Center. America. Named after the city of Guatemala. The name is derived from Aztec. Guauhtemallan is a place covered with forest. 2) the capital of the Republic of Guatemala. The city was founded in 1524 under the name Santiago (Saint Iago).... ... Geographical encyclopedia
Guatemala (city) Guatemala (Guatemala) is the capital of Guatemala (see Guatemala (country)), the largest city in Central America. In 1524, a detachment under the command of Pedro de Alvarado, consisting of 300 Spaniards and many Tlaxacaltec Indians... Geographical encyclopedia
GUATEMALA- the capital and largest city of Guatemala is located on a plateau in the southern part of the country. The city's population is about 946,000 inhabitants. The capital of the country was founded in 1524 under the name Santiago. Later the city was renamed. Guatemala main... ... Cities and countries
I Republic of Guatemala (República de Guatemala), a state in Central America. 108.9 thousand km2. Population 10.9 million people (1996), mostly Guatemalans (Spanish Indian mestizos) and Indians. Urban population 35% (1994). Official language … … encyclopedic Dictionary
GUATEMALA, Republic of Guatemala (Republica de Guatemala), state in the Center. America. Area 108.9 thousand sq. km. Population 14280.6 thousand people (2004), mainly Guatemalans (Spanish Indian mestizo) and Indians. Urban population 35% (1994).… … encyclopedic Dictionary
Capital of Guatemala. 1.1 million inhabitants (1993). International Airport. Food, textile, leather and footwear industries. Universities. Museums, including history and fine arts, archeology and ethnography. Cathedral (1782 1815), restored... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
The Republic of Guatemala, the northernmost of the Central American Republics, covers an area of 108,899 square kilometers. km. It borders on the north and west with Mexico, on the east with Belize, on the south and southeast with El Salvador and Honduras. In the east, Guatemala has... ... Collier's Encyclopedia
This term has other meanings, see Guatemala (meanings). Republic of Guatemala República de Guatemala ... Wikipedia
I Guatemala (Guatemala) Republic of Guatemala (República de Guatemala), a state in Central America. It borders on the west and north with Mexico, on the northeast with Britain's Honduras, and on the southeast with Honduras and El Salvador. In the east it is washed by the Caribbean Sea... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
