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Guatemala area. Guatemala - information about the country, sights, history. National holidays in Guatemala

Guatemala is a country of absolute opposites, which is rich in its history and is famous for its successful future. It is here that restless 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 here, what sights 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;
The population is 14.7 million people;
The official language is Spanish;
The form of government is a 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 on 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 the mountain ranges, located on the picturesque plateau. The capital is distinguished by 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 badly 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;
Akatenango.

These volcanoes tower majestically above the colonial buildings that keep 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 height 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 precipitation falls 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 coast of the Caribbean 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. By the way, the largest amount of precipitation falls in this region of the country.

The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season from November to May.

Nature

Two-thirds of the territory of the state 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 one. There are 33 volcanoes in this area, some of which are currently inactive. Their height reaches 3800 meters. Tajumulco Volcano is the highest point in Guatemala. Its height is 4211 meters above sea level.

The western and southern part of Guatemala is located on the Pacific coastal lowland, namely, on a flat plain, which is pierced by many rivers that carry crystal clear waters from mountain ranges.

The bulk of the country's population lives in the intermountain area between the Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre ranges. Near Lake Atitlan is the largest basin. On its southeastern side is the capital of the state - the city of Guatemala. Banana plantations, crops and cocoa grow on the basins themselves. Pine and cedar forests grow on the adjacent mountain slopes.

The main attractions of Guatemala

This country must be included in the list of countries worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. After all, it is here that the centuries-old history of the ancient Mayan tribes is combined with the promising future of their descendants. Guatemala is beautiful place , located in Central America, which is filled with legendary buildings.

The capital of the state is an architectural eclecticism. It is here that modern glass skyscrapers rise above the ancient majestic 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 ordering a helicopter tour. The cost of such an excursion will average $ 900 for five passengers.

Favorite places for tourists cities of Tigal and Antigua. Travelers from all over the world come here to get to know the area, where the ancient buildings of the Mayan tribe have been preserved. On the territory of these cities there are now a large number of pyramids, palaces and temples that belonged to an 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 ride on a chic snow-white yacht or on a real fishing boat by visiting Livingston, which is located in the northeast of Guatemala. There are also water excursions.

Local kitchen

Cuisine of Guatemala very similar in its traditions to Mexican, Salvadoran and Honduran. It is impossible to ignore the Indian and Spanish culinary traditions present here, which have mixed with each other due to the rich history of the state. Most of the dishes the local population of Guatemala prepares from the following products:

Rice;
beans;
maize;
Meat (mainly chicken).

The dishes also always contain a large amount of herbs and various spices. The local population still uses Mayan recipes that have survived to this day to prepare their dishes.

Coffee is the staple drink in Guatemala., which is also a first-class export item. You can inhale the aroma of impeccable black coffee even in the most remote corners of Guatemala. Locals prefer to drink coffee not very strong, but they drink it very often - about 20 cups a day. Tea is not often drunk here. However, the most popular type of tea is Mate, which is also traditional throughout Latin America. From drinks there is a wide variety of fruit juices, as many different fruits grow in Guatemala.

Entertainment and recreation

If we talk about entertainment in Guatemala, then here there are about 10 national parks and reserves, whose flora and fauna is very diverse. The country also has the deepest lake in all of Central America, which is called Atitlán. The descendants of the ancient Maya 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 various holidays.. Each village or city has its own patron saint, whose day is celebrated, as a rule, on a grand scale, with musical performances, church services and colorful fireworks. You can get acquainted with traditional clothing and local life by visiting 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 in ancient places;
Surfing;
Mountaineering on volcanoes;
Rafting;
Diving and more.

What to buy?

If you want to bring some souvenirs to your loved ones, then the best option would be products of folk art of the local population of Guatemala. It can be self-woven clothes, Indian calendars, knitwear, 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 almost halved if you bargain 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

Nature and climate

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 physical and geographical areas: the lowlands of the Pacific coast, the highlands of the southern and central part, and the Peten Plain in the north, where tropical forests grow. In the south-west of the highlands, separating it from the coastal lowland, the Sierra Madre ridge rises, 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).

In a hollow among the volcanoes is the cleanest Lake Atitlan. From the slope of the highlands, facing southwest, short, turbulent rivers flow down into the Pacific Ocean. Most of the mountainous area 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.

The climate is tropical. In the coastal lowlands it is more humid and hot, the average daily temperature here is 27 ° C. The most abundant precipitation falls on the Caribbean coast and the slopes of the mountains facing it, as well as on the Peten plain (1500–2500 mm per year). The lowlands and lower parts of the slopes are covered with high-stemmed tropical rainforest, with closed crowns and almost no undergrowth. Palm trees grow on the Caribbean coast. In the forests of Guatemala, there are many valuable tree species: cedrela, dalbergia (rosewood), cypress, acajou (mahogany) and logwood, which gives a valuable dye. Lianas, epiphytes, orchids grow here. About 2,000 species of birds live in Guatemala. There are especially many tropical birds with colorful plumage, including various types 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 state emblem and flag of the country; the monetary unit of Guatemala is named after him.

Economy

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 harvested. Lead-zinc ores and salt are mined. The food and flavoring, leather, textile and petrochemical industries are developed. Seaports: Puerto Barrios, San Jose, Champerico. Coffee, raw cotton, bananas, sugar are exported. Main foreign trade partners: USA, Mexico, countries of Central America, Germany. Tourism is developed. The monetary unit is the quetzal.

Story

In ancient times, the territory of the country was inhabited by Indians. In the III-X centuries Guatemala was the center of the Maya 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 (1810-26), Guatemala declared independence. In 1824 slavery was abolished. In 1823-39, Guatemala was part of the United Provinces of Central America, which also included Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. In 1839, the member states declared full independence. In 1898-1920. and from 1931-1944. The country was ruled by dictatorial regimes. The government of President J. Árbenz Guzmán (1951-54), which was trying to implement land reform, was overthrown as a result of a military coup supported by the United States. There followed a period (1954-65, 1970-85) of new coups organized by various military factions; left-wing rebel groups operated in the country. A civilian government has been in power since 1985. On January 3, 2000, a candidate from one of the right-wing parties, Alfonso Portillo, won the presidential election. In May 2000, there were riots in the capital due to an increase in bus fares. The riot left several people dead and more than 50 buses burned. The government struggled to resolve the conflict.

Attractions

Guatemala is worth a visit to see with your own eyes how the centuries-old history of the ancient Maya tribes and the promising future of their descendants can be organically combined. This beautiful place in Central America is simply filled with legendary buildings.

The capital of the country is an architectural eclecticism: glass skyscrapers rise above the old majestic mansions, and wide and noisy city shopping streets cross narrow streets where locals drink strong aromatic coffee.

The city is located in a picturesque area surrounded by volcanoes, lakes and endless plantations, which can be seen from a bird's eye view if you take a helicopter tour, costing about $ 900 for five passengers.

The cities of Tigal and Antigua are favorite destinations for tourists from all over the world thanks to the Mayan civilization. On the territory of cities, a large number of pyramids, palaces and temples of the ancient Indians have survived to the present.

The city of Quetzaltenango is widely known for its healing hot springs and handmade souvenirs. The town of Santa Lucia-Cotzumalguapa will gladly open the pages of the history of America before its discovery by Columbus. If you have always dreamed of riding a snow-white yacht or a wooden fishing boat, then you need to visit Livingston in the northeast of Guatemala, where boat trips are held.

Kitchen

Guatemalan cuisine is characterized by natural meat dishes, mainly beef and pork. The meat is fried on grills or stewed in special ceramic pots. Dishes made from tomatoes, corn, beans and beans are popular. Domestic and wild birds 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 served for lunch and dinner. Ripe fruits are served for dessert. An obligatory attribute of the national table is strong natural coffee.

Accommodation

Hotels in Guatemala have their own "zest": original architecture. All of them are different, some can be compared with an ethnographic village, the other with a Spanish castle. But they also have something in common - excellent European-level service.

The room must be booked in advance. Resort hotels on the coast are reminiscent of hotels from the movies: fitness centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, sun loungers and palm trees.

Most hotels provide an included breakfast buffet. The staff speaks Spanish and English.

If you want to feel the full flavor of the local culture, you should stay in a “guesthouse”: full board is offered here, and the owners, for a fee, will help you explore the surroundings and tell ancient legends.

Entertainment and recreation

There are more than ten national parks and reserves in Guatemala, their flora and fauna are very diverse. Also here is the deepest lake in Central America - Atitlan. The descendants of the Mayan tribe live right at the foot of the volcanoes in the vicinity of the lake.

Monterico is the most popular beach in Guatemala, it stretches along the Pacific coast and is an ideal place for lovers of swimming and sunbathing on volcanic sand.

The country has a huge number of different festive events. Each village or city has its own patron saint, whose day is usually celebrated on a grand scale, musical performances and church services are replaced by festive processions and fireworks. Traditional Guatemalan clothing and local life can be observed when visiting Sunday markets in Chichicastenango and nearby towns.

For those who prefer active holidays to sunny sandy beaches, there are plenty of ways to spend time: hiking in ancient cities, climbing volcanoes, surfing, rafting, diving and other joys await adrenaline lovers in Guatemala.

shopping

The best souvenirs for yourself and loved ones can be goods and folk art products of the indigenous population of Guatemala, which include self-woven clothing and Indian calendars, knitwear, semi-precious stones, wood products, ritual attributes of the Mayan civilization and much more.

Mostly all handicrafts can be purchased in the markets of the city, where the price for them can be brought down by almost a third, after a little haggling. The streets of the country's cities are literally strewn with souvenir shops, where you can find many products with images of the quetzal bird, which is a national symbol. If we talk about products used by tourists as "gifts" for loved ones, then it must be said about chocolate and coffee, it should be noted that even a small shop can offer a large selection of them.

Transport

Guatemala's urban public transport is a small number of old school buses from the US. The conductor is the "main" person in such a bus, since it is his duty to report the route of movement, leaning out of the open door and shouting out the necessary information. And this happens because of the illiteracy of most of the locals. The conductor also performs the functions of turn signals and brake lights. Embarkation and disembarkation of passengers is possible even at intersections and bridges, the fare is inexpensive. It is more pleasant and much safer (however, more expensive) to travel with the help of tourist shuttles: they move between the main cities, call at the hotel and bring back. The seats there are only seated and have a good level of comfort. There is a taxi, the price for trips in it must be discussed before boarding. The only transport by which you can get to some national parks is an ordinary boat.

Connection

The Internet and cellular communications are actively developing in Guatemala. In the capital and the main tourist cities of the country, there are a huge number of Internet cafes. Wireless networks are available at the airport and several hotels. Mobile communication of the GSM 800/1900 standard is rapidly expanding. In order to make an international telephone call, you can use the services of post offices, where there are call centers.

Telephone communication within the country is carried out using pay phones, which are present in abundance on the streets of the city.

Safety

In Guatemala, as in any country, there is crime, but at present, the organization of tourist safety has increased significantly. In places frequented by visitors, a fairly large number of police officers are responsible for order, but thefts by pickpockets and attacks to take foreigners' money are frequent. In this regard, you should not leave the hotels in the evening and at night, as well as walk around the city alone.

Only first aid is provided free of charge, while full medical care for foreign citizens is provided exclusively by private medical centers and its scope is provided for by the available insurance documents.

Business

Guatemala has a very close connection with the history of the Maya civilization. Every year, archaeologists find new artifacts that allow us to slightly open the door to the past of this people. The authorities of the country hold specialized exhibitions and conferences dedicated to the history of the Mayan Indians, which gather not only professionals in the scientific field, but also attract a huge number of tourists.

It is important to note the significance for the country's tourism of the opening of the Ancient Mayan city of Samabah, scheduled for December 2012. Particular attention to this event is riveted because the city is located at the depth of Lake Atitlan, under the water column.

Real estate

A feature of the Guatemalan real estate market is its openness to investors. It should be noted that this direction can be called promising due to the annual increase in the number of tourists in the country. On average, the cost of one square meter varies from one to one and a half thousand dollars, although the location of the object of purchase / sale significantly affects the final price. A foreigner is presented with the opportunity to freely buy and sell real estate in Guatemala, with the exception of plots on the border of the state, river and ocean coasts.

When buying or selling real estate, foreigners must pay the prescribed taxes and adhere to the laws of the country when making a transaction. According to the law of Guatemala, a foreign person can be the owner of real estate, regardless of his migration status.

If you have decided to visit Guatemala, have already chosen a tour operator and are packing your bags with genuine trepidation, you should take a couple of minutes for tips that will allow you to enjoy your trip:

The import of foreign currency into the country is not limited, but it will need to be registered in the tax return.

You can pay for souvenirs and goods using local currency and US dollars.

Bargaining is welcomed in all markets and in all small shops, with the exception of large shopping centers.

In restaurants and cafes, tips are left - about 10% of the order amount.

To use electrical appliances, you will need adapters and adapters, since the mains voltage is 120 V.

To make an international call, use the dialing code 502 (country) and the area code (the code for Guatemala City is 2).

If you want to use your mobile phone while traveling, check if the model supports the 1800 range.

Visa Information

Beginning travelers need to know: Guatemala is part of the countries participating in the agreement on a common visa area with countries such as Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. This means that if you have a visa to at least one of the listed countries, you can safely visit each of them.

On average, the period for obtaining a visa to Guatemala takes from 5 to 7 working days. The duration of stay in the country on a visa should not exceed 90 days. Otherwise, obtaining a visa occurs according to the standard scenario for processing and submitting documents to the embassy or travel agency, and, of course, the waiting time.

Embassy of Guatemala in Moscow can be found at: st. Cow Val, 7, entrance 4, office. 92. Phone: (+7 495) 238-2214.

Guatemala is a country of opposites: a rich history and a successful future, restless volcanoes and tropical rainforests, sandy beaches and endless coffee plantations.

This state of Central America in the north borders on Mexico and Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. Guatemala is washed by the waters of two oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic.

The capital of the Republic - Guatemala City - is the largest urban agglomeration in Central America. It is located along mountain ranges on a picturesque plateau and has the typical attributes of Latin American cities: bright buses and chaotic markets, which emphasizes the majesty of the buildings of the Mayan civilization. Previously, Antigua was the capital of the republic, but in 1776 the city was badly damaged by an earthquake. Despite the fact that the capital was moved to its present site, called Guatemala, Antigua occupies a significant place in the history of both Americas as one of the most important cities of the Mayan people. The city was built at the foot of three volcanoes - Agua, Feugo and Acatenango, which majestically rise above the colonial buildings that keep the mystical history of the Mayan civilization.

Capital	Guatemala
Population	14 million 700 thousand people (2011)

Population density	119 people/km²
	Spanish
Religion	Catholicism
Form of government	presidential republic
	Quetzal (GTQ code 320)
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity	American parameters, mains voltage 120 V, frequency - 60 Hz

Climate and weather

The climate in Guatemala can be called mild, but it should be noted that the temperature depends on the height above sea level. The difference between the seasons: winter (May-October) and summer (November-April) is manifested exclusively in the amount of precipitation and temperature at night. The hottest and sunniest months are February, March, April and May. The period from May to October receives the most rainfall.

The Pacific coast of Guatemala has a hot tropical climate. The temperature during the day in May-June is about +32 °С, at night - +23 °С. During the day in December, the thermometer can reach +27 ° С.

On the coast of the Caribbean Sea, the temperature during the day throughout the year is in the range from + 31 ... + 33 ° С, at night - about + 23 ° С. During the rainy season, it remains the same high. Predominant amount of precipitation falls on this part of the republic.

The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to May.

Nature

Two-thirds of the territory of Guatemala is located on the medium-high and high mountain ranges of the Cordillera system. Two mountain ranges - Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre - cross the country, starting on its northern side and ending on its southern side. There are 33 volcanoes in this picturesque area, some of them are active to this day and their height reaches 3800 m. Tahumulco volcano with a height of 4211 meters is the highest point in the country.

The west and south of Guatemala are located on the Pacific coastal lowland, namely, a flat plain pierced by many rivers that carry crystal clear water from the mountain ranges.

Most of the country's population lives in the intermountain basins between the Cuchumatanes and Sierra Madre ranges. Around Lake Atitlan lies the largest of them, on the southeastern side of which is the capital of the country - the city of Guatemala. Plantations of bananas, cereals and cocoa almost entirely occupied the basins themselves, but the adjacent mountain slopes were dotted with pine and cedar forests.

Attractions

Nutrition

Neighboring countries - Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador - have similar traditions to Guatemala cuisine, but the latter is considered simpler and rougher. It is impossible not to notice here the influence of Indian and Spanish culinary traditions, mixed with each other due to the rich history of the country. The main ingredients of traditional dishes are maize, fried meat (mainly chicken), beans and rice. Combinations and their ratio are different, but the dishes always contain a large amount of herbs and spices. Many recipes of national dishes have been preserved since Mayan times.

Coffee is Guatemala's staple drink and a top-notch export. You can feel the aroma of good black coffee even in the most remote corners of the country - Guatemalans prefer a weak drink, but they drink it very often (up to 20 cups a day). Tea is consumed much less; among the favorite varieties, the most popular is the traditional Latin American “mate”. Fruit juices are present in great abundance, as various tropical fruits are grown in the country.

Accommodation

The room must be booked in advance. Resort hotels on the coast are reminiscent of hotels from the movies: fitness centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, sun loungers and palm trees.

Most hotels provide an included breakfast buffet. The staff speaks Spanish and English.

Entertainment and recreation

There are more than ten national parks and reserves in Guatemala, their flora and fauna are very diverse. Also here is the deepest lake in Central America - Atitlán. The descendants of the Mayan tribe live right at the foot of the volcanoes in the vicinity of the lake.

Monterico is the most popular beach in Guatemala, it stretches along the Pacific coast and is an ideal place for lovers of swimming and sunbathing on volcanic sand.

Purchases

Transport

Urban public transport in Guatemala is a small number of old school buses from the USA. The conductor is the "main" person in such a bus, since it is his duty to report the route of movement, leaning out of the open door and shouting out the necessary information. And this happens because of the illiteracy of most of the locals. The conductor also performs the functions of turn signals and brake lights. Embarkation and disembarkation of passengers is possible even at intersections and bridges, the fare is inexpensive. It is more pleasant and much safer (however, more expensive) to travel with the help of tourist shuttles: they move between the main cities, call at the hotel and bring back. The seats there are only seated and have a good level of comfort. There is a taxi, the price for trips in it must be discussed before boarding. The only transport by which you can get to some national parks is an ordinary boat.

Connection

Telephone communication within the country is carried out using pay phones, which are present in abundance on the streets of the city.

Safety

Business climate

Real estate

The import of foreign currency into the country is not limited, but it will need to be registered in the tax return.

You can pay for souvenirs and goods using local currency and US dollars.

Bargaining is welcomed in all markets and in all small shops, with the exception of large shopping centers.

In restaurants and cafes, tips are left - about 10% of the order amount.

To use electrical appliances, you will need adapters and adapters, since the mains voltage is 120 V.

To make an international call, use the dialing code 502 (country) and the area code (the code for Guatemala City is 2).

If you want to use your mobile phone while traveling, check if the model supports the 1800 range.

Visa Information

Embassy of Guatemala in Moscow can be found at: st. Cow Val, 7, entrance 4, office. 92. Phone: (+7 495) 238-2214.

General information about Guatemala

The official name is the Republic of Guatemala (Republica de Guatemala).

Located in Central America. The area is 108.89 thousand km2, the population is 11.2 million people. (2002). The official language is Spanish. The capital is Guatemala (2 million people). The monetary unit is the quetzal. Public holiday - Independence Day on September 15.

Member of the UN (since 1945) and its specialized organizations, OAS, IMF, ILO, CAOR (since 1960), etc.

Geography of Guatemala

It is located between longitudes 88°07' and 92°05'W and 13°6' and 17°8'N. It is washed by the Pacific Ocean in the southwest and the Caribbean Sea in the east. Guatemala has a good natural harbor - Amatiche in the Gulf of Honduras on the Caribbean coast. The more extended and low-lying Pacific coast is bordered by lagoons and does not have good harbors. The largest lowland of Guatemala goes to the Pacific Ocean. In the north and northwest, Guatemala borders with Mexico, in the east - with Belize, in the southeast - with Honduras and El Salvador. Guatemala is a mountainous country, more than 1/2 of its territory is occupied by highlands with a height of 1000-3000 m. The northern part of the highlands is folded-blocky ridges and plateaus broken by deep tectonic depressions occupied by river valleys and lakes. From the southwest, the highlands are framed by a young volcanic chain of mountains with cones of volcanoes, among them the highest point of Central America - Tajumulco (4217 m) and Tacana (4117 m) (both extinct volcanoes), active volcanoes - Fuego, Santa Maria, Atitlán and etc. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are frequent. In the north, part of the highlands passes into the Peten limestone plateau (height 150-250 m), which occupies 1/3 of the country's area. Guatemala has industrial deposits of oil and nickel (laterite) ores, small and poorly explored deposits of polymetallic ores, manganese, chromium, gold, and antimony. The country is rich in marble. There are deposits of other non-metallic minerals.

The climate of Guatemala is subequatorial, trade wind-monsoon. The average monthly temperatures in the highlands are + 15-20°С, in the coastal lowlands + 23-27°С. In winter, the northeast trade wind dominates, in summer the southwest equatorial monsoon. In the northeast, precipitation is winter, in the southwest - summer. The annual amount of precipitation on the northeastern slope of the highlands is 2500-3500 mm, on the southwestern slope - 2000-2500 mm, on the Pacific coastal lowland, internal plateaus and valleys of the highlands, as well as the Peten plateau - 500-1000 mm. Hurricanes are not uncommon (including the devastating Mitch in 1998).

Guatemala is relatively rich in rivers and lakes. The watershed between the rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea runs along the highlands closer to the Pacific coast. Therefore, the rivers flowing into the Pacific Ocean are short and non-navigable, but can be used for irrigation and for energy purposes. Much longer and economically more important are the rivers flowing from the highlands into the Caribbean Sea. The longest of them - Motagua (400 km) - is accessible to small vessels and is used for irrigation. The Usumacinta River originates in the highlands, in the middle reaches it is the border between Guatemala and Mexico, where it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Within Guatemala, this river is navigable for small craft on the frontier. Among the lakes stand out Lake Isabel, connected by the navigable river Rio Dulce with the bay of Amatiche, lakes Atitlan, Guija, Atescatempa and Peten Itza; some of the lakes are located in the craters of extinct volcanoes.

The mountainous relief determines the diversity of soils and vegetation: 1/2 of the country's territory is covered with forests, incl. secondary. In the north, mainly in Peten, on red-yellow lateritic soils, constantly moist tropical forests ("hyla") with a small number of especially valuable species of trees (mahogany - red, logwood, balsa, backout, rubber-sapodilla) prevail. South of Peten, on the mountain laterites of the highlands, oak-pine forests predominate. On the brown-red soils of the Pacific Lowland and the northwestern and southern outskirts of the country, there are light forests and savannas, and in the valley of the middle reaches of the Motagua River on the highlands, there are even drier savannas and succulent semi-deserts. In the mountains - zones of alpine vegetation. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts are partly covered by mangroves. The fauna of Guatemala is rich. Broad-nosed monkeys, cougars, jaguars, tapirs, porcupines, sloths, anteaters, iguana lizards and many birds are found in the forests and savannah.

Population of Guatemala

The population census was conducted in December 2002. Birth rate 34.1%, infant mortality 44.55 people. per 1000 newborns. Age structure of the population: 0-14 years old - 41.8%, 15-64 years old - 54.5%, 65 years and older - 3.7%. 63.7% of the adult population is literate.

55% of the population are Spanish-Indian mestizos, 43% are various Indian peoples (the largest are Quiche, Kakchikel, Mam, Kekchi), speaking 24 languages. The stratum of Creoles and whites is less than 2%. Religion - Catholicism, Protestantism and traditional beliefs of the Indians.

History of Guatemala

In the pre-Columbian era, Indian tribes lived on the territory of Guatemala, who created the Maya civilization, which fell into decay by the 11th century. In the 16th century The Indians were subjugated by the Spanish conquerors. In 1560, the captaincy general of Guatemala was created, which included Spanish possessions in Central America. In 1776, its capital, the city of Guatemala, was founded. On September 15, 1821, the Declaration of Independence of Guatemala from Spain was adopted. In January 1822 Guatemala joined the Mexican Empire; from March 1823 it was part of the federation of the United Provinces of Central America. After its collapse in April 1839, Guatemala was declared an independent republic. From the 1840s to the 1940s dictatorial regimes of conservatives and liberals alternated in power. Under the rule of General J. R. Barrios (1873-85), highways and railways were built, the church was separated from the state, and compulsory secular education was introduced. From the beginning 20th century the penetration of American capital intensified, the United Fruit Company and its branches became the owners of railways, large plantations and ports. The reign of General J. Ubiko (1931-43) was marked by cruel repressions. In October 1944, the dictatorship fell as a result of a popular uprising that became the prologue to the Guatemalan Revolution (1944-54). The leader of the People's Liberation Front Party J. Arevalo (1945-51) came to power. In March 1945 a democratic constitution was adopted. Left forces insisted on carrying out radical reforms. The activation of the Communist Party (in 1952 it was renamed the Guatemalan Labor Party - GPT) and the creation of a people's militia led to an aggravation of socio-political conflicts.

The government of H. Arbens (1951-54) took a course towards carrying out agrarian reform, limiting the activity of foreign capital and developing ties with socialist countries. In the conditions of the Cold War, this course caused an aggravation of relations with the United States. In June 1954, with the support of the CIA, a group of conservative officers led by C. Armas invaded Guatemala from the territory of Honduras, overthrew the Arbenz government and unleashed mass repressions. The 1945 constitution and the agrarian reform law were repealed, left-wing parties and trade unions were banned, and lands confiscated during the agrarian reform were returned to local landowners and American companies. After the suppression of the revolution, K. Armas took over as president and created the right-wing party, the National Liberation Movement (NLM). Democratization attempts at the turn of the 1950s and 60s. were thwarted by coup d'état. After the suppression of the anti-dictatorial uprising of 1960, rebel organizations arose and a protracted intrastate conflict began. In 1981, 3 rebel organizations and part of the GPT formed the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (GNRE), which continued the armed struggle against the government. The inability of the army to suppress the rebels, the contradictions in the officer corps and the falsification of the voting results were the reasons for the coup d'état of the beginning. 1980s The rule of military-authoritarian regimes was marked by acts of genocide and violations of human rights, especially during the tenure of General Ephraim Rios Montt (1981-1982). In April 1984, the reformist wing of the army secured elections to the Constitutional Assembly. In May 1985, the Constitution was adopted, and in con. 1985 free elections were held with the participation of opposition candidates. In January 1986, the leader of the Guatemalan Christian Democracy (GHD) V. Cerezo (1986-91), who won the elections, became the legitimate president and head of the civil government. The transition to democracy took place in conditions of armed conflict and the preservation of the autonomy of the military command, which opposed negotiations with the partisans. The reign of President J. Serrano (1991-93), founder of the Solidarity Action Movement (MAM), was interrupted by the dissolution of Parliament and the Supreme Court and the subsequent military counter-coup. The way out of the constitutional crisis was found with the assistance of the OAS. After R. Leon de Carpio (1993-96) was elected interim president by Congress, a constitutional reform was carried out. The negotiations he started with the GNRE were completed by President A. Arsu Iri-goyen (1996-2000), leader of the National Vanguard Party (PNA). In December 1996, the Peace Accords were signed, providing for the implementation of reforms aimed at respecting human rights, strengthening the judiciary, creating the foundations of a rule of law state, and democratizing and demilitarizing Guatemala. The UN mission is monitoring the implementation of these agreements. The rule of A. Portillo, a protege of the Guatemalan Republican Front (GRF) party (2000-04), was marked by an increase in corruption, violence, impunity and the transformation of Guatemala into one of the centers for the transfer of drugs to the United States. The 2003 general election put an end to political career Rios Montt, founder of the GRF, who ran for president. In the first round (November 9, 2003), he was beaten by candidates from the Grand National Union (GNU) coalition and the National Unity of Hope (NED) bloc.

State structure and political system of Guatemala

Guatemala is a unitary constitutional state, a republic with a presidential form of government. The 1985 Constitution is in force as amended in 1993. Administrative division: 22 departments (Alta Verapas, Baja Verapas, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Xalapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retaluleu, Sacatepéquez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepekes, Toto-nikapan, Zacapa, Jutiapa). Major cities: Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Barrios, Cobán. The principles of public administration provide for the division of power into executive, legislative and judicial. The highest body of legislative power is the unicameral National Congress, which consists of 113 deputies who annually elect the leadership of the chamber. Executive power is exercised by the president, who heads the government. The highest body of judicial power is the Supreme Court, which consists of 13 judges elected by legislators for 5 years.

Head of state - President Oscar Berger Per-domo (2004-08), leader of the BNS, ex-mayor of the capital, won the second round of elections held on December 28, 2003. His program is aimed at creating an integral public security system, stimulating production, social investment and environmental protection. One of his first steps was to conclude an agreement with the heads of municipalities to strengthen local authorities power, implementation of peace agreements and transparency of public administration. Vice President Eduardo Stein Barrillas also represents the BNC. The President and Vice President are elected in general elections (a second round is provided) for 4 years. Re-election of the head of state is not allowed, the vice president can run for president only after 4 years from the end of his mandate. Persons involved in coup d'état, uprisings and putschs are deprived of the right to run for president.

The electoral system was modified as a result of the constitutional reform of 1993, the age limit for candidates for the highest posts in the state is 40 years. Parties that receive less than 4% of the votes cease their activities. Executive power in departments is exercised by governors appointed by the president; mayors (alcaldes) of cities and heads of municipal councils are elected in general elections, their term of office is 4 years.

The formation of the modern party system took place from the middle. 1980s At the initial stage of democratization, the leading role was played by the centrist parties - the CDD (Christian Democrats) and the Union of the National Center. From the beginning 1990s the influence of the centrists weakened, right-wing and center-right parties (GRF and PNA) began to dominate in parliament. The participation of the leftist coalition in the post-war elections of 1999 and 2003 and the election of its congressional candidates did not change the situation. The President of the Congress is Ronaldo Morales Chavez, one of the leaders of the NED bloc. 15 parties and coalitions are represented in the parliament; the largest faction has the SRF - 39 seats, the BNS - 33, the NED - 28, the PNA - 14. The rest of the factions include less than 10 deputies; The GRNE has 2 mandates, and the CDA -1. The reforms envisaged by the Peace Accords, aimed at deepening democracy and dismantling the structures of military authoritarianism, are stalling.

Leading business organizations: Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Finance, National Union of Agrarians, Association of Coffee Producers and Association of Managers of Guatemala. Mutual Support Groups, Guatemalan Non-Governmental Organizations Coordinating Forum, National Coordination of Guatemalan Peasant Organizations, Guatemalan Women's Association, Community Assistance and Development Association, Petén's Front Against Repression are represented by non-governmental organizations.

Domestic policy of the government is aimed at liberalization public life. Laws have been passed on Development Councils, on regionalization, a new Municipal Code, a Secretariat for Women's Affairs has been created under the President and a Department for the Protection of Indian Women is operating, scholarships are being paid for children from poor families, 1.7 million schoolchildren receive free breakfasts. Through the National Land Fund, land is distributed, 37 thousand peasants received land in 2001. The implementation of peace agreements is hampered by rampant crime, political violence, impunity for those responsible for human rights violations, and corruption in government. Contradictions between the executive and legislative branches of power have intensified against the backdrop of corruption scandals around the presidential administration and the police leadership. The poverty reduction strategy announced by the government has not been implemented.

Priority directions of foreign policy: development of relations with the USA, with the countries of Central America, EU, Japan and Taiwan. In April 2002, the National Foreign Policy Council was established as an auxiliary body under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The government is seeking an increase in humanitarian aid from the EU. Japan provides assistance to development projects, has provided 1.2 million dollars for the organization of medical care for the rural population. Guatemala participates in the Central American Integration System and actively develops economic ties with El Salvador and Honduras. In 1998, diplomatic relations with Cuba were normalized, interrupted in 1961. The territorial dispute with Belize (Guatemala claims 12,172 km2 of its border territory) has not been resolved. In 2000-02, with the mediation of the OAS, negotiations were underway to resolve it, and a bilateral commission was created.

Armed forces: 3 types of troops - army, air force and navy. In 1997, the number of military personnel was 39.6 thousand; in the Air Force - 1400, in the Navy - 1200; 19 military zones, 3 strategic brigades, 43 battalions (including 2 airborne, 1 marines), 3 air force bases, 2 naval bases. In accordance with the Peace Agreements, by 2002, 22 battalions were disbanded, the General Staff under the President was disbanded, the size of the army was reduced to 28 thousand, the Air Force - 1000 people, the Navy - 1000 people; in the national civilian police - 18 thousand people.

Guatemala has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1945, carried out since 1991).

Economy of Guatemala

Guatemala is an agro-industrial country that specializes in the production of tropical crops (coffee, cane sugar, bananas, etc.). GDP in 2001 - 20 billion dollars, per capita 1786 dollars. The difference in income is very large: 60% of the population - below the poverty line. The economy is developing unevenly, the average annual GDP growth (%): 1997 - 4.4; 1998 - 5.8; 1999 - 3.6; 2000 - 3.4; 2001 - 2.4; 2002 - 1.9. Inflation 6.6% (2002). In the structure of GDP in terms of value and employment, the share of services associated with the growth of tourism is growing most rapidly. GDP structure by value (2001,%): agriculture - 23, industry - 20, services - 57. Employment structure (%): agriculture - 50, industry - 15, services - 35. Unemployment - 8%.

The main branch of the economy is agriculture, crop production predominates. Large landownership predominates: the share of landlords-latifundists and foreign companies (0.2% of all farms) accounts for 3/4 of all cultivated land, the owners of small plots (about 9/10 farms) own only 15% of the land. The main export crop - coffee is grown mainly on the plantations of the Pacific Piedmont, less - in the central and northern parts of the highlands. The harvest of coffee in the 1999-2000 season amounted to 322 thousand tons, of which 294 thousand tons were exported in the amount of 597 million dollars. Plantations of sugar cane (15.4 million tons in 2000), bananas (793 thousand tons) in 2000), as well as livestock farms. Other export crops: fruits, vegetables, cardamom, cotton, manila hemp, sisal, kenaf, tobacco, sesame and ethereal plants. The main consumer grain crop - corn, is cultivated in the highlands; beans, vegetables, wheat, potatoes, rice cultivated on rainfed land are grown. Animal husbandry is extensive. Cattle are bred mainly in the eastern part of the highlands and in the Pacific lowlands. Sheep are bred in the alpine meadows of the highlands. Shrimps are fished in the sea.

Industry is underdeveloped. In the cost structure of GDP and in terms of employment, it occupies only 3rd place. The main energy carrier in the fuel and energy industry (FEC) is imported and domestic oil. Electricity production 5.9 billion kWh (2000), consumption - 4.8 billion kWh (2000). The share of TPPs on fuel oil is 50%, HPPs - 45% and 5% - on other energy carriers. Electricity export - 0.9 billion kWh, import - 1 billion kWh.

The industrial structure is dominated by light industry. The leading industries are food and flavor (including sugar and tobacco), textile and clothing production, oil and oil refining. The food industry mainly uses local raw materials and serves the domestic market (part of the sugar is exported), the leather and footwear, textile and clothing industries also serve the domestic market, there are many handicraft and semi-handicraft workshops. Free trade zones established at the port of Santo Tomás de Castillo and ca. Guatemala, export most of their products (clothes and textiles) to the United States.

In the mining industry, oil production in the south of Petén stands out. Proven reserves are estimated at 75 million tons (2001), production - 1.1 million tons (2001). Development is controlled by Basic Oil (Canada). Guatemala exports some of its oil, but imports even more from Mexico, Venezuela and Curaçao. Near the port of Puerto Barrios and in the city of Escuintla, there are 2 oil refineries with a total capacity for direct distillation of 1 million tons of oil (2001). Ores of nickel, zinc, lead, manganese, silver, chromium and antimony, as well as non-metallic minerals (marble, sulfur, asbestos, etc.) are mined in small quantities. Heavy industry is represented by enterprises controlled mainly by US capital. There are tire and steel plants (production of galvanized steel), a household appliances plant, enterprises for assembling television sets, cameras, etc. The cement industry leads in the production of building materials.

Forestry is underdeveloped. The volume of logging for export is insignificant. The harvesting of chicle (hardened resin of sapodilla) for export for the production of chewing gum, which flourished in the past, has declined sharply.

Transport is also underdeveloped. Road transportation predominates. The length of roads is 13.9 thousand km, incl. with a hard surface 4.4 thousand km and without a hard surface 9.5 thousand km. The Pan American Highway passes through the highlands and the city of Guatemala. The length of the only narrow-gauge railway and its branches is 884 km. In 1997, this railroad was given a 50-year concession to a US company. The main seaports are San Jose and Champerico on the Pacific coast and Puerto Barrios and Santo Tomas de Castillo on the Caribbean coast. Guatemala does not have a merchant marine. Air transport is not developed. Aurora International Airport is located in the capital. Almost all other airfields do not have paved runways.

Retail and wholesale trade is underdeveloped due to the small capacity of the domestic market in most areas of the highlands and Peten, where the population is engaged in subsistence and semi-subsistence farming. The governments of Guatemala attach great importance development of foreign tourism. New hotels are being actively built. In 1997, the number of foreign tourists in Guatemala grew to 500 thousand people, and income - up to $ 325 million (in 1998 - up to $ 394 million and continued to grow, becoming the 2nd item of income after coffee exports).

The most important direction of economic policy was the implementation of neoliberal reforms. In order to modernize the economy, a program was launched to privatize the largest public sector enterprises. The Spanish company Iberdrola Energia was sold 80% of the shares of the leading electric power company EEGSA for $520 million, telephone communications, television, most of the transport infrastructure, and the second largest electric power company INDE were also privatized.

The leading place in the monetary system is occupied by the Central Bank of Guatemala, which issues money, regulates money turnover and providing most of the loans. State budget (2000, billion dollars): revenues 2.1, expenditures 2.5. External debt of $4.5 billion. Poor tax collection in Guatemala led to conflict with the IMF and a number of credit institutions. The foreign trade balance of Guatemala is chronically passive: in 2001 - exports of 2.9 billion dollars, imports - 4.9 billion dollars. The deficit is covered by transfers to Guatemala of Guatemalans working in the United States (1.6 billion dollars, 167% more than in 2001), growing income from foreign tourism and significant funds received from the privatization of the economy in 1997-99. To share Agriculture accounts for 75% of the value of exports in recent years. Main articles: coffee ($200 million in 2001-02), raw sugar, bananas, oil, fruits and vegetables, cardamom, meat, clothing, electricity, and textiles. A temporary decline in demand and prices for coffee on the world market in 2001-02 led to a reduction in export earnings. The main import items are: machinery and equipment (including transport equipment), fuel, industrial products, grain, fertilizers and electricity. Main trading partners (2000): in export (%) - USA (57.0), El Salvador (8.7), Costa Rica (3.7), Nicaragua (2.8), Germany (2.6); in imports (%) - USA (35.2), Mexico (12.6), South Korea (7.9), El Salvador (6.4), Venezuela (3.9).

Science and culture of Guatemala

The National Council for Science and Technology, the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Education coordinate the activities of public and private training and research centers. In Guatemala, there are the National Geographic Institute, the National Institute of Statistics and the Rural University of Guatemala, the University of San Carlos (public), the University del Valle, the Rafael Landivar University (Catholic), the Francisco Marroquin University (private). There are 200 libraries in the country, the National Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Folk Arts and Crafts, and the Museum of Fabrics. Dozens of newspapers are published.

Literature has developed in Spanish, and in recent years there have been works in the languages of the indigenous population. M. Angel Asturias (1899-1974) - an outstanding prose writer and playwright, laid the foundation for the "magic realism" movement, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967. Rigoberta Menchu (born 1959) - a well-known figure in the Indian movement, author of a book on the crimes of the military regime , in 1992 won the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2002, the national prize for literature was awarded to the poetess A.Maria Rhodes. IN fine arts various schools are represented - from primitivists (Andres Carruchi, Manuel Sisay) to abstractionist and postmodernist artists. Painters and sculptors Goletti Torres, Guillermo Graheda, Dagoberto Vazquez are known outside of Guatemala. Instrumental ensembles and folk songs are popular in musical culture.

In little Guatemala, a lot of things that tourists like are brought together - monuments of ancient civilizations, pyramids and Mayan acropolises, mountain ranges and volcanoes, mountain rivers and lakes, centuries-old majestic forests, hot springs and wide beaches. We fully agree with the Spaniards who called Guatemala the "Land of Eternal Spring".

Geography

Guatemala is located in Central America. Guatemala borders Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. In the southwest, the country is washed by the Pacific Ocean, and in the east by the Caribbean Sea. Total area - 108,890 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 1,687 km.

Two mountain ranges cross Guatemala from west to east, and divide it into three parts - the highlands, the Pacific coast (south of the mountains) and the Peten plateau (north of the mountains). In general, more than 50% of the country is located on the territory of the Cordillera mountain system. The largest local peak is the Tahumulco volcano, whose height reaches 4,220 meters. In general, in this Central American state there are more than 30 volcanoes, and among them there are active ones (for example, the Fuego and Santa Maria volcanoes).

Earthquakes rarely occur in Guatemala. Some of them are very destructive (the last strong earthquake was registered in 1976).

The longest rivers are Polochik, Usumacinta, Motagua, Rio Dulce and Sarstun.

Capital

Guatemala is the capital of the State of Guatemala. More than 1.1 million people now live in the city. Archaeologists say that on the territory of modern Guatemala, there once existed a Mayan city called Kaminaljuyu.

Official language

Guatemala has one official language - Spanish.

Religion

50-60% of the population are Catholics, about 40% are Protestants, and 3% are Orthodox Christians.

State structure

Under the current Constitution of 1985, Guatemala is a presidential republic in which the President is both head of state and head of government.

The unicameral parliament is called the Congress of the Republic, it consists of 158 deputies elected for 4 years.

The main political parties are the Patriot Party, the National Union of Hope, the Union for Nationalist Change and Democratic Freedom.

Climate and weather

The climate in Guatemala is tropical, strongly influenced by oceans and mountains. In coastal areas, the air temperature during the day reaches +40C, and at night it never drops below +20C. In the Antigua-Guatemala region, the climate is temperate all year round; not very hot.

The dry season is from October to early May, and the rainy season is from late May to late September. However, "rainy season" does not mean that it rains all day. Rains, as a rule, go in the afternoon for 1-2 hours, and then at night. The sun shines brightly in the morning and in the afternoon. It is very rare that it rains all day.

You can relax in Guatemala all year round, even in the so-called. "rain season". The fact is that the most interesting and grandiose local festivals and holidays fall on the “rainy season”.

Seas

In the southwest, Guatemala is washed by the Pacific Ocean, and in the east by the Caribbean Sea. The total length of the coastline is 400 km. During the rainy season, the water off the coast remains warm, but visibility is limited. Therefore, the best time for a beach holiday in Guatemala is from December to May, when the water is clear and warm.

Rivers and lakes

Among the longest rivers flowing through the territory of Guatemala, the following should be mentioned: Polochik, Usumacinta, Motagua, Rio Dulce and Sarstun.

Tourists are also interested in the Guatemalan lakes located in the mountains - Izabal, Atitlan, Guija and Peten Itza. Many of them are considered excellent vacation spots.

culture

The culture of Guatemala is impossible to imagine without festivals. Almost every village has its own holidays. However, more than 60 festivals are celebrated at the national level. The most popular of them are Santa Eulalia (February), Holy Week (March), Santa Cruz La Laguna (May), Almolonga (June), Santiago Atitlán (July), Joyabaj (August), San Mateo Ixtatan (September), Panajachel ( October), Nahualà (November) and Chichicastenango (December).

Kitchen

The cuisine of Guatemala has its origins in the culinary traditions of the Mayan Indians. In the future, the inhabitants of this country adopted many dishes from the Spanish conquistadors. The main local food products are corn, beans, rice, cheese, less often meat (chicken). Many Guatemalan dishes are similar to those in neighboring Mexico.

Tourists are recommended to try the following Guatemalan dishes: "Chiles rellenos" (chili peppers stuffed with rice, cheese, meat and vegetables), "Chicken Pepian" (chicken with spicy pumpkin and sesame sauce), "Kak'ik" (Mayan soup with turkey with spices), Spiced mango (sliced green mango with chili and Om lime), Nachos, Flan (caramel cream) and more.

Traditional soft drinks are coffee, mate tea and fruit juices. Traditional alcoholic drinks are rum and wine.

Attractions

Around the 2nd century AD. in South America, the Mayan civilization formed, which also occupied the entire territory of modern Guatemala. In Guatemala, tourists can see not only individual historical monuments of the Maya Indians, but also their entire cities, excavated by archaeologists. One such Mayan city (called Samabah) was discovered at the bottom of Lake Atitlan.

By the way, under the protection of UNESCO there are three Guatemalan historical and cultural sites - the city of Antigua Guatemala, Tikal National Park, as well as the Quirigua Ruins complex.

Unfortunately, the ancient Mayan city of Piedras Negras is on the verge of destruction. This city was once the capital of one of the kingdoms of the local Indians.

However, the sights of Guatemala are not limited to the Indian monuments of the pre-Columbian era. In this country there are a lot of beautiful medieval Catholic churches, monasteries, forts and fortresses that were built by immigrants from Spain. So, you should pay attention to the fortress of San Felipe, founded in the XVI century.

Cities and resorts

The largest cities are Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Escuintla and Guatemala.

Along the entire coast of Guatemala (Pacific and Caribbean) there are small towns that are now developing very quickly as beach resorts. On the Caribbean coast, Punta de Palma and Livingston beaches are popular with locals and tourists. However, most of the beach resorts are located on the Pacific coast, among them are Tilapa, Monterrico, Zipacate, Las Lisas and San Jose. Residents of the city of Guatemala, for example, prefer to relax in the resort of Monterrico, whose beaches consist of volcanic black sand. By the way, four species of sea turtles are found in the vicinity of Monterrico.

Souvenirs/Shopping

From Guatemala, tourists bring handicrafts (including ceramics), wooden boxes, bedspreads, blankets, necklaces, traditional women's Guatemalan blouses, skirts, colorful scarves, belts, coffee, sweets.

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