Historical Maya ruins nestled within the jungle, the colourful city of Antigua and sumptuous volcanoes all all through the nation… Guatemala has loads of noteworthy websites to discover.
However, in comparison with its neighbors in Central America (we’re you, Costa Rica), this lovely nation stays fairly below the radar.
So, to offer you some insider ideas, we’ve curated a bunch of peculiar and curiosity-inducing Guatemala details. They show that Guatemala is worthy of the highlight, and perhaps, simply perhaps, they’ll entice you to go to for your self.
1. There are 21 dialects spoken in Guatemala
Spanish is the official language and is spoken by 90% of the inhabitants. Nevertheless, there are long-standing Mayan, Xinca and Garífuna roots too. Because the Maya civilization (a bunch of Indigenous individuals of Mesoamerica) was first developed, the language has developed into round 21 dialects that may be heard as we speak on a real Mayan encounter.
Learn extra: Intrepid’s Operations Supervisor in Guatemala shares how he embraces his Maya heritage
2. Blue denim prospers in Guatemala
Many Maya girls are artful textile producers. And Guatemala is definitely a pacesetter in blue denim manufacturing.
Immediately, textile weaving continues to be ever-present in cities like San Antonio Aguas Calientes, simply exterior Antigua. Guatemalans put on Huipiles (an unimaginable garment usually woven by native girls) with a sacred which means primarily based on area.
3. Guatemalans invented the first-ever chocolate bar
All of us (properly, the chocolate lovers amongst us) would agree with the Maya individuals who worship the cacao tree. They name chocolate “the meals of the Gods.” And so they consider that chocolate holds unimaginable dietary advantages, like decreasing blood stress. Immediately, Guatemala is a mass producer and exporter of chocolate merchandise.
However don’t fear – there’s nonetheless loads of high quality chocolate to get pleasure from whereas within the nation. Most of the finest locations are in outlets round Antigua. And when there, make sure to go to ChocoMuseo, a museum that’ll educate you about its historical past and dietary values.
4. There are greater than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala
The insane variety of volcanoes in Guatemala is unquestionably sufficient to place it on the map. Of those, probably the most noteworthy volcano is Tajumulco. It’s the best peak in Central America at a whopping 4,202 metres. Out of over 30 volcanoes, solely three are lively: Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito.
Oh, the great thing about Guatemala’s volcanoes. Further reality: the tub by Quetzaltenango’s volcano is of course heated by a volcanic vent.
“As soon as on the base of the volcano, you’ve the chance to roast some marshmallows in a pit to have a good time all that effort you set in for climbing this lively volcano. If you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to even roast them over molten rock.”
Dennis Asturias, one in every of Intrepid’s native leaders in Guatemala, shares a snippet of his expertise on the hike
An expertise you gained’t wish to miss is a hike up Pacaya volcano. Whether or not you trek by foot or take a horse trip up, the view from the highest of Pacaya is just spectacular.
5. Tikal Nationwide Park is the primary combined UNESCO World Heritage Web site
Tikal Nationwide Park has earned its title as the primary combined UNESCO World Heritage Web site for its cultural and pure wonders. Tikal’s Maya ruins are embedded within the jungle. From a distance, you’ll be able to spot them come out of the wealthy inexperienced cover – it’s breathtaking.
Climb to the highest of the ruins to identify native residents (we’re speaking toucans and macaws). Discover out in regards to the historical past behind the 5 granite temples by a improbable native information (we’ve received you lined on Intrepid’s 17-day small group journey from Mexico to Belize).
6. Some Guatemalans worship a Saint named Maximón
Arguably, one of the crucial mysterious Guatemalan details is the worshipping of Maximón. A surprising legend about him says that when the village males would head off to work, Maximón slept with all of their wives! Consequently, the boys lower off Maximóns legs and arms in a match of anger, which explains why most effigies of him are made with out arms.
7. Espresso is Guatemala’s largest export enterprise
Espresso is large in Guatemala. Like, actually large. By 1880, espresso accounted for 90% of Guatemala’s exports, and even as we speak, it’s one of many nation’s foremost exports and sources of earnings. The espresso has a definite taste to it, usually full-bodied and has wealthy chocolate and cocoa flavors.
“If you’re an avid espresso drinker like myself, I’d suggest going to locations that present you the entire means of buying espresso. About 2 km away from the primary plaza in Antigua is a spot known as La Azotea. Take a tuk-tuk to this place for an genuine, but sensible expertise. At La Azotea, you’ll be able to go to the espresso museum as properly the music museum. The espresso museum is ready in an previous mill and guests are supplied explanations of the historical past, processing, advertising and marketing and brewing of espresso.”
Espresso expertise suggestion from Dennis, one in every of Intrepid’s native leaders in Guatemala
8. A hurricane unveiled a ‘Rhode Island-sized’ jade mine
Guatemala is among the many largest jade producers on the planet. The Maya individuals used these uncommon stones for ideological rituals. On a go to, you should buy your personal valuable stones from the jewellery shops round Antigua.
9. Outdated American college buses reside their second lives as ‘rooster buses’
When large yellow American college buses close to 10 years or clock in 150,000 miles, some are auctioned off and pushed all the way down to Guatemala. The buses are revived by locals with strokes of paint in each coloration of the rainbow. Guatemalans then use it for native transport. Using Guatemala’s public transit is an exhilarating trip. Choosing this budget-friendly journey various provides you with an eclectic native expertise.
10. At Tortugario Montericco, you’ll be able to assist launch turtles into the ocean
Who doesn’t wish to see and assist these cute creatures take their steps in life? At Tortugario Montericco, you’ve the chance to assist with conservation efforts. They’ve arrange nested safety for the eggs alongside the seashore (an space that’s an vital nesting website for olive ridley turtles).
The nesting season runs from June to December and peaks in August and September. So if you’re in Guatemala round this time, this can be a fabulous alternative for wildlife lovers to interact in releasing of the turtles.
Dennis, one in every of Intrepid’s native leaders in Guatemala, provides tips about when to go
11. Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America
Simply as deep as it’s lovely! Solely 4 hours away from Antigua, it’s a improbable spot for enthusiastic photographers to seize among the finest volcano views.
San Jorge La Laguna is a small village that overlooks Lake Atitlan and is house to locals wanting to allow you to in on their conventional crafts. Higher but, stick with an area host household to essentially immerse your self within the tradition.
12. Guatemalans fly kites to honor their useless
All Saints Day Kite Competition is Guatemalans’ means of honoring their useless. Yearly on November 1st, Guatemalans partake on this ritual that has been round for greater than 3000 years. Individuals flock to the cemeteries to scrub and beautify the graves of their family members. Then, Guatemalans fly huge and intricately embellished kites excessive within the sky—it’s fairly the sight to behold.
Why not be taught extra about Guatemala… in Guatemala?
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A serious thanks to Intrepid’s native Guatemala tour chief, Dennis Asturias, for his on-the-ground insights!
