Articles by our Guatemala travel advisors
Savoring the Soul of Guatemala: A Culinary Adventure
by Ana Cetina, Sept 22, 2023
One thing that strikes me as I sit here thinking about what I should write for my next blog post: the outstanding food of Guatemala. Let me try to take you through a fascinating voyage of flavors, from crowded market booths to beautiful family kitchens.
Humble Beginnings: Corn, the Maya Staple
The strong maize is the foundation of Guatemalan cuisine’s rich legacy. Here, corn, or “maíz,” represents identity and nutrition and is more than just a simple crop. It can be found in almost every meal, from tamales wrapped in banana leaves waiting to be opened like culinary gifts to tortillas that hug the flavors of each dish.
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10 Reasons to Travel to Guatemala
by Ana Cetina, Jul 5, 2023
Guatemala is a wonderful country, most of the time, overlooked by many people. But there are infinite reasons why you should add this tiny little country to your bucket list! Here, we share with you our top ten reasons to book your next flight to Guatemala:
The extensive Mayan heritage is present in Guatemala, where ancient ruins, archeological sites, and indigenous populations provide a window into the interesting past and culture of this ancient civilization.
Apart from the most popular archaeological sites in the country such as Tikal, Yaxhá and El Mirador, in Guatemala there are thousands of remains of undiscovered Mayan cities. The sensation of passing by places where there is a temple that was used for many years in the past as a ceremonial center is impressive! Especially in the lowlands, where, on the way, you can feel a special energy because of all the history of the region
Holy Week in Guatemala
by Ana Cetina, Mar 28, 2023
Holy Week in Guatemala is considered one of the most important celebrations of the country. Processions are carried on the shoulders of the bearers (called “Cucuruchos”) who wear purple gowns or black suites all over the country, in some of the processions you will also find people dressed like romans or penitents. The biggest processions are found in Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemala.
Positive footprint during your visit to Guatemala
by Ana Cetina, February 6, 2021
Talking about leaving a positive footprint in the country you are visiting is a must nowadays. Caring about the planet is important and a bit difficult when traveling, but not impossible. Taking the necessary steps to care about your CO2 emission can be as easily as selecting outdoor activities.
Travel with an Eco-friendly Tour company. Easier said than done! Just look for companies that share their commitment to the environment and support local communities. If you are not sure, you can ask them what they do, like promote local guides, consume local products, don´t use plastic, etc. Sustainable tourism is the best way to travel. Look for companies with the Q seal, this is given by the Guatemalan Tourism Board to companies implementing high quality and sustainability standards in their operations and services.
Music in Guatemala
by Ana Cetina, Jul 28, 2020
Guatemalan music is not very well known in the world, but it is an important part of Guatemala and its history. The music culture in Guatemala is very broad and these few lines do not cover everything. I hope to intrigue the reader enough to learn more about Guatemalan Culture in general.
Volunteerism Guatemala
by Ana Cetina, August 24, 2020
Participating in a volunteer program can be as diverse as Guatemala itself. Volunteering opportunities exist for healthcare projects, housing and construction programs, community in development, and at local school or at an orphanage – it all depends on your preferences.
Betterment, beautification, security in Z. 1
by Ana Cetina, June 4, 2020
One of the most interesting parts in Guatemala City is zone 1, called Historic Center. It was the original settlement of the city, in 1975. If you have read about Guatemala City you are probably thinking that it is dangerous, and you should avoid it. But if I am been honest, I love it, it is not as dangerous as many travel guides say. If you wanted to come 20 years ago, I would’ve said no, avoid this zone. But now it is a beautiful zone. You can take a private transportation, a taxi or uber and visit the Central Plaza, the National Palace and the walking street 6th avenue and then take the transportation back to your hotel or house.
A Multicultural Country in Central America
by Veronica Reyes, Apr 28, 2020
When we think about the multi-culti countries of the world, Guatemala probably won’t ever ring a bell. Would you believe me if I tell you that Guatemala is the home of four different type of cultures? Kind of hard to believe!
Besides its natural treasures and its captivating pre-Hispanic history, Guatemala hosts four different ethnical groups that represent the country’s cultural identity. The Maya (of course), the Garifuna (descendants from Africa), the Xinca (indigenous group different than the Maya) and the Mestizo (the mix of Maya with, mostly, European people).
Self-driving in Guatemala With a Rental Car
by Ana Cetina, Apr 1, 2020
Thinking about driving on your own through Guatemala? To drive in Guatemala, you just need a valid driver’s license. We recommend to also carrying your passport with you just in case you come across a police checkpoint.
Like in any other country self-driving with a rental car has its advantages. Though keep in mind that driving in Guatemala is not as easy as driving in other countries. Road signs are not always present, some roads are dangerous or do not appear in the navigation apps. Be sure you do not mind driving long distance from destination to destination, sometimes heavy traffic, epic traffic jams, curvy roads or dealing with crazy drivers.
Guatemala’s Metropolis
by Veronica Reyes, Jan 30, 2019
Central America is the ‘slim’ portion of land that connects the North with the South of the American continent. It can be seen as a cultural bridge of big importance for humanity and also for the animal species that for centuries have been migrating from one region to the other. Central America is composed by seven different countries which are, in a way, connected with traditions and ways of living. Nicaragua is the largest country, though Guatemala hosts the biggest metropolis of the region with 3 million inhabitants.
However this hasn’t been always the case… Here is a quick summary of how the Capital of Guatemala (also referred to as Guate by locals) has developed to what it is nowadays.
