31 FUN & Fascinating Info About Guatemala
Guatemala is likely one of the most fascinating nations now we have traveled to. With a wealthy historical past and tradition, there are many enjoyable details about Guatemala to study.
Guatemala carries a mixture of indigenous and colonial influences, a powerful Mayan tradition, and a wealthy pure panorama the place you could find historical ruins deep within the rainforest, Guatemala is as charming in actual life because it sounds.
Earlier than you make your solution to this Central American nation, studying a number of details about Guatemala is essential.
Fascinating Info About Guatemala
1. A Distinctive World Heritage Website
Do you know that Guatemala is house to the primary blended UNESCO World Heritage Website that mixes each pure and cultural wonders?
That website is Tikal National Park and on this park you’ll discover pristine jungle terrain and engaging Mayan ruins. Think about these historical ruins set in opposition to the luxurious jungle cover and also you’ll perceive why they name this website “blended” and why it’s some of the visited locations within the nation.
2. The Which means Behind The Nation’s Identify
Earlier than individuals began calling it Guatemala round 1524, the title of the land was Quauhtemallan which, in accordance with many historians, loosely interprets into English as Land of Many Timber. The title matches effectively as a result of Guatemala has loads of timber in its huge wilderness areas and even in its sprawling cities.
3. A Sacred Nationwide Image
It was sacred to the traditional Mayan and Aztec individuals and that is likely one of the the reason why the colourful Quetzal was chosen because the nation’s nationwide hen.
4. The Nation Has Had Two Nobel Prize Winners
Up to now, two individuals from Guatemala have received the Nobel Prize. The primary individual was author and journalist Miguel Asturias in 1967. The second individual was Rigoberta Menchú Tum in 1992 for her work in feminism and human rights.
5. Guatemala Has A Lengthy Human Historical past
Earlier than the Spanish individuals arrived in Central America, Guatemala was inhabited by indigenous Mayan peoples. Archeological finds recommend that the area was inhabited by people way back to 20,000 years in the past.
6. The Stunning Lake Atitlan
It has been stated by many individuals that Lake Atitlan is essentially the most stunning lake on the planet. Whether or not it’s or not, one factor is for sure and that’s that the lake is the deepest in Central America.
Surrounded by pristine pure magnificence and bordered by three towering volcanoes and a number of other vibrant Mayan villages, the lake is, little question, a lovely place and one which it is best to go to in case you occur to be in Guatemala.
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7. Previous Buses Get A Second Likelihood In Guatemala
The large, yellow buses which can be utilized in the US to shuttle children forwards and backwards to highschool have a lifespan of ten years or 150,000 miles. Once they attain one in every of these milestones, they’re auctioned off and brought to Guatemala, the place native individuals repaint them and use them for budget-friendly public transportation. These are known as Hen Buses and also you’ll see them throughout Guatemala.
8. A Nation With Many Tongues
Whereas Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, there are 24 different languages spoken within the nation together with 22 Mayan languages. That being stated, in case you can converse and perceive some primary Spanish, you’ll get alongside simply wonderful as most Guatemalans can converse it.
9. A FamousMacDonald’s Joyful Meal
This is likely one of the most fascinating Guatemala details to study. In case you thought the concept for the McDonald’s Joyful Meal was cooked up in the US, assume once more! A Guatemalan woman proposed a meal choice with smaller parts for youngsters within the Seventies.
She known as it one thing else however when the concept crossed the desk of a McDonald’s govt in the US, he preferred the concept and added it to the menu after altering the title to the one we all know immediately, the Joyful Meal.
10. A Candy Guatemala Invention
The cacao tree is extremely revered by the Maya individuals and in Mayan tradition and chocolate is called “the meals of the gods.” As a chocolate lover, I can’t say I disagree! Chocolate may be discovered all over the place within the nation together with in outlets and even in a museum devoted to the scrumptious candy deal with.
It’s believed that Guatemala invented the primary chocolate bar and it’s one in every of its greatest exports so we are able to thank the nation for getting it out to the remainder of us.
11. Bustling Guatemala Metropolis
Guatemala is a reasonably small nation however Guatemala Metropolis boasts the biggest inhabitants in Central America, with round three million individuals.
12. A World of Flavors
Guatemalan delicacies is a scrumptious mix of many cultures together with Mayan and Spanish. The distinctive flavors and textures of conventional dishes come from a wide range of spices blended with greens, meats, dry chillies and tropical fruit.
It’s pretty low cost to dine out in Guatemala so sampling the normal delicacies is simple and a should when touring across the nation!
13. A Flag With Tons Of Which means
The Guatemalan flag is greater than a white heart bordered by two blue vertical stripes and with the nationwide emblem within the center. The white is the nation itself whereas the blue strips are the 2 oceans that border it.
The symbol is the nation’s Coat of Arms which options crossed rifles and swords, a laurel wreath, a quetzal and the date that Central America turned unbiased from Spain. Victory, freedom, honor and bravado are what this flag represents.
14. Guatemala May Have The Finest Espresso In The World
Espresso from Guatemala is claimed to be the most effective on the planet and in case you’ve ever tried it, you’ve probably tasted the distinction as a result of it stands out from some other espresso from wherever else on the planet. It was first launched within the 1700s and shortly after, it turned the nation’s most important export.
The beautiful style and high quality of Guatemalan espresso may be attributed to the area’s microclimates, distinctive cultivation strategies and altitude amongst different elements. There are eight espresso areas within the nation and the espresso grown in every one is exclusive from all of the others.
15. Guatemala Is Dwelling to A number of UNESCO World Heritage Websites
The picturesque city of Antigua, the traditional Maya metropolis of Quirigua and Tikal Nationwide Park all have one thing crucial in widespread; they’re the three UNESCO World Heritage Websites that may be present in Guatemala.
16. Rejoice Guatemalan Independence Day
Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September fifteenth, 1821 and that essential occasion is well known yearly on that date with the biggest celebrations happening within the vibrant metropolis of Quetzaltenango.
17. Descendants Of The Maya
We regularly hear in regards to the historical Mayans and their achievements and downfall however do you know that about half of Guatemala’s inhabitants is indigenous and descended from the Maya individuals?
18. Guatemala Is A Chief In Textiles
One of the vital colourful details about Guatemala! Guatemalans, specifically Mayan girls, are expert textile producers. One of many high textiles produced within the nation is blue denim.
19. Guatemala’s Various Climate Circumstances
In case you’ve ever heard the saying, “in case you don’t just like the climate, go to the again yard”, you possibly can apply it to the various climate situations of Guatemala! Cool mountainous areas, damp jungles and sweltering coastal areas are simply a number of the situations you’ll discover across the nation. Dressing in layers is a should right here!
20. A Main Exporter Of Uncommon Jade
Jade is uncommon, however Guatemala occurs to have extra of those treasured stones than most different locations, making it a number one exporter of the gorgeous, greenish stones which can be made into decorative gems which can be utilized in jewellery around the globe. In Guatemala, the gems are additionally used for ritualistic functions.
21. Turtle Conservation Is A Huge Deal In Guatemala
In Guatemala, turtle conservation is taken significantly and guests to the nation have the possibility to assist launch sea turtles into the ocean at Tortugario Monterrico. Earlier than the turtles hatch and are launched, their eggs are protected in nesting areas which can be arrange only for them.
22. A Land Of Volcanoes
Guatemala is located on the Ring of Hearth, so it’s recognized for its seismic exercise which incorporates lively volcanoes. Fortuitously for guests and locals alike, solely three of the nation’s 37 volcanoes are lively so it’s secure to assume that you’ll go to most of them with out the concern of an eruption occurring whilst you’re there.
The tallest volcano in Central America, which additionally occurs to be inactive and one of many high locations to go to within the nation, is Tajumulco in San Marcos.
23. Flying Excessive In Honor Of The Dearly Departed
There are lots of alternative ways to have a good time deceased family members and in Guatemala, one common solution to just do that’s by flying a kite. There may be even a complete competition devoted to flying kites particularly to honor the lifeless.
All Saints Day Kite Festival, which takes place each November 1st, is a well-liked occasion within the nation and kite-flying in honor of the lifeless has been a part of native tradition for over 3,000 years.
24. Nature Lovers Rejoice!
That is one in every of my favourite fascinating details about Guatemala! Guatemala has been designated a megadiverse country out of solely 17 nations that’ve obtained this honor. In case you’re a wildlife and nature lover, you’ll love exploring Guatemala’s inexperienced areas.
The nation options over 10,000 crops and over 3,000 wildlife species. The land is numerous too with mountains, sandy seashores, lush rainforests and dense jungles.
25. A Prolonged Civil Struggle
No quantity of warfare is right however the truth that the civil warfare that after raged in Guatemala was the longest ever in Latin America, lasting 36 years, is a tough one to know. Throughout that interval between 1960 and 1996, over 200,000 individuals had been killed, and over 600 bloodbath websites had been uncovered.
26. Claiming Independence From Spain
On September 15th, 1821, Guatemala turned unbiased of the Spanish empire. Since that day, the nation has weathered two revolutions, a handful of dictatorships, an intervention backed by the US, a civil warfare and a number of other navy coups. Now, that’s lots to deal with in such a short while however I dare say, the nation has weathered the dangerous fairly effectively!
27. Refreshing Golden Gallo
Guatemala’s nationwide beer known as Gallo and though some individuals like it, others aren’t so keen on it. I suppose it’s an acquired style or maybe some individuals simply don’t know good beer. Both means, I all the time wish to attempt native dishes and drinks once I journey so in case you’re ever in Guatemala, attempt Gallo for your self and kind your personal opinion!
28. Guatemala Is Dwelling To The Indigenous Mayan Individuals
The Mayan civilization was some of the progressive civilizations within the pre-Columbian age they usually constructed an enormous a part of their empire in what’s now present-day Guatemala. Unbelievable temples, an intricate writing system, a complicated calendar and plenty of achievements in math, science and astronomy are simply a number of the issues the Maya are recognized for.
Tikal and El Mirador are an important websites of this extremely superior society. However remnants of different historical websites have been unearthed and may be discovered all around the nation.
29. A Nation With Many Borders
Guatemala isn’t solely bordered by the 4 nations of Mexico, El Salvador, Belize and Honduras; it’s additionally bordered by two of the world’s largest oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. In case you guessed that the nation is house to many fabulous seashores on each coasts, you’d be proper!
30. Don’t Drink The Faucet Water!
As is the case in lots of areas of Central and South America, the faucet water isn’t secure to drink. Fortuitously, bottled water is obtainable all over the place and most lodges provide filtered water at no additional price.
There are measures you possibly can observe to keep away from getting sick akin to avoiding drinks with ice cubes and never consuming fruit and greens which can be washed in faucet water. It’s even suggested that vacationers use bottled water when brushing their tooth.
31. Agriculture is Large in Guatemala
Agriculture is a large a part of life in Guatemala with many individuals making a residing off the land. Espresso is the most-known export however bananas and sugar are additionally thought-about important merchandise which can be used each regionally and exported to different nations.
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