The existence, past and present, in this territory of the Maya people, of whom Guatemalans are considered the direct descendants, manifests itself in many different ways: the vibrant traditional costumes still widespread today are just one aspect of “cultural resistance.”
In this region, in fact, colonialism did not take root as it did in other Latin American and Central American countries: although Spanish is the official language, the population speaks various dialects; the very name Guatemala derives from “Goathemala,” a Maya word that translates to “land of trees.”
A country, therefore, whose millenary history heroically resisted savage colonialism and the more recent 30 years of civil war. A strong and rooted people, whose folklore and history become tangible in places like the market of Chichicastenango, among marimba players and typical local crafts stalls, absolutely worth visiting, or the Tikal Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ultimate setting of impressive Maya architecture with its temples of incomparable beauty.
Not to be forgotten is Guatemala La Antigua, also declared a World Heritage site: enchanting Baroque-style churches line the city streets, which come alive during Holy Week with the celebration of characteristic Christian religious rites. The Guatemalan territory is scattered with volcanoes and wonderful lake landscapes; the Atitlàn lake is undoubtedly the best example. A predominantly mountainous region, there are also flat tropical climate areas where the lush and uncontaminated jungle, still a refuge for the local Indigenous people, constitutes an invaluable biological and anthropological richness.
The Guatemala Profile
- Country: Guatemala
- Area: 108,809 km²
- Capital: Guatemala City
- Population: 14,655,189 inhab.
- Language: Spanish
- Religion: majority Catholics, about 40% Protestants, 1% Maya religion
- Form of government: Presidential Republic
- Major cities: Guatemala City, Mixco, Villa Nueva, San Juan Sacatepeque, San Pedro Carcha
Useful information about Guatemala
- Currency: quetzal
- International dialing code: +502
- International license plate: GCA
- Driving lane: right
- Entry documents: passport
- Required vaccination: the health situation is one of the most precarious in Latin America. The main problems are related to nutrition, the spread of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Adequate medical assistance is guaranteed only in the capital. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B and antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended, after medical advice, for those traveling to the northern area of the country.
- Time zones: -7 (compared to Italy)
- Climate: with tropical tendency, it varies in different parts of the country. Dry winter and rainy summer
- Average temperatures: between 21° and 27° C, in the highlands and plateaus the climate is more temperate from 10° to 16° C
- Ports: Puerto Barrios, San José, Champerico on the Pacific coast, Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Santo Tomas de Castilla on the Caribbean coast.
- Airports: There are no direct connections with Italy. The Spanish company “Iberia” provides a direct flight Guatemala-Madrid. There are other European airlines that make stops in Europe, the United States, and Mexico.
