Guatemala Travel Tips

Guatemala has had a strong orthodox, subsistence economy since before the Spanish conquest in the early 1500s, producing corn, beans, chocolate, cotton, and a wide mixture of fruits and vegetables. To these indigenous products, the Spaniards added wheat, sugar, farm animal, and European fruits and vegetables. Guatemala exported small quantities of cacao, sugar, cotton, and other crops early in the colonial time, but in the 18th century the Spanish government put greater emphasis on exports. Since then, Guatemala has steadily increased its dependence on foreign markets. In the 19th century, first cochineal dye derived from insects and then coffee became the principal Guatemalan export. Coffee revenues paid for early development of the nation’s cities, roads, and other facilities, and the elite class of coffee planters became powerful in government and the military. In the early 20th century bananas became an valuable secondary export, and large foreign-owned banana companies contributed greatly to the nation’s network of railroads, ports, and communications systems.

Guatemala is a developing nation largely dependent upon orthodox commercial crops as the basis of its market economy. Vigorous economic growth during the 1960s and '70s was followed by a severe economic downturn during the '80s. The collection of personal income taxes has improved remarkablely; the government, continues to rely upon revenue from other tax sources, such as customs duties, sales taxes, and excises on liquor and tobacco.

The agricultural area accounts for about one-fourth of GDP, two-thirds of exports, and half of the labor force. Coffee, sugar, and bananas are the main products. Former President ARZU (1996-2000) worked to implement a program of economic liberalization and political modernization. The 1996 signing of the peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed a major obstacle to foreign investment. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch caused comparatively little damage to Guatemala compared to its neighbors.contempt low international prices for Guatemala's main commodities, the economy grew by 3% in 2000 and is forecast to grow by 4% in 2001. Guatemala, along with Honduras and El Salvador, newly concluded a free trade agreement with Mexico and has moved to protect international property rights. the PORTILLO administration has undertaken a review of privatizations under the previous administration, thereby creating some uncertainty among investors.

The nation's society is marked by pronounced extremes in the conduct of daily life. In the capital city families live much as they do in the cosmopolitan centres of Europe, whereas within an hour's drive of the capital are Indians whose patterns of daily life remain those of past centuries. The pattern of culture is characterized by sharp contrasts, whether it be in the language spoken or in matters pertaining to the household, cuisine, attire, or family affairs.

The nation's populace is increasingly exposed to the intrusion of foreign determines upon their way of life. All aspects of communication—timeical news, the comics, soap operas, film—are primarily of foreign origin. A multitude of products, from soaps and boxed cereals to automobiles and bottled drinks, bear foreign brand names.

Getting there

Major international airlines fly into Guatemala City and Flores. Most flights to the country pass through the north American hub cities of Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Houston, Mexico City or Miami.

To enter the north of the country by land means entering from Mexico by lengthy bus or train journeys. Buses from El Salvador travel directly to Guatemala City, while buses from Honduras and Belize stop at the border. You can also enter the country by sea, travelling from Punta Gorda in Belize to Puerto Barrios or Lívingston. There is also a boat from Lívingston to Omoa in Honduras.

Getting around

Internal carriers operate return flights from Guatemala City to Flores, Huehuetenango, Coban, Puerto Barrios and Quetzaltenango. Buses link most places cheaply and relatively painlessly, although roads in El Petén often turn into muddy mires or disappear altogether during the rainy season. There are minibuses operating between some of the more popular tourist sites. Some of Guatemala's national parks are only accessible by boat.

Visa information

Visa regulations changed in 1996 and citizens of most countries no longer need either a visa or a tourist card. Depending on the country you come from, stays are limited to 30 or 90 days. Citizens of some countries still need either a visa or a tourist card, so check with the closest Guatemalan embassy for up-to-date information.

Guatemala’s population, the largest of any Central American nation, is 12,974,361 (2001 estimate). It is almost evenly separated between Native Americans and ladinos, but also includes small groups descended from African and European immigrants. Within the population are widely varied ways of life, differing between ladinos and indigenous people, between urban and rural residents, between the more affluent and the very poor.

More than half of Guatemalans are descendants of indigenous Mayan peoples. Westernized Mayans and mestizos are known as Ladinos. Most of Guatemala's population is rural, though urbanization is accelerating. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, into which many indigenous Guatemalans have incorporated orthodox forms of worship.Protestantism and orthodox Mayan religions are practiced by an around 40% and 1% of the population, respectively. Though the official language is Spanish, it is not universally understood among the indigenous population. the peace accords signed in December 1996 offer for the translation of some official documents and voting materials into several indigenous languages.

Mountaineering: This is practised on and around Guatemala’s volcanoes. At 4200m (13,776ft) above sea level, the Tajumulco in the San Marcos region is the highest volcano in Central America. In spite of this, it is technically an easy climb. Those requiring something more challenging can try the Tolimán, with its 3158m- (10,358ft-) twin peak summit. An easier climb is the San Pedro volcano, whose summit can be reached in about six hours. One of the most visited volcanoes, given its proximity to Guatemala City, is Pacaya at 2252m (7386ft). Excursions to this constantly erupting volcano must be made in a group and with a guide. The ascent of the Agua (or Hunapu) volcano at 3776m (1233ft) gives the opportunity to spend the night in the crater where there is a refuge for 30 people. Aktun Kan, Jobtzinaj, Lanquín and La Candelaria are principal locations for caving.

Watersports: Río Dulce and Lakes Izabal and Atitlán are good for windsurfing, with Lake Atitlán also popular for diving. Guatemala’s fast-moving rivers, including El Cahabón, El Chiquibul, El Motagua, La Pasión and El Usamacinta are ideal for boating and rapids shooting. Lakes and rivers suitable for fishing include El Lago de Izabal, El Petén, Río Dulce and the rivers of Alta Verepaz. The Pacific Coast is one of the best places worldwide for sports fishing. Birdwatching is also recommended at these locations.

Other: There are around six 18-hole golf courses in Guatemala, with others currently under construction. Facilities at the Guatemala Country Club and the San Isidro courses, 8 km (5 miles) and 10km (5.5 miles) from the city respectively, are open to members only. The course at the Hacienda Nueva Country Club is open to the public. Other courses are at the Alta Vista Country Club in San José Pinula, which also had other sporting facilities, and Mayan Golf in Villa Nueva. Green Place in Guatemala City has a 9-hole course.
Cycling is popular in la Antigua Guatemala, Izabál, the Guatemalan Altiplano, Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopó and the plains of El Petén.