Guatemala has long been one of Central America’s hidden gems, but nowadays its allure is becoming common knowledge. And, frankly, we’re all here for it. The nation is diverse both in terms of its culture and landscape, and is a true joy to travel through. If you’re headed that way soon on a Contiki adventure, then read on to find out 18 interesting facts about Guatemala!
1. There are over 30 volcanoes in Guatemala
Yes, you read that right: 30. Thankfully they’re not all spewing lava, with only three having active volcano status: Fuego, Santiaguito, and Pacaya. Hiking Pacaya is among one of the most popular activities of visitors to the country.
2. The first chocolate bar was created in Guatemala
In the Maya civilisation that once controlled these lands they worshipped the cacao tree, and it’s widely believed that the first ever chocolate bar was made right in Guatemala. Nowadays chocolate is still big business, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it throughout the country. One of the most popular is the famous hot chocolate – perfect to warm you on a sunrise volcano hike.
3. Tikal National Park is the first mixed cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Site
Guatemala is full of incredible natural parks, but few are as celebrated as Tikal National Park. Not only is the verdant, wild jungle a stunning natural highlight, but it’s also home to well preserved ancient Maya ruins.
Image source:Florian Delée / unsplash
4. Spanish isn’t the only language being spoken
While Spanish is the official language of the country, one of the lesser known facts about Guatemala is that there are a number of different languages and dialects spoken throughout the nation. These include 21 different dialects spoken by the Maya people.
5. You will almost certainly see a classic American school bus
After years of service ferrying kids to and from school, a number of iconic big yellow buses were auctioned off to Guatemala. New local owners covered them in cool patterns and turned them into a common public transport option in some of the larger towns and cities. Cheap to ride and always worthy of a snap or three because of their funky designs.
6. Guatemala has the deepest lake in Central America
At a staggering 340m (so far – the bottom of the body of water has not been sounded) Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America. Formed by a volcanic eruption nearly 100,000 years ago, it eclipses every other lake in the region. One of the most staggering natural facts about Guatemala.
7. It’s the most populous country in Central America
With an estimated population of 16.86 million people, Guatemala is the country with the largest population in Central America (with Mexico falling under North America). It’s followed by Honduras, which has around 10 million. El Salvador, on the other hand, is the most densely populated.
8. The founder of Duolingo is from Guatemala
Many people who are thinking of visiting this underrated Latin country will have tried to prepare by learning Spanish with Duolingo. If they’ve had any success with the famous owl, they can thank Guatemalan founder Luis von Ahn.
9. Guatemala touches two vast bodies of water
One of the more appealing facts about Guatemala to water lovers will be that you can swim in both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. And, unlike much of Mexico and all of the U.S, the drive between these two bodies of water can be conquered in less than a day.
10. The origin of the name Guatemala is disputed
You might think one of the most important things to know before visiting Guatemala would be why it’s called that, but if you try to find out you’ll come up against competing stories. Some believe it comes from the word Quauhtemallan, which is said to translate to land of plentiful forests. Others think it comes from the word Guhatezmalha, which means mountain vomiting water. Not quite as poetic, but just as true.
11. Coffee is big business
Although it’s not the only country in Central America to grow and export coffee, the beans and beloved drink brewed from it certainly has a special place in Guatemalan culture. In the late 19th century it accounted for a majority of the country’s exports, and while today the crop doesn’t have that level of importance, it still forms a massive part of the nation’s economy.
12. The resplendent quetzal is the national bird
The resplendent quetzal is a striking bird that is known for its vibrant colours and long tail. It was of great cultural significance to the Maya people, and that heritage lives on thanks to it being the national bird of Guatemala. One of the facts about Guatemala that links its past with the present.
Image source:Zdeněk Macháček / unsplash
13. The Peten Region is known as the birthplace of the Maya
Peten makes up around a third of Guatemala’s landmass, but this heavily forested region is better known for being where the Maya people and culture first came to prominence. It’s home to the previously mentioned TIkal ruins, as well as a number of other rich historical treasures.
14. You can release turtles into the sea here
If you’re keen on marine conservation, Guatemala is one of the best places to visit in Latin America. One of the major reasons for this is its long-running commitment to the turtles that nest by its coast every year.
You can ensure these baby turtles get the best start to life by helping them survive their first journey, from the beach to the sea.
15. The United States is Guatemala’s largest trading partner
As is the case with many Latin American countries, the United States has a complicated history with Guatemala, having been a key backer of politicians and dictators who ravaged the country. Nowadays relations are a lot more normalised, and the North American powerhouse accounts for just over a third of Guatemala’s entire trade.
Image source:Polina Kuzovkova / unsplash
16. Guatemalans have a festival to honour their dead that includes flying kites
Death is marked differently all over the world, and one of the more unique facts about Guatemala is that here they fly intricately designed, huge kits in honour of their dead loved ones.
This takes place on November 1st during All Saints Kite Festival, at a similar time to the famous Mexican Day of the Dead. Like that tradition, Guatemalans clean and decorate the graves of loved ones who have passed away, but the kite is special to this country.
17. Guatemala is among the biggest jade producers in the world
In 1998, Hurricane Mitch devastated Guatemala and several other Central American countries. However, some of the destructive landslides the storm caused helped to unearth a jade mine in Guatemala that is roughly the size of Rhode Island. Red, green, and blue jade is all there, sparkling away and slowly making its way to jewellers around the world.
18. Guatemala has produced two Nobel Prize winners
The Central American nation has a proud intellectual history, which includes writer, poet, and diplomat Miguel Ángel Asturias. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in the sixties, only the second Latin American to do so after the Chilean writer and poet Gabriela Mistral.
The second Nobel winner, feminist activist Rigoberta Menchú Tum, was awarded the Peace Prize for her work on the rights of Indigenous people in her home country – a great reward for an honourable aim.
