2000 - Alfonso Portillo sworn in as president after winning elections in 1999. When cats go out at night to prowl, meowing and yowling as they walk along the rooflines, they are warning spirits away. Volcan Tajumulco is the highest mountain in Central America reaching up to 4,220 mt (13,786 ft)a large stratovolcano in the department of San Marcos in western Guatemala. Tikal National Park has earned its title as the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and natural wonders. When big yellow American school buses near 10 years or clock in 150,000 miles, some are auctioned off and driven down to Guatemala. 1981 - Around 11,000 people are killed by death squads and soldiers in response to growing anti-government guerrilla activity. Thousands disappeared during the civil war between 1960 and 1996, A truth commission blamed the military for 93% of all the massacres, tortures, disappearances and assassinations during the war, Rigoberta Menchu, a campaigner for Mayan rights, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992. One interesting fact about Guatemala is that Blue denim comes from the country! But dont worry theres still plenty of quality chocolate to enjoy while in the country. Robberies, violent street crime, and gang activity are rampant in this location. Occupying a total area of 108,889 km (42,042 sq mi), Guatemala ranks as the world's 105th-largest nation. Do you want to learn some fascinating facts about Guatemala? Taxis you can hail from the streets can also be part of a scam that you dont want to be a victim of. While not all of Guatemala is extremely unsafe, some are just more safe than others. 31 FUN & Interesting Facts About Guatemala In 1950 Guatemala hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games, a quadrennial competition organized in 1924 in which Guatemalan athletes have participated since the games were . Hundreds of people died and over 4,000 displaced when the volcano erupted twice within six months. Armed attacks can occur in these border areas, mostly as a product of drug-related crime. 24 Guatemala Facts: People, Culture, Geography, History Recent travel advisories from a good number of countries push tourists and travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting the country of Guatemala. Guatemala City is the most populous city in Central America. So, exercise a high level of caution while within the area. If you want to visit Guatemala and stay safe, find someone wholl come with you. Opting for this budget-friendly travel alternative will give you an eclectic local experience. You have people in Guatemala that are dark-skinned while other Guatemalans look extremely pale. It is part of the mountain range of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, which begins in Mexico's southernmost state of Chiapas. 1541 - The new capital is flooded when the lagoon in the crater of the Agua Volcano collapses due to heavy rains and earthquakes and is moved to Antigua. But safety comes first in planning every trip, so before you fly off to this interesting country, stop for a minute and ask the question: is Guatemala safe? The new regime is marked by repression and the emergence of the first death squads. Like many departments on this list, this place should be avoided due to the high crime rate this region has. Despite being one of the lesser-traveled countries in the Americas, Guatemala has a rich past, colorful culture, and beautiful natural wonders that can leave any tourist in awe. We could solve American homelessness easier than you think. 2016 November - El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras announce a joint security force aimed at fighting gangs and cross-border organised crime. Card skimming in the country remains to be widespread. (Source: OEC), 25. Do you want to know more about Guatemala? Coffee beans being harvested in Guatemala. Many public ATMs out on the streets can be tampered by anyone. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. If you hear a strange cry at night, it may be that La Llorona is close by.. President Perez Molina resigns after Congress lifts his immunity in response to allegations by prosecutors of his involvement in a customs bribery ring. While the chances are small, being mugged while youre in Guatemala is still a possibility. The older I get the more I am able to appreciate this beautiful country. The tree then began to grow quickly, sprouting new leaves and bearing beautiful fruit. 1847 - Guatemala declares itself an independent republic. Violent street crimes and gang-related violence can also happen here. 2003 November - Presidential elections go to second round. 1979-1996 - The country witnesses assassinations, massacres and disappearances throughout its territory. Between 1523 and 1524, Spanish explorer Pedro de Alvarado defeated the indigenous Maya and turned Guatemala into a Spanish colony. One of the best travel safety tips anyone can give you when youre heading to Guatemala is to never roam around the streets at night. A series of coups follows, with regimes dominated by the armed forces and marked by atrocities by the far right. I love my Guat! 2002 - Guatemala and Belize agree on draft settlement to their long-standing border dispute at talks brokered by Organization of American States (OAS). Is Guatemala Safe? He faces trial over these crimes in 2013. And in just a few days, you may find that all your savings are gone because of a scam. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Other famous inventions Guatemalans have come up with include instant coffee, an eco-friendly log called Mr. Fuego (fire), a nutritious drink called Incaparina, and online security systems called CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, which brings us to our last item on the list. While youre distracted, another accomplice may get to your bag or pocket and rob you of your valuables. The Beautiful Lake Atitlan Scary Facts to Make Your Skin Crawl 1. 2004 December - UN mission, set up to monitor post-civil war peace process, winds up, but the UN says Guatemala still suffers from crime, social injustice, human rights violations. (Source: The Nobel Prize), 12. This means extreme caution while out in the streets of the city or even in volcano hiking trails must be observed. If you can, only trust taxis you can book through the airport or your hotel and make sure that theyre deemed safe. Arbenz resigns after the army refuses to fight. 10 Fascinating Facts About Guatemala - Listverse 2001 December - President Portillo pays $1.8m in compensation to the families of 226 men, women and children killed by soldiers and paramilitaries in the northern village of Las Dos Erres in 1982. Strangers Asking For Money In crowded areas, there are strangers who might approach you, asking for some money. (Source: Lonely Planet), 6. The place where Guatemala stands today is part of a large area in the continent where the Mayan Civilization flourished. Coffee is big in Guatemala. 1999 - UN-backed commission says security forces were behind 93% of all human rights atrocities committed during the civil war, which claimed 200,000 lives, and that senior officials had overseen 626 massacres in Maya villages. All rights reserved. Also, exercise caution when trying to hail a taxi. ASMR - 8 true scary stories that happened in the woods. Climb to the top of the ruins to spot local residents (were talking toucans and macaws). 2018 saw multiple eruptions of Volcn de Fuego (Volcano of Fire). Of these, the most noteworthy volcano is Tajumulco. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans The most common types of crime that may affect travelers include robberies, carnapping, kidnapping, and petty theft. Distractions Watch out for anyone on the streets spraying or spilling different kinds of staining or sticky liquids onto your clothes. The conquest of Guatemala is a lengthy and protracted affair lasting decades. Evelyn Gomez and Erick Cacao are two of the most extraordinary people I have ever met, and talking with them in Spanish at the beginning of classes is always so fulfilling and greatly contributes to my happiness, joy, and wellbeing., Its a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. Every year on November 1st, Guatemalans partake in this ritual that has been around for more than 3000 years. By 1880, coffee accounted for 90% of Guatemalasexports and even today, its one of their main exports and sources of income for the country. The variety. 15 Things You Didn't Know About Guatemala | Travel TuesdaysSUBSCRIBE to ALUX: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjPtOCvMrKY5eLwr_-7eUg?sub_confirmation=115 E. Oh, the beauty of Guatemalas volcanoes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lake Atitln in southwestern Guatemala is the deepest lake in Central America. The ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal in Guatemala is one of the major sites of Mayan civilization and was inhabited for 16 centuries from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD. 2019 July - The US and Guatemala sign a migration agreement, to require migrants from El Salvador and Honduras who pass through Guatemala to seek asylum there first. Even though Spanish is the official language, there are 23 officially recognized indigenous languages in Guatemala. A popular tourist destination located in the western highlands are oaf Guatemala is the Quetzaltenango Department. Guatemala is still trying to come to terms with a 36-year-long civil war. If youve finished reading this article, we assume that youre also searching for answers to the question, is Guatemala safe? And doing so is a great and commendable trait of a good traveler. Humans shed skin too. Its always a good idea to travel with people you know. 1970 - Military-backed Carlos Arena elected president. Unbelievable history, great artists, delicious food, exceptional inventions, lush landscapes, imposing volcanoes, horror storiesthis little country has a bit of everything! 1524 - Pedro de Alvarado arrives from newly conquered Mexico, commanding a mixed force of Spanish conquistadors and native allies. The concept of the nagual has seem to shape-shift with the times and has been used to describe any number of hideous, evil creatures spotted throughout Mexico's backcountry and mostly relegated to the darker hours of the day. All the instructors have been great!, Your email address will not be published. Now that this stunning country has your attention, check out Intrepids small group adventures to Guatemala. Civil war raged in Guatemala from 1960 to 1996, and its effects are still felt throughout the country today. He was the second Latin American author to win the Nobel; Chilean Gabriela Mistral won it in 1945. Move follows state's formal admissions of guilt in several well-known human rights crimes. Guatemalans fly kites to honour their dead. It's a very class-conscious society, with good grooming, neat dress, and cleanliness expected. I spent a month there and wish the government would provide actual transportation!! 2005 November - Guatemala's leading anti-drugs investigator is arrested in the US on charges of drug trafficking. Thats right! And Guatemala is actually a leader in blue denim production. Did you know that two Guatemalans have won the Nobel Prize? 7. Guatemala - The World Factbook 1839 - Guatemala becomes fully independent. Your life is more valuable than whatever material thing theyre trying to get from you. 1982 - General Efrain Rios Montt takes power in a military coup. 1980 January - Spanish embassy fire, a defining event in the civil war, in which 36 people die after police raid the embassy occupied by peasants. Spanish is the official language and is spoken by 90% of the population. The man went to sleep, but was awakened by a strange feeling, like fleas biting him. As much as possible, avoid riding the local public buses that you may see a lot of in the country. 13 Mind-Blowing Facts About Guatemala You Didn't Know With an elevation of 4,220m (13,845ft), Tajumulco Volcano in Guatemala is the highest peak inCentral America. The quetzal is also the name of Guatemalas currency. If youre trying to visit the ruins of the Pre-Colombian Mayan City of Tikal, which is located in the region, take the safest route if possible. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, Donald Trump arrives in Scotland on golf visit, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Indian 'killer' elephant relocated to tiger reserve, Ding becomes China's first male world chess champion. 2018 April - Guatemalans vote in a referendum in favour of referring a two-centuries-old border dispute with what is now Belize to the International Court of Justice. An important distinction! Within its regional borders, tourists can visit many historical sites and thermal bath establishments. During night time, lights are low and its hard to move around. They had an accurate numerical system, developed precise calendars, invented rubber, and created a ballgame thats essentially the forefather of soccer! Using your ATM card in any tampered machine runs the risk of having your bank details compromised. The conflict, which ended in 1996, pitted leftist, mostly Mayan insurgents against the state, which - backed by the US - waged a vicious campaign to eliminate the guerrillas. 2007 May - Guatemala ratifies an international adoption treaty, committing it to ensure that babies are not bought or stolen. She called it the Ronald Menu. Today, in Guatemala, it is known as the Cajita Feliz, which means the happy little box. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? A qualitative examine was conducted with 39 ladies who participated in five focus teams in the San Marcos Department of Guatemala. Like all regions in this list, this northeastern Guatemalan department is a hotspot for many different types of crimes, which can range from petty theft to violent armed assault. Guatemala - Sports and recreation | Britannica Luis is still Duolingos CEO, and he continues to blaze trails in the fields of technology and education. (Source: Britannica), 18. Interesting facts about Guatemala 1. According to the latest national census, in 2018, 14.901 million people were living in Guatemala, 3.5 million more than in 2002, when Guatemalas National Institute of Statistics (INE) did the previous census. With the population reaching 17.58 million in 2019, it currently stands as the country with the biggest population in Central America. DK: London. An estimated 626 Indian villages are annihilated under the "scorched earth" offensive. The people of the town told him to be careful: dont speak to the dead, just give them the peaches and leave. Chupacabra | Legend & Facts | Britannica Free shipping for many products! The conflict, which ended in 1996, pitted leftist, mostly Mayan insurgents against the state, which - backed by the US . All aspects of communicationperiodical news, the comics, soap operas, filmare primarily of foreign origin. Since the Mayan civilization was first developed by the Maya (a group ofIndigenous people of Mesoamerica), the language has evolved into 21 dialects that can be heard today on a trueMayan encounter. In 1934, British author Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) wrote in his journal that (Lake) Atitln is (Lake) Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. The indigenous Maya make up about half of the population but rights campaigners say they face extreme inequality. Whether you trek by foot or take a horse ride up, the view from the top of Pacaya is simply spectacular. 1970s - Military rulers embark on a programme to eliminate left-wingers, resulting in at least 50,000 deaths. (Source: National Geographic), 13. It doesnt take much to make necessary precautions, but when you do so, you can ensure that your beautiful Guatemala vacation will remain something memorable in a positive way. (Source: Oxford Dictionary), 11. Guatemalans then use it for local transport. The Guatemalan flag takes inspiration from the flag used by the United Provinces of Central America which consisted of blue-white-blue stripes and a coat of arms in the centre. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Intrepid Travel is committed to using travel as a force for good. 2011 August - Four former soldiers found guilty of a village massacre become the first to be convicted of rights abuses during the civil war. While many taxi drivers and companies are reliable, a good number also tend to scam tourists for their money. Guatemala was initially absorbed into the Mexican empire following independence from Spain. However, the quetzal and its habitat are under threat. 1844-65 - Guatemala ruled by conservative dictator Rafael Carrera. 2018 May - Guatemala becomes the second country after the US to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Pickpocketing, bag slashing, purse snatching and other forms of petty theft usually occur in crowded tourist havens. Formally known as the Republic of Guatemala, the country is located in Central America. However, its also a place where travelers need to observe increased caution when visiting. More heinous crimes can also take place in the area. Read about our approach to external linking. If youre coming from Guatemala airport and going to your hotel, airport transfer shuttles and private shuttles are available for you to rent. READ MORE: HOW A FASHION SOCIAL ENTERPRISE EMPOWERS WOMEN IN GUATEMALA. Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. Before going to Guatemala, you need to map out the itinerary of your adventure in the country. Not only will this help you find the most wonderful activities and establishments in the area, but it will also help in making sure youre safe during the duration of your trip. Highways and roads within the department should also be avoided as much as possible. However, that doesnt mean everyone is guaranteed to encounter some form of crime while theyre in Guatemala. See also: The Wonders of Mayan Civilization, The land we now call Guatemala was once called Quauhtemallan. Many experts and historians believe the Quauhtemallan means tierra de abundantes florestas, which roughly translates into English as land of plentiful forests., Other historians think that the name Guatemala comes from the word Guhatezmalha, which means mountain of vomiting water.. Official name: Republic of GuatemalaCapital city: Guatemala CityPopulation: 17,153,288Area: 108,889 sq kmMajor languages: Spanish, Maya languagesTime zone: UTC-6 (Central Time Zone)(Source: CIA World Fact Book), 1. Its a phone service set up via the Tourist Assistance Program of INGUAT. Well, you can find a brief summary of the answer here. Im left-handed, a failed drummer, an amateur goalkeeper, and I drive a 1988 Subaru J10. 1963 - Elected president Gen Miguel Ydigoras Fuentes is overthrown. Guatemalan culture is rich with legends and myths, passed from generation to generation, full of vivid images and imagination. (Source: CIA World Fact Book), 14. To make sure your trip goes hitch-free, make sure to observe the following tips as soon as you enter the country. And to stay safe while enjoying the better things of the country, you must know the common risks you might be facing. Today, Guatemala is a mass producer and exporter of chocolate products. It is located in the Guatemalan Highlands, a part of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Recommended: Etnica: 10 Reasons to Experience Ethical Tourism in Guatemala. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and recent studies, the average person will shed roughly 112 pounds of skin in their lifetime. Leading causes of death in Guatemala in 2019 (per. 900s - Widespread political collapse sees warfare, cities being abandoned and a northward shift of population. Thats right, Guatemala became a republic 200 years ago! He will serve a single four-year term, and took over from Jimmy Morales, a former comedian with no prior political experience. 2. It is home to the deepest lake in Central America On a visit you can buy your own precious stones from the jewelry stores around Antigua. chupacabra, in Latin American popular legend, a monstrous creature that attacks animals and consumes their blood. 12 Guatemala Facts That You Probably Don't Know - Intrepid Travel Blog Today were sharing some of our favorite spooky Guatemalan legends: as told by Multicolores artists, illustrated in stitches. When it comes to language, Guatemala takes pride in being diverse. El Sombreron (Based upon a Guatemalan folktale) | ABCtales 1524 - The first capital, Villa de Santiago de Guatemala is founded near Iximch, the Kaqchikel capital city. As such the country has suffered from major earthquakes in 1917, 1918 and 1976.