If you have thought about traveling to Guatemala, you have made the right choice. To know better and enjoy your visit, you must prepare to jump in a different journey. Here are some recommendations for your travels.
First, put clothes in your suitcase that easily adapt to any weather, whether it be cold, windy, rainy, or hot. All these climates occur in a moderate way in almost all regions of the country, at any time of the year and sometimes all of them in a single day. Guatemala has an excellent climate and is known worldwide as 'The country of eternal spring.'
If you speak Spanish or not, don't worry, here you will learn and communicate easily through a language adorned with many chapinisms. That is, with many words and expressions that only in Guatemala you will hear with a very folkloric and colloquial meaning.
Carry small notes and coins with you at all times, always well stored. They will be useful, because they will make you want to try the delicious typical food sold in the streets and markets such as traditional sweets, or simply for buying some of the beautiful crafts and souvenirs. They will also be helpful to a board the colorful and unique public transport, the Tuc-Tuc, or simply to make a wish at the famous Fountain of 'Las Delicias', during your visit to Antigua Guatemala.
If you arrive in Guatemala by plane, you will realize that it is a small airport which is an advantage because there is no need of moving far to get your luggage, go through immigration and go to the exit.
You will notice you are in Guatemala because of the brotherhood its people will welcome you, and what better than a local one who lives in Guatemala to meet you at the airport with open arms and a big smile. Immediately you realize that difference country from all those you have surely visited.
Unlike many places with huge cities, in Guatemala, you can greet people you do not know. In general, Guatemalan are very welcoming and greets you politely, even if they have never met you before. So, if you go down the street, you should be prepared to greet and receive greetings from most of the people who pass by you.
Among the thousands of anecdotes and experiences that have emerged throughout history in this beautiful country, its richness and diversity of contrasts stand out. Mentioning some of them:
• Nobel Laureates for Literature and Peace, facing the social situation present throughout the region.
• The highest volcano in Central America, and a little more than 100 kilometers away, the volcano sand beaches of the south of the country.
• The capital city with the greatest economic development in all Central America, even its great attractive parks and ecological and natural trails in the rural area.
• Great historical and cultural wealth, inherited from our Mayan ancestors, including the humility, solidarity and generosity of guatemalans.
• Extreme cold with temperatures below zero, at the highlands and its departmets: Huehuetenango, Totonicapán, Quetzaltenango, San Marcos and El Quiché stand out, to the most suffocating heat in La Fragua, Zacapa with more than 50 degrees Celsius.
• One of the happiest countries in the world, facing the crisis that is present in the Latin American region.
There are also peculiarities and singularities that unequivocally identify Guatemala, among other countries of the world:
• The beautiful processions and colorful carpets of great tradition in Holy Week.
• The varied colors, present in everything in a daily basis: food, fruits and vegetables in the markets, the landscapes, the handicrafts and above all, the typical costumes wore in different regions.
• The cordiality, kindness and joy of our people, especially with those who visit the country.
• We have a great soccer tradition, and our children play happily every afternoon in the streets, but we are not top footballers. Guatemala has never been to a football World Cup. However, we really enjoy the games and never give up hope of attending for the first time.
• And above all, we are hard-working people with the vision of building a better nation.
Then get ready for adventure, culture, relaxation and entertainment. There is so much to see and do. Guatemala is full of spots to discover and enjoy.
They say, 'There are no second chances for a first impression.' Guatemala is impressive at the first sight.
Welcome to the heart of America.
