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Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

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About Guatemala

The Republic of Guatemala is a Central American country with Mexico to its north and west, Belize and the Caribbean to its northeast, Honduras to its east, El Salvador to its southeast and the Pacific Ocean to its south. Its capital city is Guatemala city. It has a volcanic landscape and a fascinating Mayan culture dating back to quite a while ago.

Guatemala has an eternally comfortable climate not being too hot or too cold. Its seasons are generally divided into two; the dry season and the wet season. The dry season is from November to April and the rainy season is from May to October.

The Mestizos are the largest ethnic group of Guatemala and are a people of mixed native and European ancestry. They account for about 42% of the population. The white Guatemalans mostly are of Spanish ancestry and account for about 18% of the population. The K'iche, an indigenous group of one of the Maya people accounts for 9%, Kaqchikel 8%, Mam 8%. Guatemala's official language is Spanish as it was colonized by Spain. Guatemala is about 45 percent Roman Catholic and 42 percent protestant.

Corn, rice, and beans (especially black beans) are staple foods in Guatemala usually eaten with squash, tropical fruits, cocoa, chilies, wild game. They eat re fried black beans fondly referred to as "Guatemalan caviar". Guatemalan cuisine is very much influenced by Spanish and Mayan cuisine.

Some of the most visited tourist locations in Guatemala are:

Livingstone: Livingstone is a small town that can only be reached by boat. To experience Guatemala in its most indigenous state, Livingstone is the place to go. You can experience the locals and sample Guatemalan food here.
Monterrico: Here the sand is volcanic black and most times is too hot to be traipsed upon with bare feet. Therefore, the actual attraction of the beach is not necessarily relaxation but is more the four species of sea turtles that breed upon its sands.
Anigua, Guatemala: This colonial city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in the country. It once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. It is known for its well preserved Spanish baroque architecture.
Tikal: Tikal is one of the most important archaeological ruins of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. Tikal is famous for having been featured in the first Star Wars movie and is a site of great beauty and historical significance.

There are several interesting facts about Guatemala some of which are that the first chocolate bar was invented in the country and the instant coffee process was invented in the country as well.

There are budget and luxury hotel accommodations in Guatemala.

Guatemala key facts

Capital:

Guatemala City

Languages Spoken:

Spanish

Demonym:

Guatemalan

Currency Name:

Guatemalan quetzal

Currency Code:

GTQ

Currency Symbol:

Popular Bus Terminals in Guatemala

Bus Providers in Guatemala

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Mobile network operators & Internet service providers in Guatemala

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Tigo

Claro

Movistar

Tuenti

How do I travel out of Guatemala?

Get Visa from Guatemala

For Guatemalans looking to travel out of the country. You can check out the list of destinations, how to Get Visa to those countries, Embassies in Guatemala and Visa Free Countries for Guatemalan passport holders

Common Questions Travellers Ask About Guatemala

Is there Vegetarian food in Guatemala?

Yes there is, but there aren't many options. Restaurants that serve vegetarian food can mostly be found in cities and in touristy areas.

Are there hurricanes in Guatemala?

Guatemala is bordered by two oceans and does experience the effect of the tropical storms from time to time. However, it is rarely ever hit by a hurricane directly.

Are there earthquakes in Guatemala?

Guatemala lies in a major fault zone and therefore does have earthquakes. But earthquakes are rare on a day to day basis.

Can I take public buses around Guatemala?

Yes you can. Many travelers and tourists use the "chicken buses" to get around in Guatemala.

Is Guatemala safe to travel?

Although there are parts of Guatemala that are dangerous, most tourist destinations are absolutely safe. You should do a proper research on where to go and where not to in Guatemala.

What is Guatemala's official unit of currency?

Guatemala's official unit of currency is the Guatemalan quetzal.

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Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

7 properties