Guatemala is a true melting pot of cultures, history and influences. So much so in fact that it’s not possible to talk about a single Guatemalan culture. First-time visitors to this beautiful country will see plenty of evidence of Mayan, Mexican and Spanish culture. They all work together to shape 21st century Guatemala in different ways. With so much to […]
One of the most interesting countries you can visit, Guatemala has a rich cultural history. Home to the ancient Maya civilization, which reached its peak between 250AD and 900AD, the history of Guatemala has many twists and turns. The Mayan civilisation was already declining from its heady heights when the Europeans landed in the 14th century. And when the Spanish […]
A new archaeological discovery in northern Guatemala shows that the ancient Maya people developed one of the oldest water purifications systems in the world. Discoveries like this help to shed more light on the fascinating history of Guatemala. Not only is the water system one of the oldest, but experts also believe it would still work today. US researchers discovered […]
COVID-19 is hitting Guatemala at every level, from the Government and cabinet to the rural population. On 20 September 2020, President Alejandro Giammattei announced he tested positive with COVID-19. The Government continues to work, according to the President, and it appears he is now recovering. Jürg Widmer Probst Guatemala special feature: a COVID-19 update President Giammattei announced his diagnosis to […]
After the challenges we’ve all been forced to face from the pandemic, what could be better than finally planning that trip away? Guatemala is now open to visitors again, and while I’m not necessarily suggesting going this year, let’s have a look at where you could go in 2021. Jürg Widmer Probst Guatemala special feature: wellness retreats There […]
Guatemala is open to tourists again, although there are lots of COVID-19 restrictions in place. In this blog we’re going to look at an unforgettable trek to the Mayan ruins of El Mirador. Whether you go for it this year or next, El Mirador should absolutely be on your bucket list of travel destinations. But first we’ll give a […]
Climate change is now affecting all of us around the world in one way or another. From the vast Australian bushfires at the start of the year to the Californian bushfires happening now, it’s no longer possible to look away. Guatemala is home to huge swathes of vital rainforest and precious resources. The need to protect this as much as […]
Guatemala is consistently ranked as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to the affect of climate change. The Global Climate Risk Index consistently puts the nation in the top 10 of countries at an extremely high risk of exposure to extreme events. Increased rainfall during the wet season combined with extremely severe, lengthy […]
Guatemala in 2020 is a fascinating mix of influences, representative of its complex history. The largest economy in Central America, the country’s biggest economic driver is tourism. In the first of a series of special features, this blog covers the culture and etiquette of Guatemalan society. Jürg Widmer Probst Guatemala special feature: all about Guatemala culture and etiquette Nestled between […]
Guatemala has a long and fascinating history featuring many years of takeover and colonisation, civil war and regional differences. And of course, along with this kind of history comes a relatively complex religious picture. In this special feature, I’ll be looking at the religious composition of the country, and how this affects its culture. Jürg Widmer Probst Guatemala special feature: […]
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