A question that is often asked is, where is Guatemala? Guatemala is part of Central America, South of Mexico and is bordered by El Salvador, Belize and Honduras. It is a place with a rich culture and fascinating history and incredibly special to me, Jürg Widmer. Below, I share my thoughts about what makes Guatemala so special. The People The […]
It is quite often that when people focus on Guatemala, they do not focus on the positives. They instead latch on to headlines of migration, corruption crime and a devastated economy, as opposite the rich history and lore which drives so many tourists here every year. Of course, 2020 and the beginning to 2021 have brought with it exceptions to […]
Guatemala may be famous for everything from its extraordinary history, Mayan cultural heritage, fantastic indigenous art, great food and fascinating cities, but there’s another reason to visit – to explore its volcanic landscape. There are an astonishing 37 volcanoes in the country, with three still very much active. Most of the volcanoes in Guatemala are easy to get to and […]
Shopping is a big deal in Guatemala. From small markets packed with local goods to the big shopping areas of the main cities, there are plenty of chances to shop till you drop while staying in Guatemala. While the pandemic continues, of course, to interrupt all of our holiday plans, you may well be starting to think about your next […]
Holidays often mean finding cost-effective ways to enjoy a trip to a new country. But what if you’ve got some cash to spend and you’re looking for a bit of luxury? While Guatemala is known for its backpacking and trekking holidays, you should also know there are plenty of luxury hotels and places to stay too. The resorts and hotels […]
Guatemala has a long and varied history. From civil war and politics to cultural and artistic heights, there is so much to learn about this fascinating country. Indigenous people who have contributed to Guatemala’s history are many and varied. From those who fought – and still fight – for justice and awareness for indigenous people in Guatemala to musicians and […]
Guatemala is home to more than 16.6 million people. Of these, almost two-thirds are indigenous people, whose achievements are often left out of historical canon. For Guatemalan women, this is even more the case. Think about how many women from Guatemala you’ve read about or heard about. The chances are, it’s not many. There are, of course, exceptions. For example, […]
On the banks of one of the most beautiful lakes in Guatemala live the Tz’utujil people. Guatemala is a relatively small country compared with others, but it has a long, rich history. Today, it’s still home to 24 different ethnic groups incorporated within the Mayan population. The Tz’utujil people are one of them. Others include Garifunas, Zinca and the Ladinos. […]
Guatemala was the centre of the Mayan Empire, which reached its peak of influence and power in the 6th century AD. Just 300 years later, most of the huge Maya cities were abandoned. We know plenty about the height of the civilisation, thanks to artefacts discovered over relatively recent times. Mayan civilisations left architecture, art and pottery and evidence for […]
The last Jürg Widmer Probst Guatemala blog to look at the country’s COVID-19 situation was half-way through last year. We’re now more than 12 months into the pandemic and it’s time to review how Guatemala is faring. Unfortunately, Guatemala is currently in the midst of a third wave with cases of COVID-19 sharply rising. On 15 April 2021, Guatemalan President […]
English
Spanish