Guatemala is naturally stunning, with year-round warm weather and friendly people. However, the country still faces difficulties, and tourism has yet to return to pre-covid levels. Before the pandemic struck, Guatemala earned almost $1.23 billion from tourism. However, this number dropped by 75.68% in 2020, when covid-19 struck the world. This significant drop was particularly difficult for some areas of […]
The question isn’t what is special about Lake Atitlan; the question is, why hasn’t everyone been there and seen for themselves? The Lago de Atitlan is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala, if not the world. Forget Lake Como in Italy; this place is just as special. The lake is actually a collapsed […]
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. […]
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