|
|
|
|
 |
Guatemala is a hilly and at the same time also a very green country. On the southern Pacific Coast on a plateau lies a chain of volcanoes. From there fertile valleys extend into the land. Most of the inhabitants live here.
The plateau in the north, El Petén, is nearly impenetrable. Here the woods stretch across a huge area and are still in their original condition. Only a few humans defy nature.
In the west of Guatemala-City lays the incredible Atitlan-Lake; it is surrounded by volcanoes. However it is not a completely harmless traveling destination (see black & white).
Guatemala’s kitchen is a combination of many influences: American, Argentinean, Chinese, German, Italian, Mexican and Spanish. One can hardly tell for sure just what is typical for the country.
Some geography:
Guatemala stretches over an area of 109,000 square kilometers and it is with its 11 million inhabitants the most populated country in Middle America. Approx. 60 % of the residents are Mayas, approx. 35 % Mestizo. Official language of the country is Spanish. Beside that there exist 21 Maya-languages which are also spoken. Predominant religion is the Catholicism; some people also belong to Protestantism and Maya-religions. The Guatemalans celebrate their national holiday on September 15th.
Black & white:
Unfortunately Guatemala is not a harmless country to travel to. Almost daily armed robberies happen, also involving tourists. People sometimes get into an irritated mood when filmed or photographed. One should definitely ask the Mayas for their approval! Further one should hide everything (visible objects of value) which can provoke robberies. In case one is involved in a robbery one should better hand over the demanded things without resistance. The attackers are mostly armed and often have no scruple to use their weapons.
When traveling in the interior one ought to avoid side roads, also rides in darkness. There are hardly any signposts to be found which makes orientation difficult.
Particular caution should be exercised on the following routes: | Carretera Interamericana: Main Street from Guatemala-City to the Atitlan-Lake, especially near the viewpoint at km 136, before Cuatro Caminos, between Solola and Panajachel and at the route to El Salvador
| | route to Tecún Uman (southern border crossing to Mexico)
| | road between Guatemala, Escuintla and Puerto Sán José (Pacific direction)
| | Carretera al Atlantico (Guatemala-City - Puerto Barrios)
| | road between Rio Dulce and Flores
| | in general near remote situated temple sites |
|
|
|
|
|
|
