Travel guide Guatemala

These are the most economical and common buses in the country. While they originally carried schoolchildren from the United States, they have begun a second life in Guatemala. They were renamed after their cargo: poultry - live - both piled in boxes on the roof and tied to the passengers' bundles.

"Las comunidades" is the word used to describe groups of people living in small villages. In concrete terms, it refers to the indigenous people, or "locals". More and more players in the tourism sector are working hand-in-hand with communities to break down the country's social divide.

Rather than giving street names, Guatemalans express distances in terms of "cuadras" (blocks). If you ask for the address of a store, you'll be told its location, for example, to turn right"en tres cuadras", i.e. to take the third street or avenue on the right.

You may hear it as you pass by. A "gringo" - "gringa" in the feminine - is a foreigner, a western tourist. Although this word may seem pejorative, don't be offended, and don't hesitate to use it yourself during a conversation! In fact, it is not uncommon to be affectionately called "gringuito".

It is the upper part of the traditional dress of indigenous women. Adorned with multicolored embroidery whose patterns vary from one community to another, this short-sleeved blouse is a means of social recognition in its own right. Some huipils require several months of painstaking work, like true works of art.

This refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers and with its characteristic red color is often offered in the lunch menus of traditional restaurants. While its sweet taste contrasts wonderfully with typical dishes such as pepián, jamaica is also very rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, as well as vitamins A, B1, C and E.

Declared a National Cultural Heritage Site, it is the staple of the Guatemalan diet. Having played a fundamental role in Mayan civilization, its cultivation is now of crucial importance to the country's socio-economic life. There are 13 varieties, including black, white and yellow corn.

The national flower of Guatemala is the Monja Blanca - White Nun - a beautiful white orchid threatened with extinction. The cause: the destruction of its natural habitat and illegal looting. Several conservation initiatives are underway, including one that introduced 700 flowers into the country's forests between 2017 and 2018.

Any excuse is good enough to explode firecrackers! They resound particularly on the days of the important festivals, on the public road or at the exit of the churches, but also give rhythm to the daily life of the Guatemalans. Whether it is in the middle of the afternoon or at night, some do not hesitate to use them... And abuse them.

You may not discover this word until the end of your meal, when you receive the cuenta. While it is customary for a satisfied customer to leave a tip of 10% of the bill for service, many restaurants automatically include "la propina " in the bill, sometimes without telling the customer beforehand.

From the survival of Mayan beliefs to the rise of evangelical Protestant communities through Catholic colonization, religion is omnipresent in Guatemala. This is evidenced by the number of churches that can be found throughout the country, as well as the processions, mobilizations and gatherings that are often attended.

It is the first art of the country, which comes from a long tradition. Clothes, blankets, fabrics, table runners, pillowcases... It is difficult to spend a few days in Guatemala without seeing a profusion of textiles. In some stores, it is even possible to observe people at work, sitting behind a hand loom.