What role did the US play in Guatemala?
Washingtonpost.com: Papers Show U.S. Role in Guatemalan Abuses. During the 1960s, the United States was intimately involved in equipping and training Guatemalan security forces that murdered thousands of civilians in the nation’s civil war, according to newly declassified U.S. intelligence documents.
Who are the Mayans in Guatemala?
The Mayans of Guatemala are the only indigenous culture that constitutes a majority of the population in a Central American republic. There are 21 different Mayan communities in Guatemala making up an estimated 51 per cent of the national population.
What does Guatemala mean in Mayan?
land of the trees
What is the main culture in Guatemala?
The culture of Guatemala reflects strong Mayan and Spanish influences and continues to be defined as a contrast between poor Mayan villagers in the rural highlands, and the urbanized and relatively wealthy mestizos population (known in Guatemala as ladinos) who occupy the cities and surrounding agricultural plains.
What are the traditions of Guatemala?
11 Guatemalan Traditions and Customs Only Locals Will UnderstandBare knuckle boxing on Good Friday.Drunken horse racing.Holy Week parades in Antigua Guatemala.Leaving cigarettes and alcohol for a syncretic saint.Dancing on your family grave on All Saints’ Day.Patterned clothing which reveals where you are from.Giant kites to honor the dead.
What is Guatemala most known for?
Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country has a wealth of homegrown produce and talent.
Is Guatemala safe 2020?
OVERALL RISK : HIGH Guatemala is not the safest country to visit. It has extremely high crime rates, of both violent and petty crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something wrong happening.
What is Guatemala’s national dish?
Guatemala doesn’t really have a national dish, but pepián is probably the closest thing to it. This spicy stew, borne out of the fusion of the Spanish and Maya cultures, is one of the oldest dishes in Guatemala. Although chicken is most commonly used, it can also be made with beef or pork.
What is the religion in Guatemala?
Religion in Guatemala is a mishmash of Mayan spiritual traditions, Catholicism, and Evangelical Christianity.
What are 3 interesting facts about Guatemala?
11 Surprising Cultural Facts You Didn’t Know About GuatemalaThe national bird lends its name to the Guatemalan currency. Guatemala means “land of many trees” It has been inhabited for 20,000 years. 22 languages are spoken in the country. The CIA overthrew a socialist government in 1954. The Guatemalan Civil War was the longest in Latin American history.
Can you use US money in Guatemala?
The US dollar is by far the most widely accepted foreign currency in Guatemala; that said, it is not a semi-official one, and you can’t get by with a fistful of greenbacks and no quetzals. Euros and other foreign currencies are tricky to cash; try foreign-owned hotels or stores.
What clothes to take to Guatemala?
General ClothingOne or two pairs of nice pants (lightweight material that dries quickly is helpful)Two to four pairs of work pants or jeans.Four T-shirts or short-sleeve polo shirts.Two or three blouses or dress shirts.Two-week supply of underwear and socks.One pair of long underwear.One pair of wool socks.
Can I use my debit card in Guatemala?
It’s always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, debit cards, and, occasionally, traveler’s checks. The unit of currency in Guatemala is the quetzal.
What shots do I need for Guatemala?
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Guatemala: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Do I need malaria pills for Guatemala?
Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net. Low to no risk: antimalarial tablets are not usually advised.
Why is Guatemala dangerous?
Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America, one of the world’s highest homicide rates and a very low arrest and detention rate. Most incidents of violent crime are drug- and gang-related. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations.
Are there ticks in Guatemala?
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Guatemala.
Is there Dengue fever in Guatemala?
Dengue fever occurs worldwide and about 1% of cases progress to severe haemorrhage and shock. Dengue is endemic in Guatemala and its surveillance system could document long term trends.
Is Guatemala safe for US citizens?
The State Department also recommends U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to some areas in Guatemala. U.S. citizens should continue to exercise increased caution in all parts of Guatemala due to crime. The Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.