Discover the Wonders of Guatemala
Guatemala is a fascinating and captivating place and the main danger of coming here is that you might not want to leave! Rich in Mayan history and culture, this diverse country offers breathtaking mountains and volcanoes, stunning lakes, colorful markets, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant towns and cities. There is so much to explore that you may not have time to see it all on your first visit, or end up staying longer than you originally planned.
Navigating Your Guatemalan Adventure
For those with a sense of adventure and a basic understanding of Spanish, Guatemala is relatively easy to navigate. Whether you’re interested in studying the language and culture, seeking outdoor adventures, exploring archaeological sites, trekking through jungles, enjoying local festivals, or relaxing in a beach or lakeside hammock, you’ll find something that speaks to you in Guatemala. We’re here to help you make the most of your travel plans!
Myths and Realities of Travel Safety
When planning your trip here, you may have heard concerns like “You can’t go there; it’s too dangerous, there’s too much crime.” While it’s important to take the usual safety precautions you would in any developing country, the situation here is not as dire as it may sound. Quetzaltenango, in particular, offers a very different experience compared to Guatemala City. With a population of about 210,000, most visitors stay in the bustling town center. Unless you are planning to hang around the very poorest areas of the capital (which we do not recommend), you will not come into contact with the gang crime that is so luridly reported in the foreign media.
Essential Safety Tips for Students
Your safety is our primary concern. We advise our students to take normal safety precautions, such as not walking in the city at night, and taking care of valuables in crowded areas or buses, etc. We advise that any hike you do independently of the school (either while a student or after you leave) is in a group, and is accompanied by an experienced guide. We can provide students with details of tour operators and qualified and registered guides. We provide all students with phone numbers of the local tourist assistance police and the contact details of the coordinators and directors of the school in case of any emergency.
Did You Know? Fun Facts about Guatemala:
The Republic of Guatemala spans a land area of 108,890 square kilometers (approximately 42,042 square miles).
Guatemala is home to 32 volcanoes, including three active ones. You can witness ash eruptions from the active volcano Santiaguito near Xela, doing a hike to a closeby lookout point.
The population is estimated at just under 18 million, comprising mainly Indigenous Maya and Ladinos (those of mixed Mayan and European ancestry), alongside a small Garifuna community on the Caribbean coast and the non-Mayan Xinca.
In addition to Spanish (the official language), 23 other languages are spoken throughout the country.
Guatemala is proud to have Central America’s highest mountain, Volcán Tajumulco (4,220 meters or 13,815 feet).
The national bird is the Quetzal, which also lends its name to the country’s currency.
The McDonald’s Happy Meal is a Guatemalan invention. The marketing idea began in Guatemala as ‘Ronald’s menu’.