Guatemala City, whose full name is La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, is the political, cultural and economic center of the Republic of Guatemala. The city is within the department or territorial division of Guatemala. It is home to a number of famed writers, thinkers and artists and as a city, it is an interesting contrast between the old and new. At the same time, the city is the place to find the best museums in the country. It is the biggest urban agglomeration in the entire Central American region and is the most modern city in the country of Guatemala. Guatemala City is geographically located at 14° 38’ north and 90° 33’ west, which is the south central portion of the country, situated in a mountain valley known as Valle de la Ermita. The Pacific Ocean is about 100 kilometers or about 62 miles from the city of Guatemala.
The city of Guatemala or Guate, as the locals call it, is spread on 692 square kilometers of land or 267 square miles. Metropolitan Region I, in which the city belongs to, measures 1,905 square kilometers or 746 square miles. The average elevation in the region is 1,500 meters or 4,900 feet above sea level. The city itself lies on a varied terrain, wherein some elevations have a difference of as much as 70 meters between the highest peaks and lower portions of the city. The city does not have any inland areas covered with water. The closest to the city is the volcanic Lake Amatitlán that is at the base of Volcán de Pacaya.
The Guatemala City Metropolitan area covers many neighboring municipalities due to its rapid growth. The city is divided into 22 different zones. Since the 1970s, the city has experienced tremendous growth, often straining the resources of the local government and is facing issues of other rapidly growing cities.
The city of Guatemala is located in a tropical region and is surrounded by the mountains and hills belonging to the Sierra Madre chain. The whole country of Guatemala has 33 volcanoes, four of which are seen from Guatemala City. Agua and Acatenango are dormant while Fuego, and the most unpredictable Pacaya are still very active. The city, because of its elevated position has several microclimates. Overall, the climate is described as spring-like and mild most of the year. It is also rather windy, so it feels much cooler than actual temperature readings. This temperate climate is one of the best features of the city.
The warmest month is April, with the dry season from November to April. On the other hand, the wet season is from May to October, with the coolest month being December. The wettest month is August, wherein the city receives as much as 442 millimeters or over 17 inches of rainfall. In a year, the average rainfall is just under 1,870 millimeters or 73 inches of rain, with 135 days of rain a year. The average daytime temperature in the city is 19 °C to 22 °C or 66 °F to 72 °F, while it drops down to 14 °C or 57 °F during the evening hours.
Established in 1773, it served as the third capital of the country after the former capital cities of Ciudad Vieja and Antigua were destroyed by earthquakes in the 18th century. Today, Guatemala has become an important city in Central America. It is believed that the city’s name comes from the Maya-Toltec language meaning “land of trees.”
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In 2011, over 1.1 million residents call the city their home while the metropolitan population comes up to 4.1 million people. Most residents are descendants of indigenous Mayan peoples. There are many Ladinos or Spanish-speaking Mestizos in the city, producing a diverse population, often described to be friendly and helpful.
Spanish is the primary language spoken in the city. There are 24 indigenous languages spoken, including Kiche, Kaqchikel, Mam and Q’eqchi. The residents are also not every fluent in English. Also, in spite the fact the Spanish is the official language in the country, not everyone is able to speak Spanish well, as only 60% of the city’s residents use it as their primary language. Professional translation services are often needed to translate official documents such as voting materials and business documents. This makes the services of a professional translation service provider quite necessary at times.
The city of Guatemala links the country to the rest of the world, serving as the country’s main port of entry. The city is served by a busy international airport, the La Aurora International Airport. There are several flights to and from the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and various parts of Europe. Also, part of the Pan-American Highway passes through the city, providing access to the city by air or land. Close to 1.9 million tourists visited the country in 2010, many of which arrived in the country’s capital city.
The city of Guatemala often has an unsavory reputation for some travelers because it is in one of the poorest countries in Central America. However, there is much to discover and appreciate about the capital city. Travelers who exercise due diligence while in the city of Guatemala should be fine.
Avoid going out by yourself and stay in well–lit streets, especially in the patrolled areas of the more affluent neighborhoods. Many street crimes occur in the city’s red light district so it’s best to avoid the area. Leaving your travel documents locked in the hotel safe and carrying only a reasonable amount of cash for the day in a money belt are some precautions that you could do. Keep in mind that pickpocketing and armed robberies have been on the rise, so avoid riding buses and be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you. Health-wise, it is best to remember that the water from the faucet is not potable, so drink only bottled water while visiting. Be sure to also bring an ample supply of any prescription medication you need since these might not be readily available in the city.
Guatemala is a big city of contrasts, where new skyscrapers tower over shanties and dilapidated buses run alongside luxury vehicles on the street. After all, this is a growing city built over the ruins of an Ancient Mayan civilization. There is a wide dichotomy between the haves and have-nots, although it is readily apparent that the city is growing and ready to face the challenges of the new century. It could be a fascinating experience to visit this Central American city and a trip here is surely one that will you would not easily forget.
History of Guatemala City
Traditionally, the ancient Mayan city of Kaminaljuyu occupied the western portion of what is now Guatemala City around 1100 BCE. For over 2,000 years, the natives occupied the land. This makes it one of the most important archeological sites today. However, when the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado arrived in Guatemala in the 16th century, he and his troops were able to conquer the rest of the natives. The town of Guatemala was established in 1773. However, the Spanish conquistadors made Antigua Guatemala the capital of the colony. It was only in 1775 after a fire and severe earthquake damaged Antigua that La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción was created.
Under Spanish rule, the town remained small, often suffering from earthquakes. The city was not considered an important colony since it did not have gold and silver like other colonies such as Mexico and Peru. Sugarcane, cocoa and dyes were the primary products of the city. Many of the valued wood exported from the city during colonial times was used to build various churches and cathedrals in Spain.
Later on, Guatemala City rose into prominence as the capital of the newly formed United Provinces of Central America in 1821, the same year that the country won its independence from Spain. The city was also were Central America was declared free from Spanish rule.
In the 20th century, the city had spread over the ancient ruins. At the same time, its population dramatically increased in the urban areas. Coffee and bananas became the primary exports. Unfortunately, the area was also prone to several earthquakes, often derailing development in the city. In 1960, the city was embroiled in a civil war that would last more than three and a half decades. This is the longest civil war in Latin American history, and resulted in the loss of lives of more than 100,000 people and displacement of a million refugees.
Today, Guatemala is one of the largest cities in Central America. It is a city poised for growth as it faces many economic challenges and as it recovers from the 36-year Civil War. Thanks to its rich history, diverse culture, warm people and interesting attractions, Guatemala exudes its own unique charm, ensuring a memorable visit to “The Land of the Eternal Spring.”
Demographics of Guatemala City
Most of more than 1.1 million residents in the city come from Spanish and Mestizo ancestry, at almost 60% of the populace. At the same time, there are still many indigenous people in the capital city and in other parts of the country, accounting for a 40% Amerindian population.
Also, European communities in the whole country are growing, such as people coming from Germany and other European countries. Middle Eastern people come from Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey and other Arab nations, with most of them arriving in the city after the First World War. Asians are also starting to increase in number, mostly from China and South Korea. Immigrants from other Latin American nations come from Peru and Colombia.
This diversity translates to a wide range of languages spoken in the city. Spanish is the official language, although as many as 24 indigenous languages are still spoken. It is estimated that 60% of the populace speaks Spanish, while the rest speak Amerindian languages. Those mestizos who speak Spanish are called Ladinos. Aside from this, immigrants still speak their native tongue. Given this diversity, the services of a professional language translation service provider are often needed. Many official documents, such as voting materials and important business documents are regularly translated since even the indigenous people don’t have a good command of the Spanish language.
Due to the economic issues in the country and the civil war that ensued in the latter half of the 20th century, many Guatemalans migrated to the United States. The most number of Guatemalans outside the country are found in Los Angeles.
Guatemalans only have six years of compulsory education and have a literacy rate of only 80.5%. The life expectancy of a resident is at 70.88 years old and has a population growth rate of less than two percent. There is a wide income disparity in the city.
Because of being a Spanish colony, most of the city’s residents are Roman Catholic. About 40% are Protestants and a small percentage still practices traditional Mayan religions.
The people are known to be warm and friendly and it is apparent that they are proud of their amazing heritage.
Economy of Guatemala City
In Central America, the country of Guatemala is known as one of the poorest nations. It has a per capita GDP of only $5,100, which is half of the per capita GDP of Brazil, Chile and Argentina. This amount is generated primarily by the agricultural sector, exports and labor.
However, various industries are being developed to help boost the nation’s GDP. Remittances account for the largest single source of foreign income in the country, the bulk of which comes from Guatemalan refugees and immigrants living in the United States. Tourism and the exports of textiles, apparel and agricultural products such as winter vegetables and cut flowers have increased over the years, most of which are generated in the capital city.
Most workers in the city are employed in the services sector, in industry and commerce and agriculture. In agriculture, the main crops remain to be sugar, bananas and coffee. Sugar export specifically benefited from the increasing demand for ethanol in the global market. Other jobs in the city include construction, transportation and communications.
The city of Guatemala is also the communications capital of the country. Guatemala City boasts of the highest penetration rate for Internet, telephone and television access in the country. It is the here that many communications companies are headquartered. The largest banks in the country are also based in the city, including Citibank, Banco Agromercantil, Banco Promerica and Banco de Antigua. The biggest department stores in the country are also in the nation’s capital, including Sears, Price Smart, Office Depot and the local WalMart branch called Hiper Paiz & Paiz.
Guatemala Attractions
For an easy overview of the city, many visitors start with the giant map of Guatemala called Mapa en Relieve. What is astonishing about the map is that it was made well before the use of aerial photography or even satellite imaging as it dates back to 1904. It is so big that visitors could only view the entire map from above an observation tower.
Many interesting museums in Guatemala City provide visitors insight into the history and culture of the city. At the Popol Vuh Museum, visitors would see interesting archeological items dating back to the pre-Hispanic Mayan times, as well as a vast collection of Colonial pieces. At the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia y Etnologia or the Archeology and Ethnology Museum are archeological finds from the Mayan civilization. The most important piece in the museum is the jade Tikal Mask, from the ancient Tikal civilization. Those who wish to learn about the ancient city of Kaminaljuyu should visit Museo Miraflores where about 500 artifacts excavated from the Kaminaljuyu are on display, such as jade masks, textiles and sculpted columns. Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena is where travelers could see authentic Mayan costumes. Visitors could learn about the traditional weaving and dyeing techniques used during the Mayan civilization. Ixchel, incidentally is the Mayan goddess of weaving and fertility.
The Museo Nacional de Historia Natural has many specimens of flora and fauna indigenous to the country. There is an extensive dissected specimen section, as well as archives covering geology and paleontology. While at the Museum of Natural History, visitors also get to enjoy some exotic flora. Travelers who want some greenery would definitely like the Jardines Botánico. This is the first of its kind in Central America and is the best place to find indigenous flora and exotic plant species.
Palacio Nacional de la Cultura is located in Zone 1 in Centro Histórico and is regarded as the most important building in the city since it is the headquarters of the country’s president. There are free guided tours available that take visitors to the interior courtyards and some of the function rooms used for official government business. It also showcases some decorative artwork as well as murals on the walls. It has a spot that marks the zero point or Kilometro Cero. From there all the streets and roads of the country originate.
Metropolitan Cathedral or the Cathedral of Guatemala City is the primary church of the city. It serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Guatemala. The cathedral is located at Parque Central at the city center. The cathedral was built between the 18th and 19th centuries. It was able to withstand damages caused by several severe earthquakes. The twelve pillars outside the church commemorate the people who died during the 36-year civil war.
Torre del Reformador or the Tower of the Reformer is a monument constructed to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the former Guatemalan President Justo Rufino Barrios. It was built in 1935, and stands 75 meters or 246 feet from the ground. The steel framework is meant to resemble the Eiffel Tower in Paris, with a beacon at the top.
Travelers with children would appreciate the Museo de los Niños. The displays are interactive, including a giant jigsaw map of the country, as well as a Lego room. Ball games are available for those who want to play inside the museum.
The La Aurora Zoo is located across the Museo de Los Niños and is one of the biggest gardens in Guatemala City located in Parque Reforma. The zoo is conveniently divided into three sections, featuring animals from Asia, Africa and America. Park animals include giraffes, various birds, leopards, llamas, iguanas, crocodiles and bears. There are Mayan glyphs that decorate the zoo as well as Mayan families wearing traditional dress, so it could be a double treat for travelers to have a glimpse of Mayan culture. Other attractions in Parque Reforma include museums, parks and an ancient viaduct.
Guatemalan Culture
Visitors looking for culture and history won’t be disappointed by Guatemala City. After all, this is the location of the Ancient Mayan civilization of Kaminaljuyu and much of the city grew around the ruins. The civilization’s ceremonial center is still preserved as a government-protected park in the city. Some of the best museums featuring pre-Columbian art are available to the public. There is the Museo Popol Vuh, the Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena, and the Museo de Arte Moderno. There are also a number of art galleries, sports venues and theaters to keep visitors entertained.
Guatemala is the center of learning in the country. There are many libraries including the National Archives and the National Library. There are also ten universities in the capital city. The city also has a number of venues for events and other activities such as the Parque de la Industria fairgrounds.
There are various monuments in the city, such as the Justo Rufino Barrios Monument, which is a tribute to one of the most acclaimed presidents of the country, as well as Tecún Umán Monument. King Tecún Umán, a Mayan chief is considered a national hero in Guatemala, as he valiantly led his people in the fight to keep away the conquerors from Spain. Other statues of the Mayan King guard the La Aurora International Airport and the entrance to Quetzaltenango.
For shopping, one of the biggest malls in Central America is found in Guatemala, the Miraflores. Those looking for some arts and handicrafts have the best options at Mercado de Artesanias. Every Sunday, everyone goes to the Plaza Mayor in Zona 1, as the plaza is transformed into a busy marketplace to enjoy delicious street food and appreciate art and music.
When it comes to sports, there are many soccer fans in the city. The city has three main soccer clubs: CSD Municipal, Comunicaciones and Aurora FC. Fútbol games are played on Sundays and it’s quite an experience to watch Guatemalans cheer their favorite players in the stadium. The country’s largest stadium, the Estadio Mateo Flores, is located in the city. Other sports grounds include Estadio del Ejército and Estadio Cementos Progreso. The Domo Polideportivo Indoor Sports Stadium serves as a multi-purpose venue. Guatemala has also hosted a number of international sporting events in the past, such as the 2000 FIFA Futsal World Championship, the 2008 edition of the CONCACAF Futsal Championships, and the 2010 XIV Pan-American Mountain Bike Championships.
Outdoor enthusiasts could climb volcanoes or enjoy water sports activities as the Lago de Atitlan. For a taste of the nightlife, the best clubs are at Zona 10.
Those who want to enjoy some Guatemalan dance shouldn’t miss the Folkloric Festival of Rabinal Ajau in July. This festival is a delightful showcase of the Kekchis Indian culture, featuring their songs, Paabanc dance and traditional costumes. One of the most esteemed film festivals in the country is the Icaro film festival, which features the best of Guatemalan and Central American films. There is Teatro Abril, which is the venue for many theatrical performances. The venue itself is something worth visiting, to view all its charms, from it glistening marble floors, it multi-level spiral staircase, lovely chandeliers and ornate statues.
The importance of religion is seen all around the city. There are many antique churches in Guatemala City. The most important is Catedral Metropolitana, although other beautiful churches include Cerrito del Carmen, Calvario, Iglesia de Santo Domingo, Iglesia de Yurrit and Iglesia de la Merced.
At the same time, many festivals are centered around religious themes such as January’s Pilgrimage of the Black Christ, Day of the Assumption in August, and various feasts of patron saints. Holy Week or Semana Santa is a major event, with the most important celebrations held on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On November 1, All Saint’s Day or Dia de Todos los Santos is when Guatemalans remember their dead. An interesting celebration is the Day of the Dead Festivals, where kites are flown over the city’s cemeteries.
There are two Burning of the Devil Festivals in the city, the first being in July and the other towards the end of the year. Every December 7, the Burning of the Devil or Quema del Diablo is an important religious event in the city held before Christmastime. Locals burn an effigy of the devil as well as all items they have cleaned out of their homes as a symbol of spiritual cleansing. Christmas is also a highly anticipated time of year, with various festivities such as parades, fireworks, dancing and drinking. To welcome the New Year, there is Vispera de Año Nuevo on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, with celebrations continuing till the wee hours of the first day of the year. New Year’s Day or Año Nuevo is a national holiday.
In February, the city hosts the Coffee Harvest Festival, which is a two-day event focused on coffee drinking, various Guatemalan dishes and music. In the summer, there is Independence Day on September 15th to commemorate the freedom of Guatemala from Spanish rule. Those doing business in Guatemala should remember Secretary’s Day on April 26, where tokens are given to assistants in the office. Labor Day or Dia del Trabajo on May first is a non-working holiday. Army Day or dia del Ejercito is in June, wherein Guatemalans remember Gen. Miguel Garcia-Granados Zabala’s ride into the city. It is likewise the day to honor the country’s military. Every October 20, the Plaza Mayor becomes the venue for the grand celebration of Revolution Day or Conmemoración de la Revolución is celebrated, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display. Christopher Columbus is also remembered every Columbus Day in the city, just like in all Latin American nations.
Travelers would be treated to a number of activities and events when visiting the city of Guatemala any time of the year. With its year-round spring-like climate, rich history and vibrant culture, it is no wonder Guatemala City continues to attract close to two million visitors each year.
Interesting facts about the City of Guatemala
The city of Guatemala may not be on the top of the list of many travel itineraries, but there are many interesting facts about the city. Here are some things you may not know about the city of Guatemala.
- Earthquakes are the main natural disaster in the country. In fact, it was because of earthquakes that the capital city of the country was moved twice before Guatemala was declared as the capital. There were three major earthquakes in the 20th century. The most destructive earthquake happened in 1976, with a magnitude of 7.5 Mw that resulted in more than 23,000 people losing their lives and 76,000 residents injured. The most recent earthquake that occurred in Guatemala was in September 2011.
- When Guatemala achieved independence from Spain, the country was initially a part of Agustin de Iturbide’s Mexican Empire from 1822 to 1823. However, it eventually broke off from Mexico to join the other Central American countries to form the Central American Federation, which lasted from 1823 to 1833.
- Guatemala City is the seat of the Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church of Guatemala, the regional headquarters of the Organization of American States and the Central American Parliament’s official location.
- There are four volcanoes that are seen from the city, two of which are still active. The most active and closest to the city is Pacaya. Since the Spanish era, Volcán de Pacaya has been reported to have erupted about 23 times. It was already considered a dormant volcano when it once again displayed activity in 1985. The volcano has a height of 2,552 meters or 8,373 feet and is located 19 miles or 30 kilometers southwest of Guatemala City. It is close to the town of Antigua. The last recorded eruption of Pacaya Volcano was as recent as May 2010. Fuego is the name of the other active, while Acatenango and Agua are the dormant ones.
- The city is divided into 25 zones or Zona. However, Zones 20, 22 and 23 do not exist yet. The city’s design, wherein the different zones spiral from the city center, is credited to the urban planning of Raúl Aguilar Batres. The historic center of the city is in Zone 1, where the city of Guatemala belongs. The financial district of the city is at Zone 10.
- There are 10 universities in the city. The oldest is Universidad de San Carlos, which is the only public university in the city as well as the third oldest university in Central America.
- Some famous people who live in Guatemala are Nobel Prize Laureate Miguel Angel Asturias, painter Carlos Merida, singers Ricardo Arjona and Gaby Moreno as well as the 2007 Winner of Latin American Idol, Carlos Peña. The city was also where Rodolfo Robles, the one who discovered river blindness or onchocercosis, lived. The disease was also called Robles Disease in his honor. River blindness, caused by a parasitic worm is the second-leading infectious disease in the world that causes blindness.
- Guatemala is a twin city of several notable cities in the world. These include the cities of Madrid and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in Spain, Mexico City, Panama City, La Paz in Bolivia, Managua in Nicaragua, San Juan in Puerto Rico, San Salvador in El Salvador, Trujillo in Peru, San Pedro Sula, Cortés in Honduras and Bogota in Colombia. It is also a twin city of Kfar Saba in Israel and Taipei, Taiwan.
- A sinkhole that was 330 feet or 100 meters deep appeared in a poorer section of Guatemala City in 2007. In 2010, after Tropical Strom Agatha passed the city another sinkhole appeared at a busy intersection in downtown Guatemala City. This time the sinkhole engulfed a whole building that fell into the 66-foot wide and 200-foot deep (60 meters) almost cylindrical depression. One of the reasons given to the occurrence of the sinkholes are the aging sewer system underneath the city that are now leaking, eroding away the soft surface layers of earth.
- The currency in Guatemala is called quetzal. It is named after the very colorful Resplendent Quetzal, the national bird of the country. The bird, which is now near extinction, has beautiful long tail feathers that were once used as valued currency during the Mayan civilization.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guatemala_City
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/guatemala/guatemala-city
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2045.htm
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/guatemala/international-tourism-number-of-arrivals-wb-data.html
http://wikitravel.org/en/Guatemala_City#b
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guatemala_City
http://www.guatemala-city.world-guides.com/guatemala_city_events.html