Fun Facts About Guatemala

From the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal to the historic colonial city of Antigua, to the magnificent, picturesque scenery of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala is a traveler’s delight. Guatemala attracts visitors from around the world, bringing people into this vibrant country, rich in history and Maya culture. 

Guatemala has one of the largest indigenous populations in Latin America.

The colorful Maya culture is a prominent part of why this country is so unique. Alongside Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, Guatemala is in the top five Latin American countries with the largest indigenous populations. The indigenous population inhibits roughly 45% of Guatemala’s total population. Additionally, there are 23 indigenous languages, 21 of which are Mayan languages, and the other two belong to the Xinca (related to the Nahua language) and Garífuna (an Afro-Caribbean indigenous language).  

There are 37 volcanoes in Guatemala.

When flying into Guatemala, one of the most notable features of this country is the incredibly gorgeous volcanoes. There are 37 volcanoes surrounding the beautiful landscape of Guatemala, three of which are active: Fuego, Pacaya, and Santiaguito. Hiking volcanoes in Guatemala is an experience like no other; being above tree-line in the clouds and climbing on volcanic rock. You can even camp right next to an active one, definitely an adventure worth experiencing! 

Maya textiles have symbolic stories woven into the patterns.

The vibrant feeling of this country shines through the unique handwoven textiles, which are a sacred component to Guatemala’s culture. Clothing in Guatemala is more than something you wear every day; it is a social identity. The art of weaving expresses ancient Maya beliefs and traditions through the level of details, colors, lines, and designs that create cultural signs and stories. The clothes can also reveal gender, location, social and religious hierarchy, and more.

Guatemala is the birthplace of chocolate.

Guatemala has given the world so many precious gifts, chocolate being one of them! The Maya people have cherished the mouth-watering aroma of pure cacao for thousands of years. 

Cacao is not only a superfood but viewed as a “gift from the gods” that has healing powers and health benefits. Cacao can be eaten in bar form or enjoyed as a drink and used during ceremonies. For all you chocoholics out there, Guatemala produces over 10,000 tons of chocolate per year! 

Guatemala produces more jade than anywhere in the entire world.

Guatemala is the leading source for top-tier jade in the world, but unlike other parts of the world, Guatemalan jade has a variety of colors. Some of the unique colors that come from Guatemala are lavender and blue jade and the more rare rainbow jade. Jade has been seen as a treasure by kings and people of power since ancient Maya times.

Guatemala is a place full of hidden gems, radiant people, and incredible stories. Whether you are walking through the cobbled streets or up an active volcano, exploring this magical place will put a smile on your face.