Emma Sky
05 Aug 2025
At the heart of Central America, Guatemala is a country that is home to volcanoes, rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites. The introduction is quite daunting, but some amazing fun facts about Guatemala will amaze you. You are starting to plan a trip to Guatemala when you hear about the facts of this incredible destination. Don't forget our essential backpacking checklist"
Why: Targets trip planners at the perfect moment in their research journey.”
Let’s learn 15 fun facts about Guatemala that will Amaze you and make you want to travel now!
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The Mayans were masters of building with large stones, and Tikal National Park in Guatemala contains significant ruins of their civilization. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of towering temples like Temple I. Visitors can also witness the giant ceremonial Lost World (Mundo Perdido) Pyramid.
Have you ever heard the name Pacific Ring of Fire? It is a tectonic belt of volcanoes, and Guatemala is part of it. There are 37 volcanoes in Guatemala, 3 of which Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito are still active. You can also witness Guatemala’s highest peak, Tajumulco Volcano, which is 4220 meters above sea level.
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is the deepest lake in Central America, with a depth of up to 340 meters. Stunning high-altitude regions surround it, and the serene landscape is spectacular due to the charming villages around it. See how Guatemala compares to other top beautiful places to visit in the world.
Another big attraction for Chocolate lovers is its history. The history of chocolate started in Guatemala, where the Mayans planted and cultivated cocoa trees. They used to make chocolate, a bitter beverage known as the Food of Gods. The drink was a treasure among elites, and cocoa beans were used as currency in the Mayan Civilization.
Guatemala’s Volcanic soils benefit agriculture and high-altitude farms, making it famous for coffee cultivation. The Guatemala coffee industry is a world-renowned market for fine-quality coffee beans.
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, but 23 more languages are spoken officially. These Indigenous languages show the country’s linguistic diversity in Guatemala. You will hear languages like K’iche, Q’eqchi, and Mam when you visit different communities.
Traveling to Guatemala requires knowledge of its transportation facilities. To enjoy the culture more deeply, you will find some vibrant repurposed American school buses, known as Chicken Buses. They are the cheapest way to travel across the country and enjoy sightseeing in these bright, unique art buses.
Guatemala’s national bird and its currency name are the same: the Resplendent Quetzal. The bird is famous for its brilliant green and red plumage and is highly important in indigenous Maya traditions.
Guatemalan culture blends Spanish colonial influences with a rich cultural heritage derived from indigenous peoples. This fusion results in everything you witness, including traditions, festivals, and architecture.
Guatemala's ancient art of textile production is still active. You can witness traditional backstrap loom weaving techniques performed by women. Every region has its own style and designs that symbolize local identities.
You can witness a Guatemalan festival called the Day of the Dead, held to honor the deceased loved ones. At this festival, people fly enormous, beautifully designed kites to engage in sky activity. It's a spiritual act of honor with the deceased people.
Guatemala is the land of rainforests, which contain Maya archaeological sites. Cities like El Mirador remain unexplored.
Antigua, Guatemala, is the first unique UNESCO mixed heritage site. You will enjoy the well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and many volcanoes in its surroundings.
Guatemala's cloud forests and mangroves create diverse ecosystems and welcome incredible opportunities for ecotourism. In its national parks, you can see animals like Jaguars, Tapirs, and countless bird species.
Buy your Guatemala eSIM to enjoy seamless connectivity from mobile data at the airport and throughout the country. These travel apps work perfectly with your Guatemala eSIM. Calculate exactly how much data you'll need for travel. Upload your photos and connect with your colleagues by staying online.
Ready to explore? Grab our backpacking checklist and see how Guatemala stacks up against other cheapest countries to travel.
Pack your bags now and enjoy this magical and fascinating country!
A bitter beverage called xocolatl is a traditional drink made from fine-quality raw chocolate.
It is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and has 37 volcanoes, three of which are still active.
Guatemala has several UNESCO world heritage sites like Tikal National Park, Antigua Guatemala, and Quirigua.
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