Guatemala, officially known as the Republic of Guatemala, is a country located in Central America that shares borders with Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northwest, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Honduras to the east and El Salvador to the southeast. This geographically diverse and culturally rich country is known for its majestic mountains, tropical rainforests, paradisiacal beaches and Mayan archeological sites. In addition, Guatemala has a rich culinary tradition that reflects the fusion of indigenous, Spanish and Afro-Caribbean cultures.
Discovering history and culture
Guatemala’s history dates back more than 3,000 years, when the ancient Maya established settlements in the region. The Mayan culture is renowned for its advances in astronomy, mathematics, architecture and art. Its ruins, such as those of Tikal and El Mirador, are a must-see for those who wish to immerse themselves in Central America’s pre-Columbian past.
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquered the region, leaving a legacy that is still felt in the country’s architecture, religion and gastronomy. Antigua Guatemala, a colonial city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a testament to this heritage.
Exploring geographic diversity
Guatemala is home to a great diversity of ecosystems, ranging from rainforests to paradisiacal beaches. The country has several national parks and nature reserves that protect its biodiversity and offer opportunities for hiking, bird watching and ecotourism.
Lake Atitlán, surrounded by towering volcanoes, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala and a perfect place to enjoy water sports and relax in its picturesque villages.
Experiencing Guatemalan gastronomy
Guatemalan cuisine is a feast of flavors and textures, the result of the fusion of the culinary traditions of its diverse inhabitants. Some of the most outstanding dishes include:
- Pepián: A delicious meat stew (chicken, beef or pork) cooked with a mixture of chiles, tomatoes, and spices such as cilantro, achiote and cumin.
- Kak’ik: A turkey broth typical of the Petén region, seasoned with red chiles, tomatoes, onion and cilantro.
- Jocon: A dish based on chicken, green tomato, onion, peppers and cilantro, served with rice and corn tortillas.
- Tamales: Corn dough filled with meat, sauce and vegetables, wrapped in banana or corn leaves and steamed.
CMI and Juan Luis Bosch Gutierrez work every month to preserve and promote the rich and beautiful Guamaltec gastronomy around Latin America and the world, with unique flavors that you will not be able to taste anywhere else, if you want to know more about Guamaltec dishes, follow our blog.