About a month ago, a friend invited me to Guatemala and she said we will also visit Antigua. I was all in for the fact that I love the way Guatemala sounds.
However, I am going to admit to my ignorance; I thought Antigua was in the Caribbean and didn’t realize there was one in Guatemala. Basically, I had no geographical reference of this country.
So allow me to enlighten you:
1. Guatemala is part of North America even though it is in the Central American region. Think about the seven continents.
2. Guatemala uses the 110-volt. Can I get a hallelujah? You don’t need to travel with an adapter.
3. Guatemala currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). 1 USD = 7.5 GTQ. We (USD) get more bang for our buck.
4. Guatemala City is divided into 21 zones or”zonas.” The zonas are numbered sequentially in a spiral pattern beginning with Zona 1, the most central and oldest zone in the city. In general, the city is laid out on a standard grid, with avenidas(avenues) running roughly north-south, and calles (streets) running east-west.
5. Guatemala City has a great metro system. You probably thinking that the metro is a train or a subway. It is the bus. It cost 1 GTQ to ride the metro. Basically, it cost $0.13 USD to ride the bus. Lastly, the metro is divided by color lines that goes into the different zones.
6. Guatemala City is relatively safe. While walking or on the metro, you will see a high number of police presence. However, the police are not carrying weapons. In some ways, they are peace officers.
7. Go with the understanding that the Guatemalan don’t speak English. Have your smartphone to translate and brush up on your high school Spanish.
8. Guatemala City is an old city with old charm. The history and architecture are preserved.
Lastly, the people are so friendly and helpful. During my short visit walking through the city, I felt safe even on the crowded metro.
Consider adding Guatemala on your list of countries to visit. You will truly have a memorable time.
Interesting and enlightening read. Guatemala is on my bucket list as a dear friend’s father is a native and retired back there.
I also have no clue about Guatemala, so it was great to read your tips.
Very interesting and informative read! I love the old world charm!
This is helpful to know! I’ve never been before. It looks like a great place.
Very cool. All these traveling posts make me want to get out more, lol. This place has some gorgeous architecture. Thanks for sharing the pics and facts!!
Great information about Guatemala City. The pictures are beautiful! I know I can get geographically challenged sometimes. I will think of one place, but really it is another, even about my own country/state.
I love your photos. I am a huge fan of really stepping into a culture when I visit looks like you are too! Looks like you had an amazing time
The architecture looks beautiful! I’ve never travelled in Central America but I’d love to go one day
It’s great to see that Guatemala is so beautiful and that you are having a good time. I had heard that this country had some economic issues, so it is cool to see that it is so open to visitors. It looks like the city is absolutely breathtaking.
I like that the place gives a historic ambience because of the structures. I hope I can visit here someday! Great pictures by the way.
Very interesting place and rich with culture. Those building architectures are superb.
Wow I didn’t know most of that either! Such an interesting read and I love your photos!
Looks like you had a fun trip! Would love to visit one day!
Very educational and informative on Guatemala and the currency and the differences between the countries surrounding it.
Every time I hear of a relatively peaceful place where police don’t carry guns, I shudder to think about the riot geared officers here at home. Here’s to learning from one another!
Guatemala! I love it and Antigua is such a beautiful place. I love it since it has it own vibe and well people are so friendly. Can’t wait to go back!
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