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Guatemala

Origin

The Mayan civilization settled in Guatemala over thousands of years, and disappeared before the Spanish conquistadors arrived. The word “Maya” means “great love” and names a people that arrived in Central America 70,000 years ago. The Spaniards entered Guatemala under the command of Pedro de Alvarado, in 1524. In scarcely three years they subjected the territory. Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, the first Spanish settlement, was located, after several resettlements, near the Agua volcano. In 1543 the city moved to the valley of Pachoy. In 1564 an eruption of the volcano razed the city. This new settlement, what today is known as Antigua de Guatemala, was for 233 years the capital of the Kingdom. In the year of 1542 the country is organized under the General Captaincy that included the provinces of Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Costa Rica. During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, the church concentrated in its hands great part of the political power. The first archbishopric of Central America is established in Guatemala in 1742.


Constitution

The Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala was created in 1985 with reforms in 1993. It proclaims that the State of Guatemala is organized to protect the individual and the family; its supreme goal is the realization of the common well-being and its duty is to guarantee for the inhabitants of the Republic life, freedom, justice, security, peace and the individual’s comprehensive development. That all human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights. Men and women, whichever their marital status, have equal opportunities and responsibilities


Government

It is a Republic. The right to vote is exercised from 18 years of age.


General History

Guatemala is one of the five countries comprising the Mayan world. Its territory embraces almost 500 thousand square kilometers where the Mayan people erected one of the world's oldest civilizations some 2,000 years ago. Archeological dregs of that millenary culture still remain in place, as well as a great deal of indigenous communities. This combination stands for Guatemala's major tourist attraction. The national territory consists of a jungle zone teeming with different ecosystems, volcanoes, rivers, caves and forests. Alongside the archeological and natural treasures, there are cities and villages built by the Spaniards during the colonial rule. Gourmet, arts and festivities born out of half-breeding are also commonplace. A visit to Tikal is like opening a door to the former Mayan civilization's mysterious world. This ancient city was built in 600 B. C., and currently comprises a national park declared Mankind's Heritage by UNESCO. But if you'd like to go deeper into the Caribbean, call on the wonderful tourist destinations the Izabal department has to offer. A case in point is Livingston, a fishermen town where travelers will find out the most beautiful beaches under the sun. Puerto Barrios and Río Dulce, two other wonder-packed tourist destinations to remember, will also be there for you. Countless hotel resorts will guarantee a fascinating rest, including tours to page down the entertainment choices in store for you during your stay. And to taste the peerless flavor of local food, visit Guatemala's different restaurants. Dare to live the magical sensation of this ideal location. The most beautiful and passionate trip you never thought possible is now within reach and can be realized in Guatemala. Come and you won't regret it. A paradise is waiting just for you.