 GUATEMALA CITY |
Founded in 1776, Guatemala City's constant evolution has made it into one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Central America.
Fast-paced and vibrant, Guatemala City is a wonderful blend of old and new. Spread out in a valley with the Agua volcano reigning on the horizon, the city boasts more than one million residents and possesses a distinctly Latin charm.
The city is the business, commerce, industry and government nerve center of the country. After more than two centuries, it continues to be the seat of government and commerce. Congress, the Supreme Court and the National Palace are found in Guatemala City. Industrial and commercial sectors conduct booming business here as well.
International business travelers visit by the thousands each year as Guatemala continues its emergence into the business world. There are four major convention centers located here and three of the largest are combined with first-class hotels that offer a variety of amenities to their guests. Most offer qualified simultaneous translators for conventions and seminars, access to the World Wide Web and assorted office services. The number of conventions and seminars held in the city continue to grow with each passing year.
For either the traveler on vacation or on business, the city's streets boast many sights. Walking tours through the downtown area give visitors a chance to see the activity in one of the city's busiest sectors. While businesses and street vendors begin yet another working day, the faithful attend mass in any one of the many churches.
Those with a penchant for architecture won't want to miss visiting several of the churches that grace Guatemalan city streets. La Recolección, La Merced and La Candelaria are just a few of the regal churches that grace the city streets. Within all three churches, visitors will find immaculately robed religious figures of the Virgin Mary and Jesus of Nazareth that are carried out year after year during Holy Week.
The lovely Botanical Garden is an oasis in the middle of the city. Once inside its high walls, visitors will find the peaceful surroundings quite contrasting with the bustling traffic just a block away. The Jardín Botánico was founded in 1914 and was donated to the state's University of San Carlos in 1922. Since opening to the public it has been used by botany students and those in search of a few tranquil moments. The garden boasts fruit trees, shade trees and over 200 species of plants. Its quiet paths are ideal for taking a respite from the bustle of sightseeing. There are benches along the trail that are quite useful while watching the winged residents in the lofty boughs above. The garden is open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there is a modest entrance fee.
A unique attraction found in one of the oldest sectors of Guatemala is the Relief Map in Zone 2. This scale replica of Guatemala is an interesting sight to visit because of its perfection. From the lofty volcanic peaks of Agua and Santiago to the shining lakes of Atitlán and Amatitlán, the geographical formations of the country are represented. The spiny ranges and deep valleys give the visitor a good idea as to why the country is so rich in biodiversity and in climates.
There are several sights to visit in the city during the day but the excitement continues well on into the night. Travelers looking for a place to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing or business meetings have a long list of choices.
Restaurants are as varied as their menus. From Italian to Greek cuisine, there is an abundant list of places to quiet those hunger pangs. You can dress up and enjoy one of the more elegant spots, such as Jake's or Rendez Vous, or you can pull on jeans and a tee-shirt and hit the casual atmosphere of Friday's or Tre Fratelli. A delicious meal and excellent ambiance are prime ingredients for a pleasant evening.
After dinner, continue experiencing Guatemalan nightlife and take a stroll through the Zona Viva, found in Zone 10. Have a brandy or a cocktail at one of the many clubs that line the streets. This area is the place to be when searching for either restaurants or clubs. Enjoy the rhythmic sounds of Latin salsa or hit one of the quieter jazz clubs and revel in the live entertainment. Either choice is perfect for unwinding and giving the day an appropriate ending. | After you've seen all you can see in the city, there's only one thing left to do - shopping. Whether it's at one of the sleek, modern shopping malls or at the Central Market, the visitor will have an experience to remember. Choose from international designers at the mall or explore the brisk-paced atmosphere of the Central Market in Zone 1. At the market you will find unique Guatemalan handicrafts and also see the colorful variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Time spent in Guatemala City can be a fulfilling and unique experience for even the most discerning traveler. Prepare yourself with good walking shoes, camera and limitless energy!
| Cuisine & Club Scene |
Once you've had your fill of tours and sightseeing, it's time to have your fill of Guatemalan cuisine. If you're under the impression that Guatemalan fare is all about tortillas and beans, you're in for a pleasant surprise.
It isn't to say that tortillas and beans aren't delectable in taste or filling for that matter, but Guatemalan chefs specializing in typical dishes can prepare some of the most delicious meals you've ever tried.
Pepian is a meat dish served in a dark, spicy sauce with squash seeds. Or try out the pollo en jocón. This tasty dish is made up of large chunks of boneless chicken and cubed potatoes in a tangy green tomato sauce. This is usually served with a salad, a side order of rice and piping hot corn tortillas.
While Guatemalan typical food is popular with both locals and visitors, Guatemalan chefs have taken their gastronomic abilities to new heights. Whether it's adapting international recipes with local spices and herbs, or inventing all together new recipes, restaurants offer a virtual smorgasbord of tasty dishes for even the most discriminating traveler. From beef and chicken in a variety of sauces to original seafood dishes, Guatemala sets itself apart with its wonderful use of uncommon herbs, spices and vegetables.
While there are restaurants in several locations throughout the city, the area with the highest concentration is Zone 10. Also known as the Zona Viva, these city blocks offer everything from Italian pasta to Japanese sushi.
Many of the restaurants offer casual surroundings while others are elegant and splashy. Yet all offer the same excellent Guatemalan service and hospitality. Restaurant personnel excel in giving each patron the "V.I.P." treatment, with no exceptions. You'll feel at comfortable in any of the fine restaurants found in the city and will be delighted at the delicious adventure awaiting you.
Recent additions to the Guatemalan cuisine scene are U.S. franchises such as Chili's, Friday's and Tre Fratelli. Those intent on never leaving burgers too far behind have their pick of Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King. Subway, Jimmy John's and Pizza Hut have also opened their doors here. Local fast food establishments include Pollo Campero, a Kentucky Fried Chicken-type restaurant with a spicy "chapin" twist.
Okay, so you've already had your meal, now it's time to work it off by hitting one of Guatemala's swinging clubs. Whether it's one of Zona Viva's flashy clubs, or one of the more bohemian spots downtown, music and atmosphere awaits you.
Latin to the core, Guatemala's clubs specialize in rhythmic latin beats. Just follows the sounds down the street and you'll find yourself swaying the night away before you know it. Whether it's current music hits or a live alternative band, Guatemala's nightclubs dish up the entertainment in heaping portions. From casual pub surroundings, complete with dartboards and huge television screens to techno-colored clubs, you'll have no problem finding the spot right for you.
| HOTSPOTS |
Since there are so many entertainment spots, let us give you an idea of what you'll find lining this city's streets...
and don't forget to do some exploring on your own.
 Zona Viva |
El Faro: Specializes in techno music and is very popular with the twenty-something crowd.
Casa Comal: Usually fetures live bands on Friday and Saturday. Music varies from reggae to alternative.
Sesto Senso: Features live bands and offers casual yet trendy surroundings. Try the appetizers.
Rhumba: One of the trendier clubs and is usually packed to the rafters. Hit it early and find a good spot. Music ranges from current hits out of the U.S. to Latin music.
Kahlúa: Offers good music and unique surroundings. Very popular with the twenty-something crowd.
| Downtown |
La Bodeguita del Centro: Features live music on Friday and Saturday. Club is in a refurbished warehouse. Very popular on the weekends and during the week features poetry readings, creative writing workshops and amateur night.
Las Cien Puertas: Very popular with the creative crowd, usually gets crowded in the early evening. Music ranges from folkloric to Latin.
La Quinta: Features live bands on occasion. Boasts excellent atmosphere and draws mixed age crowd.
All these informations are provided by courtesy of Destination Guatemala and Sol y Luna |
