10 Interesting Facts about Guatemala

Found in the heart of beautiful Central America, Guatemala is a country filled with vibrant colors, rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife. Known as “the Heart of the Mayan World,” Guatemala’s culture is deeply rooted in the heritage of the Ancient Mayan Civilization. Here are a few facts showing how this beautiful country stands out and reflects the traditions of the past.

1. Guatemala helped create chocolate. Guatemala has a sweet history that all chocolate lovers will appreciate. Long ago, the ancient Maya used cacao beans to make early forms of edible chocolate. To them, chocolate was so special that they called it “the food of the gods.” The Maya also recognized its nutritional benefits. Today, Guatemala remains a major producer of chocolate, and if you ever get the chance to visit, you can be sure to enjoy the amazing taste of Guatemala’s ancient chocolate tradition.
2. Meet the quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird. This strikingly beautiful bird holds deep significance for Guatemala. Appreciation for the quetzal dates back to the Mayan people’s royal and religious traditions. The bird symbolized goodness, light, and the sky. The quetzal’s brilliant tail feathers were incorporated into royal headdresses and other sacred clothing. When Guatemala fought for independence from Spain, the quetzal became a symbol of freedom. Today, the quetzal is featured on Guatemala’s flag, coat of arms, and even the nation’s currency.

   
3. A land. Guatemala sits along the Ring of Fire, making it home to more than thirty volcanoes! Despite the many volcanoes that add height and beauty to the terrain, only three are active, so the rest are safe to visit and explore. One inactive volcano, Tajumulco, is the highest peak in Central America! In contrast, Guatemala’s most active volcano, Fuego, erupts daily, sending up ash and causing explosions.
4. Colorful chicken buses are the main mode of public transportation. Have you ever wondered where retired school buses end up? Often, they are brought to Guatemala and the transformed bus is painted in bright colors and decorated with unique designs. The buses are called chicken buses because riders used to bring their animals on board, so chickens were frequent passengers! Each colorful chicken bus adds personality and excitement to traffic on Guatemala’s streets.
5. Home of the Happy Meal. About 50 years ago, the president of McDonald’s in Guatemala, Yolanda Fernández de Cofiña, decided the McDonald’s menu options needed to be more family friendly. She helped create a smaller, kid-sized meal that was an immediate success. It soon became a staple item on the universal McDonald’s menu. Today, kids everywhere enjoy Happy Meals.
6. Guatemala is considered a megadiverse country. This means it is one of a small group of nations that are especially rich in plants, animals, and different natural environments. Only a handful of countries worldwide have been declared megadiverse. Would you believe that Guatemala is home to thirteen percent of the animals found nowhere else on earth? This Central American country holds an incredible 66 ecosystems, over 10,000 plant species, and 3,000 animals. In fact, its name means “the land of many trees.”
7. Giant kites fill the sky each November. While many spend the day after Halloween counting candy from the night before, November 1^st in Guatemala is a day for honoring dead loved ones and bringing bright colors to the streets and the skies. The All-Saints Day Kite Festival has been a tradition throughout the country for over 3,000 years. In Guatemala, All Saints Day is celebrated by cleaning and bringing flowers to cemeteries, as well as with kite flying festivals. Flying the decorated kites is a way to remember family members and friends who have passed away.
8. Guatemala is bordered by four countries and two oceans. Mexico, El Salvador, Belize, and Honduras all border Guatemala. This nation is not only surrounded by other countries; it is also sandwiched between two oceans! Guatemala’s territory reaches both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, so if you are ever in Guatemala, you can expect many opportunities to admire its beautiful beaches and to visit the neighboring countries that surround it.
9. Mayan ruins offer a window into the history of the land. Guatemala’s culture is deeply rooted in the Ancient Maya Empire, which once spanned Central America. The traditions and customs of the Maya people remain part of Guatemalan society today. The legacy of this ancient empire is not only felt among the people; it is evident throughout the land in the form of the famous Mayan ruins that showcase the greatness of a fallen empire. If you are a Star Wars fan, you may recognize the ruins of Tikal. Tikal was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979 and served as a filming location for Star Wars: A New Hope.
10. Children’s Hunger Fund has been serving children in need in Guatemala since 2008. Through a partnership with Children’s Hunger Fund, 20 local churches were trained in relational mercy ministry and equipped with Food Paks. These church partners then went out into their communities to deliver food and share the hope of the gospel with children and families in need. In 2025, a Mercy Center was completed in Guatemala City. This center serves the community by providing opportunities and support to many who would not otherwise have them, including medical and psychological services, vocational training, and after-school programs.