What do you think about Guatemala?

I just returned from Guatemala.
I did not tour Guatemala City, even though we were there . It was more of a stopover for the night thing. It seems less chaotic than Lima, Peru - traffic-wise.
But I enjoyed Lake Atitlan and Panajachel. Lake Atitlan has great views of the Lake and the volcanoes around it. Great picture views! I enjoyed shopping for craft items in Panajachel.
I also enjoyed visiting Tikal National Park. Very interesting. We saw some wildlife there, during our trek through the park: a Toucan, different kinds of birds etc. It's a piece of Mayan History and local flora and fauna.
These two are the highlights of Guatemala that you must see , if you go. There are, of course, other places but I saw just these two, time permitting.

From what I've seen, it's a beautiful country. I went to Flores and Tikal a couple of time a few years ago. I would love to go back someday when I have more time to explore a bit.

I've never been to Guatemala... i herd about it, and learn about it.... but i can't say something...

I hear it's nice.

Having never been myself, it's hard to say. But I have a friend that grew up there and really loves it.

I do not really know, I have never been there.

Love it! Absolutely love it!

ITS THE BEST COUNTRY AND FIRST OF ALL NOT ALL OF THEM ARE POOR GOES TO THAT IDOIT TAHT WROTE THIRD COUNTRY

guatamala is beautiful;

its the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
is the most beautiful country in central america!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is a poor country but it is rich in natural beauty.Anyone that has the chance to visit Guatemala and doesn't,is making a huge mistake.Viva Guatemala!

All countries have problems and Guatemala is not the exception. For the one who said that the country has maras, well most of the guys who are in maras is because they have learned from other countries like USA and El Salvador.

But Guatemala is a very beautiful country, that is why it is called THE ETERNAL SPRING COUNTRY.

I've been to Guatemala twice and am going back this December. I love the country. The people, overall, are extrememly warm and friendly. The food is GREAT! And the country has some gorgeous places to visit.

Yes, it is in general a poor country. It is very sad to see how many people (especially children) live in the city as well as some of the villages. That's why I am going back in December...to help a friend of mine in Guatemala organize a Christmas party for a village of children outside of Guatemala City.

As for danger....use COMMON SENSE.

People say "its a poor country" but there is poberty everywhere even in the US, of course you will find more poberty in Guatemala than the US but whoever is judgamental about that can not see beyond his nose the real factors for poberty, so I wouldn't criticize nor put down a nation who has been driven into poberty by outside sources.

Overall, its a beautiful country and very diverse. I like the people, as they are very friendly. The native Americans are the most friendly. The mara salvatrucha is a problem there but like everyone says "it takes a few to make the majority look bad"

the majority of the people there aren't salvatruchas so u will be fine. Have fun if you go.

Guatemala is a diverse country in turmoil and has been for a long time. However, its beauty is hard to compare and has a lot of history.

What do I think?
Too bad 1954 ruined it.

I have been there four times, from the time it was a military dictatorship up until the time is has become "free" to now.

Mind your own business. Stay in your own place. Do not go where you do not belong, and do not ask too many questions.

Guatemalans are extremely friendly people, and despite 1954 they still actually like Americans. They are honest and hard-working and appreciate those who speak Spanish and are kind to them.

There is still much civil strife, unemployed guerrillas and poverty there. Nearly all the conflicts are between their own elements so this is why we should mind our own business.

While there was little personal liberty during the time of the military dictatorship, things were definitely safer for tourists than they are now. Freedom for Guatemalans has brought crime to anyone else.

When I was a 14 year old kid, a motorcycle policeman saw me and offered me a ride on his motorcycle to see the city. My aunt had no objections, and off I went. We had a great time and I saw a lot that others would never have seen. It did not matter at the time that I spoke no Spanish and was fresh off the plane from the U.S.A. We got along great. That was during the time of the dictatorship. Is MUNOZ still around? I wonder, as it would be fun to talk 30 years later. I'm still here.
I speak Spanish now and appreciate those who were kind to me so many years ago.

Things have changed a great deal since 1975 and I would not let my own kids do such a thing now, unless I could talk to the officer first. Not that it has ever been offered since...

In 1985 I saw people abducted off of the street, and also enjoyed visiting the generals who met me in the National Palace. I did not know (then) that Hector Gramajo was villified later, but he gave me a small tour and introduced himself as the Defense Minister / Vice President when I came to see the National Palace.

In later years, I could no longer walk where I used to, and folks would not let me tour the places I used to go without thinking of crime, holdups and the like. Forget walking at night or crossing the the streets! It is no longer safe. In the old days there was always a cop or soldier who would always say hello and make sure you got to the other side.

Do I miss the military dictatorship? In terms of personal safety, the answer is resoundingly YES! As for the Guatemalan people, they do not miss it but have to live with crime instead. They are "free" now.

They are in charge of their own destinies now, but I am not so comfortable in visiting like I was during the military days.

... from it's volcanoes, passing through it's multicultural villages across the beautiful lakes and beaches, to the Mayan ruins and Spanish Colony cities, remembering the malls, restaurants and museums of the capital city... it's one of the most beautiful, amazing, charming and interesting places in the world...

i just dont like it,

I think it is a small, poor Third World country in Central America. It is very hot and humid there.

I don't.

I like it that way.

is dangerous . for MARAS SALVATRUCHAS .

its okay but the people are kinda weird, the dont understand us... they performed a parade when my cruise ship left.