Top5 Amazing Facts About Guatemala That Will Shock You

In this article we will explore amazing facts about Guatemala. Guatemala is full of strange things, like the ground swallowing airplanes, men marrying multiple wives, and Congress meeting in a movie theater. So let’s know.

5) Shortest Women

One of the amazing facts about Guatemala is that Guatemala has the shortest women in the world, averaging about 4’1″ (149 cm). This situation is not solely due to genetics but is rooted in a history of injustice and chronic childhood malnutrition, with 46% affected, as per UNICEF. Many women face child labor, lack of healthcare, and domestic violence. In rural areas like Wayetanango and Quiche, girls often miss school to work, carry water, or babysit.

They may also be pushed into early marriages and pregnancies. Despite their small size, these women play a crucial role in agriculture, caring for families, and preserving Maya traditions, demonstrating remarkable endurance and resilience as they manage heavy loads in their daily lives.

4) Colorful Cemeteries

One of the amazing facts about Guatemala is that Unlike gloomy places, the cemeteries are bright and lively in Guatemala. Graves are painted in various colors, reflecting the favorite color of the deceased. On November 1st, a special tradition takes place where families gather not to mourn but to celebrate their loved ones. They wear colorful clothes, bring food and flowers, and clean graves while sharing stories. A highlight is the barlet gigante’s giant kite festival, where people fly kites up to 49 feet tall, decorated with symbols and messages for their loved ones.

3) Wailing

One of the amazing facts about Guatemala is that in Guatemala, some women work as professional mourners, known as luronas, at funerals. Their job is to cry loudly and express deep sorrow, which affects their pay. This tradition comes from ancient Maya culture and continues in regions like Huetano and the Kiche Highlands.

The Guatemalan Institute of Anthropology states that 12 to 15% of funerals in indigenous areas include at least one lurona, with some communities having up to 80% participation in group wailing. The loud crying is believed to help the deceased’s soul pass on, and families may hire luronas if they cannot cry sufficiently. A lurona can earn around $1340 per funeral.

2) Deepest Sinkhole

One of the amazing facts about Guatemala is that the deepest sinkhole in Central America is located in Guatemala and was formed in May 2010 following tropical storm Agatha. This massive sinkhole was about 66 feet wide and 100 feet deep, capable of swallowing a full Boeing 737. In an instant, a complete block of homes, shops, and infrastructure vanished, leaving a crater-like void.

Over 1,000 people had to evacuate due to the collapse. The sinkhole occurred because Guatemala City is built on limestone and salt layers that can erode easily, compounded by poor drainage that allowed rainwater to accumulate over time. The sinkhole’s shape was so striking that many initially thought the images were fake until confirmed by NASA.

1) Traffic

One of the amazing facts about Guatemala is that crossing intersections in Guatemala City is chaotic, especially during rush hour. There are no traffic lights or right of way, and drivers navigate through loud honking and erratic maneuvers. While traffic laws exist legally, on the road, it becomes a matter of survival, with motorbikes on sidewalks and taxis reversing in intersections.

Guatemala is ranked as one of the most dangerous places in Latin America for traffic due to its poor infrastructure, narrow roads, dangerous slopes, and old vehicles. Tourists are advised not to drive themselves unless they understand the local driving customs.