Experience in Guatemala, Guatemala by Anne

What is it like to live in Guatemala? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Guatemala is a small and quite city. It has a combination of modern buildings and nature. The city is organized, the traffic isn't bad and the streets are clean. We don't have a great system of transportation (I mean a metro, a subway, a train, etc. ), most of the citizens have their own car, others ride a motorcycle or take the bus... and you should always be careful because there are robbers everywhere.

What is the student lifestyle like in Guatemala?

I think that the student life depends on the career and the university you chose. For example, the University del Valle de Guatemala is a demanding college. This means that during testing seasons you really have to study (cause the exams are not easy), but of course there will be other times in which you will have a relaxed time.

How much does it cost to live in Guatemala?

Guatemala is a cheap country. I can't tell an exact amount because I have lived in my house... so I don't know the cost of an apartment or a dorm, but besides that... food is cheap (from Q15 to Q40), clothes are cheap, the entertainment is cheap (like the cinema, what you consume in a lounge-bar, etc. ).

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Guatemala? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes it's difficult. There are not many hotels around the city, we don't have "real" dorms and it's unusual that people share a house or an apartment. I would advice you to search on the web for a place near your university, and then search for a better place once you are here.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Guatemalan food is good, it includes a lot of species but it isn't spicy. Besides guatemalan food, you can also find: chinese food, italian food, arabian food, vegetarian food, argentina food, spanish food, american food, mexican food, indian food (not that popular), and I can keep going on. My favorite guatemalan dishes are the "tamalitos", the "chuchitos" and the "jocón".

What places would you recommend visiting in Guatemala?

All the departments you can! Guatemala is full of beautiful natural touristic places like: Petén (here you'll find Tikal), Izabal (you'll find Quiriguá, and some natural reserves: Río Dulce, Bocas del Polochic), the Verapaces (characterized for its caves, its forests, singular waterfalls, natural pools, and a variety of flora and fauna), the Ipala Volcano, the "Sierra de las Minas", La Antigua Guatemala, the Atitlán lake, Punta de Manabique, Chichicastenango, etc.

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Is it good to eat out in Guatemala? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

To find a good place to eat is easy, you can go to zone 10, to the malls (Oakland Mall, Miraflores, etc. ), to Fontabella or to Cayalá.

Is the nightlife good in Guatemala? Where is good to go?

There are not to much places to hang out. But if you want to go party, then you can go to some places at zone 10 or to Cardales (zone 16).

What advice would you give future students heading to Guatemala?

Enjoy all the richness of our country!... I must say that our people are very kind and friendly, but you must also be careful because the violence index of Guatemala is high.