The largest country in Central America, Guatemala perches strategically on the hook between South America and Mexico. Conveniently close by, it offers a wonderful destination to the kosher tourist. Guatemala combines immense natural beauty with a small, closely knit Jewish community, eager to offer its hospitality to a visitor.
Touring Guatemala
Guatemala is a country with splendid natural wonders to share with visitors. The geographical and biological diversity of the country makes it a compelling country to experience. Following are just a few of the many ways to spend your time here:
Mayan ruins. The ancient Mayans built some of their most historic cities in Guatemala, including El Mirador and Tikal. Some of the remaining temples found here date back to the 4th century BCE. Tikal has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and El Mirador is believed by scholars to be the cradle of the original Mayan civilization. The architectural ruins at both sites are remarkable, representing the efforts of two of the most outstanding pre-Columbians cities in the Americas. You’ll hike through jungle terrain to reach the ruins, but after a climb to the top, you’ll have the best vantage point for viewing the lush scenery.
Pacaya volcano. Over 30 volcanoes rise from the Guatemalan countryside. Pacaya is the most popular and frequently climbed among them. An active volcano, it generally emits only steam and gas, but periodic explosions have sometimes prompted evacuations of nearby villages. The volcano rises to a height of 8,371 feet; climbers find that the summit provides expansive views of the surrounding countryside. Located quite close to Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, the site provides an unbeatable panoramic view of mountain peaks, brilliant blue lake waters, and the lush flora surrounding Pacaya itself.
Chichicastenango market. Vendors from throughout the country come weekly to this festive market in the Quiche Maya. They bring handmade goods ranging from linens to pottery and jewelry. The market is colorful and bustling, and you may enjoy the atmosphere as much as the shopping itself! Looks for some of the best buys in handcrafted textile goods.
Pacific beaches. Stretching along its Pacific coast ,Guatemala offers nice stretches of quiet beaches. Their most unusual feature is their black sand, the product of centuries of nearby volcanic eruptions. The best-known beach in Guatemala is probably Monterrico, and it’s definitely worth a stop. Large waves tempt surfers and the more adventurous swimmer, but the wide sandy coast makes it a beachcomber’s paradise.
Jungle eco-tourism. Guatemala’s jungles and lowlands provide great options for visitors seeking eco-tourism opportunities. Flora and wildlife are vibrantly diverse in Guatemala, and tours are available that specialize in eco-tourism. Check out the many indigenous species found here, and learn about efforts at preservation.
Jewish Culture in Guatemala
The Jewish population in Guatemala is quite small. Only an estimated 800-1200 individuals identify themselves as Jewish, out of a population of almost 14 million. The three main groups include: the Reform Sociedad Israelita de Guatemala, or German origin; the Sephardic Magen David, and the eastern European Centro Hebreo. Each group maintains a synagogue, and there is also a Maccabi club and a Jewish kindergarten.
The culture grew most during the latter part of the 19th century, when largely German Jews migrated here. A decades-long civil war, which ended in 1996, caused many Jews to leave the country. Now political strife is significantly decreased, and internationally, Guatemala enjoys full diplomatic relations with Israel. But economic realities, combined with earlier discord, have taken a toll. Today, due to lack of Jewish emigration to Guatemala, the community has concerns about both preserving and increasing its population. One encouraging sign has been the establishment of the Jewish University Students of Guatemala. While many young people have continued to leave the country in search of better economic prosperity, others are claiming their roots in their Guatemalan homeland.
The community welcomes visitors, and the Chabad Lubavitch Guatemala ensures that kosher food products are available, as do a few restaurants. Guests at better hotels such as the Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental, or Radisson can obtain both traditional Jewish delicacies and gourmet kosher meals. Visitors in Guatemala at Shabbat often have opportunities to spend time with local Jewish families.
If you’d like to combine the natural wonders of this beautiful Central American paradise with the chance for fellowship with a tenacious Jewish community in its midst, consider Guatemala for your next kosher tourist stop!