Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You'll find most Guatemalans are warm and friendly. In many instances, they will be very
curious about you as a foreigner, particularly in areas that are still getting accustomed to
a growing presence of gringo travelers. Urban and rural settings have varying degrees of
formality, though politeness and good manners are appreciated by Guatemalans from all
walks of life and will get you far.
Asa further introduction to this discussion ofGuatemalan cultural mores, Iquote Steph-
en Connely Benz from his book,
Guatemalan Journey:
Guatemala City does not fit the stereo-typical image of an exotic tropical city
where any pleasure can be readily satisfied. It isn't Bangkok or the Havana of
old; it doesn't even measure up to San José, Costa Rica—Central America's mild
version of a sin city. The Guatemalan demeanor is too formal and, to some ex-
tent, too prim for openly displayed vice. Compared with other Central Americ-
ans, Guatemalans are almost prudish. Though appreciative of off-color jokes,
especially those involving double entendres , they dislike blunt vulgarity, and
their strongest swearing is but common speech in, say, El Salvador and Mexico.
Guatemalans, for example, deplore public use of the word puta—“whore”—a
word so common in El Salvador it is practically a term of endearment. Even
the excessive use of English vulgarities in American movies disturbs Guatem-
alans. In clothing, too, Guatemalans favor the conservative. American diplomats
who have been stationed previously in other Central American countries are sur-
prised at how often they have to dress up in Guatemala. Suits and ties are more
common than the typical guayabera favored in more relaxed countries. And wan-
ton displays of exposed flesh are far less common than in the rest of the isthmus.
Guatemala is in many ways a rather formal and conservative country, probably owing to
its legacy of colonialism and its status as the main base of regional power for the Spanish
colonial aristocracy. It's a very class-conscious society, with good grooming, neat dress,
and cleanliness expected. In many instances, the way you look is the way you'll be treated.
You'll notice this the first time you go to a Guatemala City shopping mall (especially on
weekends) and see well-dressed urbanites going for a cup of coffee or heading out to see
a movie. Sneakers and shorts are considered much too casual for many events foreigners
would find perfectly acceptable. This is starting to change, however, and you'll also see
youngerGuatemalans wearing shorts,T-shirts, andflip-flops typical ofthe Abercrombie &
Fitch look that is also wildly popular with Guatemalan youth from wealthy families. If you
plan on going out to dance clubs, be sure to bring a good pair of shoes, as you won't make
it past the front door wearing sneakers. Dress is much more relaxed at the beach or in the
countryside.
