You can now travel from Belize City – one of the smallest cities in Central America - straight to the largest city in Central America - Guatemala City, in less than hour. As we told you last night, Maya Island Air Regional now flies direct to Guatemala, Cancun, and eventually Honduras. Our team was on the inaugural flight and went on the inside of the big city.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This is Guatemala City, a densely populated – fast moving metropolis - built on the slopes and valleys of these majestic mountains. Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. Three million people live here. And apart from being the seat of Guatemala’s government, Guatemala City is also the country’s economic and cultural hub.
Carlos Hasse, Guatemala City Tourism Board
“Guatemala is very urban. The city is very commercialized. We think
that Guatemala is the main city for the whole Central America region. Guatemala has so many things to offer. That is including sport activities, just relaxing. What we do not have is beaches.”
Fred Martinez, Belize Ambassador to Guatemala
“Guatemala City is a city with a lot of large shopping malls, the excellent shopping and excellent tourism in Antigua.”
As we drove through the city, we were warned that as beautiful as it is -Guatemala City is dangerous. Proof of that came at our hotel – the Crowne Paza – where the bellman was armed with a high powered shotgun.
Carlos Hasse,
“That is one situation we need to improve. We have to improve, we need to improve as do other parts of the region. Delinquency is very high in our country unfortunately.”
Fred Martinez,
“As some of us love when we travel we “bling up” as they say and that is not advisable in the big city but it is safe to travel and especially if you stay in the hotel zone and not stay in the downtown areas that are very questionable at night but for shopping and medical purposes, Guatemala is an excellent venue.”
And that’s why visitors shouldn’t be deterred.
Carlos Hasse,
“Despite the difference in language which is probably the main obstacle that we see, you are very welcomed to Guatemala.”
