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AACCLA´s Mid Year Meeting 2,013“ I N T E R- R E G I O NA L T R A D E ”
G u a t e m a l A
I N F R A S T R U C T U R E
The capital city of Guatemala is the most modern and cosmopolitan of Central America.
Guatemala has two international airports: “La Aurora” in Guatemala City and the “Mundo Maya” in Santa Elena, Petén in the northern part of the country. The facilities of “La Aurora” International Airport make it the starting point for visits to the rest of the country.
The port system in Guatemala has five maritime ports: •Santo Tomás de Castilla (Atlantic Ocean)•Puerto Barrios (Atlantic Ocean)•Puerto Quetzal (Pacific Ocean)•San José (Pacific Ocean)•Champerico (Pacific Ocean)
Regarding the highway system, Guatemala has over 1,000 bridges, 6,944.620 Kilometers of paved roads and 8,755.51 Kilometers of dirt roads. Also, since 1999 a project was developed to construct the Metropolitan Beltway and the Northern “Franja Transversal”.
The country has 16 active Free Trade zones,. In July 2011, six additional free trade zones were opened. Thus, Guatemala will have 24 of these zones distributed around the country. Presently, some 270 companies operate in these Guatema-lan free trade areas which provide jobs to about 2,500 persons.
The Customs System of the country is under the direction of the Office of the Superintendent for Tax Administration (SAT in Spanish). In 2008 the World Customs Organization (OMA in Spanish) presented Guatemala as an example
for its customs efficiency and modernization.
The Energy sector of the country has the potential to develop options for electricity generation, which include: solar, eolic, biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal projects. It is estimated that in the year 2026, the energy coverage will be 58.3 percent with hydroelectric plants; 18.2 percent with geothermal plants; 16.1 percent with coal and 7.1 percent with biomass systems Also, the Ministry of Energy and Mining has estimated that in2026 the country will produce 78 percent of the energy through renewable sources.
During the last 10 years Guatemala has experienced an increase of 3,407.7 percent in information and telecommunication technology, Since 1996 the telecommunications sector of Guatemala has increased as a result of privatization, which was due to the Law on Telecommunications enacted in that year. This law provides freedom in competitiveness, investment, a competitive and open market.
For this reason, foreign and national compa-nies began to participate in the Guatemalan market. In 2009 Guatemala was considered the country with more cellular phones per in-habitant (15 million of active cellular phones) with the highest sales rate of these phones.
Guatemala has one of the lowes tariffs for mobile telephones in the Western Hemisphere, and the lowest rates in the world for international calls.
In the year 2000 some 65,000 people had access to Internet. Today, 17 percent of the population has access to the web.
T E C H N O L O G Y
In Guatemala, technology is in constant development. The Technologic Campus I (Tec I) was imple-mented in the country as an initiative of the business sector with the purpose of having only one site for companies involved in the development of software, which generate economic progress through technology. As of this date, Tec I has some 60 national companies working in the development of technology applications for the banking and telephone sectors. As a result of the achievements of Tec
I, Guatemala has started to develop software for companies located in other countries.
G E O G R A P H YGuatemala is located in the American Continent, specifically in Central America and lies between two oceans: the Atlantic and the Pacific and its boundaries are: North-West with Mexico; South-East with El Salvador and Honduras and East with Belize. The relief of the country is shaped with mountains and a large part of the territory consists of slopes and highlands. The Cordillera de los Andes crosses through the center and South of Guatemala and continues southbound to the rest of America. However when it enters into Guatemalan territory it divides into two mountain systems: The Sierra Madre and the Sierra of the Cuchumatanes. The latter is formed by the highest mountains in Central America.
The country has 37 volcanoes, three of which are active and are located in the border of the highlands and the Pacific coast; these are Pacaya, Santiaguito and Fuego. Also, it has tropical rainforests, ecotourism, mangrove swamps, archaeology, Maya cities such as Tikal and Cancuen, and beaches in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Most of Guatemalans live in the valleys of the volcanic region that crosses the highlands in the South, close to the Pacific coast. Also the country has several rivers that flow to both oceans. Some of the most important rivers include:
•Motagua: the largest river in Guatemala which flows into the Gulf of Honduras.
•Polochic: flows into Lake Izabal.
•Rio Dulce: located between Lake Izabal and Amatique Bay.
•Usumacinta: Flows from the Petén region into the Gulf of Mexico. Represents the border between Guatemala and Mexico.
•Sarstun: Forms the border between Guatemala and Belize.
•Rio Hondo: Flows from Guatemala and represents the border between Mexico and Belize.
•Lempa: From the sierras in the Department of Chiqimula, crosses El Salvador and flows into the Pacific Ocean.
The most important lakes of Gutemala include:
•Lake Izabal: The largest lake in Guatemala, The Castillo de San Felipe was built in the shore of the lake in 1651 as a protection from the pirates of the region. Rio Dulce flows through the lake into Amatique Bay.
•Lake Atitlán: Is located in the Department of Sololá. Three volcanoes are located in its shores: Toliman, Atitlán and San Pedro.
•Lake Amatitlán: Located in the Department of Guatemala, in the municipal districts of Amatitlán, Petapa and Villa Canales. It is used for the generation of energy.
•Petén Itzá: Is surrounded by a rainforest in the lowlands. The town of Flores is located in an island in the middle of the lake.
G O V E R N M E N TFor 27 years, the country has had a democratic regime that has made it an economically open country that wishes to continue to establish commercial relations with other nations of the world.
The government is constituted by three Branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The Congress of the Republic is a one-Chamber Parliament with 158 Congressmen, elected every four years. The President of the Republic is also elected for four years and is the Chief of State and of Government. On January 14, 2012, the retired General Otto Perez Molina took office as the new President of the Republic and Mrs. Roxanna Baldetti, as the Vice-President. Both come from a right-wing ideology.
P O P U L A T I O N
The population of the country is 14,757,000 (US Country Population 2011) of which 1300,000 reside in the capital city.
Guatemala is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual country
4 Ethnic Groups live together:•Maya (23 different groups)•Xinca•Garífuna •Mestizos or ladinos
25 dialects or languages are spoken•Spanish•Garífuna•Xinca •22 Maya dialects
From the total population, 54 percent are locat-ed in the rural areas and 46 in the urban areas. Of these 68 percent are indigenous and 44 per-cent are ladinos.
E C O N O M Y
Guatemala has a per capita GNP of approximately half the average for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Traditionally, the country relied on agriculture as the main traditional economic activity. How-ever, due to growing globalization, new technologies, changes in some sectors and industries, new strategies for development have been implemented to generate competitiveness. Today, the man-ufacturing industry is the main economic activity of the country. Also, Guatemala is the eighth largest and seventh largest exporter of coffee in the world. There are other sectors that participate in the economy of the country, such as agriculture, agro-industry, textiles and apparel, furniture, chemicals and services. The latter being very important because Guatemala has become an ideal destination for Call Centers and business outsourcing.
Also we have experienced an important growth in Contact Centers and BPOs. It is estimated that in Guatemala there are some 21 international Contact Centers, 55 in-house Call Centers and BPOs. This is the result of state of the art technology and of the development of the telecommu-nications sector which offers diverse services through the telephone companies.
In spite of the global economic and financial crisis of recent years, Guatemala has shown macro-economic stability and at the end of the year reported a growth of 3.3 percent.
I N V E S T M E N T
Guatemala is the third largest country in Central America to in the receipt of direct foreign in-vestments. In addition, the World Bank has reported that Guatemala has one of the most open economies for attracting foreign investment. Except for port and airport operations, in Guate-mala there are no monopolies, oligopolies and investors find no obstacles to obtain a license to start operations.
Guatemala has enacted laws to improve and simplify direct foreign investments. Some of these
•Promotion and Development of Exports and Draw Law for Back (Maquila) Ac tivities (Decree 29-89) approved by the Congress of the Republic in 1989.
•Free Trade Zones Law (Decree 65-89) approved by Congress in 1989.
•Foreign Investment Law (Decree 9-98) approved by Congress. It deals mainly with equitable treatment of national and international investors, It does not al low the State to expropriate the investments of a foreigner, The principal rights covered by the law are those of private property, non-expropriation of invest ments, freedom of trade, access to foreign exchange, insurance on investments, double taxation and resolution of controversies.
•Free Negotiation of Foreign Exchange Law (Decree 94-2000 of the Congress). It was enacted in 2000 and provides free purchase, transfer, collection and pay ments with foreign exchange. In addition, facilitates the ownership and opera tions of bank accounts in foreign currency, in national and international banks.
Guatemala offers incentives to investors through the following:
•Free Trade Zone Law.
•Promotion and Development of Export and Drawback Law (Maquila) activities.
These laws offer the following fiscal incentives to national and foreign investors:
• Exoneration of one hundred percent (100%) of import tariffs and charges ap-plicable to machinery, equipment, raw material and others.
•Exoneration of one hundred percent (100%) of Income tax for 10 years.
•Exoneration of one hundred percent (100%) of value added tax (IVA in Spanish).
•Exoneration of one hundred percent (100%) of Property Tax (IUSI in Spanish) on entities that administer free trade zones.
As of October 2011 the Banco de Guatemala (Banguat) reported an increase on Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) in Latin America, mainly in Guatemala. Ac-cording to the Ministry of Economy the country closed the year 2011 with a DFI of over US$900 Million. It is estimated that in 2012 DFI will reach US$1,500 Million.
It is expected that in 2012 the investments in energy, infrastructure, hydrocarbons and productive activities will show an important increase.
T R A D E A G R E E M E N T S A L R E A D Y E X E C U T E DBILATERAL INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS
CUSTOMS UNIONS
GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES
TRADE AGREEMENTS EXECUTED BUT NOT IMPLEMENTED
AGREEMENTS NOT EXECUTED NOR IMPLEMENTED
AGREEMENT IN A ROUND OF NEGOTIATION
Agreement TLC CA-‐Peru TLC Central America-‐Mexico Partial Coverage Free Trade Agreement Guatemala-‐Ecuador
Agreement Association Agreement between the EU and Central America
STATUS OF TRADE AGREEMENTS
Agreement Executed Implemented Economic Integration Treaty of Central
America December 13, 1960 June 4, 1961
GATT April 16, 1991 October 10, 1991 OMC April 15, 1994 June 10, 1995
ALADI Observer Member since
August 2, 1984 Plan Puebla Panama June 15, 2001 Suspended
ATI-‐OMC Adhered on December 6,
2005
AAP Guatemala-‐Belize June 26, 2006 In effect: Guatemala April 4, 2010; Belize October 20, 2009
AAP Guatemala-‐Cuba December 1, 2004
In Effect: Cuba has not sent notification of compliance wih legal provisions since December 7, 2006
Partial Coverage Trade Agreement
Guatemala-‐Venezuela
Executed on Octoer 30, 1985. First Protocol: September 29, 1992. Second Protocol: January 29, 1993
April 10, 1986
TLC Central America – Dominican Republic
Executed on April 16, 1998. Protocol: November 28, 1998
October 3, 2001
TLC Central America-‐Panamá
Text signed on March 6, 2002
April 22, 2009
TLC CA4-‐Canada Negotiation started in 2002
Pending closing of negotiation. Ten rounds
so far Central American
Treaty on Investment and Services Trade
(TCAIS)
March 24, 2002 Guatemala and
Honduras: January 6, 2006
TCAIS Protocol with amendments
February 22, 2007 In force: Guatemala March 31, 2010.
CAFTA-‐DR May 28, 2004 In force: Guatemala July
1, 2006. FTA Guatemala-‐ September 22, 2005 July 1, 2006
Agreement Executed Implemented Economic Integration Treaty of Central
America December 13, 1960 June 4, 1961
GATT April 16, 1991 October 10, 1991 OMC April 15, 1994 June 10, 1995
ALADI Observer Member since
August 2, 1984 Plan Puebla Panama June 15, 2001 Suspended
ATI-‐OMC Adhered on December 6,
2005
AAP Guatemala-‐Belize June 26, 2006 In effect: Guatemala April 4, 2010; Belize October 20, 2009
AAP Guatemala-‐Cuba December 1, 2004
In Effect: Cuba has not sent notification of compliance wih legal provisions since December 7, 2006
Partial Coverage Trade Agreement
Guatemala-‐Venezuela
Executed on Octoer 30, 1985. First Protocol: September 29, 1992. Second Protocol: January 29, 1993
April 10, 1986
TLC Central America – Dominican Republic
Executed on April 16, 1998. Protocol: November 28, 1998
October 3, 2001
TLC Central America-‐Panamá
Text signed on March 6, 2002
April 22, 2009
TLC CA4-‐Canada Negotiation started in 2002
Pending closing of negotiation. Ten rounds
so far Central American
Treaty on Investment and Services Trade
(TCAIS)
March 24, 2002 Guatemala and
Honduras: January 6, 2006
TCAIS Protocol with amendments
February 22, 2007 In force: Guatemala March 31, 2010.
CAFTA-‐DR May 28, 2004 In force: Guatemala July
1, 2006. FTA Guatemala-‐ September 22, 2005 July 1, 2006
TCAIS Protocol with amendments
February 22, 2007 In force: Guatemala March 31, 2010.
CAFTA-‐DR May 28, 2004 In force: Guatemala July
1, 2006. FTA Guatemala-‐
Taiwan September 22, 2005 July 1, 2006
FTA Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Honduras & Guatemala)-‐Mexico
June 29, 2000 Guatemala-‐Mexico: March 15, 2001.
FTA Central America-‐Chile
Text signed on October 18, 1999. Protocol signed by Guatemala-‐Chile: December 7, 2007
Guatemala: November 23, 2009
FTA Northern Triangle (El Salvador,
Guatemala and Honduras)-‐Colombia
August 9, 2007 Guatemala: November
12, 2009
Association Agreement Central America-‐European Union
Closing of negotiations: May 18, 2010
Pending: • Legal review • Approval • Ratification • Implementation
International Center for Differences related to Investments-‐CIADI
February 20, 2003
Multilateral Investment Guarantee
Agency—MIGA March 18, 2007
TCAIS Protocol with amendments
February 22, 2007 In force: Guatemala March 31, 2010.
CAFTA-‐DR May 28, 2004 In force: Guatemala July
1, 2006. FTA Guatemala-‐
Taiwan September 22, 2005 July 1, 2006
FTA Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Honduras & Guatemala)-‐Mexico
June 29, 2000 Guatemala-‐Mexico: March 15, 2001.
FTA Central America-‐Chile
Text signed on October 18, 1999. Protocol signed by Guatemala-‐Chile: December 7, 2007
Guatemala: November 23, 2009
FTA Northern Triangle (El Salvador,
Guatemala and Honduras)-‐Colombia
August 9, 2007 Guatemala: November
12, 2009
Association Agreement Central America-‐European Union
Closing of negotiations: May 18, 2010
Pending: • Legal review • Approval • Ratification • Implementation
International Center for Differences related to Investments-‐CIADI
February 20, 2003
Multilateral Investment Guarantee
Agency—MIGA March 18, 2007
TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: NEGOTIATING FRONTS
Issue Status Future actions Guatemala-‐Ecuador, The Agreement of Partial Outreach (AAP) was signed in Guatemala on April 15, 2011
APP is under discussion in Congress. Pending 3rd Review for approval December 5 2011
Follow-‐up
Guatemala-‐Dominican Republic Commercial exchange of goods under special systems
Several national meetings and visits to the Dominican Republic have been held to reach an agreement mainly on retroactive collection of exports
Promote high level communications and hold a negotiation meeting. It may be held in Antigua Guatemala; no date has been established
Central America – Mexico and Guatemala-‐Mexico. Negotiations were concluded in October 2011
FTA was signed on November 22, 2011 in San Salvador, El Salvador
Follow-‐up for compliance with legal formalities to implement FTA.
Central America-‐ European Union, negotiation concluded in May 2010
The European Commission approved the translation of ADA into Spanish
Follow-‐up to obtain approval by the European Parliament of the text, and establish a date for the subscription and provisional implementation of ADA. Tentative date: March 2012
FTA Central America – Peru bilateral negotiation was concluded on October 4, 2011 through a video conference.
Signed on December 6 2011 in Guatemala City at the Real Intercontinental Hotel
Negotiation date pending to establish conditions of adhesion
Issue Status Future actions Guatemala-‐Ecuador, The Agreement of Partial Outreach (AAP) was signed in Guatemala on April 15, 2011
APP is under discussion in Congress. Pending 3rd Review for approval December 5 2011
Follow-‐up
Guatemala-‐Dominican Republic Commercial exchange of goods under special systems
Several national meetings and visits to the Dominican Republic have been held to reach an agreement mainly on retroactive collection of exports
Promote high level communications and hold a negotiation meeting. It may be held in Antigua Guatemala; no date has been established
Central America – Mexico and Guatemala-‐Mexico. Negotiations were concluded in October 2011
FTA was signed on November 22, 2011 in San Salvador, El Salvador
Follow-‐up for compliance with legal formalities to implement FTA.
Central America-‐ European Union, negotiation concluded in May 2010
The European Commission approved the translation of ADA into Spanish
Follow-‐up to obtain approval by the European Parliament of the text, and establish a date for the subscription and provisional implementation of ADA. Tentative date: March 2012
FTA Central America – Peru bilateral negotiation was concluded on October 4, 2011 through a video conference.
Signed on December 6 2011 in Guatemala City at the Real Intercontinental Hotel
Negotiation date pending to establish conditions of adhesion
Partial Coverage Trade Agreement Guatemala – Trinidad &Tobago or Free Trade Agreement Central America and CARICOM
Proposal of the text was sent to Trinidad & Tobago to negotiate an AAP in August 2010. National consultations were held on export interests. Date pending to start trade negotiations wih Trinidad & Tobago or with CARICOM countries
Follow up to negotiation process.
Central American Customs Union, III Round of Negotiations was held the week of November 28, 2011. Pro tempore chairman was from El Salvador
Among the most important issues are: negotiation and approval of the Central American Regulations and tariff reductions for some raw materials not produced in Central America and which may affect national production..
More technical involvement and participation in future Rounds of Negotiations. Pro tempore chairman for the first semester of 2012 will be from Honduras
FTA Guatemala-‐ Canada. Negotiations started in 2002
Pending agreement on critical path to conclude the negotiation
Evaluate the terms to conclude the negotiation.
P R I N C I P A L C O M M E R C I A L P A R T N E R S A N D T H E I R P R O D U C T S :
Guatemala’s principal commercial partners are:
• The United States• Central America• Eurozone• Mexico• Panama
Exports:During 2011 the Banco de Guatemala (Banguat) reported an income of US$10,216.5 Million in foreign exchange (total amount of exports of the trade sector), which represents a 23.6% increase as compared to last year.
In 2011 Banguat reported the following most important destinations of Guatemalan exports
I m p o r t sIn 2011 total imports amounted to US$16,609.9 Million, a 20% increase as compared to 2010. The principal products imported by Guatemala were:
O T H E R I M P ORTA N T C HA M B E R S , T R A DE O F F I C E S A N D A S S O C I A T I O N S
In addition to the valuable support from the Guatemalan-American Chamber of Commerce (Am-Cham), Guatemala offers the following Chambers and Associations:
•Association of Binational Chambers of Commerce (ASCABI in Spanish) •Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT in Spanish) •Guatemala-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry •Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce •Guatemalan Chamber of Industry •Guatemala-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry •Colombian Business Chamber for Guatemala •China-Guatemala Chamber for Cooperation and Commerce •Guatemala-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAMEX) •Guatemala-Israel Chamber of Commerce (ISRACAM) •Guatemala-Canada Chamber of Commerce •Guatemala-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Finance •Guatemala Entrepreneurial Chamber •Guatemalan Chamber for Tourism (CAMTUR) •Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Guatemala •Commercial Office of the Chilean Embassy in Guatemala
T O U R I S M
In 2011 the World Economic Forum released a Report on Touristic Competitiveness in which Guatemala ranked number 11 in Latin Amer-ica with tourist attractions. At the world level, Guatemala ranks 86 from a total of 139 coun-tries surveyed.
At the Central American level, is in thirdplace.
Among the advantages for the tourist sector, Guatemala ranks 14 among 139 countries in lower hotel rates.
Guatemala is positioned as one of the most at-tractive countries in the region. It has natural resources and It also offers diversity of culture, ecology, and traditions.
Thus, this is one of the most dynamic sectors. A National Policy for Sustained Tourist Devel-opment 2004-2014 was enacted to give prior-ity to this sector due to its importance in the development of the country.
Guatemala City has an important and inter-esting cultural life. Most of the museums are located here, as well as art galleries and exhib-
its of photography, etchings, and sculptures by Guatemalan artists.
BBC of London reported that Guatemala was “the best cultural destination in the world”.
2012 is a significant year of relevance for Gua-temala. In the Maya culture this year is the end of the Baktun 13 Cycle. For this and for other attractions such as its cultural, ethnic, historic and natural wealth, Guatemala is recommend-ed as one of the 20 touristic sites to visit during this year.
National Geographic in its “Traveler” publica-tion stated that Guatemala is one of the most important Central American territories of the Maya civilization. Such report invites foreign-ers and nationals to visit sites such as Tikal in Petén, Antigua Guatemala in the Department of Sacatepequez, Xelajú in the Department of Quetzaltenango, and Panajachel and Lake Ati-tlán in the Department of Sololá.
T h e C a p i t a l C i t y It offers the tourists many cultural activities and important attractions. In the Civic Center in zone 1 (the old city) we find the Metropolitan Cathe-dral, the National Palace, the Presidential House, the Central market, the Central Park and several museums such as the Post Office Museum, the Casa Mima, the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of the National Palace of Culture. In the modern areas of the city, near the “La Aurora” international airport is the Handcrafts Market, the National Museum of Modern Art and the Nation-al Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. The Francisco Marroquin University houses the Mu-seum of Indigenous costumes and the Popol Vuh Museum.
In the Zona Viva you find excellent hotels, restau-rants and entertainment; it is a very lively area at night.
A great attraction in the city is the archeological site of Kaminal Juyu located in zones 7 and 11. This was the site of the largest Maya town in the Guatemalan highlands during the Pre-Classic pe-riod. Today, you find only some pieces of art, most of the sculptures and ceramics are exhibited in the Miraflores Museum, located in zone 11, and in the National Museum or Archaeology.
Finally, during this year 2012 several musical festi-vals will be held; as well as plays, conferences and art exhibits.
Hotel Guest rooms
Breakfast Shuttle Other Benefits
Rate Taxes Website
Westin xxx Yes, Buffet Yes (airport-‐
hotel-‐airport)
Internet,coffe, gym, pool,
medical service, spa,
etc.
US$129.00
22% www.camino
real.com.gt
Biltmore -‐ Westin
xxx Yes, Continental
Yes (airport-‐
hotel-‐airport)
Internet, coffee, etc.
US$60.00 22% www.camino
real.com.gt
Grand Tikal
Futura Hotel
xxx Yes, Buffet in
Restaurant
Yes (airport-‐
hotel-‐airport)
Parking, internet,
pool, salarium, jacuzzis, spa,
gym, mall, entertainme
nt area
US$90.00 22% www.grandti
kalfutura.com.gt
Hotel
Barceló xxx n/a Yes
(airport-‐hotel-‐
airport)
n/a n/a 22% www.ba
rcelo.co
m
Hotel Real Intercontin
ental
xxx Yes, Continental
breakfast
Yes (airport-‐
hotel-‐airport)
Servicio de lavandería e
internet (costo
adicional), piscina y
solárium, sala de
ejercicio
Business
US$164
Deluxe
US$139
22% www.interco
ntinental.co
m
Princess Reforma
Hotel
xxx Yes, Buffet Yes (airport-‐
hotel-‐airport)
Coffee express,
internet, gym, sauna,
pool, safety box, A/C,
parking,
Standard
US$74.00
Executive
US$84.00
22% www.hotele
sprincess.co
m
Hotel
Conquistador Ramada
xxx Yes, in
Restaurant Yes
(airport-‐hotel-‐airport)
Welcome
cocktail, spa, gym, parking,
internet,
US$65.00
standard
US$75 executive
22% www.
hotelconquistador.
com.gt
T i k a l N a t i o n a l A r c h a e o l o g i c a P a r k
Located in the Department of Petén, Tikal has some architectural remains of the ancient Maya civiliza-tion. It is considered one of the main cultural cent-ers, and is the largest in the American Continent. The height of the civilization occurred between the years 200 through 850. In 1979 the ruins of Tikal, which are part of the Tikal National Park, were the first archaeological site declared Mixed Heritage of Humanity (ecological and archaeological) in the world.It is possible to reach Tikal by road (approximately eight hours from the capital city) or by air (approxi-mately 45 minutes)
T h e C i t y o f A n t i g u a G u a t e m a l a
Some 232 years ago Antigua Guatemala was the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. It covered an area from Chiapas and Soconusco down to Costa Rica. Antigua Guatemala, with a magnificent view of the Fuego Volcano, is located in the Department of Sacatepequez. It is 45 Kilometres by road from the capital city.
In 1965 it was declared as Monument of America by the VIII General Meeting of the Pan American Insti-tute of Geography and History, and in 1979 UNESCO declared it World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
The main tourist attractions of this city, with cobble-stone streets, are the San Jose Cathedral, The Pala-cio de los Capitanes, the Municipality, the Alley of the Bakeries, the Santa Catalina Arch, among many churches, convents, monasteries and ruins.
Also, it is very interesting to visit the Hotel Filadel-fia Coffee Resort & Spa. This coffee plantation has modern machinery and offers services as a boutique 5-star hotel. Some of the very enjoyable activities it offers is a tour to this coffee plantation of more than 130 years old. They also offer attractions such as Canopy and Tour on Texan mules through the plantation and its mountains. Also, helicopter rides within Antigua or to the Capital city.
During the year Antigua Guatemala organizes lots of music festivals, art exhibits, plays, folkloric dances, theater and tours to the museums. One of the most important and traditional activities is the celebra-tion of the Holy Week. The processional carpets have been hand made since the XVI Century; they use sawdust, flowers, and fruits to make them and are very beautiful and impressive.
In Antigua you may also find a variety of restaurants and cafeterias that offer gourmet specialties.
Some of the many hotels in Antigua Guatemala include
Casa Santo Domingo, Vista Real Hotel, Posada Don Rodrigo, Westin Camino Real and a variety of boutique hotels. In Tikal you will find the Westin Camino Real Hotel and other small three or four-star hotels.
Q u e t z a l t e n a n g o
The city of Quetzaltenango is located in the departament commonly known as “Xela”, it is three hours by road from the capital city.
It is located in a strategic place for trade and services. The textile and liquor industries have found here an excellent location for their activi-ties.
The climate is cold, and its architecture has Eu-ropean influence. It offers movies, restaurants, night life, cultural and artistic events as well as a few hotels, being the Pension Bonifaz the best known, and Anna Inn Hotel. For more infor-mation, you can contact them at:
http://www.pensionbonifaz.com.gt/home.htm
http://www.annainnhotel.com/eng/default.aspx
Some of the natural attractions of the city include volca-noes, mountains, rivers, thermal resorts, among others
Some of the touristic sites in Quetzaltenango include:
·Chicabal Lake ·Cerro Quemado Volcano ·Los Vahos thermal resort ·Almolonga thermal resort ·Santa María Volcano ·Santiaguito Volcano ·Pecul Volcano ·Zunil Volcano ·This city is very important and inspired the song “Luna de Xelajú” (The moon of Xelajú) which is widely known and played mostly by the marimbas.
P a n a j a c h e l Is a municipal district and city in the Department of Sololá. Here you find Lake Atitlan with 12 small towns around it, named after the 12 Apostles. This lake is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Here you find a museum with Pre-colombian archaeo-logical pieces found in the bottom of Lake Atitlan and in the highlands. As for hotels in Panajachel, you can visit the following web sites:
·Hotel Atitlán (http://hotelatitlan.com/)
·Hotel del Lago http://www.portahotels.com/es/con-tent/porta-hotel-del-lago
C h i c h i c a s t e n a n g o
Is located in the Department of Quiche, two hours from the Department of Guatemala. It is recog-nized by its traditional K’iche Maya and is known for its important cultural and historic wealth. It has a famous and colorful open-air market where you can find handcrafts, flowers, candles, textiles and ceramics.
The Santo Domingo church was built during the Pre-Hispanic Maya civilization. Is one of the main attractions and is located next to the open-air mar-ket. It opens Thursdays and Sundays.
Chichicastenango celebrates religious rituals which attract observers. On December 8th they celebrate the Day of the Immaculate Conception. They or-ganize processions, fireworks, traditional dances and marimba music.
They have several museums, the Pascual Abaj Mu-seum being the best known for its masks, vases, an-cient ornaments and textiles.
B e a c h e sGuatemala has beaches in the Pacific as well as in the Caribbean Coast. Because of volcanic presence, the beaches on the Pacific have black sand, while the beaches in the Atlantic have white sand.
In the Caribbean Coast you can visit: -Playa Blanca: in the Department of Izabal (Atlantic). Its access is by road or by boat from Livingston or from Rio Dulce or Puerto Barrios. Playa Blanca has some construction restrictions, so there are no hotels available.
Among the important sites to visit are Chochon Machacas, Rio Cocoli, Siete Altares.
-Playa Dorada: Is located in the Department of Izabal, by the Lake Izabal. It is considered by many as an ideal place to spend vacations. It has 8 restaurants which offer mostly seafood.
It has seven small hotels and lodges and only one luxury hotel. You can access Playa Dorada by road.
Regarding the beaches in the Pacific Coast, these have dark sand from over 30 volcanoes. These beach-es are in Puerto Quetzal, Puerto San Jose, Monterrico and Iztapa, 45 minutes from the capital city in the Department of Escuintla
Some of the activities offered in the Pacific Coast include:
SurfingThese beaches are ideal for surf lovers, both na-tional and foreigners.
Whale watchingEvery year hunchback whales migrate to the Guatemalan Pacific Coast looking for warm wa-ters to reproduce. Between the months of De-cember through March there is a possibility of watching these whales. The cost of the tour is approximately US$150.00.
Sports FishingThe pacific Coast is considered one of he best fishing sites in the world, especially for sailfish.
Festival of marine turtles Approximately every three years marine turtles mate in Hawaii and Monterico beaches (both in Guatemala). This interesting event is observed by both Guatemalans and foreigners.
Some of the hotels in the Pacific Coast are:
Hotel Soleil Pacífico: http://www.gruposoleil.com/ hoteles.asp?hotel=2·Pacific Fins Resort & Marina: http://www.pacific fins.com.gt/Default.aspx·Dos Mundos Pacific Resort: http://www.hotels dosmundos.com/monterrico. ·Hotel Cayman Suites: http://www.caymansuites. com.gt/
Q u i r i g u a Archaeolo gical Park
This ecologic park is located in the municipal dis-trict of Loa Amates, in the Department of Izabal, specifically in the region of Valle Bajo of the Mot-agua River. Is the largest in the American Conti-nent, and has the most important remains of the ancient Maya civilization, for example the Maya stellae that were discovered in 1840. In 1981 it was declared as Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Quirigua is located about 4 and one half hours from Guatemala City. It is important to visit the interesting exhibit hall, as well as the Great Plaza and the Acropolis. It is also a favorite place for bird watching.
The Park has many structures to be admired: The Main Center, the Central Plaza, the Ball Court, the Acropolis as well as several monuments.
V e r a p a c e sThis refers to the Departments of Alta and Baja Verapaz. Both have cold climate and an important natural wealth. These are located in the east central part of the country. The Verapaces are two ideal locations for open air activities, trekking and ecotourism. Baja Verapaz is home to the Quetzal, Guate-mala’s national bird.
In the Verapaces there are several interesting destinations, such as:
Coban city in Alta VerapazSemuc Champey also in Alta Verapaz
Biotopo del Quetzal named Mario Dary Rivera in Baja Verapaz: It was established in 1976 by Mario Dary Rivera, and is located between the municipal districts of Purulha and Salama in the Department of Baja Verapaz. It is one of the most important rainforests of Central America, with a diversity of flora and fauna, and is also the home of the Quetzal.The charge is Q20 for foreigners (approximate-ly US$2.50) and Q5.00 for Guatemalans.
M E D I C A L T O U R I S M
During the last few years the country has developed a special characteristic that attracts tourists: medical tourism increases every year. In 2011, some 1,500 persons from the United States, Belize, Mexico, Central America and Europe selected Guatemala as the ideal location for medical treatment. The main reason is that costs for medical services are about 70 percent lower than the rest of the countries.
G A S T R O N O M Y
Guatemalan gastronomy is worth mentioning. Because our country is multi-cultural we find a great variety of food. Most of the traditional food in Guatemala originates from the Maya and is based on corn, peppers and beans. Also Maya food includes spices, herbs and vegetables mixed with ingredients from Spanish gastronomy.
The Ministry of Culture and Sports declared the “jocon de Gallina”, the “kak’ik” the “pepian” and “mole plantains” as part of the Intangible Cultur-al Heritage because these are part of Guatemalan gastronomy and give an identity to the country. This distinction tells foreigners that in addition to Tikal, Quirigua and Antigua Guatemala, all recognized by UNESCO, and garifunas as a live culture, we have traditional flavors and odors unique to Guatemala.
C O M M E N T S O N T O U R I T S I T E S
Finally, Guatemala has received excellent comments in web sites related to tourism, such as:
“Guatemala is a magical place. If you’re into the Maya, the mountains, the markets or a million other things, you’re bound to be captivated. People come and they stay. Or they leave and return. There’s almost too much going on here, and even the shortest trip takes you completely different places, with new challenges and surprises… Antigua, a gorgeous town nestled between three volcanoes, while those travelers seeking more off-the-beaten-track destinations might head to lesser known places like Lago de Izabal or Nebaj, a Maya village hidden in a remote fold of the Cuchumatanes mountains. And sooner or later, just about everyone ends up in the Highlands – Lago de Atitlán being an ir-resistable drawcard. Guatemala’s Maya heritage is everywhere. El Petén’s remote archaeological sites are unmissable; the fascinating town of Chichicastenango adheres to pre-Hispanic beliefs and rituals even now. Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, on the other hand, provides a glimpse into the mysterious Pipil culture, with some interesting carved stone heads and relief scenes to be found in fields and fincas (plantations) around tow.”
“Antigua is among the oldest and most beautiful towns in Guatemala, even the Americas. Its clean air, peaceful atmosphere, pleasant accommodation, lively bar scene and great choice of restaurants make it a favorite place to visit. Although nowadays a bit removed from traditional Guatemalan culture due to its popularity with tourists, Antigua still retains its old charm, with cobbled streets, colonial houses and beautiful surroundings. Set in a valley close to Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes, the town provides stunning views. Most of Antigua’s buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many ruins are well-preserved and open for public viewing. In addition, there are more than 40 language schools with very competitive prices, making it the main destination in Central America for travelers wishing to learn Spanish. The best Easter festivities in the country also take place here.”
A M C H A M
AmCham believes that economic development is essential for achieving progress and well-being. We consider that the key lies in the individual efforts and initiative of each member of society. The rule of law, the respect for property and individual freedom should be guaranteed by all the authorities and are the basic elements to achieve a better lifestyle in the country.
The Guatemalan-American Chamber of Com-merce was established In 1967 as a private non-political, non-profit association integrated by en-trepreneurs interested in serving the community and in promoting investment and trade between the United States and Guatemala.
During 45 years AmCham has promoted trade and investments based on freedom of markets and trade, and rule of law.
Through the years AmCham has become a leader in opinion at the national and international levels and has gained the support and respect of the press, the private sector and the government.
During 2011 AmCham organized several activi-ties such as Job Fairs, Trade Missions, Congress-es, Workshops, Conferences, Training programs, among others, which generated positive news, of which 150 made the press.
AmCham Guatemala operates through member as-sociations and conducts a wide range of activities. It has 474 members that represent Guatemalan and international companies from all productive sec-tors: industry, trade, and services. These members represent over 120,000 employees in the country, and 90 percent of US companies operating in Gua-temala. Companies from other countries include Germany, Mexico and Spain.
AmCham members support the Chamber in all the activities, especially those focused on improv-ing development of the country, and as a result, having a more economically active and responsi-ble society.
AmCham is a member of the Association of Amer-ican Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) which groups over 20,000 Latin Amer-ican companies. AACCLA in turn, is a member of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce. There are 23 AmCham’s in Latin America.
An important achievement of AmCham was the signing of the DR-CAFTA Trade Agreement be-tween Central America, Dominican Republic and the United States. This Agreement promoted even more the cohesion between the six AmCham’s that represent each of the signatory countries, which has resulted in their joining efforts for the benefit of the region.
AmCham’s Board of Directors is integrated by responsible businessmen who are leaders of well known companies in the country and who strive for an effective development of Guatemalan soci-ety in the commercial, economic and investment sectors. In February 2012, the new Board of Di-rectors took office, under the leadership of Jeffry S. Paul as President.
O u r B o a r d
Position Name Company President Jeffry S. Paul BearCom
First Vice-President
Raúl Castillo Zaghi
Cervecería Centroamericana,
S.A. Second
Vice-President Bruce Masters Alameda, S.A.
I Secretary Mario Nathusius Cemaco
II Secretary John Glasgow
CEDS
I Treasurer
Marcelo Bobadilla
Consultant
II Treasurer
Ignacio Silva Innovación
Director Michael Realini
Latin American Resources
Director Nicholas Virzi
Universidad Rafael Landívar
Director José Orive
Arias y Muñoz/ ASAZGUA
Director Alex Torres TACASA Director Bernardo Chacín Citi Director Milton Díaz Microsoft Ex Oficio Director
Brian Jensen Embassy of the United States
Past President Juan Pablo
Carrasco
Díaz-Durán & Asociados- Central Law
Ex Oficio Director
Brian Jensen Embassy of the United States
Past President Juan Pablo
Carrasco
Díaz-Durán & Asociados- Central Law
Executive Director
Carolina Castellanos
AmCham
A m C h a m ’s S t a f f
In 11 years, from a small office located in the Columbus Center (built 30 years ago) we became an office with 325 square me-ters located in the very modern four-tow-er o Europlaza building. From 9 members in 2,001 in our staff, now we have 18 to provide services to our members.
From a budget of US$ 450,000 in 2,001, in 2012 our budget is US$ 1 Million.This year also AmCham chairs ASCABI (the Association of Binational Chambers of Commerce) integrated by chambers fom: Germany, Mexico, India, Spain, Canada, Italy, and the United States.
G r o w t h a n d d e v e l o p m e n t o f A m C h a m
During the last 11 years. As a result of AmCham’s important growth during the years, in this quarter it will expand its facilities to provide more space for meetings, training workshops, visits of entrepreneurs and persons interested in doing business at the national and international levels.
S o m e o f A m C h a m ’ sa c t i v i t i e s i n c l u d e
·14 active Committees
·An average of 5 to 6 events per month (conferences, workshops, seminars, breakfasts, cocktails . . .)
·A stronger Trade Center with highly qualified staff that generates reports, contacts, trade missions.
·Over 474 members.
·9 annual editions of Doing Business in Guatemala, in addition to the Members Directory, membership card, electronic bulletins, etc..
·Over 600 requests per year from persons looking for jobs which translates in more than 4,000 messages to our members
·9 job fairs in Guatemala and 3 in Quetzaltenango
·2 entrepreneurial meetings on Learning about Exports
·6 Regional Security Conventions-OSAC
·5 conventions on legal aspects of human resources.
·10 Gala Dinners “Sabores Unidos” (in conjunction with Fondo Unido de Guatemala (United Way), having raised so far a total of US$350,000.
·Training of close to 200 Judges on Intellectual property
·Two-year training for Labor Inspectors, secretaries and human resources staff of the Ministry of Labor.
·We are in the process of implementing CRM for a better and closer relation-ship with our members to generate more business for them.
·Support to our members who need assistance with Tax Superintendency, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economy, etc.
·Lobbying in Washington D.C. for issues on foreign trade, especially DR-CAFTA and lately, in relation with the labor complaint of the United States against Guatemala.
·We express our opinion in favor or against issues on the Government’s agenda related to investments and trade.
·We defend intellectual property rights, supporting different Government entities, especially the Office of the Registrar of Intellectual Property and the Government Attorney’s Office for Intellectual Property.
·Constant relationship with different Government officials to provide sup-port and maintain an open door in case we need to support a member to resolve an issue.
p r o j e c t s a n d s e r v i c e s •Center to Support PYMES (training, free advice, business ap pointments). •Several training opportunities (workshops, licenses, intra- companies). When we finish we will be equipped to improve the level of training we provide. •Agendas/rounds of negotiations among our members. •Center for legal advice available to members and students. •Video Conferences (in the medium term) to promote webinars, meetings with other countries, meetings of the Commit tees, etc. •More activities organized by the Committees. •Mini-exhibits and rounds of negotiation by sectors, such as jewelry, specialized machinery, etc. •Product launch service and shows for our members targeting specific groups or markets. •An information service that will keep our membership updated on is sues related to foreign trade. We will receive support from FIU (Florida International University). •More frequent meetings with Government officials, such as Ministers, Vice Ministers, Heads of different areas, etc. in our facilities.
O U R P R O P O S A L
W h e n ?AmCham has a vast experience of 45 years. This positions us as an excellent host for the “AAC-CLA MID YEAR MEETING” in June 2013.
H o w ?To obtain excellent results AmCham will need not only the support of its work team, but also the cooperation of 8 additional persons (Uni-versity students interested) to assist with the logistics, and also a company to make the nec-essary arrangements of the event.
W h e r e ?AmCham plans to hold the “AACCLA MID YEAR MEETING 2013” in Guatemala City, specifically in the proposed hotels: Westin Camino Real and Intercontinental Hotels. Following, we will provide information on these hotels. They are located within 150 meters from each other; this is very conveni-ent for the conferences and meetings, as well as for lodging.
We plan to hold a dinner event, in addition to the CEO meeting, in Antigua Guatemala. We have considered the Casa Santo Domingo Hotel and its new Convention Center: Santo Domingo del Cerro.
W e s t i n C a m i n o R e a l G u a t e m a l a H o t e l ( C a p i t a l C i t y o f G u a t e m a l a )
Westin Camino Real Guatemala is described as “the first Five-Star hotel” of the country, as a result of excellent leadership and innovation during the last few years.
It is located in Zone 10, the area of the Zona Viva (the area where you find the best restaurants and night life of the area). Very close you will find interesting attractions such as the National Museum of Modern Art
Its staff is multi-lingual and is available 24 hours a day at the front desk. It also offers:
An International Convention Center, ideal for exhibits and conventions with ample facilities and excellent professional staff. They also offer 28 rooms with a capacity for up to 3,000 persons and 3,250 square meters of space, with wide band Internet in all rooms, simultaneous translation, digital video-conferences and complete audiovisual equipment.
On the other hand, the hotel offers a restaurant, a cafeteria and a bar·El Cafetal: Offers a menu of local and international cuisine, Gastronomic Festivals, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner buffets. On Sundays they offer a Brunch and in the afternoon, Guatemalan food. It is open Monday through Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m
·Café Vienés: Offers European desserts and pastry and Guatemalan coffee in 15 different special-ties. It also organizes Festivals during the year. It opens from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
·Biltmore Bar: Is described as a very casual and sophisticated bar with a wide variety of liquors and live music. It opens from 11:00 a.m. a 2:00 a.m.
The Hotel has a total of 273 rooms, which include standard and executive rooms.
For more information, please visit: http://hotelcaminoreal.com.gt/
R e a l I n t e r c o n t i n e n t a l G u a t e m a l a H o t e l ( C a p i t a l C i t y o f G u a t e m a l a )The Real Intercontinental Hotel is also located in the Zona Viva.
It has 15 floors with 239 rooms and 7 suites. 217 rooms are non-smoking. The rooms for events are in the second and third floors with a capacity of up to 1200 persons.
It is located 300 feet from the Camino Real Hotel. This represents a great advantage for the event and for the lodging of the participants, making a total of 512 rooms between both hotels.
The Hotel allows pets for persons with a special disabilities and offers 6 rooms with parking for disabled persons.
H o t e l C a s a S a n t o D o m i n g oCasa Santo Domingo opened its doors in June 1989. It’s located 45 km. from the capital city (50 minutes by car) and only 10 minutes walking distance from the center of the city of La Antigua Guatemala. It has a tropical climate with an average annual temperature between 55° y 75°F. The warm months are from January up to April and from May up to October is the rainy season.
C H A P E L O F O U R L A D Y O F T H E R O S A R Y According to what writers assure “it was the most beautiful in America”. The no-torious historian Fuentes y Guzmán said: “That the Virgin was in a place as any refined Chapel...” Another historian calls it “the magnificent ...for its grandeur and special decor...being admired by all, worthy of the saintly image”.
Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. you can attend a Rosary prayer and Mass at 10:00 a.m.
R E C R E A T I O N A N D S H O P P I N G
Enjoy a relaxing sauna, jacuzzi or a pleasant moment in our swimming pool – Daily Service Hours – from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.If you are looking to relieve yourself from the stress and pressures of work, enjoy a relaxing massageIn the Hotel installations you will find the following stores:“Jades, S.A.” The first and biggest factory and museum in La Antigua Guate-mala, (Open from Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).Pottery and Wax Workshop.
R E S T A U R A N T A N D B A R
We invite you to take a gastronomical walk through our kitchen where you will be able to select the dish of your choice, to be prepared with all the care and dedica-tion to please the most demanding palate.More than a restaurant, our dining room is a cozy convent’s vault for you to enjoy pleasant moments, in the usual tradition and richness of our fine cuisine.
In the Bar “El Cabildo” we offer a comfortable retreat so that you can enjoy your favourite drinks and appetizers. It is the ideal place for private conversations among friends, business contacts or for a romantic rendezvous. Open from 10:00 a.m. up to 12:00 a.m.For more information visit: www.casasantodomingo.com.gt
C O N D É N A S T T R A V E L E R
January 2010 * Gold List 681 World’s Best Places To Stay - #1 in Guatemala November 2009 * Best in the World - #2 in the Top 10 Central America Hotels.
T R A V E L + L E I S U R E
March 2010 * The 500 World’s Best Hotels (Mexico, Central and South America) Jan 2008 * The 500 World’s Best Hotels (Mexico, Central and South America) November 2007 * Top 100 Readers Choice Awards #2 in the Top 15 Hotels of Mexico and Central america.
W O R L D T R A V E L A W A R D S
North & Central America North & Central America 2009 #1 in the category of “Distinguished Hotels in Guatemala”
“#1 in the Latin American final, Classified for Bocuse D or 2011 (Food & Beverage worldwide con-test)”
SMARTTRAVEL.COM September 2006, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, ranks #6, in a list of the 10 lux-ury hotels in the world
S a n t o D o m i n g o d e l C e r r oWe want to share with you a new space with special charm.
Walk through spectacular gardens, enjoy nature and a diverse collection of contem-porary art from renowned artists of Guatemalan plastic art.
During your visit, make sure to see the heliport, parking for more than 250 cars, aviaries, halls and open spaces where you will be able to organize cultural and social events.For more information visit https://www.casasantodomingo.com.gt/en/del-cerro-antigua-guatemala
Local Guatemalan Airlines (Flights to Flores Petén—Tikal):
•Grupo Taca: www.taca.com
•Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos—TAG: http://www.tag.com.gt/
North American Airlines flying to Guatemala:
•Delta Airlines: www.delta.com
•Continental Airlines: https://pss.united.com/web/enUS/default.aspx?SID
=BE5E46687E0B4D58B0C2F65AC3720822
•American Airlines:http://www.aa.com/international/international-
SplashAccess.do?countryCodeForIP=GT
•United Airlines:https://pss.united.com/web/en-US/default.aspx
Mexican Airlines flying to Guatemala:
•Interjet:http://www.interjet.com.mx/
•AeroMéxico: http://www.aeromexico.com/mx/welcome.html
A I R L I N E S I N G U A T E M A L A C I T Y
South American Airlines flying to Guatemala :
•LAN Chile:http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-
bin/click?id=T95zPMlzf/E&offerid=145196.10000169&type=3&subid=0
•Varig:http://www.varig.com.br/portal/
Central American Airlines flying to Guatemala:
•Copa:http://www.copaair.com/sites/GS/es/Pages/homepage.aspx
•Grupo Taca:www.taca.com
Airlines from the rest of the world flying to Guatemala:
•El Al Israel Airlines:http://www.elal.co.il/ELAL/English/States/General
•Japan Airlines:http://www.jal.co.jp/en/
•Korean Air:http://www.koreanair.com/
We have shown throughout this document why Guatemala is THE place to visit in 2,013: facilities, great places to visit, friendly people, wonderful weather, adequate infrastructure and so much more.
AmCham Guatemala has been growing in the last 10 years. We offer: •Very experienced staff, •Productive, permanent and cooperative relations with other chambers Leadership among chambers in the country •Recognized by the press as opinion leaders in all issues related to interna tional trade and investment •Access, through cooperation, with government officials at different levels.
All of this, and so much more, makes AmCham Guatemala fully capable of hosting AACCLA´s Mid Year Meeting 2,013.
Welcome to Guatemala and discover the secret!!
W e l c o m e t o G u a t e m a l a
G u a t e m a l a n D i c t i o n a r y(Chapinismos)
Hey Guys - MucháCool - ChileroExactly - Cabal
Expression surprise - PúchicaHot Dog - Shuco
Kid - Patojo, wiro, ishtoSandals - Chancletas
Smart, Inteligent - PilasLucky Strike - Chiripa
Blind - ChocoFriend - Mano
Help me - echame una manoShy - Chiveado
Nice, pretty - Chulo Dog - Chucho
Bye - Orale pues Piece of cristal - ChayeCurly hair - Colocho
Jacket - ChumpaCoin - Ficha
Guatemalan = ChapínGuatemala = GuateBBQ = Churrasco
Turkey =ChompipePlease = Porfa
Stuffs = ChunchesHey! = Sht!
Oh, really? = A lo macho?Let’s go = Vamos puesBe careful! = Aguas!I like it = Me llega
I like Guatemala!¡Me llega Guate!
