“The main point is to enhance the Taiwan-Guatemala relationship. We don't want to just be known as a country with official relations with the Republic of China; we want to be known. Trade and cultural exchanges can bridge that gap,” said Farfan.

When it comes to political allies, Guatemala ranks among the most loyal to Taiwan. The Latin American nation steadfastly retains diplomatic ties with the island while Presidents Oscar Berger and Ma Ying-jou have made public visits to the others' respective countries with the intention of improving relations. It has been three years since the two countries signed a free trade agreement.

The main export of Guatemala to Taiwan is a deliciously aromatic coffee, one that can be found at the popular 85°C Bakery Café. Apart from that, what else can the average Taiwanese do for a taste of Guatemala? Farfan believes that people here would thoroughly enjoy visiting his country.

“Guatemala and Taiwan are completely different in terms of culture and the main difference is the long history Guatemala possesses,” said the ambassador.

By that he is referring to the Maya civilization, the ancient and culturally dynamic pre-Columbia population that dates back to 2000 B.C. The customs and historic sites of the Mayans have been painstakingly preserved; although Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, almost 22 Mayan languages are currently in use. Adventures on Guatemala's jungle trails that lead to lost Maya cities serve as one of the main attractions in the world.

“There are so many artifacts and historical sites still being discovered in Guatemala,” said Farfan. “In fact, new Maya ruins were discovered in El Mirador.” The ruins, reportedly one of the largest Maya settlements, contain some of the most striking examples of Preclassic Maya and are currently closed to the public.

Movie-fanatics may recall the blockbuster “Apocalypto,” directed by actor Mel Gibson, an epic story depicting the decline of what many view as the Maya civilization and follows one Mesoamerican's journey to escape human sacrifice and save his family.

Farfan claims to be a fan of the movie but warned, “Don't use the film to understand Mayan culture! Mel Gibson loves action; Mayans are polytheistic and have a lot of traditions and rituals of worship; those rituals depicted in the movie are a little different from the real culture.”

He added: “Two years ago, Mel visited Guatemala and apparently he liked it a lot. He really enjoyed himself.”

Listing the places people will most certainly enjoy visiting, Farfan described El Petén, in northern Guatemala, as being the richest area of Mayan culture while Tikal is a famous location for national treasures.

“There are direct flights to Tikal. The weather is beautiful. Antigua also has beautiful colors and lakes, with old colonial architecture that is considered a wonderful attraction.”

Live volcanoes often serve as a backdrop to the beauty of Antigua, which have regular hiking tours. Surrounding the volcanos are natives of the land, where one can observe their way of life. “Taiwanese people like to hike. Climbing a volcano is one of the most adventurous things,” said Farfan.

In Guatemala City, Farfan recommends shopping at Central Market and visiting the National Palace and the Miguel Asturias Cultural Center, the namesake of which is the 1967 Nobel Prize winner in Literature.

A leisure trip can yield good business prospects also. The Guatemala Embassy is currently involved with the “Taiwan International Travel Fair” at the World Trade Center, where trade members, corporate leaders and members of the tourism industry converge to discuss the travel market.

“I believe that trade is a good way to improve the relationship between the countries,” said Farfan of the event. “But you might be unaware of things you would like to import, hence why we encourage businesses to tour our country — you will come in contact with all the things we have to offer.”

As a further incentive, in these economically trying times, visiting Guatemala can be done on a tight budget.

“Europe is also a beautiful place with a rich history, but it is cheaper to travel to Guatemala. Our hotels are very nice and we have a rich culture, so why not be economical with your travel?” Farfan asked.

“There is something for everyone in Guatemala.”