Come enjoy Guatemala!

“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.

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