Mangroves are a type of forest located in coastal areas of tropical and subtropical regions. Their characteristics allow them to be highly productive. They provide ecosystem services such as: Refuge and habitat of wild flora and fauna (rich biodiversity) Food source and supply of nutrients to other species (fish, crustaceans, birds, reptiles, etc.) Carbon capture…
El dilema de la primavera en Guatemala: ¿Es realmente eterna?
Tanto en Guatemala, como en el extranjero, los guatemaltecos reconocemos con orgullo a nuestro país como el de la eterna primavera. Sin embargo, existen muchas probabilidades de que la mayoría de nosotros no identifique cuando ocurre esta estación. ¿Será porque todo el año vemos flores que no la reconocemos, o bien, que muy pocas veces…
The Mesoamerican Christmas tree: Pinabete (Abies guatemalensis Rehder.)
Abies guatemalensis Rehder is a species of pine (family Pinaceae) that commonly receives the name of Pinabete, Romerillo, or Pinabete of Guatemala; In Mayan languages, it is known as Pashaque, Tz’in chaj, Pajchac, and Paqtxaq (INAB & MARN, 2017; INAB, 2019). Its natural distribution includes México (Jalisco), Guatemala, El Salvador and part of Honduras (Lempira).…
Aldea Plan Grande Tatín
On our way, one hour by 4×4 drive to the village Tatin, we saw four Heliconia species, reptiles, and many native flower species like guarumo. There were hummingbirds, Oropendola birds, and toucans. It was indeed a paradise location, perfect to go on an adventure and to get to know more about Guatemala and it’s magical…
Guatemalan pumpkins
The main symbol of the Halloween tradition is pumpkin. Although October 31 is not a traditional celebration date for Guatemala, we know how it is celebrated in other countries. Pumpkins are something significant for the date. Orange and with monstrous carved faces. Do you know that in Guatemala we also have pumpkins? Although they are…
Why is Ceiba so important in our country and the Americas?
Ceiba is one of the largest trees in the tropics, measuring up to 70 meters high and its roots up to 5 meters deep. It is a tree that we can find in most places in the towns of Guatemala. It was declared a National Tree on March 8, 1955. It is also very common…