Name:_____________________________ Date:_____________________________
Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan World
1. How many volcanoes are in Guatemala’s “belt of fire?”
2. Why didn't the Mayans climb the surrounding mountains?
3. What is Semuc Champey National Monument?
4. What can be found in Tikal National Park? What makes it a place of interest? How many Mayan
structures are found in the ancient city located there?
5. When did Tikal and its surrounding region serve as a centralized location for Mayan politics, military,
and economic structure?
6. When did Antigua Guatemala serve as the nation’s capital? Why is it currently a favorite for destination
weddings?
7. What events caused a change in the capital city?
8. How is Holy Week celebrated in Guatemala?
9. What is produced in Almolonga? How much of Guatemala’s food supply is sourced here? What is
special about their agricultural products?
10. What is one of the main products cultivated in Guatemala? What does Pedro Esquit Ixabalán attribute
to making his product so flavorful?
11. What surrounds Lake Atitlán?
12. How and why is corn important in traditional Mayan culture?
13. List at least four types of animals living in the Guatemalan jungle:
1)____________________________ 2) ___________________________ 3)___________________________
4)____________________________
14. What was the most important gemstone worn by Mayans? What is it believed to represent?
15. Were the ancient Mayan cities autonomous (independent and self-governing) or ruled by one
centralized government?
16. What is “syncretism?” How is it characterized in Guatemala?
17. What are Nahuales?
18. What is Manuel Chub Chub’s work within CONAP?
19. Who are the Quiché people?
20. What are the main influences of Guatemalan cuisine?
21. What is Tapado? Who are the Garifuna people*? *(Do a bit of your own research to answer part 2 once
the video is finished)
22. Why is Guatemala an ideal location for rum production?
23. What can be found in the Guatemalan city of Quetzaltenango?
24. Why does Barbara Padilla enjoy doing and why?
25. Why didn’t the ancient Mayans climb the mountains?
26. How many volcanoes are found in Guatemala?
27. How tall is the waterfall Salto de Chilascó?
28. How is the quetzal represented in Guatemalan culture?
29. What is known as the “best kept secret” in the Mayan world?
30. What is La Danta?