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One survivor of the civil war masacres represents the injustice suffered by millions

Almost three decades ago, a young boy, Ramiro Cristales, watched as his family was killed by the Guatemalan army during the most tragic and shameful time in the nation’s history, the brutal civil war that last several decades and would ultimately claim the lives of over 200,000 people – men, women and children. Now, Cristales plans to testify in a humanitarian case against one of the soldiers involved in the massacre that saw his family killed. He represents the unfulfilled justice for those whose remains are still buried in mass graves around the country.

From 1960 to 1996 Guatemala was torn apart by the longest, and one of the most brutal, civil wars in the history of Latin America. To this day, the country is still trying to recover from the weighty and far-reaching effects it had on the country. During the civil war, the dictatorship-leaning government used all forms of repression and power at its disposal to remain in power. Read more

Three different traditions come together in today's Guatemala: a pre-Columbian world of the Maya, a Spanish colonial heritage, a modern, forward-looking society. This diversity is central to the country's great appeal as a tourist destination.

Guatemala City, for instance, is a cosmopolitan capital in every way. Yet, there are remembrances from the 17th century and even Mayan ruins just at the edge of the city.

It is still possible to experience the clamor and color of an outdoor Indian market where handicrafts are made and sold in the same manner as in days gone by.

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