We recently visited Guatemala. As in all our travels we try sending family and friends beautiful postcards from all the places we visit. We found out that Guatemala does not have a postal system in operation since around May 2016.

The country had farmed out its postal services to a private company. I believe it was a Canadian company (it is difficult to find accurate information on this topic.) The company asked for more money and an extension in 2014. The Guatemalan Congress voted against continuing or extending the contract, thus leaving in effect a postal service vacuum in the Central American nation. Some remedies were established: private carriers (DHL, FedEx, Guatex) could deliver some of the local and international mail. But it is extremely expensive to send a letter in Guatemala. I was told that a regular letter would cost about $US10, or around Q70. (Quetzal is the currency of Guatemala. A $US1 would get you about Q7.25 (every where it was rounded to Q7.) I did see a mail box in La Antigua. I asked what would happen if I placed a letter or postcards there. I was told the items would not be delivered.

There are no postage stamps in circulation in Guatemala right now, and I suppose none are being made or issued. The country's postage stamps are quite beautiful. The website, Stampworld.com, carries images of Guatemalan stamps only up to 2012.

I found this image of a 2015 Guatemala stamp on Erik Alvarado's blog: My postcards.

 
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philb

09 Feb 2017
04:57:51pm

re: GUATEMALA POSTAL SERVICE

Poor Guatemala nothing has changed...some years ago Canada post went down to try and help modernize the postal system.At that time mail had been sitting in the Main post office for weeks possibly months without being delivered. I heard that the department for mailing packages was functioning ...but not the mail !

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philb

11 Feb 2017
09:26:19am

re: GUATEMALA POSTAL SERVICE

I would love to go to Guatemala one day...see the lakes and volcanos, i don't think my wife has too much interest in that part of the world..perhaps one of my sons will go with me.

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musicman

APS #213005
11 Feb 2017
09:39:30am

re: GUATEMALA POSTAL SERVICE

Ernie is right -

it's not a very friendly place to wander around in right now.


My friend who is from there is always apprehensive about his trip there each year.







Randy

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re: GUATEMALA POSTAL SERVICE

Guatemala, after a horrific civil war, has celebrated the 25th anniversary of the end of that conflict. There is poverty, indeed, but it seems that every one is doing something: selling, buying, eating, watching street artists, etc. I think one of the worst possible dangers is the traffic. (How about Rome?) One must watch out, a recommendation that applies everywhere.

I wanted to get some Guatemalan postage stamps and the Postal Service debacle made it impossible. And my uninformed impression was that few people really cared. There are many communication towers all over the country, so people get in touch using cell phones. The entire country has been electrified for several years now. Progress is slow, but it is palpable. The civil war bankrupted the nation, and it is still reeling from its horrible devastation: materially and socially.

We went on an guided tour, from Guatemala City to Quirigua and Tikal, to La Antigua and finally to Lake Atitlan, a lake boasting several volcanoes and superb natural views. We met a coffee grower and saw and heard indigenous songs and dances. We had great food and (with due diligence) did not get ill. We walked through the Peten Jungle and stood where the Mayas built pyramids and ball courts. We met the wonderful Guatemalan people in the many places we visited.

 
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