Introduction to Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the country's capital and largest city. In fact, with a population of nearly three million, it's the largest city in Central America.

Guatemala City was founded as the country's third capital in 1776, following the destruction of two earlier attempts by natural disasters -- earthquakes and mudslides. Christened with the unwieldy name of La Nueva Guatemala de La Asunción de la Valle de la Ermita by Spain's King Charles III, it's most commonly known by its simple abbreviation, Guate. Long before the Spaniards moved their capital here, this was the site of the pre-Classic Maya city of Kaminaljuyú, whose ruins you can still visit. The city is set on a broad plateau at an elevation of 1,468m (4,897 ft.) above sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes on all sides.

Despite its well-deserved reputation as a sometimes violent and dangerous place, Guatemala City has a lot to offer travelers. The principal commercial and tourist zones are full of fine hotels and excellent restaurants, and the nightlife found in Zona Viva and Cuatro Grados Norte is the best in the country. The city boasts theaters, art galleries, and several worthwhile museums.

Adoptions

Adoptions of Guatemalan-born children by foreign couples, particularly Americans, is a booming phenomenon. Many of the high-end hotels in Guatemala City have whole floors dedicated to serving adoptive parents as they go through the process.

Guatemala is an attractive choice for international adoption for a number of reasons. There are few restrictions on who can adopt in Guatemala. The government of Guatemala requires only a short visit, and Guatemala is a lot closer to the U.S. than countries in Asia or Africa, where adoptions by foreign nationals are also encouraged.

The number of adoptions in Guatemala continues to grow. In 2005, there were 3,783 adoptions -- a 50% increase from 2003. Recent adoptions have been evenly split between girls and boys, and most of the children are infants under 1 year of age.

As with any important interaction, it goes without saying that you should beware of shady dealers. Tragically, child trafficking in Guatemala is a reality. There are many legitimate organizations (secular and religious) that will coordinate the process for you. Ask to speak to some adoptive parents to get a feel for an agency before making a decision.

The adoption process can be completed in as little as 6 months, but can be expensive. In 1995, country fees were $19,000. This goes toward bureaucratic costs and attorney fees, but also pays for foster care and medical care of your child from acceptance of referral until the adoption is finalized.

Prospective parents are required to complete a dossier outlining their qualifications. After the documents are translated, the couple is paired with a child, or "referral." When the prospective parents accept a referral, the power of attorney is given to a lawyer in Guatemala, who acts on their behalf throughout the process. The child and the birth mother are then DNA tested in an effort to guard the child and the birth mother against baby trafficking. The attorney will meet with the birth mother four times during the adoption process. The attorney then petitions the official governmental adoption office for approval.

Upon approval, a decree is written, the infant becomes the child of the adoptive parents, and the parents travel to Guatemala to meet their child. The adoption is then complete. Some parents make several trips in advance to meet the child and lay some groundwork.

Not surprisingly, there are U.S. Department of Immigration requirements as well. The main document is the I-600A. However, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala is accustomed to working with prospective adoptive parents, and they are quite helpful throughout the process.