Armed conflict in Guatemala

The situation of ex-military personnel in Guatemala during the armed conflict was complex. Many of them joined the armed forces for a variety of reasons, including the legal obligation to serve, social and family pressure, and the search for economic stability. However, there were also cases of forced recruitment, especially in rural communities. In general, each individual’s story may vary, and many ex-military personnel have different accounts of their recruitment and participation in the conflict. During the tour you have the opportunity to listen to one of these accounts and ask questions.

The experience of being a guerrilla during the armed conflict in Guatemala was intense and complicated. Many guerrillas joined the struggle motivated by ideals of social justice, human rights and opposition to the oppression of the military government. Life as a guerrilla meant being constantly on the move and living in difficult conditions. This included camping in remote areas, facing adverse weather and subsisting on limited resources. Guerrillas received military and political training and were organized into cells. Group discipline and cohesion were essential to their survival and effectiveness. The life of a guerrilla was full of dangers. There was a risk of capture, wounded or killed in combat, as well as the constant fear of reprisals from the army. During the tour you visit an agrarian community, made up of 32 families of former guerrilla fighters. You have the opportunity to ask questions and listen to their version of the armed conflict during the tour and walk together along one of the ecological trails.