Corner stores known as tiendas carrying basic food items are common in cities and towns throughout the country. Larger grocery stores are found in Guatemala City and some of the larger cities. Major grocery chains include Paiz (recently acquired by Wal-Mart) and La Torre. Every town and village has a mercado (market), where folks go to buy fruits and vegetables as well as meats. Try to avoid the butcher section if you don’t take well to displays of raw flesh covered with flies. Inquire about the price per pound of any required items instead of just picking up an odd-numbered assortment and then asking how much it is, as that’s the best way to get ripped off.