Guatemala

Central American country of volcanoes and Mayan culture.

Guatemala extends to about 108 thousand square kilometers in Central America. It borders with Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador, and has access to the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Two mountain ranges divide the country into three main areas: the mountainous central part, the Pacific coast and the northern region Peten, which mutually differs in climate and altitude.

The country has 13 million inhabitants, and most of them are descendants of Mayan and European settlers. The economy of this former Spanish colony is based on agriculture, specifically the export of coffee, bananas, vegetables and flowers. The capital and largest city – Ciudad de Guatemala – was built on the ruins of a Mayan village Kaminaljulju. It is situated in the mountain valley Valle de la Ermita in the south central part of the country, and it represents a major political and economic center of the country.

Guatemalan cuisine strongly resembles the neighboring Mexican cuisine, but it is more moderate when it comes to spices. Here they like to eat corn tortillas stuffed with vegetables, meat and seafood, rice with beans, meat soups and other Central American specialties. Food is served with an inevitable beer, rum and tequila.

5 memorable tourist attractions of Guatemala:

1. Mayan culture

History lovers go to Tikal National Park in the northern region Peten. Within the park there is one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites, which is under the protection of UNESCO. Tikal gathers two stepped pyramids, numerous palaces and temples that emerge from the stunning tropical vegetation.

2. City-museum

Explore Guatemala’s colonial architecture in Antigua which is located in the central mountainous region of the country. Remains of churches and other buildings from the period of Spanish rule are visible on every step so this place is called the city museum. Spectacular scenery is completed with three volcanoes that surround the city.

3. Volcanoes

Around thirty volcanoes are situated on the Guatemalan territory and four of them are active. The highest part of Guatemala, but also of the whole Central America is an active volcano Tajumulco which is situated in the west of the country at 4220 meters above sea level. It is a favorite tourist destination, to which you can climb – but with the help of professional guides.

4. Basilica of the Black Christ

Toward to the border with Honduras, lies the town Esqipulas. It is a known destination because of the Basilica of the black Christ, which dates back to the late 16th century. Pope John Paul II named it the spiritual center of Central America.

5. Water activities

The most popular beach of Guatemala – Monterrico – is situated along the Pacific coast, and is an ideal destination for lovers of swimming and sunbathing on the volcanic sand. If you prefer splashing and fishing in the (volcanic) lake refer to Atitlan in the west of the country.