About Guatemala

Guatemala is known for have a high concentration of sights and activities from coast to coast.  From the highest active volcanoes, to the most impressive Mayan ruins, from high mountains and dense cloud forests, to unique flora and fauna, Guatemala offers both variety and quality. Guatemala is also home to beautiful beaches on the Pacific as well as the Caribbean coasts.  The combination of rich culture and abundant nature makes Guatemala a spectacular place for anyone to visit.

 

 Mayan Culture
Guatemala is home to one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known, the Maya. Although Mayan culture spans several countries, Guatemala is the geographic center of their empire. This is why Guatemala is known as the Heart of the Mayan World. The Maya achieved great success in mathematics, astronomy, architecture and arts among other things. All aspects of that great civilization are deeply embedded in the hearts of the Guatemalan people and the thousands of Maya descendants that still live here today. . 

Wonders of nature
Guatemala's flora includes more than 8,000 species of plants in 19 different ecosystems ranging from the mangrove forests on both coasts to the pine forests of the mountainous interior and the cloud forests at higher altitudes. Guatemala has more than 30 protected areas, including National Parks and Biological Reserves. With its 19 different ecosystems, Guatemala also has an abundance of animals. They include 250 species of mammals, 600 species of birds and 200 species of reptiles and amphibians along with many species of butterflies and other insects.

 

 

When travelling to Guatemala

The Climate in Guatemala varies according to season, geography and altitude. In general, the best time to travel is November through April (the dry season). Along with summer holidays, however, it's also the busiest. The wet season (from May to October and until November/December in the north and the east) may restrict some activities and make some roads difficult. It can be worthwhile planning your trip for this time of year, particularly as you'll be more likely to pick up accommodation bargains and avoid the flock of tourists in the high season

 Weather

The Pacific coast swelters year-round, with temperatures often hovering around 38°C (100°F). Depending on the altitude, the highlands are pleasantly warm during the day but can be freezing at night. During the rainy season the mountain areas tend to be damp and chilly, but dry and warm during the dry season. The climate in the lowland jungles of El Peten varies only from hot and humid to sweltering and dry. In the rainy season, the mud can make roads and walking tracks very messy.

 

General Information

Inhabitants: 13.000.000
Area of Guatemala:  108.890 km? , 42.043 square miles
Money: Quetzal (GTQ)
Spoken languages: Spanish, Mayan, Xinca, Garifuna, plus 18 minor Mayan languages.
Borders with : Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico
Capital: Guatemala
Typical products: Guatemalan handicraft
Voltage: 115-125 V / 60Hz
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -7

How to get there

From Europe

Direct flights are operated only by Iberia (from Madrid), although there are many flights daily operated via United States: British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, Continental, US Airways, United, Virgin Atlantic, via Panama: KLM, via Venezuela: AirFrance, Alitalia
There are also many daily and relatively inexpensive flights from Europe or United States to Costa Rica from which Guatemala can be reached daily by Mexicana, Copa or Latsa airlines.

From United States and Canada:

British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, Continental, US Airways, United, Air Canada