Guatemala Overview
By Rachel Newcombe
The Republic of Guatemala in Central America is a country steeped in culture and history, boasting impressive Mayan ruins and relics of ancient temples.
It nestles between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, bordered by Belize to the northeast, Mexico to the north and Honduras and El Salvador on the southeast. Most of the country is characterized by dramatic mountainous landscapes and the climate is hot and tropical. The exceptions are the flatter south coastal areas and the lowlands of Peten, in the north.
The major cities – Guatemala City, Escuintla and Quetzaltenango – are all in the south. The thriving capital, Guatemala City, is divided into Old and New parts, plus has 21 different zonas. It may take a while to get your bearings, but there’s plenty to explore. The main square, with its palace and cathedral, is worth a look, plus the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología, which contains a huge collection of Mayan artefacts, is a must-see. The markets in Escuintla and Quetzaltenango are a great for finding traditional crafts and textiles, rich in Mayan influences.
No visit to Guatemala is complete without seeing the Tikal National Park, in the jungle of El Petén. Covering 222 square miles, it’s an important cultural and natural reserve. The park contains over 4,000 plazas, temples and structures dating from the pre-classical period (800 BC) to the post-classical period (900 AD).
The country has active volcanoes and has been hit by earthquakes and hurricanes, but it’s well worth a visit on any trip to Central America. Go!
