Guatemala counts with many natural resources, an extraordinary cultural richness as well as a privileged geographic location. The distances from place to place are so short that you can visit different regions during the same trip. Between its past and present, it is a unique country, full of adventure and diverse activities for every visitor.
Guatemala is known as the country of the eternal spring, its fair weather allows you to visit it in any time of the year. It also offers various accesses from any part of the world by its two international airports: La Aurora, located in the city and Mundo Maya, located in Petén.
The colorful handicraft markets and regional costumes, the hospitality, and the beauty of the landscapes that frame the volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and mountains make Guatemala a place to be kept in the visitors` heart. Not to mention that the natural, cultural and historic heritage is evident in every corner of the country.
Guatemala holds most of the archeological sites of the Mayan culture which are surrounded by and impressive flora and fauna, and are considered true lungs of the humanity. The magic and mystery of the Mayan world subsist in millenary cities like Tikal, Yaxhá, Aguateca, Mirador, Quiriguá, and Q´uma´rkaj among others.
Additionally, Guatemala offers advantages for some specific segments in tourism; like its strategic location and the facilities in its land and maritime terminals which make it an important destination for cruise ships from the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts. Its pacific coast resources make Guatemala as one of the best places of the world to sailfish fishing. By its More than 720 species of birds, Guatemala is a wonderful and important destination for birdwatching; besides, the country has all the characteristics to do business activities, and is also the ideal place for national and international conventions.
The richness and diversity of Guatemala offer you many ways to enjoy your vacations or business travel, since you may find different tourism segments along its seven wonderful regions.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Official Name: Republic of Guatemala.
Mayan Name: Quauhtemallan, place where trees abound.
Boundaries: North and Westward with MexicoSoutheastward El Salvador and HondurasSouthward with the Pacific OceanNortheastwards with Belize and Caribbean Sea.
Extension: 108,889 kilometers.
Surface: The 82 % of the territory is made of slopes and highlands. It has more than 35 volcanoes of which 13 comply with the necessary conditions and two mountain ranges cross the country.
Population: 13,344,770 habitants (2007).
Political division: 22 departments.
Capital: Guatemala City.
Currency: Quetzal.
National Holiday: September 15th, Independence Day.
Schedule: GMT-6:00.
Country code: +502.
Internet domain: .gt.
International dialing: 00+country code+ area code+ phone number
Geography
The Guatemalan territory has an extension of 108,889 kilometers. It is furrowed by numerous rivers and is covered by tropical jungles, woody plains, and many lakes. The low jungles in the North of Petén are rich in wilderness, fine wood, rubber trees and petroleum. Two mountain ranges cross the country. One is the Niquihil of Sierra Madre in San Marcos, and the other in Huehuetenango. Both form the biggest elevation in Central America.
The volcanoes in the country are a characteristic feature. Three of them remain active. That offers spectacular landscapes. Cavers enjoy exploring the numerous caves that expand many kilometers underground and where huge stalactites, stalagmites, and other unusual rock formations cover the beautiful structures. It is worthy to mention that the access to such caves is by underground rivers.
