| Highlights |
Guatemala's most interesting old colonial town and the cultural capital is Antigua. Indeed until 1773, when a massive earthquake destroyed the city, Antigua used to be the capital of Central America. Several monuments have survived, namely; the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, church ofSan Francisco and University of San Carlos. The surrounding volcanoes of Volcan de Agua, Volcan de Acatenango and Volcan de Fuego all offer superb views of the city and surrounding countryside.
San Jose is a large fishing port with swimming and fishing facilities; the old Spanish port of Iztapa (now a beach resort) is accessible through the Chiquimulacanal by launch. Momostenango is the country's blanket weaving capital. Tikal is one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites, magnificently located in the heart of Northern Guatemala's Peten rainforest. Sayaxche is good area for wildlife and/or Mayan ruins - the best being Seibal, Itzan, Dos Pilas, Uaxactun and Yaxha. Go fishing or windsurfing on Lago del Izapal,El Peten or the Rio Dulce. Visit Lake Amatitlan, one of the worlds oldest lakes, surrounded by archaeological ruins over 2000 years old. Chichicastenango is located in stunning surroundings and houses arguably the largest and most exciting Indian Market in Guatemala's Western Highlands. On the Caribbean coast lies Livingston, a small town of brightly painted wooden houses, accessible only by boat. The Highlands offer the visitor a chance to experience stunning countryside and the many indigenous villages each with their unique, embroidered clothes and weekly markets. For such a tiny country the variety is outstanding.
Of the Central American countries, Guatemala offers visitors an unparalleled wealth of culture and interest. Colourful Indian settlements, old colonial towns, lush jungles and fascinating Mayan ruins all combine to make this country a fascinating travel destination.
Volcanic activity has created to rugged peaks, alien-looking sulphurous lakes and relaxing hotsprings. Immerse yourself in the ever-present indigenous culture, and it wont be long before you envy the exquisite craftsmanship and rich history of the Mayan people. Exotic flowers, birds and mammals explode from the subtropical forests, and there are spectacular opportunities for wildlife viewing and sporting activities.
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| History |
Records of human habitation in the area go back to the Mayan civilisation in 2000 BC. By the year 400 AD the temple of Tikal (along with Palenque (Mexico) and Copan (Belize)), had been built marking one of the world's more civilised areas. By the end of the 1st century the Toltec Empire had established itself; thus changing the religious practises - involving human sacrifice -and constructions of the Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Tulum and Kabah cities as the population moved away from the highlands and down to the flatter lowlands.
Post-independence Guatemala experienced relative calm amid turbulent Central American politics, though it eventually slid into an exceptionally savage civil war between right-wing military governments and leftist guerrilla movements.
The Guatemalan Civil War ended in 1996 with a peace accord between the guerrillas and the government, negotiated by the United Nations through intense brokerage by nations including Norway and Spain. Both sides made major concessions. The guerrilla fighters disarmed and received land to work. According to the U.N.-sponsored truth commission the government forces and state-sponsored paramilitaries were responsible for over 93% of the human rights violations during the war. Since the peace accords, Guatemala has witnessed successive democratic elections, most recently in 2007.
Modern day Guatemala still experiences difficulties with the mixture of cultures existing today, low life expectancy and considerable violence, particularly noticeable in the capital, Guatemala City. However, as a visitor the rich culture, beautiful scenery and warmth of the people, rather than the country's difficulties, will be at the forefront of your mind.
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| Geography |
Guatemala borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. The country is heavily forested and predominantly mountainous with a stunning string of volcanoes rising above the southern highlands along the Pacific, three of which remain active today.
Guatemala's climate varies according to altitude. The coastal regions and the northeast are hot throughout the year with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) sometimes rising to 37°C (99°F). Generally, nights are clear all year round. In higher climes, near the centre of the country, the rainy season, running from May to September, is characterised by clear skies after abundant rainfall in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures fall sharply at night.
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