The sciences of mathematics, astronomy, agriculture and architecture were astutely developed by the Maya who also made great strides in the complex areas of socio-politics and economics. The hieroglyphics they developed to convey their thoughts have not yet been totally deciphered and are found in their codex, stelae and monuments as well as in the evolution of their ethical, aesthetic and religious thinking.

The epicentre of ancient Mayan civilisation was the region of El Petén in the north. Their legacy can still be found over an area of more than 125,000 square miles and five countries. Today, we still call this El Mundo Maya - the World of the Maya - who lived not only in Guatemala, but in Belize, Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador.

The World of the Maya has many faces: some of them ancient as found carved on towering temples, others as modern as those of the people who live in Guatemala today. They are the descendants of a mighty Maya people whose customs and traditions are still part of the fabric of Guatemalan life.

Culture

Guatemala is rich in diverse indigenous cultures. Over twenty ethnic groups can trace their origins to the Maya. These people live in small highland villages and towns and make up over half the population. The rest of the inhabitants are mestizos - whites that descend from European settlers who arrived during the past four hundred odd years - Afro-Caribbean blacks and others complete the country's diverse ethnic mix.

Guatemala's main attraction is the rich and colourful traditions of its people. Each ethnic group has its own identity expressed in costume, music and dance. Nominally Catholic, their religious practices draw strong influence from ancient beliefs and rituals.

Many of the Indian dialects have a common root derived from the Maya, as do the fantastically colourful textiles and handicrafts.

Fiestas & holidays

Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Sunday Semana Santa
1 May Labor Day
30 June Army Day
15 August Fiesta de Guatemala City
15 September Independence Day
20 October Revolution of 1944
1 November All Saints Day