Guatemala

Guatemala is a treasure trove of indigenous culture, mysterious Mayan archaeological sites, stunning mountain scenery, tropical forest, active volcanoes and fascinating colonial cities.

Guatemala is located in Central America, just below Mexico. It has borders with El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Belize. Stretching from the Pacific to the Caribbean, Guatemala is the most densely populated country of Central America, with approximately 10 million inhabitants.

Culture is the main attraction — Guatemala is full of the most colourful markets, festivals and pageantry. Spontaneous live music bursts out on the streets, buses and plazas, whilst vivid handmade traditional Maya clothing is used and sold everywhere.

Three different traditions come together in today's Guatemala: a pre-Columbian world of the Maya, a Spanish colonial heritage, and a modern, forward-looking society. This diversity is central to the country's great appeal as a tourist destination.

The national language is Spanish; the Indians in the mountains speak various dialects derived from ancient Mayan languages.