Witnessing the Mayan relics at Guatemala

The Republic of Guatemala is a small country located in Central America. It is bordered by Belize in the northeast, Honduras and El Salvador in the southeast, Mexico to the north and west while the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea wash its shores in the southwest and east, respectively. Guatemala is spread over an area of 1,10,000 square kilometres while its population is estimated at 1,32,76,517. Guatemala is the seventh largest state in North and Central America. National capital is Guatemala City and national currency is Quetzal. Spanish and Maya are the major languages spoken in Guatemala. The ISD code of Guatemala is 502 while the time zone of the country is GMT minus 6 hours. Guatemala had received independence from the Spanish in September 1821.

The ‘Maya’ factor:

Guatemala is truly a beautiful place in terms of history and nature. It is the place where once the Mayas thrived and even today the relics of the glorious civilization of the yesteryears stands as top draw for the tourists.

El Petén’s remote Maya archaeological sites are a must see while the town of Chichicastenango still adheres to the pre-Hispanic beliefs and rituals. Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, on the other hand, gives a glimpse into the Pipil culture.

Geography:

Most of Guatemala is mountainous, barring the southern coastal area and the northern lowlands of the department of Petén. All the big cities of Guatemala are located in the highlands and the Pacific coast region while Petén is less populated. The geographical variation leads to marked difference in climate and landscape as well. Volcán Tajumulco (4,220 metres high) is the highest peak in Central America.

Polochic, Dulce, Motagua and Usumacinta River are some of the rivers in Guatemala. Guatemala is a country of great biological diversity.

Climate:

Guatemala witnesses cool climate in December to February while March and April are the hottest and the driest months. Monsoon hits this part of the world Best time to visit: Winter is the ideal time to visit Guatemala while it is advisable to avoid the monsoon time. High humidity, muddy surroundings and mosquito stings are the low points of the monsoon season. Highlands are cooler and damp during winter nights and comfortably hot during summer. The tourist inflow here is the highest around the Christmas and Easter’s as well as around June to August when a high number of students arrive here for studying Spanish.

Reaching Guatemala:

Guatemala can be reached by air from Australia and New Zealand (one can make a Sydney-Guatemala City-Sydney trip by making 2,700 Australian Dollars), the USA, Canada (routings go via USA), Mexico, El Salvador, Cuba, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Equador as well as from various European cities like London and Frankfurt. Guatemala is also connected to Anitgua by air.  The Guatemala City is home to La Aurora International Airport (6 km south of Guatemala City). Airport shuttle bus service links the airport with the city.

Top attractions of Guatemala:

• Tilapita (little beach town)
• Quetzaltenango (a top spot for relaxing and study Spanish)
• Monterrico (cruise and turtle-watching at this coastal place)
• Chichicastenango (home to Central America’s oldest market)
• Lago de Atitlán (volcano-ringed mountain lake)
• Antigua (Guatemala’s most cosmopolitan city)
• Lívingston (a fascinating Caribbean enclave where one can get absolved in the captivating Garífuna culture)
• Quiriguá & Copán (known for Mayan stone works)
• Nebaj (known for highland trails and visiting traditional Ixil Maya villages)
• Tikal (once a major urban point of the Mayas)
• Piedras Negras (known for the jungle trip)
• Grutas de Lanquín & Semuc Champey (explore tha caves and the limestone pools)
• El Mirador (ancient city)

Hotels:

• At Tikal:
  Camino Real, Peten Esplendido, La Lancha, Jungle
• At Antigua:
  El Convento, Casa Santo, Domingo Porta Hotel and others
• At Guatemala City:
  Intercontinental, Quinta Real, Clarion Suites, Westin Camino Real, Holiday Inn and others