The best living example of classical Mayan culture exists in the Central American country of Guatemala; and its former grandness is seen in the ancient ruins of Tikal, and rituals of Chichicastenango. Sleep soundly in a HotelTravel.com-reserved room.

Guatemala is a fascinating mixture of ancient Mayan culture, dramatic landscapes, and a wide variety of indigenous cultures. Full of mountains, jungles and ancient lakes, Guatemala has much to offer visitors. Bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the country sits at the very centre of the ancient Maya empire. Guatemala’s rich history is reflected in the existence of over twenty ethnic groups speaking over twenty languages.
Guatemala, long an active earthquake region, boasts massive volcanoes and impressive geological formations all dotted about virgin jungles. Eco-tourism is a big draw for Guatemala, with its vast variety of fauna and flora, some of them exotic. Spectacular Mayan monuments lend an air of mystery, and the highlands are still filled with Mayan communities that still live a lifestyle their ancestors did, even wearing traditional weavings.
In Guatemala City one can find many top class hotels, many of them internationally-branded, offering a wide choice of amenities and services. The city itself is modern and fairly large, over a million inhabitants, with plenty of dining and shopping available all around. Sundown brings out a thriving nightlife, as the city comes alive with the colours and spirits of its ancient Mayan ancestors.
- About Guatemala
- Activities for Children in Guatemala
- Airports in Guatemala
- Car Hire in Guatemala
- Christmas in Guatemala
- Esquipulas in Guatemala
- Flight to Guatemala
- Flores Airport
- Guatemala Accommodation
- Guatemala Bank
- Guatemala City Airport
- Guatemala Climate
- Guatemala Culture
- Guatemala Currency
- Guatemala Food
- Guatemala Golf Courses
- Guatemala History
- Guatemala Immigration
- Guatemala Information
- Guatemala Restaurant
- Guatemala Sports
- Guatemala Time
- Guatemala Tour
- Guatemala Vacation
- Guatemala Visa
- Guatemala Weather
- Holy Week in Guatemala
- Huehuetenango
- La Antigua Guatemala
- La Aurora National Zoo
- La Quema del Diablo
- Lake Amatitlan
- Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
- Lake Peten Itza
- Revolution Day in Guatemala
- Scuba Diving in Guatemala
- Shopping in Guatemala
- Sports in Guatemala
- Things to do in Guatemala
- Tikal National Park
- Volcanoes in Guatemala
- Western Guatemala
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Guatemala boasts some of the most spectacular Mayan archaeological sites in the world as well as some of the last remaining Mayan communities, who constitute over half of the population. The country is home to approximately 21 different ethnic groups speaking over 23 languages, making it one of the most varied populations in the world.

While the country doesn’t offer an abundance of theme parks or man-made children’s attractions, Guatemala does offer some stunning natural attractions and big expanses of green area where the children can run around and release some pent-up energy. The country’s national zoo is one of the best in the region and has lots of information and fun facts about native animals. The large water park is a huge hit with children of all ages. It is ideal for a family day trip and will also teach the kids a little bit about indigenous cultures.

New Year’s Day
Guatemalans celebrate this national holiday the same way as they celebrate all of their holidays, with lively music, colourful costumes, plenty of local hooch (usually cane alcohol) and fireworks. Locals wear new clothes which is hoped to bring good luck for the coming year and the gather in the centre of each town before the street parties begin.
A trip to Guatemala allows visitors the chance to explore cities which are culturally and historically important as well as the chance to see an abundance of Mayan ruins and experience Mayan life. You will also find nature reserves, ancient capitals, religious icons and active volcanoes within easy reach. It is this variety that makes the country so interesting and guarantees that whatever your taste, you’ll be spoilt for choice with regards to sightseeing opportunities.
Air
Flying into Guatemala City International Airport is one of the major gateways into the country. It is also the most convenient and often is the quickest way to travel. The country’s national airline is TACA, although a number of other airlines serve the airport. These include: American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Iberia and United Airlines.
The national currency of Guatemala is the quetzal (GTQ). One quetzal is equal to 100 centavos. Notes can be found in denominations of GTQ100, 50, 20, 10 and 5; while coins come in denominations of GTQ1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. The US Dollar became an official currency in 2001.
































