Guatemala
America · Central America
Overview
Guatemala lies in Central America, between Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country was once a central region of Maya civilization, and about 40 percent of the population remains of Maya indigenous descent today, with dozens of Maya languages spoken alongside the official Spanish. Guatemala gained independence from Spain in 1821, briefly became part of Mexico, and later joined the Federal Republic of Central America before becoming an independent state. The country is home to about 30 volcanoes, several of which remain active, and this volcanic character shapes both the landscape and the fertile soil.
Tikal, one of the largest excavated Maya cities, with pyramids rising above dense rainforest, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 and was once one of the most significant political and religious centers of Maya civilization. Antigua Guatemala, the country's former colonial capital, with well-preserved Spanish Baroque buildings and views of surrounding volcanoes, including the regularly active Fuego volcano, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The market of Chichicastenango, a hub of the Kʼicheʼ Maya community, known for its traditional textiles and handicrafts, is one of the country's best-known living Maya cultural sites. Guatemala City, the capital, though less of a tourist draw, is home to the National Museum of Archaeology, holding a significant collection of Maya artifacts.
Lake Atitlán, surrounded by three volcanoes and once described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world, is one of the defining natural sights of the Guatemalan highlands, its shores dotted with Maya villages. Pacaya volcano, regularly active, can be reached on guided hikes, allowing visitors to observe ongoing volcanic activity up close. Semuc Champey, a natural limestone bridge over the Cahabón River, with its turquoise pools, is one of the country's best-known natural wonders, though its difficult access keeps it less crowded than major tourist destinations. Local cuisine blends Maya and Spanish influences, with pepián, a spiced meat stew thickened with roasted seeds, and black beans as signature dishes, typically served with corn tortillas.
Map
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Browse all UNESCO sites →Antigua Guatemala
Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance, acquired a number of superb monuments.
Tikal National Park
In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre contains superb temples and palaces, and public squares accessed by means of ramps. Remains of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside.
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
Inhabited since the 2nd century A.D., Quirigua had become during the reign of Cauac Sky (723–84) the capital of an autonomous and prosperous state. The ruins of Quirigua contain some outstanding 8th-century monuments and an impressive series of carved stelae and sculpted calendars that constitute an essential source for the study of Mayan civilization.
National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj
Tak’alik Ab’aj is an archaeological site located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. Its 1,700-year history spans a period that saw the transition from the Olmec civilization to the emergence of Early Mayan culture. Tak’alik Ab’aj had a primary role in this transition, in part because it was vital to the long-distance trade route that connected the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in today's Mexico to present-day El Salvador. Ideas and customs were shared extensively along this route. Sacred spaces and buildings were laid out according to cosmological principles, and innovative water management systems, ceramics, and lapidary art can be found. Today, Indigenous groups of different affiliations still consider the site a sacred place and visit it to perform rituals.
Data: UNESCO WHC · CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Guatemala?
The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City.
What is the area of Guatemala?
The area of Guatemala is 108,889 km².
What is the population of Guatemala?
The population of Guatemala is 18,406,359.
What is the currency of Guatemala?
The currency of Guatemala is Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).
What is the official language of Guatemala?
The official language of Guatemala: Spanish.
What side of the road does Guatemala drive on?
Guatemala: Right-hand traffic.
Is Guatemala a member of the United Nations?
Yes, Guatemala is a member of the United Nations.