Guatemala Overview

Guatemala contains Central America’s most diverse landscape and the starkest class division in the region. Crisp mountain peaks, towering volcanic ridges, thick rainforest, and mellow Caribbean ports all coexist within Guatemala’s borders. Home to the strongest modern Maya presence in Central America (around 46% of the population), Guatemala is also highly urbanized, with over 40% of the population living in cities. Nevertheless, a two hour bus ride from the frenzy of Guatemala City transports you to the rolling western highlands where Maya women in colorful traditional garb weave huipiles on the volcanic shores of Lake Atitlán. In many highland villages, travelers will find that Spanish can take them only so far—each of Guatemala’s 23 Maya populations has its own language. Take it from the swarms of returning travelers: Guatemala is the place for culturally adventurous travel in Latin America.

• Planning Your Trip

Entrance Requirements  Passport . Required for all visitors. Visa. Not required for citizens of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand for stays of up to 90 days. ...more

• Cultural Essentials

Maya Have Your Attention? (Dawn Of Time-Ad 1523). The first settlers of Guatemala were the ancestors of the great Mayan civilization that dominated the land until the Spanish arrived in the 16th century ...more