Welcome to the heart of the majestic Mayan civilization, to the country of the eternal spring, welcome to the country of colours, traditions, volcanoes and incredible nature, welcome to Guatemala! As the birthplace and heartland of the ancient Maya, the country is mostly known for the incredible legacy of this early civilization, which defined the country in many ways. Although their rainforests where abandoned centuries ago, the Mayan people continue to prosper in the Guatemalan highlands, where traditions and religious rituals merge with Catholic practices, forming perhaps the most distinctive indigenous identity in the hemisphere. You can explore this this rich and fascinating culture by visiting archaeological sites such as the famous, ancient Maya city Tikal, enter caves where Maya priests practised and sometimes still practice sacred rituals, explore one of the many indigenous villages and even sleep at the home of an indigenous family to really get to know their lives.
Although this incredible cultural legacy already makes Guatemala a fascinating country to visit, is has even much more beauty to offer. The country is known as the “land of the eternal spring” because it has one of the most pleasant climates on earth, with much of the country enjoying warm days and mild evenings year-round. Nature can almost always be found blossoming. Guatemala also embraces and astonishingly diverse collection of environments, ranging from the permanently moist rainforests and mangroves of the Caribbean coast, to black volcanic beaches at the Pacific and to the exposed altiplano highlands, where the ground can be hard with frost. Its wildlife is correspondingly varied; the vast forests provide a home to both temperate species from the north and tropical ones from the south, as well as a variety of indigenous species found nowhere else in the world. On top of that, the country is home to 37 volcanoes, three active volcanoes and even the highest volcano of whole Central America, Volcan Tajumulco, a majestic giant watching over the continent.
Once again, a warm welcome to this beautiful country!
