Guatemala is a country in the Central America that holds many excellent Mayan archaeological sites and many Mayan communities could be found at the pineforested hills of the highlands which are a home to them. Even today you can see these communities wearing traditional weavings. Guatemala has some 21 separate ethnic groups who speak 23 different languages. This country is surrounded by Mexico towards the north and western direction, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeastern side and Honduras and EI Salvador towards the southeastern direction.
The area of this country is 110,000 square kilometres and has a population of about 14,000,000. The capital of this country is Guatemala City. This country is surrounded with a deep background of history. It has mountainous region leaving besides the south coastal area and also the widespread northern lowlands of Peten department. It has wetlands that comprise of 5 lakes, 61 lagoons, 100 rivers and 3 swamps. The Tikal National Park in this country was the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. This country is famous for its distinct fauna. You can see 1246 known species in this country out of which 6.7 percent are endemic and 8.1 percent are threatened. It is a home to nearly 8681 species of Vascular Plants from those 13.5 percent is endemic.
The Maya Biosphere Reserve is the second major forest in Central America with 2,112,940 hectares of land and the first is the Bosawas. The city of Guatemala is a home to many libraries and museums of the nations like the National Archives, the National Library and the Museum of Archeology and Ethnology where you will get a huge collection of Maya artifacts. Few of the private museums in this city are Lxchel, that is rich in textiles and also the Popol Vuh that elaborates the Maya archaeology.
The official language of Guatemala is Spanish and is spoken by 93 percent of the population. As per the religion, 50 to 60 percent of the population could be found Catholic, 40 percent are Protestant and only 1 percent uses the indigenous Mayan religion. It has a unique ecosystem that offers lots of attractions to the people who come here to spend their holidays. As the regions are mountainous, you can find greenery all over and the colours of nature blending with the wonders of this country.
The major attractions of Guatemala are Arcade Tikal Futura, Avenida La Reforma, Beatas de Belen, Biblioteca Nacional, Hemeroteca y Archivo General de Centro America, Centro Civico, Centro Cultural Miguel Angel Asturias, Chuck E Cheese’s Pizza, Divina Providencia, EI Carmen, EI Papa Juan Pablo II, Fuente de la Plazuela Espana, Fun Plaza La Pradera, Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias, Iglesia y Convento de Belen, Jardin Botanico, Jose Maria Reyna Barrios, Justo Rufino Barrios, Mapa en Relieve, Mercado Central and Metro Bowl. All of these attractions cover all the wonders that actually should be called as a tourist destination.
These attractions include all the types like monuments and landmarks, things to do there, National Parks, Religious Buildings, Casinos and the Stadiums, Arenas and Racetracks. Guatemala has so much to offer you right from the picturesque Mayan ruins and steaming volcanoes to the lush jungles. The magnificent beaches of Guatemala provide a good relaxation point to the tourists all over the world. Experience everything what this country is actually offering you. You can get many breathtaking sights at this country, so try all the activities and make your vacation wonderful.
Earlier, the Mayan ruins were the only tourist attraction of this country but today, you have many astonishing attractions that you can explore by taking a tour around the country. The Guatemala Tour will offer you exotic locations like Mountain lakes, indigenous villages, Volcanoes and other destinations. Try some shopping experiences at the well-known Chichicastenango Market. It remains open at every Thursday and Sunday. It is a colorful market where vendors come from around the country just to sell their hand made products. Here you will get high quality items like textiles. Maya women make blouses for women’s here that you can purchase for you. One can easily reach to this market from the Guatemala City, Antigua and Quetzaltenango.
After burning your feet by walking around to explore the market try to burn it more by hiking on the active Pacaya Volcano. The height of it is 8,371 feet and remained active prior to the year of 1965. This could be found close to Lake Atitlan and can take a guide or hike by yourself but should take precautionary measures. And when you get tired just try relaxing on a Black Sand Beach. For that you will get many relaxation points where you can just see the brilliant sunsets. Monterrico is one of the best beaches in the country of Guatemala. So spending a day at this beach will worth a lot to you.
Sightseeing at the city of Guatemala offers many attractions like Minerva Park, Parque Central, National Palace and the Cathedral, sugarcan fields like Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, La Democracia an archaeological site, experience some excellent craftsmanship at Jocotenango where ceramics are famous and San Antonio Aguascalientes where mind blowing handwoven textiles could be found. Head to the city of Momostenango where traditional handwoven ponchos are popular.
To discover the Mayan sites which are the home to the major Maya-carved stelae could also be found, you should visit to the EI Mirador, Uaxactun, IxIu, Yaxha, Aguateca and Quirigua. The ruins of Tikal have widespread pyramid temples, ball courts, causeways, plazas and public buildings. To see the diverse wildlife you should visit the Tikal National Park where howler monkeys, tropical birds, ocelots, jaguars and brocket deer could be found. Here you can experience forest and tropical vegetation that spread at more than 50,587 hectares.
Well, when you get here do not miss the two finest examples of 16th-century and they are baroque architecture in El Progreso: the parish churches of San Agustin Acasaguastlan and San Cristobal Acasaguastlan. You should also visit the town of Esquipulas which is a home to the sacred Basilica of Esquipulas along with itssymbol of the Black Christ dating back to 1594. And finally, the unique highlands in the Western Guatemala must not be left behind which is known as the EI Altiplano in Spanish language.
For accommodation there are plenty of hotels where you can stay and ranges from the luxurious to the moderate one. Many of them throughout the country provide restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Antigua Guatemala is a better option for hotels. Besides these, inexpensive guest houses could be found at every major towns and tourist areas. You should carry lightweight clothes as the temperature varies in every region and also carry jacket or light woollens to wear in the evening time. Once you book your room, just spend little time in resting and then start with a fresh mood to explore the country. The beauties around will make you feel even more fresh ahead.
