Guatemala

Guatemala

Guatemala is a small country with a fabulous history and incredible geographic diversity. In an area around half the size of the UK, Guatemala contains beautiful mountains and volcanoes, lakes, jungle, and Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. It borders Mexico to the north, Honduras and Belize to the east, and El Salvador to the southeast, with the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The country was the heartland of the Maya for thousands of years, and during the Maya civilisation’s heyday, from 250 AD to 900 AD, the great Maya city-states, such as Tikal in northern Guatemala, reached their peak. Here, in the middle of the jungle, great temples, plazas, and palaces were built by a sophisticated culture with complex astronomy and writing. Tikal, one of Central America’s most impressive complexes, remains especially well-preserved.

During the 16^th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived in Guatemala and founded Antigua, the third capital (after moving from Iximché and the Almolonga Valley). The city, which remained the capital until 1773, is uniquely surrounded by three volcanoes. During its more than 200 years as the power centre of much of Central America, many of its schools, churches and monasteries were constructed, and no expense was spared. The city retains much of this architecture and colonial charm. It earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1979, recognising its historical significance and natural beauty.

Guatemala City was established as the capital in 1775 after an earthquake in Antigua, and today, around 20% of the country’s 20 million or so residents live in its greater metropolitan area. The city is divided up into 22 zones, with the historic centre (zone 1) home to a number of attractions and historical buildings, including the President’s House.

Lake Atitlan, around 125 km west of Guatemala City, is encompassed by volcanoes and steep hills, and surrounded by traditional Maya communities, mostly the Kaqchikel and the Tz'utujil people. It is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful lakes for its rich heritage, adventurous location and dramatic landscapes.

Currently, no direct flights operate between Guatemala and the UK, and the most convenient option is to fly via the USA. Including a layover, the journey time tends to take between 15 and 18 hours. Depending on the time of year, Guatemala is either 6 or 7 hours behind the UK.

Our Guatemala FAQs answer the most common queries we hear from customers considering a holiday to Guatemala. If you are ready to explore our small group, great value tours of Guatemala, you can do so here.