Geography
Sandwiched between Mexico to the North and El Salvador to the South, Guatemala is a relatively small country with a land area of 109,000 square kilometres or 42,042 square miles. Located in the tropical zone, the country contains a striking variety of topographic features. Nearly two-thirds of the country is mountainous and volcanic. The spine of upper central America is the Sierra Madre mountain range which runs parallel to the Pacific coast. The southernmost extension of the range stretches into Guatemala with peaks which rise to 3600 metres in the Cuchumatanes region. 33 volcanoes dominate the landscape, many of them active and some spectacularly so. South of the Cuchumantes lies the now extinct Volcan Tajumulco, at 4220 metres/ 13845 ft, the highest point in Central America. To the north and East of this highland area, the farmland quickly gives way to lush tropical rain forests known as the ‘Peten’. In the far northeast, close to the border with Belize, the World Heritage site of Tikal contains well preserved Mayan architecture over a large area. These regions of highland and forest, together with the humid and fertile Pacific slopes in the south, and the river-ribboned Caribean coast, make this a land of varied contrasts.

History
The history of Guatemala can be broken down into three well-defined periods:

Pre-Spanish Colonial Rule. During this very interesting period Guatemala was at the heart of the ancient Mayan World. The Mayan Culture flourished between 2000 B.C. and 900 A.D. and has left an exceptional wealth of archeological remains with impressive temples and abandoned, hidden jungle cities scattered around the countryside.

Spanish Colonial Rule. The conquistador, Pedro de Alvarado was as ambitious and brutal as Cortes and within two years of his arrival in Guatemala in 1524, he had conquered all the main tribes. He founded the first capital of Guatemala at Iximche (presently Tecpan). From there it moved to Amolonga (Ciudad Vieja) in 1527 and to Antigua in 1543. This was now the seat of government of the Capitancy General of Guatemala, controlling an area which stretched from Yucatan to Panama (most of Central America). Agriculture and livestock were the major economic activities and Antigua enjoyed a period of splendour, until it was destroyed in 1773 by an earthquake. The capital was then moved to Guatemala City where it remains to this day.

Independence from Spain. Along with other nations in Central America (after Napoleon’s invasion of Spain) Guatemala became a member of the United Provinces of Central America. It then succeeded from this federation in 1839, and was proclaimed a Republic in 1847. Since independence, Guatemala has had a chequered history with a series of revolts and revolutions. A CIA backed coup in 1954 produced perhaps the darkest period in its history, from which a guerrilla war began. In 1996, Peace Accords signed by President Arzu and the guerrilla leaders brought the 36 year civil war to an end. In the last few years, political violence seems to have come to an end and Guatemala looks towards a much better future.

Time Zone
The time in Guatemala is GMT -6hours.

Climate
Guatemala has a range of climates which vary according to altitude. Being in the tropical zone it has two principal seasons, the Wet Season from May to September and the Dry Season from October to April. Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, it is possible to trek year round in Guatemala though October through to April is the best time for a visit. At this time the average temperature is 24 degrees centigrade, varying slightly between the lowlands and highlands.

Rough guide to temperatures October-April

People, Customs & Religion
Guatemala has a population of around 12.5 million. Just under 50% of the population are classed as indigenous and are the descendents of the Mayan inhabitants. A little over 50% are either Landino (the descendants of the Conquistadores) or Mestizos of mixed ancestry. In the southeastern corner there is a minority of non-Maya indigenous peoples. Guatemala is a Catholic country and the religion is an important part of everyday life. The official language is Spanish though 20 separate dialects of Mayan are widely spoken. Mayan culture is most evident in art and architecture and in clothing. Individual Mayan communities have their own distinctive and colourful style of embroidered dress, and though today traditional costume is worn mainly by women there are some places such as Soloa and Todos Santos Cuchummatan where the men also wear their traditional traje. As in most of Central America formal politeness is very important and a simple exchange of pleasantries normally proceeds business.

Currency
Guatemala’s unit of currency is the Quetzal (named after the national bird). As of February 2006, the exchange rates are:

£1 = 13.3 Quetzals
$1 = 7.6 Quetzals
€1 = 9.0 Quetzals

It is not necessary to purchase local currency outside the country. We recommend you take your travel money in the form of cash or travelers cheques in US dollars. Credit and debit cards can be used to obtain cash from ATMs in several banks in Antigua and Quetzaltenango. Credit cards can also be used to purchase many goods and at restaurants in Antigua and are particularly useful for more expensive souvenirs.

Visas
At the present time, nationals of countries that are members of the European Union, nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland need only an onward airticket and a passport that is valid for six months after your return date. This is sufficient to stay in Guatemala for up to three months. A visa is not required. Other nationalities should contact the High Commission of Guatemala in their own countries for information on how to obtain their visa.

Vaccinations
You should visit your own doctor and dentist for a check-up prior to taking your trip to Guatemala.
The following is a ROUGH GUIDE for immunization. (We must stress that this is only a basic guide to the most commonly required vaccinations for travel worldwide. You must seek and abide by the specific advice of your local doctor/medical professional).

(a) Polio (normally you will just need a booster.)
(b) Tetanus.
(c) Typhoid. A full course requires 2 injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks.
(d) Hepatitis (A) and (B).
(e) Anti-malarial prophylaxis: Please refer to your doctor for the most up to date information about anti-malarial medication for the areas that you will be visiting.
(f) Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Please refer to your doctor for advice on whether you need rabies pre-exposure vaccination. In the unlikely case of your being bitten, this vaccination does not eliminate the need for urgent evacuation to a suitable medical facility for additional treatment,. However, it does simplify that additional treatment and also prolongs the period that you can safely delay before receiving post-exposure treatment.

Given enough notice, your doctor will be able to administer all the above vaccinations.

Additional Sources of Information

Books
Guatemala, Belize & Yucatan. Lonely Planet
Guatemala. Lonely Planet
The Maya World. The Rough Guide.
Guatemala & Belize. Neos Guide
Central America Adventure Travellers. AA World Travel Guides

Maps
Central America series: Guatemala. (available from Cordee)

Our trip dossiers/itineraries give details of books and maps that are specific to a particular trip. Click here for details of book and map retailers.

Web
Lonely PLanet - www.lonelyplanet.com
Rough Guides - www.roughguides.com