Guatemala

Guatemala is a small country, lush and mountainous, that is graced with beautiful scenery, a rich indigenous culture, colonial history and important archaeological ruins. The country lies at the heart of the Mayan culture in Central America with remarkable Mayan sites scattered throughout the land, none more so than the magnificent ruins of the ancient city of Tikal, set deep within the jungle.

Guatemalan society is split between the traditional and the modern, each following their own path in a country sprinkled with remnants of a colonial past. Nowhere is the Spanish legacy more evident than in the charming city of Antigua with its cobbled streets, plazas and elegant fountains, and volcanoes as a backdrop. Interrelations between the Spanish and the native population produced a mixed population, the Ladinos, who have embraced their European heritage and are typically city folk.

A rough past provides a troublesome background to the country and its people. Inequalities between the acculturated Spanish-speaking Indians and indigenous cultures, and rich and poor have been a source of tension and discord throughout the years. The violence caused by political differences has left thousands dead, and the devastation caused by earthquakes has left people homeless and in need of world aid. Despite this travellers are drawn to the intriguing mix of cultures and history set amid dramatic scenery, with extremely considerate people to show them the sights that Guatemalans are justifiably proud of.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com