Latin America - Guatemala - Country Information

Amidst the tropical jungles of Central America the Mayan peoples developed the most advanced civilization in the 'New World'. We highlight the monumental achievements of this pre-Columbian culture, lost for centuries in a tangle of sub-tropical undergrowth, whilst also focussing on the fascinating mix of Spanish colonial and indigenous culture in the southern highlands of Guatemala, where the indian population is directly descended from the Maya.

Key Facts
Full Country Name	Republic of Guatemala
Area	108,890 sq km
Population	13.9 million
Capital	Guatemala
Time Difference	6 Hours Behind GMT
Visa	A visa is not required
Currency	Quetzal
People	56% mestizo/ladino descent, 44% Mayan descent
Language	Spanish
Dialling Code	00 502
Electricity	120V 60 Hz

Visas:

A visa is not required

Health risks:

Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Polio, TB, Tetanus, Typhoid

When to Go:

For Guatemala the dry season, from November through May, is the most pleasant time, weather-wise, to be in Guatemala, however, this is also the busiest time. The seasons within Guatemala tend to be fairly simple and clear-cut. Generally it is either rainy season or not. The rainy season tends to start around May and ends November/December. Although these rains can be heavy they do not cause much of a hindrance on travelling, as they tend to be in the form of afternoon downpours. The lowland areas of the country tend to be very hot all year round and the degree of humidity tends to intensify during the raining season. As expected the highlands are cooler, although the sun can be more severe, with a year round spring like feel.