Guatemala Travel OverviewGuatemala is a compact country in Central America. Located to the south of Mexico; the big neighbour in the north; you find Belize in the east and in the south Honduras and El Salvador.Guatemala has a surface area of 108.889 square kilometers (42;042 square miles). It is located in the tropical zone; and has a range of climates that varies according to the altitude. There are two seasons: the rainy months run from May to October; and the dry ones from November to April. The average temperature is 75° F; with small variations in the lowlands and in the highlands. Guatemala has approximately 10 million inhabitants. A large percent belong to 21 ethnolinguistic Mayan groups who have retained the cultural traditions they have inherited from their ancestors. A lot of very interesting sights can still be seen; most of them in the northern department called 'Peten'. There are also mestizo; and the Carribean coast population; which has retained its afrocarribean roots. Guatemala is a small country with a striking variety of topographic features. Nearly two-thirds of the country is mountainous and volcanic. Parallel to the Pacific lies the Sierra Madre mountain range; with peaks that rise to an elevation of up to 12.000 feet. 33 volcanoes dominate the landscape; and these; coupled with the lush tropical rain forests to the north; the fertile plains of the south and east; the beautiful lakes; and the wonderful rivers; make this a land of varied contrasts. To this rich array of contrasts; one must add a major contributing factor to Guatemala's unique brand of beauty: its wealth of traditions; and the striking colors and patterns of the weavings of the Mayans. Noted for its lush colors and intricate design; the cloth is made into blouses called 'huipiles'; sashes; skirts and headdresses. Every group or town has its own particular native costume. Woven by its women; usually on a stick loom; its patterns feature the traditional symbolism that identifies their history and ancient gods. Individuals such as Miguel Angel Asturias; recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature; and Rigoberta Menchú; the Nobel Peace Price recipient; have brought Guatemala international fame; but the country has given birth to many other great artists in all fields of art. The marimba; which looks like a large xylophone and has a wooden keyboard which produces a unique sound; is the national instrument of Guatemala. Possibly of African origin; the Indians played a simplified version before the coming of the Spaniards. A large modern marimba requires up to nine players. In the highland region of Cobán; very much in seclusion; lives a bird of rare beauty called the quetzal. If it is kept in captivity; the quetzal dies; hence; it has become the national emblem that symbolizes freedom. With courtesy of the Guatemala Tourist Commission Popular Destinations | 