Mayan Culture
Guatemala is home to one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known, the Maya. The country is not only the birthplace of the Mayan culture, but also is the geographic center of their empire. This is why Guatemala is known as the Heart of the Mayan World. The Maya achieved great success in mathematics, astronomy, architecture and arts among others. All aspects of that great civilization are deeply embedded in the hearts of the Guatemalan people and the thousands of Maya descendants that still live here today.
Wonders of nature
Guatemala's flora includes more than 8,000 species of plants in 19 different ecosystems ranging from the mangrove forests on both coasts to the pine forests of the mountainous interior and the cloud forests at higher altitudes. Guatemala has more than 30 protected areas, including National Parks and Biological Reserves. With its 19 different ecosystems, Guatemala also has an abundance of animals. They include 250 species of mammals, 600 species of birds and 200 species of reptiles and amphibians along with many species of butterflies and other insects.
