Guatemala is located in Central America bordered by Belize and the Gulf of Honduras on the east, Mexico on the north and the west and Honduras, El Salvador and the Pacific Ocean on the south. The terrain runs from high volcanic peaks to tropical rain forests and Caribbean coastal beaches. 

Guatemala's appeal to many visitors is its diversity of people, culture, religion, and landscape. But, to many Guatemala is the Maya heartland of Central America and home to a large number of impressive ruins. It is with these parts of the 'Mayan World' that hold our interest.

GUATEMALA CITY - The capital, is located in the south central part of the country and is the largest population center. Of the 11 million people living in Guatemala nearly 25% live in or near the capital. The nation's transportation, commercial, financial, and cultural centers are located in there. 

The city is clean and modern, with paved streets radiating from the town center in the manner of Spanish cities. The National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral are both located in the city center. La Aurora Park is home to the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology which is quite famous for its collection of Maya art and objects.

FLORES - Located on Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is the capital of the department of Peten. The city is located on the ruins of the ancient city of Tayasal. The ruins are just across the lake on an island called the Isla de Flores. Most of the tours for Tikal and many other Maya ruins located in the Petén start from Flores. Tours for the ruins of El Mirador and Río Azul also start in Flores, however, the ruins are located in the very north near the Mexican border.

CHICHICASTENANGO - Located north west of the capital, in the mountains of Quiché, Chichicastenango is famous for its folk art. Objects like wood carving, hand sewn garments like the huipil and textile weaving. The city is also famous for its ceremonial and ritual life which is a mix of Maya Catholic fusion. 

The markets to be found in this city are not to be believed. This is definitely one of the largest trading centers in the country, but moreover it has a ritual and tradition which is unlike any other where descendants of the ancient Maya sell vegetables, fruits, grains, lime and soap blend with hundreds of handicrafts.

SAYAXCHÉ and the PASIÓN RIVER - This is the gateway to Ceibal undoubtedly the best preserved and certainly the best restored of all the sites in this part of Guatemala. Located nearby are the ruins of Dos Pilas, Aguateca and Alter of Sacrificios. The area is a basin which stretches along the river and takes in the lagoon called Petexbatún.

COROZAL - Corozal is the gateway to Belize from Mexico. Located on the border between the two is an incredible area called the free market. Products from Mexico and Belize are sold and traded without the hassle of import/export, but only in the market place. 

Leaving the market and venturing into town one will notices that Corozal is a sea town. Everything is close to the sea, the parks, the market, hotels, restaurants and part of the civic center.

There are several museums in Corozol. One is a sea park and another houses Maya artifacts. Another distinction in this city is the spoken word. While English is the official language, you will hear Spanish and another language which is not Mayan, but rather a combination of the three called Creole. Mayan of the Yucatec region is also spoken by many of the indigenous Maya who live there. The ruins of Cerros is close by and Santa Rita Corozol is located within the city.

ORANGE WALK - This city is located just south of Corozal on the New River and 52 miles north of Belize City. Orange Walk is a sugar cane city and has a largely Hispanic speaking population. This city is also the starting point for a boat trip to Lamanai. The ruins of Altun Ha are located east of the town, Cuello and Nohmul to the north, Colha to the northeast and the Rio Bravo Conservation Area to the south west.

BELMOPAN - The capitol of Belize is located in land 50 miles southwest of Belize City.

Until 1965 Belize City was the capitol, but due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Hattie it was moved to the Cayo District. It is said that Belmopan is the smallest capital city in the world and it may just be true. The city is so small that everything is close by.

There is a Plaza downtown which houses the Municipal buildings and next to that is Market Square. In this market vendors sell everything. You can get good buys on bananas, papaya, pineapples, mangos, coconuts, avocados and Mennonite watermelons and cheese.

The Maya ruins of Cahal Pech, Caracol, El Pilar, and Xunantunich are close at hand and the best way to get to Tikal in nearby in Guatemala.

SAN IGNACIO - 20 miles south of the capital in the valley between the Macal and Mopan Rivers you will find the twin cities of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. The urban area found here is quite large and makes up Belize's second largest urban area. San Ignacio is the unofficial capital of the "Cayo District" of Belize. The Maya ruins of Cahal Pech, Caracol, Xunantunich (also called Benque Viejo) and the Caves of Chechem Ha are all nearby. Macal River canoeing is also very popular.