GUATEMALA AT A GLANCE
Located in the heart of Central America, Guatemala offers an extraordinary combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, historic architecture, and diverse landscapes.
Within a relatively compact territory, the country features modern cities, colonial streets, Maya archaeological sites, volcanoes, lakes, highland communities, tropical rainforests, and both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.
QUICK FACTS
Official Name
Republic of Guatemala
Capital
Guatemala City
Region
Central America
Total Area
108,889 square kilometers / 42,042 square miles
Population
Approximately 18.7 million
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (UTC−6)
Guatemala does not observe daylight saving time.
Languages
Spanish is the primary language. Twenty-two Maya languages, as well as Xinka and Garifuna, are also spoken throughout the country.
International Calling Code
+502
Electricity
120 volts / 60 Hz, with North American-style plugs commonly used.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Guatemala borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. It has access to the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
The country offers remarkable geographic diversity, including:
Colonial and modern cities
Maya archaeological sites
Volcanoes and mountains
Lakes and rivers
Tropical rainforests and cloud forests
Agricultural landscapes
Pacific and Caribbean coastlines
Guatemala generally has two seasons:
Dry Season: November through April
Rainy Season: May through October
Temperatures vary according to elevation. The central highlands generally have mild weather, while coastal areas and tropical lowlands are warmer and more humid.
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Guatemala has a rich multicultural identity shaped by Maya, Ladino, Xinka, Garifuna, European, and Caribbean influences.
Traditional textiles, markets, historic architecture, music, religious celebrations, languages, food, and community traditions provide extraordinary cultural and visual depth.
Productions working in Indigenous communities, sacred places, or culturally significant locations should use appropriate local coordination and respect community protocols.
ACCESS AND PRODUCTION
Guatemala City is the country’s principal transportation, business, and production center. La Aurora International Airport (GUA) provides connections with the United States, Mexico, Central America, and other international destinations.
Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), near Flores, provides access to Petén’s tropical landscapes and important Maya archaeological sites.
Travel times vary according to traffic, terrain, weather, and road conditions. Some remote locations may require four-wheel-drive vehicles, boats, or specialized transportation.
DISCOVER GUATEMALA
From modern cities and colonial architecture to volcanoes, lakes, tropical jungles, archaeological sites, and two coastlines, Guatemala offers remarkable possibilities for visual storytelling.