Dos Mundos Spanish School | Study Spanish in Flores Guatemala

The Republic of Guatemala is located in Central America and neighbors Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It is 109,000 km² in area and has a population of 14.7 million.

The picturesque island of Flores is located in the north of the country on the third largest lake in Guatemala. Flores is situated in the heart of the tropical rain forest - which covers almost the entirety of Petén - and has a population of 2,600.

Click to amplify the map of Guatemala.

There are three principle geographic areas in Guatemala:

• The tropical lowlands of Petén located in the north of the country are the home of the incredible rain forest and the famous Mayan site Tikal.

• The moderate central highlands in the center of Guatemala boast 22 volcanoes, some of which reach over 4,000 meters in height and others of which are still active!

• The tropical Pacific lowlands in the south are actually a series of narrow but fertile coastlines and beaches of black sand.

Traveling

Guatemala is the perfect country for travelers and backpackers! Guatemalans are very friendly and are always willing to help tourists who ask for information. Travelers who study Spanish and are able to speak even a little Spanish have an advantage over those who do not, as a basic understanding of the language makes it is easier to contact the locals and receive a more in-depth knowledge of Guatemalan history and culture.

Guatemala offers a plethora of opportunities for adventurous people who enjoy sightseeing. The colonial city of Antigua is one of the best preserved in the world and provides tourists the chance to explore a bounty of historic monuments and nature sites. Travelers can even climb impressive volcanoes such as Pacaya (easily accessible from both Guatemala City and Antigua) with a guide.

Click to amplify the pictures of Guatemala.

Guatemala boasts species-rich flora and fauna: Mangroves at the pacific coast and huge Ceiba trees - the "universe tree" of the Mayan - as well as countless other regional plants, span the beautiful terrain. Howler and spider monkeys of the rainforest of Petén, brilliantly colored butterflies, jaguars, toucans, scarlet macaws, and even the quetzal (Gautemala´s national bird and namesake of its currency) roam the land. Travelers looking to catch some rays will certainly enjoy Guatemala’s beautiful, world-renowned beaches. From the Caribbean atmosphere of the charming beach-town of Livingston on the Atlantic coast to the famous volcanic black sand beaches of Monterrico on the Pacific coast, travelers and backpackers will certainly leave amazed.

Visitors of Guatemala have the unique opportunity to experience the spirit of ancient Mayan ruins in the tropical rain forest. Travelers visiting the Mayan site Tikal can watch the mystic morning fog curl up around the ruins while watching the sunrise or listen to the impressive howling of monkeys while sitting on highest temple in Yaxha during sunset. From dawn until dusk, the endless jungle offers travelers and backpackers extraordinary adventures.