Guatemala Nature
Nature in Guatemala
Known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, the territory of Guatemala provides the perfect weather conditions for a great biodiversity. Even though the country is located in the tropical region of the globe, Guatemalan mountainous corridor alters the climate significantly. Expect chilly temperatures in the Highland region, to a humid climate in the Lowlands. Situated in one of the biodiversity hot spots of the world, Guatemala is a natural paradise that everyone needs to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Central America serves as a bridge between North and South America and Guatemala is the first country that connects both continents. For this reason, it is the home to thousands of different living species. Guatemala hosts 17% of all known terrestrial species, there are around 651 fish species and 738 bird species; 20% of these are migratory birds. The country is also rich in flora with 7,754 wild plants that cover the entire territory. Depending on the route you take during your Guatemala vacation, you will see cloud and spiny forests, tropical jungle, savannas, volcanic sand beaches and mangrove swamps. In total our country is the home to six different biomes–vital for the development of the local species.
Here some important natural resources in Guatemala.
The Maya Biosphere Reserve
Created in 1990, this protected area covers one fifth of the country (21,602km / 13,420mi) and serves as a natural border between Guatemala, Mexico and Belize. Its goal is to preserve the largest portion of tropical forest in the northern subcontinent of the Americas. Besides hosting a great set of flora and fauna, the Maya Biosphere Reserve contains some of the most outstanding Mayan cities of the country–most of them, still hidden in the lush jungle of Peten.
Ramsar protected sites in Guatemala
The convention of Ramsar aims to protect the threated wetlands around the world. Aware of the importance of the water bodies, Ramsar has been working since 1971 with 171 different countries. The goal is to recognize the importance of the wetlands and protect them from the misuse humanity gives to them. Today, Ramsar recognizes 7 sites in Guatemala as Waterland of International Importance.
Mountain chains
Guatemala is recognized for being a volcanic and mountainous region. Even though its territory has a wide variety of elevations, a big portion of it is among high plateaus and hills (except for the Lowlands in the Pacific coast and the Peten region). The most important mountain chains are Sierra Madre, connected with Mexico going all the way down to El Salvador; and Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, extended from the Mexican border to the Caribbean Coast. Both mountain chains divide the Highlands from the Lowlands and represent and important ecosystem for the flora and fauna of Guatemala.
Simply put, Guatemala has it all! Cordilleras, volcanoes, lakes and lagoons, rivers, natural pools, tropical and dry forests, waterfalls, caves, beaches and lush jungle. If you are a nature lover and would like to discover the great biodiversity of our country, don’t hesitate to visit Guatemala. We will be happy to assist you planning the best trip to enjoy nature.
