Guatemala Nature

Nature in Guatemala

Guatemala, known as the Land of the Eternal Spring, has the perfect weather conditions for great biodiversity. Although the country is located in a tropical region, the Guatemalan mountainous corridor significantly alters the climate. Expect everything from chilly temperatures in the highlands to a humid climate in the lowlands. Guatemala is situated in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and is a natural paradise that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime.

Central America forms a land bridge between North and South America, and Guatemala is the first country in this region connecting the two continents. For this reason, it is home to thousands of living species. Guatemala is home to 17% of all known terrestrial species. There are around 651 species of fish and 738 species of birds, 20% of which are migratory. The country is also rich in flora, with 7,754 species of wild plants covering its entire territory. Depending on your route during your vacation in Guatemala, you will see cloud forests, spiny forests, tropical jungles, savannas, volcanic sand beaches, and mangrove swamps. In total, the country is home to six different biomes, which are vital for the development of local species.

Below are some of Guatemala's most important natural resources.

The Maya Biosphere Reserve

Established in 1990, this protected area spans one-fifth of the country (21,602 km/13,420 mi) and serves as a natural border between Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize. The reserve's goal is to preserve the largest portion of tropical forest in the northern subcontinent of the Americas. In addition to its diverse flora and fauna, the Maya Biosphere Reserve contains some of the country's most notable Mayan cities, most of which are still hidden in the lush jungle of Petén.

Ramsar Protected Sites in Guatemala

The Ramsar Convention aims to protect threatened wetlands around the world. Recognizing the importance of these bodies of water, Ramsar has worked with 171 different countries since 1971. The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands and protect them from human misuse. Today, Ramsar recognizes seven sites in Guatemala as Wetlands of International Importance.

Mountain Chains

Guatemala is known for its volcanic and mountainous terrain. Although its territory has a wide variety of elevations, much of it consists of high plateaus and hills (except for the lowlands along the Pacific coast and the Peten region). The most notable mountain chains are the Sierra Madre, which extends from Mexico to El Salvador, and the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, which extends from the Mexican border to the Caribbean coast. These mountain chains divide the highlands from the lowlands and are important ecosystems for Guatemala's flora and fauna.

In short, Guatemala has it all! It has cordilleras, volcanoes, lakes and lagoons, rivers, natural pools, tropical and dry forests, waterfalls, caves, beaches, and lush jungles. If you love nature and want to experience our country's rich biodiversity, don't hesitate to visit Guatemala. We would be happy to help you plan the best trip to enjoy nature.