Sandwiched between Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, Guatemala is one of Central America’s larger countries. At 42,000 square miles (about 109,000 square kilometers), this breathtaking country stretches from the waters of the Pacific Ocean all the way to the warm Caribbean Sea.

Because it stretches from coast to coast, the land that makes up Guatemala is quite diverse, including everything from beaches to jungles to bucolic highlands with beautiful sparkling lakes and quaint villages. The history and culture of the country is equally as diverse and rich, blending ancient Mayan beliefs with colonial Spanish traditions.

In fact, Guatemala has long been the land of the ancient Maya. Made up of a series of city-states ruled by hereditary kings, the Mayan civilization wasn’t always an orderly one, but has been credited with a number of accomplishments, including the development of a solar calendar and the formulation of the concept of zero. And though much has happened since the time the Mayans claimed the land that is Guatemala, their influence is still quite evident, even though the country is now a virtual melting pot of cultures.

Travelers love Guatemala, especially those who like a little adventure with their vacation. Hikers can explore lowland rainforest or highland pine forest, all on the same trip. Climbers can scale an old volcano and spelunkers can travel underground and explore the country’s many caverns and underground rivers.

Those less adventurous can still find plenty to enjoy here, from viewing splendid colonial architecture in Antigua, to roaming art and natural history museums in Guatemala City, to watching indigenous Mayan peoples in small villages perform music on the marimba, the favorite instrument of Guatemala.

And as more and more people discover the beauty of this land, tourist accommodations and amenities continue to grow in number, and with a little advanced preparation, visiting Guatemala is now safer and easier than ever.