Located in the Mayan heart of Central America, Guatemala provides some of the best Spanish immersion opportunities in Latin America.

Dramatic contrasts between the humid and tropical climate of the lowlands and the colder, drier highland peaks, afford a great variety of unique ecosystems, including mangrove forests and 252 listed wetlands. It's also home to a chain of volcanoes, Tajumulco Volcano marking the highest point in Central America, at 4220 meters.

Guatemala formed a central part of the Mayan Empire and contains some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Central America. During your stay, make sure you visit the Petén plateau in the north of the country, where most of the best ruins are to be found.

The Maya civilization (1800BC - 900AD) is famous for its incredible architecture and complex mathematical and astrological systems. The Empire collapsed in 900 AD, likely due to a drought-induced famine which is thought to have swept the country at that time.

The region fell to Spanish rule from 1523 onwards, resulting in an epidemic which wiped out many remaining indigenous populations. However, some cultures managed to survive, whose descendents are today situated mostly on the country's Pacific coast and in the east.

Guatemala gained independence from the Spanish in 1821, although continued to be a part of Mexico until 1823. It was one of the first Spanish colonies to be introduced to European music, producing influential composers from the Renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary genres. Colonial culture gradually blended with indigenous customs, resulting in the rich variety of traditions that Guatemala knows today.