Guatemala (Spanish: República de Guatemala, Spanish pronunciation: [rɛˈpuβlika ðɛ ɣwatɛˈmala]) is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the northwest, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast.

Learning Spanish in Xela, Guatemala - Travelogue 

Guatemala is mountainous, except for the south coastal area and the vast northern lowlands of Petén department. Two mountain chains enter Guatemala from west to east, dividing the country into three major regions: the highlands, where the mountains are located; the Pacific coast, south of the mountains; and the Petén region, north of the mountains. All major cities are located in the highlands and Pacific coast regions; by comparison, Petén is sparsely populated. These three regions vary in climate, elevation, and landscape, providing dramatic contrasts between hot and humid tropical lowlands and colder and drier highland peaks. Volcán Tajumulco, at 4,220 meters, is the highest point in the Central American states.

U.S. Department of State Guatemala Information:

In Guatemala ~ On The Road To Panama ~ by John & Harriet Halkyard - There had been quite a debate at the language school we had been attending, and between our host family where we had been living, as to which market was the more interesting: San Francisco el Alto or Guatemala’s most famous market, Chichicastenango. We had seen the former and now we would explore the latter. Actually, in my mind there was no question that we were going to go to Chichicastenango. It was on my list before we left the US in our motorhome three weeks earlier. San Francisco el Alto was a bonus. Nov./05