Guatemala, officially the Republic of Guatemala, is a country in Central America, in the south part of North America, bordering 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. The name "Goathemala" was given by the Spanish conquistadors, and derives from indigenous words meaning "Land of many trees".

Lake Izabal is the entryway to Guatemalas "different Caribbean." This long freshwater lake was the original commercial gateway to Guatemala City from the Caribbean. Boats brought goods from Europe and the United States and those goods attracted enough "pirates" that the government built the San Felipe castle to choke off piracy. Today this tiny fort stands at waterside like a storybook fantasy, almost Disney-like.

A boat trip along the length of Rio Dulce, starting at the castle and ending up in the Caribbean is a nature lovers dream. There are bird sanctuaries, natural hot springs, tiny native communities along the waterways and a spectacular passage though a canyon.

Not only is the boat trip the way to go, but the Caribbean destination of Livingston is a delight for anthropologists, tourists, seafood gourmets and adventurers looking for something truly different. Centuries ago the Garifuna settled the coast and today not only speak Spanish and often Afro-Caribbean English but also their own distinctive Garifuna language.

Further to the south along Guatemalas Caribbean coast the traveler finds white sand beaches and in the mangroves this side of the Honduras border one of the world`s last manatee reserves.

A jaunt from steamy seaport Puerto Barrios or cruise ship port Puerto Quetzal back towards the capital takes the tourist to the extraordinary and surprising 8th century AD Maya site of Quirigua. Two-story stele (carved stones) stand up like Easter Island sculptures or Egyptian statues from the Valley of the Kings. Even if you`ve already seen the spectacular Maya sites of the cradle of the Maya in the Peten, you will stand back at Quirigua and say, "Wow!"

Guatemalan cuisine can`t compete with that of Mexico, although standard Mexican fare such as tortillas and tacos can be found. You will encounter a lot of grilled or fried meat. Beans and rice are often the cheapest and best alternative, and the country has a surprising number of Chinese restaurants. Coffee is available everywhere - sometimes spectacularly good, but the best beans are typically exported. Beer is prevalent, in light and dark versions, and rum and Quetzalteca are the nation`s favoured drinks.