Guatemala Habitat: An Insight

A varied and irregular terrain, Guatemala is in some parts covered with dense rainforests, with highlands and valleys and with volcanic mountains in another. The vast limestone shelf, Petén, is pockmarked with numerous ceñotes (sinkholes) and expansive cave systems. This jagged limestone shelf is covered with dense rainforests as well as clear patches where banana plantations have been set up.

To the south are the highlands characterized with ridges, valleys, and string of mountains that are volcanic in nature. Guatemala often witnesses earthquakes and less often, volcanic activity. Due to large-scale deforestation for farming and other purposes, the natural pine and oak cover of this region had been largely destroyed. Tajumulco, the highest peak (13,845-ft) of the country is located in this area.

The highlands give way to the fertile coastal plains of the pacific coast and end in black sand beaches. The tiny Caribbean coastline hasn't got better beaches than these ones.  

Wildlife include the jaguar, deer, tapir, ocelot, puma, peccary, jaguarundi and margay. If you’re lucky you may spot the exquisite quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird.