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Mapa en Relieve: Guatemala in Miniature

Explore Guatemala's geography in miniature at this unique, century-old, open-air relief map in Guatemala City.

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The Mapa en Relieve de Guatemala is a large-scale, open-air relief map of Guatemala, offering a unique geographical perspective of the country. Built in 1905, it allows visitors to explore Guatemala's diverse terrain in a single view.

A brief summary to Mapa en Relieve de Guatemala

  • MF6R+8GG Ciudad de, Av. Simeón Cañas, Guatemala City, Zone 2, 01002, GT
  • +50233779999
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking around the expansive outdoor area.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and intricate details of the relief map.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Guatemala City, especially in tourist areas and transportation hubs. A short taxi ride from the city center (Zone 1) to the Mapa en Relieve (Zone 2) typically costs between Q25 and Q50, but it's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand. Ensure the taxi is official and displays proper identification for safety. Cost: Q25-Q50.

  • Public Transport

    The Linea 2 bus goes to Mapa En Relieve in Zone 2. From the city center (Zone 1), take the Transmetro to a station near Zone 2. From there, you can take a local bus (like Linea 2) or walk to the Mapa en Relieve. The bus fare is around Q1. Cost: Q1 (bus fare).

  • Walking

    From Plaza de la Constitución in Zone 1, the Mapa en Relieve is a pleasant, safe walk. Head north, and the walk is approximately 30 minutes. Cost: Free.

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Discover more about Mapa en Relieve de Guatemala

The Mapa en Relieve de Guatemala, located in Guatemala City's Zone 2, is a fascinating and unique monument. Completed in 1905, this massive, open-air, three-dimensional map offers an unparalleled perspective of Guatemala's diverse geography. Covering approximately 1,800 square meters, the map is built to a horizontal scale of 1:10,000 and a vertical scale of 1:2,000, exaggerating the height of mountains and volcanoes for dramatic effect. Designed by engineer Francisco Vela with topographical data meticulously collected over years, the map showcases the country's major cities, towns, rivers, lakes, and volcanoes. Visitors can walk around the map, gaining a sense of the relationships between different regions and appreciating the country's varied landscapes. Observation towers provide panoramic views, enhancing the experience. Beyond the map itself, the site includes the Bosque Sonoro del Hormigo (Sound Forest of Hormigo), a collection of trees planted in honor of Guatemalan marimba musicians. The hormigo wood is used to construct marimbas, Guatemala's national instrument. The Mapa en Relieve also has an exhibition hall that hosts cultural and educational activities. The Mapa en Relieve is not only a valuable educational tool but also a testament to early 20th-century engineering. It provides a tangible and engaging way to understand Guatemala's geography, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists and locals alike.

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