Guatemala is a small country in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north and west, and Honduras, Belize and El Salvador to the east. Occupying a central spot on the isthmus of Central America, Guatemala is one of several countries in this area to have coasts on two sides (the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north-east).
Guatemala's low latitude of just 14 degrees brings it too close to the equator for viticultural comfort, and even the volcanic highlands which dominate the country's topography offer little respite from the tropical humidity. The Tajumulco Volcano, for example, rises to more than 12,250ft (3730m), but its slopes are far from suitable for viticulture.
The landscape and climate are not the only reasons Guatemala has little chance of developing as a wine-producing nation in the near future. Wine and winemaking are simply not part of the culture, and have never been at any point in history. Coffee, vegetables, bananas and textiles rank among the top Guatemalan exports. Sugar cane is also a key part of the economy, for the sugar it creates and the rum of which it is the base ingredient. Although it is far from competing with Cuba for its cigars or Jamaica for its rum, Guatemala still produces and exports these commodities too.
