Land of volcanoes
Guatemala is one of the most volcanic countries in the world, the country has 40 volcanoes in total. The volcanic belt is located along the western coastal region of Guatemala and was created by the sliding of one tectonic plate (Cocosplaat) under the other (Caribbean plate). The highest volcano is the Tajamulco, with 4220 m it is even the highest point in all of Central America. The main other volcanoes are the Santa Maria (3772 m), the Fuego (3763 m) and the Volcán del Agua (3766 m), which in 1773 destroyed the ancient capital of the country Antigua. Furthermore the (3537 m), the San Pedro (3020 m) and the Tolimán (3158 m), which lie on the shores of Lake Atitlán. Although most volcanoes have been extinguished, there are also a number of active including the Pacaya (2552 m) near Guatemala City.