Mapa en Relieve, Guatemala City

This scale model is an open-air public monument that represents the geography of Guatemala. It was designed in 1904 by Engineer Francisco Vela and covers 1,800 square meters. This relief map shows all natural and non-natural geographical features like rivers, lakes, volcanoes, ports, railways, roads, provinces, districts and important locations. Due to its historical and artistic value, it is considered national heritage. This work is unique in the world, as no other country has a relief map of such dimensions. There are two vantage points. In order to produce this map, Engineer Francisco Vela went around the national territory on foot and horseback to make the necessary calculations and grasp the country's different features and geography. Next to the map there is a small forest formed by a group of hormigo trees, the wood of which is used to make marimbas. These trees were planted in commemoration of the marimba tradition in Guatemala. At the end of the tour you can visit the shop, which offers postcards, books and brochures with information on this work.