goathemayatravel

REGION 2 - Northern
Conformed by the Departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz

Name of the department: Alta Verapaz.
Department's capital: Cobán.
Extension: 8,686 square kilometers.
Municipiums: Cobán, Santa Cruz Verapaz, San Cristóbal Verapaz, Tactic, Tamahú, Tucurú, Panzos, Senahú, San Pedro Carchá, San Juan Chamelco, Lanquín, Cahabón, Chisec, Chahal, Fray Bartolomé de las Casas.
Climate: mild (between 15 and 25ºC) Even though, in the lower areas of the department, the temperature surpasses the 30º C. The department is really humid, there is a soft rain called "Chipi Chipi".
Altitude: 1,300 meters above sea level
Population: 776,246
Demography: 89 inhabitants per square kilometer
Urban Population: 21.0%
Rural Population: 79.0%
Population per gender: Men: 387,219; Women: 389,027
Population per ethnic group: Indigenous: 720,741; Non-indigenous: 55,505
Literacy: 303,136 (population between 7 years of age and older)
Economically-active population: 218,686
Creation of the department: The department of Alta Verapaz was created through decree of the Executive Power on May 4 th . 1877, when it was divided into Alta and Baja Verapaz.
Tourism:

1) National Park and Lachuá Lagoon : The National Park Lachuá Lagoon is an area of natural reserve with an approximate extension of 14,500 hectares, formed by the Humid Tropical Forest and the Lachuá Lagoon. Such lagoon is a water mirror of 400 hectares, which is considered the major attraction of the park; its turquoise waters own a great amount of fish of several colors and exuberant vegetation that together cover the area with an exceptional scenic beauty. The National Park Lachuá Lagoon is found at heights that run from 170 to 600 above sea level, annual climatic conditions of precipitations with an average of 3,300 mm, the average relative humidity is 91% and the average temperature is 25ºC. The flora in this area is characterized for abundant lianas, reeds, and epiphytics, bushes, and herbaceous plants; likewise, a great amount of bromeliads and palms. The fauna is characterized for the following species: Jaguar (Onca Panther), Tapirs (Tapirus Bairdi) and Wild Boars (Tayasu Tacacu) and a great amount of birds such as parrots and toucans, and fish such as the shad.

2) El Peyán : The Peyán Canyon is one of the narrow parts of the Black river (3 meters). The high rocky walls that surround it and its plentiful and crystal waters provide a unique landscape beauty. The ride of approximately one hour in a small boat over the Black river is very exciting for those who enjoy eco-tourism adventures.

3) Ikbolay River and Rokjá Pomptilá Community : The Ikbolay River is characterized for its deep and blue waters which are lost upon entering in underground caves, to then emerge in small water creeks of multi-colored water that invite you to take a refreshing bath in a warm climate, distinctive of the region. On the shores of the Ikbolay River we find the Rokjá Pomptilá Community. This small community is dedicated to the cultivation of cardamom and communitarian tourism, and they characterize for looking after their visitors in guided tours.

4) Cobán : This city, also called Imperial thanks to the title given to it by Charles the Fifth in 1558, is the center of the social, cultural, and economic life of the region of the Verapaces. At an approximate altitude of 1,300 meters, the city is located over the Sierra de Chamá, in the valley of Cobán, among coffee and cardamom plantations that were exploited by the German immigrants that fled from the crisis they were living in Europe during the 1860´s. You cannot leave without visiting el Calvary, originally built by Francisco Pop, where one must ascend 131 steps with a very impressive view; also, the Museum of the Mayan Prince, the Orchid Arboretum and the National Park Las Victorias.

5) San Pedro Carchá : Located only 12 kilometers from Cobán, and its main attraction is the coffee estates that surround it, as well as its famous works of filigree in silver, religious utensils, textiles, pottery, basketry, woodworks and its small archeology, anthropology, and history museum.

6) Semuc Champey : Located 8 kilometers from the town of Lanquín are the ponds and waterfalls of the Cahabón River. This place is a marvel due to the wild environment that surrounds it and for the tones of the landscape that run from emerald green to turquoise blue from the ponds.

7) Lanquín Grottos : About 65 kilometers from Cobán, are the Lanquín grottos next to the Cahabón River. Inside them we find the system of calcareous caves that penetrate kilometers and kilometers without knowing exactly where they end. Only one part of the grottos has light and in order to get in, people must have the due equipment and authorization.

8) Candelaria Grottos and River : Discovered in 1971, the place is formed by a hydrospeleological system; this means a series of caves where there is a river that enters it and inside it, there are navigable parts, in addition to pre-historic remnants where the Mayans performed their religious ceremonies. The longest chamber is 28 kilometers long and according to some experts, it is one of the longest ones in America.

9) King Marchos's Grottos : Recently discovered, they are located in the middle of a small mountain near the town of San Juan Chamelco. Inside it, you can see stalactites and stalagmites of almost translucent rock. The river that comes out of the cave forms a series of ponds surrounded by vegetation, ideal for amusement. In the extreme side of the cave, there is a spacious area with much positive energy. At the end of the travel, people always turn out their flashlights and dedicate a few minutes to meditate.

10) Jul Iq'and B'omb'll Pek Caves : These beautiful caves represent the speleologic potential of this region. In order to get there, one must travel a path through the paddocks and exuberant vegetation. Within the caves, there are remnants of the Mayan culture represented by objects such as pottery; also, you can see pre-Hispanic altars, paintings made on the rock and, naturally, a great variety of stalactites and stalagmites. A few kilometers from the caves, you can complement your visit in the attractive waters of River San Simón.

11) Sepalau Lagoons : The lagoon system of Sepalau is formed by four beautiful lagoons of crystal clear water, surrounded by a forest where it is a delight to watch birds, explore, or simply swim in it.

Name of the department: Baja Verapaz .
Department's capital: Salamá.
Extension: 3,124 square kilometers.
Municipiums: Salamá, Cubulco, El Chol, Granados, Purulhá, Rabinal, San Jerónimo, San Miguel Chicaj.
Climate: moderate (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius)
Altitude: 960 meters above sea level
Population: 215,915
Demography: 69 inhabitants per square kilometer
Urban Population: 27.3%
Rural Population: 72.7%
Population per gender: Men: 105,187; Women: 110,728
Population per ethnic group: Indigenous: 127,061; Non-indigenous: 88,854
Literacy: 102,239 (population between 7 years of age and older)
Economically-active population: 53,778
Creation of the department: The department of Baja Verapaz was created through decree of the Executive Power on May 4 th . 1877, when it was divided into Alta and Baja Verapaz.
Tourism:

1) Biotopo del Quetzal : This reserve comprises an area of 1,175 hectares of forest where one can appreciate a great variety of flora: pine, oak, cypress, rubber, eucalyptus, lichens, mosses, orchids, bromeliums, algae, etc.; fauna: squirrels, rabbits, foxes, howler monkeys, monkeys, and snakes. In the biotopo called "Mario Dary Rivera" there is an orientation center and pathways for hikes and it is here that there is more chance of watching the country's national bird: the Quetzal.

2) Chilascó Waterfall : Near the town Chilascó, there is a waterfall that bears the same name of the town, with an impressive waterfall 130 meters high. In order to get to the cascade, one must ride through a path, either by foot or horse. The surroundings of extraordinaire beauty and the magnificent waterfall definitely justify this visit. In the surroundings of the forest, one can see Guatemala's national bird: the Quetzal.

3) Chicoy Caves : They have a vault 70 meters high with a great amount of stalactites and natural altars, where the Mayans use to celebrate their religious ceremonies.

4) Rabinal : It turned famous for the production of oranges. Rabinal has its main celebration from January 17 th to the 26 th , specially the day of San Pablo, when they represent the drama - dance "Rabinal Achí". This play tells the conflict between k'iches and Achí and the definite triumph of the Achí. One cannot go without visiting the Dominican church with vignolesc influence of the XVII century.

5) San Jerónimo : Its Dominican-baroque church of the XVII century, the aqueduct, the valley where the cultivation of sugar cane prevails and, naturally, the museum of San Jerónimo, Guatemala's first sugar refinery and one of the most important ones from the American continent that reached a production of around 900 tons of sugar in the XIX century. San Jerónimo was also known for its vineyards, which produced such good quality wines, that Spain prohibited its production during the colonial period.