GUATEMALA WITH ALDPAR
The Western Highlands
It is the western highlands that form the core of contemporary Maya life in the country.
It is the western highlands that form the core of contemporary Maya life in the country.
The Western Highlands of the country provide some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. It is full of wonderful vistas and fascinating cities. The largest cities in the country--Guatemala City, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango- are all in the western highlands, as are some of its most notable Maya centres--Chichicastenango, Todos Santos, San Francisco en Alto and Nebaj. No visit to Guatemala is complete without spending time in this fascinating part of the country,
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Close to Coban is the magnificent Semuc Champey, an Edenic blend of waterfalls natural rock pools and verdant landscapes.
The Alta Verapaz
The mountains of the Alta Verapaz, are an important centre of Guatemala’s coffee industry. The Alta Verapaz is also the last refuge of the famous Quetzal- Guatemala’s national bird. This magnificent bird is dependent on Guatemala’s rapidly shrinking cloud forest for its habitat which is found in the Alta Verapaz . The Biotopo del Quetzal preserves a piece of this cloud forest and is the home of most of the country’s Quetzals. People who are anxious to see it should plan to to come here in December and January.
The mountains of the Alta Verapaz, are an important centre of Guatemala’s coffee industry. The Alta Verapaz is also the last refuge of the famous Quetzal- Guatemala’s national bird. This magnificent bird is dependent on Guatemala’s rapidly shrinking cloud forest for its habitat which is found in the Alta Verapaz . The Biotopo del Quetzal preserves a piece of this cloud forest and is the home of most of the country’s Quetzals. People who are anxious to see it should plan to to come here in December and January.
Coban
The city of Coban, the capital of the department, is each year, Guatemala's orchid capital, as it hosts the national orchid show. Also many orchid plantations in the area offer stunning orchid displays in December and January each year.
The city of Coban, the capital of the department, is each year, Guatemala's orchid capital, as it hosts the national orchid show. Also many orchid plantations in the area offer stunning orchid displays in December and January each year.
As well as the famous ones--Guatemala City, Antigua, and Chichicastenango, Guatemala also has many other interesting towns and villages that offer unique insights into the character of the country. Quetzaltenango, for example, is the second largest city in the country. Its central plaza is one of the loveliest in Central America and its 19th century Teatro Municipal is a treasure.
Further west is the bustling centre of Huehuetenango, a transportation hub for the north west of the country, Huehue is the gateway to the Cuchamatane mountains, the remote town of Todo Santos, and the highest and most rugged mountain chain in the country. The lovely Maya ruin of Zaculeu is on the outskirts of the town. Guatemala also has many delightful smaller centres that will appeal to thoughtful travellers. Nebaj, in a remote corner of the Cuchamatane mountains offers spectacular scenery, and an opportunity to experience Maya culture that is, relatively speaking, untouched by tourism. (Real travellers should try the drive from Coban to Nebaj - fabulous mountain scenery and a very challenging road) Similarly, Flores,the last island refuge of the Maya, and the capital of the Peten is a very pleasant and comfortable base for travellers anxious to spend time exploring the treasures of this part of the country.
These are the destinations for the intrepid traveller, call us for suggestions.
These are the destinations for the intrepid traveller, call us for suggestions.
