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Verapaz Region
This region is made up of the two departments of Alta (high) and Baja (Low) Verapaz, which are located in the north central part of Guatemala. While many of the towns and villages retain their folklore, traditional handcrafts and religious feast days, the region is also a prime destination for whitewater rafting, caving and other outdoor activities. As access may be difficult or remote, many of the national parks and rivers need to be visited with registered guides and four-wheel drive vehicles, either arranged privately or as part of a package offered by tour operators.
COBÁN: This is the capital of the Alta Verapaz department that, along with Antigua, produces some of the best coffee in Guatemala. Situated on the banks of the Cahabón River, the town’s colonial past is reflected in its architecture, such as that of the El Calvario church. It is also a centre for the production of many fine silver handicrafts. Celebrations to mark the ancient Mayan feast of Paabanc are still held in Cobán and San Pedro Carchá to the east. Some of the region’s most colourful handwoven clothes can be seen in towns and villages such as Tactic, San Juan Chamelco and Lanquín.
One of the highlights of the region are the Semuc Champey Waterfalls, which are formed as the Cahabón River falls some 300m (985ft) across rocks and ledges. Around 10km (6 miles) further on, the river enters the Languin Caves, parts of which can be explored with a guide, either on foot or by boat. Some 200km (124 miles) from Cobán is the National Park of Lanchúa, which is a very humid, subtropical rainforest teeming with many species of mammals and amphibians. Visitors to the park will need a guide and full camping equipment. From the Lanchuá Lagoon, it is possible to take a boat to explore parts of the Caves of Candelaria. These ancient caves were considered sacred by the Maya and remnants of ceremonial altars and pots have been found here.
SALAMÁ: The attractive departmental capital of Baja Verapaz is a good place to buy souvenirs handcrafted from silver, clay and leather. The nearby town of Purulhá is the location for the Mario Dary Rivera Nature Reserve, which was set up to protect the quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird and a symbol of liberty. Two walking trails cut through the cloudforest, where visitors can see about 50 different types of trees and a variety of tropical birds such as toucans, hummingbirds and macaws.
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