Baja Verapaz

Baja Verapaz is located in the central area of the Republic, at an altitude of 2617 meters above sea level. Its land area of 3124 square kilometers is equivalent to 2.9% of the national territory. This department was created on May 4, 1877, when divided the Region of the Verapaces. 57% of the population is indigenous ethnicities Achi, pocomchí, Quiche and Cakchiquel.

The original name of this region was Tucurután, sometimes written as Tuzulutlán or Tezulutlán. For some authors this word means “land war”, because of resistance that the natives offered to the Spaniards. In contrast to this situation was called “Verapaz” by the Spaniards, since the unification of the region was carried out by peaceful means, Baja Verapaz economy is a source of growing sugar cane, vegetables, grains and cereals, as well as small industries, manufacturing and handicraft shops.

In Baja Verapaz are two of the most important nature reserves in the country, Biotope of Quetzal “Mario Dary Rivera” and Biosphere Reserve Mines: Famous for developing and guacales JIC, as well as work performed in artisanal manufacture musical instruments, Baja Verapaz also was the scene of the process of cultural colonization.

Undoubtedly, one of its top artistic performances is the Rabinal Achí, a etnodrama representing claim that Rabinal, the thirteenth century, the rulers did k’iche’es for having destroyed their villages.
Baja Verapaz is also known for its agricultural diversity, especially the production of oranges. In this department belongs Male Rabinal, who, according Elders stewardship, is a supernatural being who came from heaven to create all that on earth there. This legend is passed on to new generations through story-telling.

Biotope of Quetzal “Mario Dary Rivera”

Biotopo del Quetzal Mario Dary
It is located in the Municipality of Cubulco. This conservation unit consists of 1175 hectares of cloud forest and mountains reaching 2300 metres. It is the best sample, as managed system of natural communities Subtropical mountain in the country. The Biotope has over 50 species of trees, up to 40 meters high, including some rather old 450 years old.

Its function as part mountain water for streams that drain the slopes of the Gulf and Caribbean. Among the most remarkable species of flora are: pine, oak, cypress, rubber, eucalyptus, chip or shut (giant ferns), lichens, mosses, orchids, bromeliads, algae and other plants and air epiphytes. As far as wildlife is concerned, 58 species have been identified, of whom two are residents in the summer. Among other existing species are squirrels, wild rabbits, foxes, zaraguates, monkeys, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, tree and land, salamanders, etc.. A very special place it occupies the quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala and is one of the few places where you can see, preferably early morning.

Within the area there are two paths recognition of the reserve:
Short Track (Los Helechos): 2000 metres trip and can be accomplished in approximately 45 minutes.
Long Trail (mosses): 4000 metres trip and can be completed in approximately 3 hours.
The activities include hiking visitors observation of flora and fauna and possibly a dip in natural pools of cold water. The walk through the trails is highly educational and also what can be learned on the water cycle.
The reserve has the following facilities and equipment, multipurpose room, camping area small area for parking, shop, health, cafeteria, ranches with tables and grills and shelter for 20 people.
THE Biotope is located 165 kilometers from Guatemala City, on the road CA-14, which leads to Coban. The area is open to the public from 6:00 to 16:00 pm.

Next topic: Biosphere Reserve of the Sierra de las Minas

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