Propped up on a massive limestone table eroded over thousands of years, the plateau of the Verapaz region is riddled with caves, underground tunnels, stalagtites and stalagmites. Cavernous labyrinths used by the Maya for worship, in their belief that caves are the entrances to the underworld, are also now visited by travellers who marvel at the natural interior design of these subterranean spaces. Nature has performed its work above ground too. At Semuc Champey, pools of tranquil, turquoise-green water span a monumental limestone bridge; beneath the bridge a river thunders violently through. The quetzal reserve also provides the opportunity to witness a feather flash of red or green of the elusive bird, and dead insects provide curious interest in Rabinal, where their body parts end up on ornamental gourds. The centre of this region – the imperial city of Cobán – provides respite for the traveller with a clutch of museums honouring the Maya, coffee and orchid, and a fantastic entertainment spectacle at the end of July with a whirlwind of traditional dances and a Maya beauty contest.
$$ Excellent menu and massive portions. Try the blueberry pancakes, great yogurt, don’t walk thro...
The Verapaces information
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Background
Background
Before the Spanish conquest of the region, Las Verapaces had a notorious reputation – it was known as Tezulutlán (land of war) for its aggressive warlike residents, who fought repeated battles with their neighbours and rivals, the K’iche’ Maya. These warring locals were not going to be a pushover for the Spanish conquerors and they strongly resisted when their land was invaded. The Spanish eventually retreated and the weapon replaced with the cross. Thus, Carlos V of Spain gave the area the title of Verdadera Paz (true peace) in 1548. The region’s modern history saw it converted into a massive coffee- and cardamom-growing region. German coffee fincas were established from the 1830s until the Second World War, when the Germans were invited over to plough the earth by the Guatemalan government. Many of the fincas were expropriated during the war, but some were saved from this fate by naming a Guatemalan as the owner of the property. The area still produces some of Guatemala’s finest coffee – served up with some of the finest cakes! The Germans also introduced cardamom to the Verapaces, when a finquero requested some seeds for use in biscuits. Guatemala is now the world’s largest producer of cardamom.
The principal road entrance to the Verapaces leaves the Atlantic Highway at El Rancho heading up to Cobán. This junction is one hour from Guatemala City.
