Cancuen Ruins, Candelaria Caves and Laguna Lachua National Park
Central and East, Guatemala
The region of Verapaz, consisting of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz is a region of extremes with the cool, misty, pine covered mountains of the Alta Verapaz and the hot, dry-tropic climate of Baja Verapaz. This beautiful and diverse region of Guatemala is a delight for nature lovers and for those looking for adventure. With its unique cloud forest vegetation, several small lakes, beautiful landscapes and huge caves, Alta Verapaz offers several attractions for ecotourism and adventure. The desert-like climate and terrain in Baja Verapaz holds various lovely rivers and waterfalls and is home to the rare Quetzal bird.
Background
The Mayan tribe of the Q’ekchi once ruled this part of the highlands until 1548 when they became Spanish citizens and the area was renamed Les Verapaces by King Carlos V. In 1576 the Spanish government took control of the area and it gradually became a backwater until 1870 when President Barrios allowed German immigrants to develop the area into coffee plantations. The region remains one of the largest producers of coffee and is now the largest producer of cardamom in the world.