Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central & Eastern Guatemala
Why Go?
Stretching from the steamy lowland forests of El Petén to the dry tropics of the Río Mot-
agua valley, and from the edge of the Western Highlands to the Caribbean Sea, this is
Guatemala's most diverse region.
The Carretera al Atlántico (Hwy 9) shoots eastward to the sea from Guatemala City,
passing the turnoffs for the wonderfully preserved ruins of Copán in Honduras; Quiriguá,
with its impressive stelae; and Río Dulce, a favored resting spot for Caribbean sailors and
gateway to the wilds of the Refugio Bocas del Polochic (Bocas del Polochic Wildlife
Reserve). While you're here don't miss the gorgeous boat ride down the Río Dulce to Lív-
ingston, the enclave of the Garifuna people.
The north of the region is lush and mountainous coffee-growing country. The limestone
crags around Cobán attract cavers the world over, and the beautiful pools and cascades of
Semuc Champey rate high on Guatemala's list of natural wonders.
When to Go
Encompassing a huge area, measuring about one quarter of Guatemala's land mass, the cli-
mate is predictably diverse here - Cobán and the Alta Verapaz are best avoided in the cool-
er months from November to February, as many of the attractions involve swimming. Garí-
funa National Day in Lívingston at the end of November is worth putting on your calendar,
as is Cobán's Rabin Ajau festival in July.
Bird-watchers hoping to see Guatemala's national bird, the quetzal, will have better luck
during their laying period from March to June. Accommodation prices remain relatively
stable throughout the year, with the usual exceptions of steep hikes during Christmas and
Easter.
Best Places to Eat
»
Xkape Koba'n (
Click here
)
»
Antojitos Zacapanecos (
Click here
)
