Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ángelalonghangingbridgesusedbyvillagerstocrosstheriver.Lodgingandfoodarealso
available here.
Chicoy Cave
As you head toward Tactic at Km. 167.5 of Highway CA-14 you'll reach the Chicoy Cave
($2.50), with a depth of 70 meters and some large stalagmites. Locals still come to this
place toperformMayanrituals dedicated totheearth, seeking blessings upontheir harvest.
AturnoffatHighwayCA-14'sKm.180headseastfor22kilometerstothetownofTucurú,
from where it's another 26 kilometers via a rugged dirt road passable only in 4WD vehicle
to the fantastic Chelemhá Cloud Forest Preserve. This privately managed protected area
comprises 500 hectares of primary cloud forest and is part of the Sierra Yalijux mountain
range,saidtoharborGuatemala'shighestdensityofquetzalpopulations.Thereserveforms
part of an important migratory corridor to and from the Sierra de las Minas.
On the outskirts of the reserve, the
Maya Cloud Forest Lodge
(tel. 7941-7674,
www.chelemha.org
,
$50 per person) is a comfortable, well-equipped wooden cabin built
right into the side of the mountain in an environmentally friendly manner. Each of its four
roomscomeswithprivatehot-waterbathandtwobeds.Therearealounge,diningarea,and
an observation deck with outrageous views of the forest-clad mountains in the vicinity. Its
Swiss-born manager serves delicious European and international dishes for breakfast ($7),
lunch($10),anddinner($12).Activitiesincludehikesthroughthereservealongtrailswith
local Kekchí guides, visits to a local village, wildlife-viewing and, of course, bird-watch-
ing. This is one of the best places in the country to spot a quetzal.
Volunteer opportunities
in the reserve are available through Unión Para Proteger el
Bosque Nuboso (UPROBON, tel. 7941-7674, uprobon@chelemha.org), which manages
the park. It also offers opportunities for scientific study and research.
