Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The site of
Semuc Champey Natural Monument
is high in the Alta Verapaz moun-
tains, where the Rio Cahabón flows into a giant cave before reemerging a few hundred
feet downstream. Atop the churning turmoil is a natural bridge holding a splendid series of
turquoise limestone pools surrounded by tropical forest. It is probably Guatemala's finest
swimming hole.
Biotopes
Guatemala's biotopes are administered by
CECON
(Avenida La Reforma 0-63 Zona 10,
Guatemala City, tel. 2361-5450 or 2331-0904), the Center for Conservation Studies of
Guatemala's San Carlos University (USAC). The biotopes are the brainchild of former
USACDeanMarioDaryRivera,whowasmurderedwhentheestablishmentoftheQuetzal
Biotope in Alta Verapaz conflicted with local lumber interests. The biotopes were created
with the protection and study of a particular animal species in mind. Biotopes protect sea
turtles on the Pacific Coast, manatees in the Izabal region, and bats in the Petén forests,
among others.
Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera,
also knownasthe
Biotopo del Quetzal
(Quetzal Biotope),
is a cloud forest preserve conveniently situated along the road to Cobán near the village
of Purulhá, in Baja Verapaz department. It covers 1,022 hectares with ranges in elevation
up to 2,300 meters (7,500 feet). In the early morning, it is easily one of the best places to
seeGuatemala'snationalbird,theresplendentquetzal.Thecloudforestvegetationconsists
largely of conifers, broadleaf trees, orchids, mosses, ferns, and bromeliads. There is an ex-
cellentnetworkofnaturetrails,someofwhichleadtowaterfallsandexcellentviewsofthe
surrounding areas. Other amenities include information and visitor centers, a store, a cafet-
eria, showers, and cooking facilities. A variety of accommodations are found nearby.
OnGuatemala'sPacificCoast,
Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii
wasdesignatedforthepro-
tection of Guatemala's endangered sea turtles, which come to lay their eggs on its black
sandy beaches. Between May and September, local residents are actively involved in col-
lectingeggsforhatchingatalocalnurseryinexchangeforbeingallowedtokeeppartofthe
booty. After incubation, the hatchlings are released with the help of tourists, who jump at
theopportunitytoholdoneofthetinyhatchlingsinhandbeforesendingthemontheirjour-
ney across the sand and into the sea. Monterrico is a popular beach with Guatemalans and
foreigners alike. Nearby Hawaii is substantially quieter. The park also protects important
mangroveforestsandmarshesinadditiontoseveralspeciesofplantsandanimals.Thereis
also an iguana-breeding program at the site.
Chocón Machacas Biotope,
within Río Dulce National Park, encompasses 7,600 hec-
tares and was created with the protection of the manatee in mind, though studies suggest
very few of these creatures remain anywhere in Guatemala. The park is in an area known
as El Golfete and features old-growth forests, flooded forests, mangrove swamps, canals,
