Kaq' ik'

The traditional food of Coban is reputed to be delicious, but the best known dish is kaq ik ( colorado turkey broth or chunto ) . To follow local traditions is recommended to start with kakaw (cacao ) as an appetizer, followed with b'oj ( sugar cane liquor ) and accompany the main course with yu ( message from rice) and Pochitos ( tamale ) .
Declared intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture and Sports in November 2007 , the regional dish Maya Q'eqchi ' Kak'ik known as " food is an ancient pre-Hispanic ancestry, why has the red color that recalls to some extent the blood ancestors in ritual ceremonies. "
The soup is Kak'ik chunto ( turkey or turkey ) containing a variety of species which include annatto , coriander, and dried chili . Here is a tribute to the cultural traditions held by women Maya Q'eqchi ' communities in rural Tucurú Township , Alta Verapaz , where the chunto kill and clean through ancestral methods surrenders.

History

Food source Maya Q'eqchi 'which in ancient times was served by the Q'eqchi' families to their guests , which was previously accompanied by dish " chili soup " with omelet, which today is considered one of the most modest of thousands of Guatemalan ethnic dishes.
The proper name in Q'eqchi ' , kaq'ik not exist , there is only a paraphrase meaning " chunto broth ( chunto is a turkey that is not farm raised , but in a backyard ) x ya'al li ak'ach . ( Chunto is a turkey is the common name that refers to the criollo turkey.
The kak ik is an ancient pre-Hispanic descent meal , so has the red color that somewhat recalls the ritual blood of ancestors in their ceremonies.

Ingredients

·         7. Liters of water

·         6. Pounds of turkey ( turkey , turkey )

·         April . Red chilli peppers

·         April . Chiles great passes

·         Chile guaque

·         Three . onions

·         Garlic head

·         April . Ounces of miltomate

·         Bunch of coriander ( cilantro if found wild , is best)

·         Bunch of mint

·         Two . Pounds of tomatoes

·         April . Cloves

·         Three . allspice

·         Two . Peppers castilla

Preparation:

Turkey meat is sewn in 7 liters of water for 45 minutes or when meat is almost cooked.
After all ingredients are roasted in a pan, being very careful not to burn .

When meat and is separated from the broth . All ingredients and roasts are placed in a blender and add the broth , when already very thin mix (preferably pass through a fine sieve or piece of gauze ) is placed in a suitable container and in this mixture is placed liquefied all ingredients , let it simmer for 10 minutes, then the turkey is added and boil for another 10 or 15 minutes. You can accompany it with rice tamale with oil and salt , chile powder Coban

 ! Enjoy it !

CELEBRATIONS

Coban celebrates its holder Fair 1 to 6 August in honor of its patron saint Santo Domingo De Guzman.

On the third Sunday in May, as every year takes place the International Half Marathon Championships, with a distance of 21 kilometers ( Coban - Carchá ), with the end goal in Coban. For this event are invited to several athletes, countries who send their representatives.

In late July prior to the holding of departmental fair is organized to NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL OF COBAN. It is a celebration of indigenous groups of Mayan, Garifuna and xinca, whose purpose is to magnify and display their traditions, customs, art, etc.

TYPICAL ATTIRE

The costume of women has hardly changed, with special affection the indigenous people preserve it, except for some parts that are only seen in big ceremonies.

Comprising white huipil "Kembil" or "Pikbil" They make it in hand looms and are unique in that the fabric itself carries cantaritos figures, deer, marquesotes matte or snuff.

PETTICOAT, is dark blue with tiny grid, reaching to the ankle.

EL perraje, is white and green or red, with wide lines or small, all the leading lady bent at the temple, as the hair crown, which will bundle the classic "tupuy" red is a symbol of high rank and fertilization.

Chachales AND RINGS , women wearing the jeweled fingers with multiple rings of silver, of hanging ducks , birds , and animals of the forest areas , the Jackal is also silver necklace antique coins, either simple spheres or chains, which terminate in a large cross called Cuansh.

Tactic

The red upper: means the blood spilled by our ancestors.

Güipil Red : represents the blood , nature , animals and neck güipil represents the four cardinal points

The huipil , that is worn on the head represents the great respect ajau .

The two braids : means a duality and complementarity.

The white bar represents the purity of indigenous women .

Chachales means the coral snake.

Earrings and rings : represents the beauty of women in all manifestations.

Coban

The white huipil , represents beauty , purity, modesty of women and containing drawings represent nature .

The cut represents the sky , the dark and the four corners of our world .

The tupuy represents the blood that runs in our veins and the nine months of pregnancy of women, as the serpent.

The earrings , and rings chachales represents nature and that each of them contains different figures .

The napkin , means respect there to the Ajaw and bukleb is to serve cocoa, which is the sign of friendship for those coming

Cahabon

The red upper: means the blood spilled by our ancestors.

Güipil Red : represents the blood , nature , animals and neck güipil represents the four cardinal points

The huipil , that is worn on the head represents the great respect ajau .

The two braids : means a duality and complementarity.

The white bar represents the purity of indigenous women .

Chachales means the coral snake.

Earrings and rings : represents the beauty of women in all manifestations

San Cristobal

Marine Court: represents the color of the eyes and night.

Güipil : stained white represents the purity of women, the heart of heaven, is spotting women who are laborious . The neck represents the four corners of our world .

Tupuy : represents the nine months pregnant woman with her nine meter long tupuy . Also the feathered serpent , also the color of the blood of the indigenous people.

Earrings and rings chains depicting the beauty of women and protection from evil spirits .

Red Belt : represents the blood that runs through our veins.

The shawl : is an additional piece that gives elegance to indigenous women, which will elaborate a Mayan glyph.

SAN JUAN CHAMELCO

 SANTA CRUZ

BIOTOPO OF QUETZAL

Quetzal Biotope and surroundings

Proceed as with any of the following photos you want to see them bigger.

The map corresponds to an extracted Google Earth satellite photo, indicating the approximate position of the entrance to Biotopo, the CA -14 highway, some hotels, Waterfall Rubel Chaim, etc.

Approximate coordinates of the entrance to the biotope:

Latitude: 15.212789

Longitude: -90.216367

Other information of interest:

Elevation: between 1,500 and 2,300 m

Location: Purulha, Baja Verapaz

Capital Distance: 160 kms Approximate

---

El Quetzal Biotope or Mario Dary Biotope is a rainforest reserve dedicated to the protection of the bird symbol of Guatemala: Quetzal.

To reach this reserve take the road to the Atlantic, CA -9, and at the place called El Rancho, about 86 km , cross bound for Coban. Shortly thereafter, upon reaching 160 Km biotope found the left side of the road. If you come from the city, well worth staying very close to the biotope and spend one or two nights as there are plenty of places to inspect around.

Two hotels excel in the area near the biotope, more and more affordable, but they have the best facilities and amenities. One is the traditional Posada del Quetzal, with little more than 30 years of existence, where bungalows comfortable double or family rooms for 4 or more people is. The other is the Hotel Ram Tzul with similar characteristics also provides variety of attractive rooms for accommodation. Both offer the typical food of the region as it is the traditional Kak Ik. Apart from these two hotels should also mention the lodgings Biotope and called the Ranchitos Del Quetzal, also located very close to the Quetzal Biotope and visible from the roadside. For those keeping sight the main purpose of the quetzal, a place called Los Ranchitos is reputed to be the one with more likely to locate it without much effort.

---

There are two trails that tourists can explore a small part of what the book Biotope. The short route (Ferns) and approximately 2 kilometers long route (Mosses) 4 kms . Both are fairly well laid out, maintained and gravel floors less slippery to walk the treatment. Given the above feature can walk the trails without guides, but if desired can be managed in the visitor center a guided tour. During the tour there are breaks, health and variety of explanatory labels providing the basic features of a rainforest.

The official name of this reserve is University Biotope Conservation Quetzal Mario Dary Rivera Lic. Its name indicates the reason for this reservation: the national bird of Guatemala, the quetzal, revered since the time of the Mayans. Maybe this is not the most suitable biotope for the quetzal sighting point, but undoubtedly is the site of choice for general appreciates the flora and fauna of a cloud forest. Biotope forms part of a Cloud Forest Biological Corridor which starts at Km 144 and ends at 172, route to Coban, the CA -14.

Entire corridor Cloud Forest seems to be caused by the evaporation of the not too distant Lake Izabal, which is the factor that provides water essential key to this region.

A typical and very curious phenomena that characterize much of the region´s true, during the months of October to January is the Chipi Chipi- popularly called , that is nothing more than cold weather , overcast with intermittent drizzle throughout the day .

Tree ferns are a spectacle in the biotope, hence the reason why one of the two paths is called the Ferns. In the photos you can see some of these plants are popularly in Guatemala are called warblers or shut.

The Calvario church

---

It possesses 131 steps. It is located in the top of a mountain just 5 blocks from the Central Park of Cobán; it is a beautiful urban point view, to only way to get there is by means of 135 steps. It was built, approximately 150 years ago by the indigenous community, under the instructions of the Fancisco Pop cacique.

Next to the church, is a cemetery that was closured by its proximity with the city.

Lanquín Caves

---

1 km from the municipal seat of Lanquín, on the road that leads to Coban, passes over the input Lanquin Caves, one of the first declared protected areas in Guatemala. It is an enormous and beautiful complex, lounges, cupolas and capricious limestone formations which give it an extraordinary beauty, is not known where the cave ends. Some formations have names of animals and other shapes that resemble. Caves not only a tourist destination, but a place sacred to the Maya peoples, are believed to be the "heart of heaven" and that in the bowels of these caves "hides the secret of the ages." Caves Lanquin stand out for being a natural habitat for thousands of bats, which depart every evening, a natural spectacle appreciated by many tourists.

Some of the rooms and formations of interest include: The Altar of the Pillory, where Mayan ancestors performed their rites and incense and still used for that purpose, the Bridge of the fall of the King, whose name is because when King Leopold of Belgium arrived in Guatemala and Lanquín Caves in 1958, and by passing over a bridge made of sticks roízos, wood could not bear the weight of the king and those who were with him, and breaking, Leopold Belgium fell. Being rebuilt the bridge, was christened with that name.

The river emerges Lanquín the bowels of the cave (no one knows its origin though some say it begins far in another department) and is where some tourists begin a tube ride. You can rent tubes at the hospice located at the end of the course. Around the cave entrance and parking area is a small forest, where you can watch birds and other mammals. The tour is open to tourism 400m on a path lighting is provided in parts tiered cement and metal bridges. However, it is wet and slippery inside the cave, you have to walk carefully.

There is a collection booth, picnic or rest area, toilets and parking area. It is administered by the Municipality. The entrance fee is Q20 (national), Q30 (foreigners), Q10 (children), Q10 (parking). The rangers are ready to accompany visitors on their way to the cave. Site Hours: 8am to 5pm, every day of the year.

Semuc Champey

---

It is located in the Lanquín Municipality over the Cahabón River. Semuc Champey is built by a natural bridge of stone of approximately 500 meters of extension inside it the Cahabon River immerses in this place known as siguán. In the surface are formed 7 emerald swimming pools from 1 to 3 meters deep, feeding by spring from the mountains.

These swimming pools are located in a small canyon formed by sedimentary and limestone rock founded in the highlands of  he Polochic Valley. By the characteristics of the warm subtropical very humid forest, there is a range of flora and arboreal canopy.

The access to this site is by a road without pave, in good state, passable all the year and of there until Semuch Champey (8kms) in vehicle of double transmission or on foot.

Coban

 Tourist destination in Guatemala

• The area of Coban is incredibly rich in flora, fauna and lakes that can be found everywhere. Large, thick cloud forests of exceptional beauty, pristine waterfalls and several amazing cave systems, makes ideal Coban true eco- tourists.

• A charming town of 70,000 inhabitants is the capital of Coban Alta Verapaz and a convenient location for exploring the area. Coban was founded in 1543 by Dominican monks and today is an important center for coffee and cardamom products. In the nursery grown Verapaz are more than 650 species of orchids (including the White Nun, national flower of Guatemala).

• The reserve Mario Dary was created to protect the quetzal, the national bird and symbol of Guatemala. The reserve has two nature trails through the rain forest with mountains reaching 2300 meters. Above the sea, the vegetation is characterized by its large leaves and pine trees with orchids, moss, ferns and bromeliads galore. The quetzals can be seen in the early hours of the morning.

• In addition there are mystical places as " Chicoy cave " and other natural beauties like the Candelaria Caves , the caves of King Mark, Semuc Champey world renowned formed by a succession of " pools " natural in the woods and near there are also the mysterious caves of Lanquin.

Upon the arrival of the Spaniards, the territory of Tezulutlán was populated by the Kekchi group’s pocomchís, Achi and others. The conquest of the territories gave peacefully by Dominican friars, led by Fray Bartolome de las Casas. During the early years of the colony 's Verapaces was in charge of Don Juan Matabalpaz Cacique , who managed to governor ; besides the departments today Baja Verapaz Alta Verapaz and also included the present departments of Petén , Belize and parts of Izabal.

Since the late nineteenth century British and Germans came to colonize to plant coffee. Agricultural production grew considerably and cultivated cardamom incentive to ship the coffee produced in the region, the Germans built the railroad Verapaz, reaching to the shores of Lake Izabal. This apartment has a very varied landscape is cold and covered in a dense fog that leads to continuous chipi chipi or persistent light rain.

This department formerly known as Tezulutlán typography has a pretty creek, mountains and fertile hills. Most of the funnels forming ridges, hills and ravines, have no natural outlets and end in ravines and siguanes, serving sink rainwater. Because of its varied architecture and its different heights, presents a range of climates, from the hot to the cold Panza Tactic.

At least the people are Ladinos and the rest are pocomchí Kekchi origin. Its main economic screed is agriculture, adapted to different latitudes and for which abundant crops of coffee, corn, beans , rice, tea , cocoa , pepper and cardamom are obtained , including its agricultural wealth plus the commercial sectors develop industrial and mining , especially lead and zinc, which are obtained in cquipec mines . Additionally there are several oil companies doing exploration work.

The department has a very diverse cave fauna and landmark for cavers, by existing caves in the region. One of the highlights of the wildlife that lives in the soil is the White Nun, declared national flower and forests are the habitat of the Quetzal.

Coban was founded by the Spanish in the sixteenth century, exactly the August 4, 1543, is located in the Basin of Cahabón River, on a hilly landscape which provides some dispersion urban fabric, in an alternation of hills and plains. It has an area of 2,132 kilometers and is located at 1320 meters above sea level. It has a pleasant, temperate climate averaging 19 degrees Celsius.

The city of colonial architecture mixed with some elements of German influence. Its main craft is silverware. The town has neighborhoods places of interest to visit. Among them:

Alta Verapaz

A land with water sculpted...

A four-hour trip filled with a colorful landscape will lead people to this market by endless stories. The road to Coban offers a beautiful panorama of lush greenery. For tourists, the department provides a huge amount of options, which can be enjoyed in the great outdoors, tours of gaps, camatas and coexistence with nature.

Departmental Header: Coban.

Population: 776.246 (INE 2,002).

Towns:

#	Municipalities	Populations (INE 2,002)	Event Holders	Distances Header
1	San Pedro Carchá	148,344	June 29 - St. Peter the Apostle	7 km
2	Cobán	144,461	August 4 - Santo Domingo de Guzman Last Saturday in July - Folk Festival	-
3	Chisec	69,325	June 29 - San Pedro et San Pablo	74 km
4	Senahú	54,471	June 13 - San Antonio de Padua	138 km
5	Panzós	44,770	August 30 - Santa Rosa de Lima	127 km
6	Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas	44,538	May 3 - La Santa Cruz	120 km
7	San Cristóbal Verapaz	43,336	July 25 - St. James	23 km
8	Cahabón	42,949	September 8 - Virgin of the Nativity	97 km
9	San Juan Chamelco	38,973	June 24 - San Juan Bautista	7 km
10	Tucurú	28,421	September 30 - Saint Michael the Archangel	63 km
11	Santa Catalina La Tinta	27,027	25 to 28 November - Saint Catherine of Alexandria	100 km
12	Tactic	24,535	August 15 - Our Lady of the Assumption	29 km
13	Santa Cruz Verapaz	19,012	May 3 - The Santa Cruz	16 km
14	Chahal	16,853	August 28 - St. Augustine	154 km
15	Lanquin	16,546	August 28 – St. Agustin	63 km
16	Tamahú	12,685	January 25 - St. Paul the Apostle	48 km

How to get there?

Guatemala City to Coban, there are 215 km of paved road completely. Driving is on the Atlantic Highway (CA -9), arriving at KM 85 is an important branch of El Rancho. This way to your left or CA -14 highways takes you to the Verapaz. If going by car, takes around 3h30.

Information on buses to Coban:

Monja Blanca

8th Avenida 15-16, Zona 1, Guatemala City.

Tel: 2238-1409, 2251-1878

Hours of Service: 4:00 and 17:00.

Exit delay between each bus: 30 minutes.

Approx. Trip 4 hours 30 minutes.

Weather: Cold.

Languages: Spanish, Q'eqchi ' and poqomchi ‘.

Altitude: 1,316 meters above sea level.

Land boundaries: Alta Verapaz is located in Region II (North) in Guatemala; Coban is located 214 km from Guatemala City.

• NORTH: Department of Petén.

• THIS: Department of Izabal.

• SOUTH: Departments of Zacapa, Baja Verapaz and El Progreso.

• WEST: Department of Quiché.

Land area: 8,686 km ².

Foundation: 1,543.

Temperature: Maximum 24 ° C and minimum 13 ° C.