San Juan Chamelco

San Juan Chamelco on the map of Guatemala

San Juan Chamelco is a place in Guatemala and administrative seat of the greater community ( municipality ) in the department of Alta Verapaz. In the 80 km ² large municipality of about 50,000 people live in San Juan Chamelco about 5000.

Geography

San Juan Chamelco located in the central highlands of Alta Verapaz to about 1,400 m above sea level. The majority of its territory extends in the surrounding mountains and is dominated by cloud forest and humid - temperate climate.

San Juan Chamelco bordered to the north by the municipality of San Pedro Carcha, to the east by Senahú, to the south and Tucurú Tamahú and the southwest and west of Coban.

Population

The population belongs mostly to the Mayan Kekchi group. The place is considered as one of the centers of this ethnic group. It seeks particularly to preserve the cultural heritage. Every year on June 24th there will be a remarkable procession in which the Kekchi culture is highlighted.

History

San Juan Chamelco is one of the older settlements in Alta Verapaz. The original name was Li Chup Choch what about " navel of the world " means. Peaceful advancing in the Verapaz region Dominican monks founded on June 24, 1543 in the immediate vicinity of a new village in the Spanish colonial style.

Economy and Transport

San Juan Chamelco is located about seven kilometers south of Coban, the capital of Alta Verapaz. About the National Highway 5 and Highway 14 CA, the place is very well connected to the rest of the country. After Guatemala City there are over El Rancho 220 km. The place is because of its impressive caves ( Grutas del Rey Marcos ) as a tourist attraction. They are 6 km from the Río Cecil. The most important industry is agriculture.