Operador Latino

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ECO TOURISM AND NATURE

Sustainable eco-tourism is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Guatemala is perfect for ecotourism, because in a scant territory we have several ecosystems, with different flora and fauna. We have more than 120 protected areas, and they cover 29% of the territory. Also we have seven National Parks, five biological reserves and seven biotopes. And finally, we have 37 volcanoes. Guatemala has so many to offers to the tourist, and Operador Latino will give you the opportunity to enjoy it in a different way.

Some of the ecotourism destinies are:

1.- Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera Nature Reserve: The Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera Nature reserve, known locally simply as the Biotopo del Quetzal, is a sanctuary for Guatemala’s national bird, the Quetzal. It is located in the territorial division of Baja Verapaz. This biotope has an approximate surface of 1.017 hectares, and it protects and conserves the habitat of the Quetzal. This biotope is a land filled with mountains that can reach 2.300 meters in height, numerous waterfalls, and small streams with crystal-clear water, and a dense-cloudy forest where you can find 50 species of trees.

2.- El Unicornio Azul, Huehuetenango: El Unicornio Azul is a private hacienda dedicated to horseback tours in the Cuchumatenes region. In this place tourists will find all the basic commodities. Also the tourists will enjoy an unforgettable experience riding horses in an incredible landscape. It is a different way to know the nature and culture of this region of Guatemala.

3.- Sierra de Las Minas Reserve is located in eastern Guatemala. The reserve encompasses a mountain range that runs south to northeast across five departments in Guatemala up to Mexico and Belize. It shelters the best-preserved cloud forest in all of Mesoamerica with altitudes ranging from 150 m to more than 3,000 m above sea level. The Sierra de Las Minas Biosphere Reserve is home to 885 species of mammals, birds and reptiles that represent 70 percent of all species registered in Guatemala and Belize. Twenty-one species of regional endemic birds have been reported.

4.- The Mayan Biosphere Reserve covers 2.1 millons of hectares. This reserve was created in 1990 in order to protect the natural and cultural resources. Some of the activities that the tourist can enjoy are: canopy, rafting, mountain biking, trekkings and fishing. This reserve includes several archaeological sites like Tikal, Uaxactun, Yaxhá, Topoxté, Naranjo, Nakum and El Mirador.

5.- Río Dulce: Is a spectacular river on the Izabal Department. This river connects the beautiful Izabal Lake with the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded by incredible natural beauty and exuberant vegetation. Rio Dulce is one of the most important tourist destinations and is a unique place for ecotourism. This destination combines several tourist attractions like the Manatee Biotope, the Garífuna town of Livingston, and San Felipe Castle. This region has more than 350 bird species, and in its waters it is possible to see dolphins

6.- Lanquín Caves National Park: is a system of caves located at 1km from Lanquín town, Alta Verapaz. Inside Lanquín Caves rises Lanquín River. Explore the caves is an unforgettable experience, the trails are illuminated and you can hear the sound of Lanquín river in the deeps of the cave. The geological formations of these caves are impressive. Lanquín cave was already known to the Maya, and was a sacred place where religious offerings and sacrifices were made. 100m inside are original altars that are still used today for modern Maya rituals.

7.- Champey Natural Monument: is a great natural limestone bridge, 300m long, on top which is a stepped series of pools with flowing river water. It is the perfect place to swim, walk and enjoy the nature. In the native Kekchílanguage, Semuc Champey signifies “where the river buries itself in the earth”, because the great majority of the water in the Río Cahabón plunges beneath the natural limestone bridge.

8.- Nacional Park Lachuá: is a natural reserve located in the Alta Verapaz department, covering 15,000 hectares, formed by the Humid Tropical Forest and the Lachuá Lagoon. It was declared a protected area in 1975 and there are more than 52 communities, mostly of Maya Q’eqchi origin. The beautiful Lachuá Lagoon it has turquoise waters and it is surrounded by exuberant vegetation, and is a paradise for ecotourism.

9.- Playa de Monterrico: Monterrico Natural Reserve is located at Guatemalan Pacific Coast and it is dedicated to the sea turtles and the mangrove ecosystem conservation. The mangrove habitat at Monterrico is a vital resource for the survival of many species like shrimps and fishes. At the mangroves zone you can observe more than 110 bird species and several reptiles like iguanas, crocodiles and turtles. In this interesting place CECON, San Carlos de Guatemala University, has a scientific research center where they protect endangered species like turtle. Tourists support this noble labor with their visits.

Telephone: (502) 6634-1138 / (502) 6634-5631
Cel: (502) 5205-5768
email: opera@operadorlatino.com
Km. 13, Carretera a El Salvador Residenciales Los Altos, Casa 56 Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala C.A.
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