Travel Guide San Juan Chamelco

Ten kilometers southeast of Coban, this agricultural town is specialized in the cultivation of corn, beans, cabbage, coffee and honey. Also craftsmen, 30% of its inhabitants are dedicated essentially to the confection of hammocks and carpets. Seeing it today, it is difficult to imagine that its name Q'eqchi', "Chup Li Choch", meant "Earth's navel". Yet, it was the case: after the arrival of the Spaniards in 1524, it was here that several indigenous peoples took refuge, thinking that the highlands would keep them safe. This did not prevent the conquistadors from gaining the territory, on which they founded the town in 1543.