Proyecto Ecológico Quetzal (PEQ) was established in 1988 with the goal of protecting the habitat of the rapidly-disappearing quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala. Since then, the organization has grown to have a much larger scope. PEQ works actively to combat deforestation in general, promotes sustainable agriculture, researches and monitors birds including and beyond the beloved quetzal, helps local Mayan Q’eqchi families to earn money through eco-tourism (teaching them that it is more profitable to keep the forests intact), and provides volunteer opportunities. Over the years PEQ has also gotten more widespread and international support, including a relationship with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
If you would like to hike and protect the Alta Verapaz mountains while at the same time learning about Mayan Q’eqchi culture during a homestay in a remote village, check out the Proyecto Ecoquetzal website for details. Basically, visitors stay in one of two different remote Mayan villages that are only accessible by foot.
The first village is Chicacnab, which is located high in the cloud forest. This area does not have electricity or roads, and the cloud forest remains intact. The guide, usually the head of the family, will pick guests up in Cobán for the ride and hike to the village. He will also lead hikes in the cloud forest.
The second homestay choice is in the village of Rokjá Pomtilá, located next to river in subtropical rainforest. Guests make their own way (directions provided) to Rokjá, where they will be met and taken to their host family.
For both of these programs, expect very basic accommodations. Obviously, because visitors are staying in a family’s home, only one or two people at most can stay with the family at one time. Good fitness is required in order to hike to the villages and on the excursions.
Also in both programs, guests will learn about traditional Mayan life and eat traditional food, maybe help out with daily chores, and learn a few words of the Q’eqchi language. Make sure to learn about Q’eqchi culture, so as not to offend the family accidentally while visiting.
Cost for each program is approximately US$20-25 per person per day.
For either program, contact Proyecto Ecoquetzal 1-2 days before you would like to go. If you drop by the office ahead of time, you will receive an orientation packet that includes meeting time and map/directions, what to bring, what to expect, activity options, wildlife and plant information, and a long Q’eqchi phrase list (so you can try to learn some of the language before you go!)
Proyecto Ecoquetzal also accepts volunteers with agriculture, forestry, biology, or related background for a minimum 3 month commitment.
Contact information:
Proyecto Ecológico Quetzal
2a Calle 14-36, Zona 1
Cobán GUATEMALA
Tel: (502)952-1047
email: bidaspeq@guate.net