Totonicapán Department, Administrative department in western highlands, Guatemala.
Totonicapán is an administrative region in Guatemala's western highlands, located across mountainous terrain where the Sierra Madre range rises with notable peaks. The area is covered by forests and divided into several municipalities with settlements spread across different elevations.
The region experienced a brief period of independence from 1838 to 1840 when it formed a separate republic alongside two neighboring departments. This episode concluded when the area was reincorporated back into Guatemala.
The K'iche' Maya people who live here keep their language and weaving traditions alive in daily life, with handmade textiles visible in markets and homes throughout the communities. These practices form the backbone of local identity and appear in the colors and patterns that decorate many spaces.
The region is connected through the Cuatro Caminos intersection with routes linking to neighboring areas and the capital city. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions and steep roads due to the highland terrain.
The region is home to rare Guatemalan fir trees called pinabete that grow naturally in the oak and pine forests. These trees thrive only at the highest elevations and are an important part of the local forest ecosystem.
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