Happy TravellerWelcome to Chisec, a town and municipality located in the north of the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz. Founded in 1813, Chisec is situated at 230 metres (755 ft) above sea level and covers a territory of 1244 km². Approximately 95% of the municipality’s inhabitants are Mayan, spread over the town of Chisec and approximately 140 communities. The Qeqchi language is widely spoken there alongside Spanish.
History:
Chisec has a rich history, and it played a significant role in the Franja Transversal del Norte (FTN) project. The first settler project in the FTN was in Sebol-Chinajá in Alta Verapaz. Sebol, then regarded as a strategic point and route through Cancuén river, which communicated with Petén through the Usumacinta River on the border with Mexico. In 1958, during the government of General Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) financed infrastructure projects in Sebol. In 1960, then Army captain Fernando Romeo Lucas Garcia inherited Saquixquib and Punta de Boloncó farms in northeastern Sebol. During those years, Lucas was in the Guatemalan legislature and lobbied in Congress to boost investment in that area of the country. In 1962, the DGAA became the National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INTA), by Decree 1551 which created the law of Agrarian Transformation. In 1964, INTA defined the geography of the FTN as the northern part of the departments of Huehuetenango, Quiché, Alta Verapaz and Izabal and that same year priests of the Maryknoll order and the Order of the Sacred Heart began the first process of colonization, along with INTA, carrying settlers from Huehuetenango to the Ixcán sector in Quiché. The Northern Transversal Strip was officially created during the government of General Carlos Arana Osorio in 1970, by Decree 60-70 in the Congress, for agricultural development.
Economy:
Chisec has a diverse economy, and it is known for its oil potential and African oil palm. In 1971, the indigenous Qeqchis from 24 villages in the Cancuén area, in southern Petén and north of Chisec, were evicted by the Army because it was considered that the region was rich in oil. Since 1974, oil had been commercially extracted in the FTN vicinity following discoveries made by Shenandoah Oil and Basic Resources, which were operating together in the Rubelsanto oil field in Alta Verapaz. There is a large demand within Guatemala and some of its neighbors for edible oils and fats, which would explain how the African oil palm became so prevalent in the country in detriment of other oils, and which has allowed new companies associated with large capitals in a new investment phase that can be found particularly in some territories that form the Northern Transversal Strip of Guatemala. The investors are trying to turn Guatemala into one of the main palm oil exporters, in spite of the decline in its international price. The most active region is found in Chisec and Cobán, in Alta Verapaz Department; Ixcán in Quiché Department, and Sayaxché, Petén Department, where Palmas del Ixcán, S.A. (PALIX) is located, both with its plantation and those of subcontractors. Another active region is that of Fray Bartolomé de las Casas and Chahal in Alta Verapaz Department; El Estor and Livingston, Izabal Department; and San Luis, Petén, where Naturaceites operates.
Climate:
Chisec has a tropical climate (Köppen: Af).
Geographic location:
Chisec is located in the north of the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz.
See also:
Acala Chol
Fernando Romeo Lucas Garcia
Franja Transversal del Norte
If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, Chisec is the perfect place to visit. With its rich history, diverse economy, and tropical climate, there’s something for everyone in this charming town and municipality. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this hidden gem in the heart of Guatemala.
