Sierra de las Minas Biosphere

The Sierra de las Minas Biosphere is Guatemala's most important cloud forest reserve and protects a mountainous (up to 3,000m/9,840ft) region of tropical and coniferous forests plus jaguars, pumas and deer.

The endangered quetzal has been seen here as has the rare harpy eagle.

The Biosphere is the principal source of water for the Motagua and Polochic Rivers, which empty into the Gulf of Honduras and Lake Izabal respectively.