Cobán & the Verapaces
Cobán is the capital of the Alta Verapaz department and the gateway to the wild, green world of the Verapaces — a region of cloud forests, rivers, caves, and one of the rainiest areas in Guatemala. Cobán itself is not a beauty, but an important stopover and the base for some of the best nature experiences in the country.
Highlights
- Biotopo del Quetzal: This reserve 50 km south of Cobán is one of the best places to see the Quetzal — the sacred bird of the Maya with its emerald green plumage and tail feathers up to 60 cm long. It adorns the Guatemalan flag and currency. Best chance: February–April (breeding season), early morning (6–7 am). Entrance fee: 40 GTQ, hiking trails: 2–4h.
- Coffee Plantations: The Verapaces produce excellent coffee — especially Cobán coffee (Robusta and Arabica). Visit one of the plantations for a tour of the production.
- Grutas de Lanquín: A cave system near Lanquín with stalactites and an underground river. Most impressive at sunset when thousands of bats fly out. Entrance fee: 30 GTQ.
- Orchids: The Verapaces are an orchid paradise — over 800 species are native here. At Vivero Verapaz in Cobán, you can admire hundreds of orchid species (especially during the bloom November–January).
Practical Information
Getting to Cobán: Bus from Guatemala City (4–5h, about 8€), shuttle from Antigua (4–5h, about 15€). Cobán is the logical stopover between the highlands and Semuc Champey/Petén.
Climate: Cobán is notorious for its rain — it rains here on over 250 days a year. Locals joke: "In Cobán, there are 13 months, and all of them rain." Pack a good rain jacket!