Things to do in Cobán
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Proyecto EcoQuetzal
Proyecto EcoQuetzal is an innovative project offering 'ethnotourism' trips in which participants hike to nearby villages nestled in the cloud forest and stay with a Q'eqchi' Maya family. To maximize the experience, travelers are encouraged to learn some Q'eqchi' words and stay with their host family for at least two days. For around US$42 you'll get a guide for three days, lodging for two nights, and six meals. Your guide will take you on hikes to interesting spots.
The men of the family are the guides, providing them an alternative, sustainable way to make a living. Reservations are required at least one day in advance. The Proyecto also rents boots, sleeping bags and b…
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Vivero Verapaz
Orchid lovers mustn't miss the chance to see the many thousands of species at this famous nursery, Vivero Verapaz. The rare monja blanca (white nun orchid), Guatemala's national flower, can be seen here; there are also hundreds of species of miniature orchids, so small that you'll need the magnifying glass they will loan you to see them. Visits are by guided tour.
The national orchid show is held here each December, and by all accounts, it's spectacular. Otherwise, try to visit between October and February, when many flowers are in bloom. Vivero Verapaz is about 2km from the town center - a 30-minute walk southwest from the plaza. You can hire a taxi for around US$2.
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Finca Santa Margarita
A working coffee farm, Finca Santa Margarita offers stellar guided tours. From propagation and planting to roasting and exporting, the 45-minute tour will tell you all you ever wanted to know about these powerful beans. At tour's end, you're treated to a cup of coffee and can purchase beans straight from the roaster for around US$3 to around US$6 per pound (0.45kg). The talented guide speaks English and Spanish.
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Parque Nacional Las Victorias
The forested 0.82-sq-km Parque Nacional Las Victorias, a national park right in town, has ponds, barbecue, picnic areas, children's play areas, a lookout point and kilometers of trails. Camping is available too. Facilities include water and toilets but no showers. The entrance is near the corner of 9a Av and 3a Calle, Zona 1. Beware: readers have reported violent crime here. Consider hiking in a group.
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Aventuras Turísticas
In the Hostal de Doña Victoria, Aventuras leads tours to Laguna Lachuá, the Grutas de Lanquín, Rey Marcos and Candelaria, as well as to Semuc Champey, Tikal, Ceibal, and anywhere else you may want to go; it will customize itineraries. French-, English- and Spanish-speaking guides are available.
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El Bistro
Casa D'Acuña's restaurant offers authentic Italian and other European-style dishes served in an attractive oasis of tranquility to background classical music. In addition to protein-oriented mains, there is a range of pastas, salads, homemade breads, cakes and outstanding desserts.
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Café La Posada
This café has tables on a veranda overlooking the square, and a comfortable sitting room inside with couches, coffee tables and a fireplace. All the usual café fare is served. Snacks comprise nachos, tortillas, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, tostadas, fruit salad and more.
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Café El Tirol
Another good central café, the Tirol claims to have Cobán's 'best coffee' (we disagree) and offers several types of hot chocolate. It's a cozy little place in which to enjoy breakfasts, pastries and coffee or light meals, with a pleasant terrace away from the traffic.
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Templo El Calvario
You can get a fine view over the town from the Templo El Calvario, a church atop a long flight of stairs at the north end of 7a Av. Indigenous people leave offerings at outdoor shrines and crosses in front of the church. Don't linger here after 16:00!
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Xkape Koba'n
The perfect place to take a breather or while away a whole afternoon, this beautiful, artsy little café has a lush garden out back. The cakes are homemade, the coffee delectable and there are some interesting handicrafts on sale.
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Ermita de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
The Ermita de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a chapel dedicated to Cobán's patron saint, is 150m west of the bottom of the stairs leading to the Templo El Calvario (the stairs are at the north end of 7a Av).
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Oxford Language Center
The Oxford Language Center charges around around US$170 for 20 hours of Spanish lessons, with discounts for groups. Its rationale for charging more than the competition is that it pays its teachers better.
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Museo El Príncipe Maya
The private Museo El Príncipe Maya features a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, with an emphasis on jewelry, other body adornments and pottery. The displays are well designed and maintained.
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Bokatas
This large outdoor eatery pumps out big juicy steaks and loud disco music in equal portions. Also on offer is a decent paella for two or three people and a range of seafood and Mediterranean options.
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El Peñascal
Probably Cobán's finest dining option, this one has plenty of regional specialties, Guatemalan classics, mixed meat platters, seafood and snacks in a relaxed, upmarket setting.
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Restaurant Kam Mun
Here you will find Chinese fare, served in a nice, clean atmosphere, 500m west of the plaza. Enjoy your meal surrounded by Chinese dragons, Buddhas and floral paintings.
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El Cafeto
This cute little café right on the square does good, light set lunches, has a half-decent wine selection and serves delicious coffee.
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Bar Milenio
Cobán has several places where you can get down and boogie. Bar Milenio has a bar, food, a pool table and mixed music disco.
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Sonic Burger
The best burgers in town in a young, almost-hip environment. The food is cheap, the drinks expensive… go figure.
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