Salto de Chilascó

Alta & Baja Verapaz

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What's claimed to be Central America's highest waterfall lies 12km down a dirt road from a turnoff at Km 145 on Hwy 14 to Cobán. Surrounded by cloud forest, it's an impressive sight, especially if it's been raining and the fall is running at full force. Another waterfall, the Lomo de Macho, lies 8km away – an enjoyable walk, or you can hire a horse from the visitor booth in Chilascó (about 5km from the falls).

Buses to Chilascó leave every half hour from Salamá (Q20, 1½ hours), passing La Cumbre Santa Elena (Q10, 45 minutes) on Hwy 14.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Visitors swimming in turquoise-coloured waters of Semuc Champey.

    Semuc Champey

    29.36 MILES

    Semuc Champey is famed for its great natural limestone bridge, 300m long, on top of which is a stepped series of pools with cool, flowing river water good…

  • Biotopo del Quetzal

    Biotopo del Quetzal

    8.72 MILES

    In the lush cloud forests south of Cobán is the Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera nature reserve, commonly called Biotopo del Quetzal.

  • Orquigonia

    Orquigonia

    28.76 MILES

    Orchid lovers and even the orchid-curious should not miss the wonderfully informative guided tour of this orchid sanctuary just off the highway to Cobán…

  • K'anba Caves

    K'anba Caves

    29.84 MILES

    About a kilometer before Semuc Champey, just before the large bridge crossing the river, you'll see a turnoff to the right for these caves, which many…

  • Templo El Calvario

    Templo El Calvario

    29.29 MILES

    You can get a fine view over the town from this church atop a long flight of stairs at the north end of 7a Av. Indigenous people leave offerings at…

  • Grutas Rey Marcos

    Grutas Rey Marcos

    23.42 MILES

    These caves go for more than 1km into the earth, although chances are you won't get taken that far. A river runs through the cave (you have to wade…

  • Parque Nacional Las Victorias

    Parque Nacional Las Victorias

    29.34 MILES

    This forested 82-hectare national park, right in town, has ponds, BBQ and picnic areas, children's play areas, a lookout point and kilometers of trails…

  • Ermita de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

    Ermita de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

    29.26 MILES

    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…

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Nearby Alta & Baja Verapaz attractions

1. Biotopo del Quetzal

8.72 MILES

In the lush cloud forests south of Cobán is the Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera nature reserve, commonly called Biotopo del Quetzal.

2. Grutas Rey Marcos

23.42 MILES

These caves go for more than 1km into the earth, although chances are you won't get taken that far. A river runs through the cave (you have to wade…

3. Orquigonia

28.76 MILES

Orchid lovers and even the orchid-curious should not miss the wonderfully informative guided tour of this orchid sanctuary just off the highway to Cobán…

5. Mercado Terminal

28.9 MILES

The local market is always good for a wander, even if you're not looking to buy.

6. Museo Katinamit

29.14 MILES

Recreating a Poqomchi' house, this well-ordered museum features household items and everyday products, as well as art, textiles and tools that are still…

7. Ermita de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

29.26 MILES

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…

8. Templo El Calvario

29.29 MILES

You can get a fine view over the town from this church atop a long flight of stairs at the north end of 7a Av. Indigenous people leave offerings at…