The Best Things to do in Cobán, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Rappelling is an adventure activity offered in the community of Bombilpek, where visitors descend 80 meters by rope to reach a cave with ancient rock paintings, all with specialized equipment and guides. Departure from Cobán is at 8:00 a.m., with an approximate return at 4:00 p.m. A minimum of four people is required for group tours.

The Candelaria Caves National Park is a vast complex of karst caves stretching approximately 35 kilometers, with sections accessible through the community of Mucbilha 1. Visitors can choose between two guided routes designed to showcase this natural wonder. The tour departs from Cobán at 8:00 a.m., with an approximate return at 3:00 p.m.

This is a private reserve of great historical and archaeological significance, once a pilgrimage site for the Ancient Maya. Today, it features a museum displaying replicas of local archaeological artifacts, along with areas for activities such as zip-lining, birdwatching, and sport fishing. Departure is at 8:00 a.m. from Cobán, returning at 3:00 p.m. The tour includes round-trip transportation, entry, activities (horseback riding, zip line, river tubing), and access to facilities like the swimming pool. A minimum of four people is required for group tours.

The quetzal, like other birds, has specific habits, with its peak activity starting at dawn and ending around 9 a.m. To observe this beautiful bird, we visit the private Ranchitos del Quetzal Reserve and the Mario Dari Rivera Biotopo del Quetzal. We depart from Cobán at 5 a.m., arriving at Ranchitos del Quetzal at 6 a.m. Afterward, we head to the Biotopo del Quetzal, finishing the tour by 11 a.m. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cobán, a bird species checklist, binoculars, entry to both sites, and a guide. A minimum of two people is required for group tours.

King Marcos cave is best known for its enormous natural formations. Some of its stalagmites and stalactites are so sculptural that they have earned nicknames – one large formation is called "the Tower of Pisa.”

This is a private family-owned reserve, operating since 1978. The ecotourism project began in 2014, offering guided tours along trails and rivers on the property, birdwatching, a restaurant, and comfortable rest areas where visitors can relax under the trees or by the creek. It’s the perfect place to connect with nature and feel as if time stands still—a true paradise. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cobán, entry, and a guide. Departure is at 8:00 a.m. For group tours, a minimum of four people is required.

On this tour, you’ll get to take an informative hike around the Chicoj coffee plantation. Your guide will explain the process of growing and selling Guatemalan coffee beans.

Orquigonia consists of a small park with a trail that’s about half a mile (1 km) long. It’s not a very large park, but it sprouts a large variety of orchids and plants. Orchids are some of the most highly-prized species of flowers in the world, and they come in a variety of colors and delicate shapes.

Discover the breathtaking natural wonder of Semuc Champey National Park, a stunning limestone bridge where the Semuc Champey River flows over a series of crystal-clear turquoise pools. Nestled deep in Guatemala’s lush jungle, this hidden gem is located 65 km from Cobán, with the last 20 km being a scenic off-road adventure. Our full-day tour from Cobán includes a visit to Semuc Champey and the Kamba Caves, an exciting underground experience. For those looking for a more relaxed option, we also offer a visit to the Lanquin Caves, a dry and easily accessible cave system.