Cobán, Alta Verapaz

Guatemala Cloud Forests

Learn about Guatemala's cloud forests off the page or screen when your Guatemalan getaway puts you in the midst of the real thing! First, do you know what a cloud forest is? Cloud forests are so named because they have almost constant cloud coverage. High in humidity, the moisture from foggy clouds precipitates onto leaves and slowly drips to the forest floor. For this reason, cloud forests are some of the most biologically productive places on Earth; organisms are found in every crack and crevice. It's not uncommon for these ecosystems to be the habitat of some of the world's most spectacular and important creatures, and Guatemala's cloud forests are no exception.

Explore Biotopo del Quetzal when you find yourself in Purulhaá, Verapaces. Head to Raxruhaá Candelaria, where you can explore cloud forests, caves, and ruins. Perhaps the alpine community of Cobán, Alta Verapaz is more your pace — before you head into Guatemala's cloud forests, you can start your day with an incredible cup of coffee. Whichever destination you choose, please be sure to bring warm clothes, a rain jacket, and good hiking boots, because the higher elevation of Guatemala's cloud forests can make them chilly — especially if you're going on a night tour or camping excursion.

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The best places to visit in Guatemala Cloud Forests

Cobán, Alta Verapaz

Cobán, Alta Verapaz

The misty alpine town of Cobán sits within the highlands of Las Verapaces. This moderately sized town (pop. 65,000) is close to several natural attractions and has good hotel and restaurant options.

Lanquín, Alta Verapaz

Lanquín, Alta Verapaz

Set within a lush valley in Guatemala’s Central Highlands, the small town of Lanquín is becoming well known for two attractions—the Lanquín caves and the Semuc Champey limestone pools.

Copán Ruinas (Honduras)

Copán Ruinas (Honduras)

The town of Copán Ruinas is located just 8 miles (13 km) across the border with Honduras. This pleasant town is set within a lush valley and abuts the Mayan site of Copán. Copán is an archeological site that houses some of the most exquisite Mayan structures known to date.

Mazatenango

Mazatenango

The town of Mazatenango is located 17 miles (27 km) west of Retalhuleu. The town mainly acts as a stopping point for travelers making trips through this region.

Purulhá, Verapaces

Purulhá, Verapaces

The small town of Purulhá is located in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. The town itself is unremarkable, but it is close to the Biotopo del Quetzal and a number of other outdoor attractions.

Alta Verapaz

Alta Verapaz

The departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz collectively make up an area known as “Las Verapaces.” Alta Verapaz, the more northern of the two departments, hosts verdant forests, turquoise swimming holes, large caves, and white-water rivers. Although this area is becoming an ecotourism destination, it still sees far fewer visitors than most places in Guatemala.

Baja Verapaz

Baja Verapaz

Baja Verapaz is a lovely department in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Together with Alta Verapaz, this region is collectively known as “Las Verapaces.”

Raxruhá Candelaria

Raxruhá Candelaria

Raxruhá is a small town in Petén that provides travelers with a good base for exploring the Candelaria Caves and the ruins of Cancuén.

Trips to Inspire

Guatemala Cloud Forests itineraries from local insiders

Explore hand-picked Guatemala Cloud Forests itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

9 daysFrom $1,102 per person

A Wedding Celebration Made Better

Thank you for making my Wes and Ines's wedding so special! We were taken care of at all times and will return and only use your services!

A Wedding Celebration Made Better

Guatemala

18 daysFrom $3,602 per person

Artisan Explorer in Guatemala

the culture is so rich and diverse, the colors, the music, language, dance, art, artesania, nature, and most of all the people are very nice and wonderful

Artisan Explorer in Guatemala

Guatemala

6 daysFrom $974 per person

This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!

Take the children on an exciting adventure without sacrificing your comfort. Spend time outdoors, then enjoy high thread count linens, swimming pools, and private transportation.

This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!

Guatemala

9 daysInquire

Colorful Cultural Adventures

Explore the world in vivid color when you make your way through Guatemala. Get outdoors, enjoy cultural exchanges, learn something new. Sample the best of Guatemala now!

Colorful Cultural Adventures

Guatemala

13 daysFrom $1,261 per person

The Colors & Culture of Guatemala

Don’t just take your family somewhere new, teach them about the world on a colorful expedition of Guatemala full of outdoor adventures, history, and cultural exchanges.

The Colors & Culture of Guatemala

Guatemala

14 daysInquire

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize

You’re an intrepid traveler with an explorer’s spirit –– it’s time to make your way through the wild heart of Guatemala and Belize. This vacation, walk with the ancients.

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize

Guatemala

15 daysInquire

Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala

Rediscover your passion for adventure and each other when you make your way through beautiful Guatemala. Sample a little of everything –– from ruins to cuisine.

Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala

Guatemala

5 daysInquire

Guatemala's Gems of Nature

Take yourself on an amazing journey –– collect precious memories throughout the visually striking nation of Guatemala. The beauty of Lake Atitlan and history of Antigua awaits.

Guatemala's Gems of Nature

Guatemala

12 daysInquire

Heart of The Mayan World

I would warn them about the deceptive practices of Casa Azul though about the stocking and charges of the alcohol in the fridge. No warning at check in. No signage on fridge. Not locked. No tally sheet. No warning or heads up by Anywhere. I have never had to pay for alcohol before. ($92. U.S.) There was a store a few doors away. My only complaint about this hotel. I would stay there again. I just wouldn't be tricked twice.

Heart of The Mayan World

Guatemala

9 daysInquire

We Dreamt. Then We Went.

When we told our family and friend that we were going to Guatemala, their first impression was your kidding. The country is not safe. Let me say we had a fantastic time from beginning to end of our trip. Guatemala has a lot to present and the country has a lot of history and the people are wonderful. I would come back again. In general I would say we had no issues with the Itinerary and the drivers of Anywhere were very professional and most of all kept us safe where ever we went. The hotels that we stayed were very nice and in safe location.

We Dreamt. Then We Went.

Guatemala

Anywhere mission
Anywhere Guatemala

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5 Stars - Verified customer reviews from Trustpilot