Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the town plaza, the Cooperativa de Tejedores sells its wares and demonstrates
weaving techniques. The plaza's ornate colonial-era church is decorated on its facade with
jaguars and mermaids.
Accommodations and Food
For a place to stay, you could do far worse than Chi'ixim Eco Hotel (Km. 182.5 on High-
way CA-14, tel. 7953-9198, $20 d), where there are eight cozy bungalows complete with
fireplace, dining room, and private hot-water bath. There's a good restaurant at the lodge
serving sandwiches and local dishes. Delicious food is also served at the log cabin-style
Café La Granja, atKm.187.Amongthemenuoptionsyou'llfindsalads,sandwiches,and
Guatemalan specialties.
Cobán and Vicinity
Pleasant Cobán sits amid evergreen forests and coffee-studded mountains, making an ex-
cellent gateway for exploring nearby natural attractions. It has good hotels and food, as
well as a tranquil country atmosphere. A small national park lies square in the middle of
town. Though it is no stranger to urban sprawl and noise, the tranquility of this small town
quickly reveals itself to you as you walk down its quieter side streets away from the noisy
central area.
Cobán can sometimes feel a bit dreary, as much of the year sees the presence of a rainy
mist known as chipi chipi, though it's not nearly as prominent nowadays because of local
climate change from deforestation. Still, there's something upbeat about this place and the
abundance of nearby natural wonders gives it an entirely different feel from towns in the
Western Highlands.
The town and its surroundings are an important gourmet coffee-growing center and also
produce cardamom and allspice for export. The town is often referred to as the “Imperial
City,” owing to its charter by Emperor Charles V in 1538. More recently, in the 19th cen-
tury Cobán saw an influx of German families, who came to dominate the local culture and
economy owing to their fortunes made growing coffee for export. The United States pres-
sured the Guatemalan government to remove the Germans from the country during World
WarII.TherearestillbitsofGermaninfluencehereandthere,givingthecityitsdistinctive
air.
For details on COBÁN map, click here
 
 
 
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