Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cobán is home to a yearly folklore festival taking place in late July or early August
known as
Rabin Ajau,
in which a Mayan beauty queen is selected from among various
hopefuls. Another important event is the annual
orchid show
held here in December.
A number of excellent outfitters have regular departures for the Lanquín caves and
Semuc Champey as well as the Quetzal Biotope and points farther afield. Cobán makes a
great place to regroup and get information before heading out on deeper explorations of all
that Las Verapaces have to offer.
An excellent resource for planning a trip can be found online at
www.cobanav.net
.
Parque Central
Cobán's triangular central park is interesting in that it is on a hilltop from which the rest of
the town drops off in all directions. The cathedral contains the remains of a large, cracked
church bell. A block behind the cathedral is the town's market.
Templo El Calvario
For many, this whitewashed church dating to 1810 holds greater significance than the
town's cathedral because of its prominence as a site for Kekchí religious rituals on altars
lining the long staircase leading up to it. Among the themes represented at its different al-
tars are the granting of wishes for love and health, among others. The inside of the temple
is virtually covered with votive candles, while hundreds of corncobs hang from the roof.
Outside, there are fantastic views of Cobán and the rolling green hillsides all around. To
the southeast is Mount Xucaneb, the highest point in Alta Verapaz. To get there, head west
from the main plaza up 1a Calle and then north two blocks on 7a Avenida. You'll see the
long, winding staircase heading up to the temple.
Parque Nacional Las Victorias
Next door to the church is Parque Nacional Las Victorias (11 Avenida and 3a Calle Zona
1, 8 A.M.-4:30 P.M. daily, $0.75), an 84-hectarenational park right in the middle of town
where you can take a walk on nice paths through mostly evergreen forests, passing a la-
goon along the way. Try not to visit alone, as there have been isolated incidents involving
muggings at the hands of local gangs.
Museo El Príncipe Maya
This excellent private museum (6a Avenida 4-26 Zona 3, tel. 7952-2809, museoprin-
cipemaya@ yahoo.es, 9 A.M.-6 P.M. Mon.-Sat., $2) harbors an impressive collection of
artifacts, including carvings in mother-of-pearl and jade, polychromatic pottery, ceremoni-
alobjects,tools,andweapons.AmongthehighlightsisaClassic-periodhieroglyphicpanel
