In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.
Voykit pocket guide · Guatemala
Cobán
Spend 1‑2 days in Cobán: explore the city, Las Victorias park and take a day‑trip to Semuc Champey (≈2 h each way).
Cobán is a midsize highland town (≈212 k pop, 1,320 m altitude) known for coffee, orchids and nearby nature. The centre is walkable; a night‑or‑two lets you see the market, cathedral and Las Victorias, and reach Semuc Champey or Lanquín on day trips.
- Country
- Guatemala
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Avoid
- Jun–Oct (rainy season)
- Stay
- 1–2 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- GTQ
- Money
- Currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q). Cards work in Antigua hotels and restaurants; markets, lake villages and shuttles often need cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget Q150–250 excl. bed · Mid Q250–400 excl. bed · High Q400+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Tigo and Claro sell SIMs at the airport and shops; bring your passport.
- Emergency
- Police 110 · Fire and ambulance 122/123 · Tourist assistance 1500
- Plugs
- Types A, B · 120 V · 60 Hz · US plugs fit; power cuts in storms.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% — check if 'propina' is already on the bill.; Guides (Tikal, volcanoes): Q50–100 per person per day.; Shuttle drivers: Q10–20.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations in Antigua and lake hotels.
- Toilets
- Paper in the bin; public toilets charge Q1–5.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee (café) | Q10–15 |
| Meal at a local restaurant | Q30–60 |
| Taxi (≈5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (≈3.1 mi (5 km)) | Q20 |
| Local bus/collectivo | Q5–10 |
| Entrance to Las Victorias Park | Q5 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- GUA · La Aurora International Airport
- Main international gateway; take a Monja Blanca bus from Guatemala City to Cobán, about 4 h.
Typical fares
- Guatemala City → Cobán, Monja Blanca bus
- about Q75 one‑way, ~4 h (check)
- Taxi within Cobán (5 km)
- about Q20
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Cobán is compact; walk where possible. Taxis cost about Q20 for ~5 km (3.1 mi) (use marked taxis). Local buses/collectivos depart from Plaza Magdalena to nearby villages. Rental cars are possible but road conditions can be rough.Cobán is compact; walk where possible. Taxis cost about Q20 for ~3.1 mi (5 km) (use marked taxis). Local buses/collectivos depart from Plaza Magdalena to nearby villages. Rental cars are possible but road conditions can be rough.
See and do
Known for
- Coffee and cardamom production
- Las Victorias National Park
- Semuc Champey and Lanquín caves
- Orchid diversity
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Semuc Champey | Private shuttle or tour from Cobán, about 2 h drive each way | ≈5 h total |
| Las Victorias National Park | Walk or short taxi ride from city centre | ≈30 min |
Sleep
- Casa d'Acuna
- Hostel near Plaza Magdalena, budget rooms, good for backpackers.
- Los Faroles Hotel
- Mid‑range hotel with friendly service, a short walk from the centre.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpedis‑kul‑pe |
| Thank you | Graciasgra‑see‑as |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?kwan‑to kwes‑ta |
| Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño?don‑de es‑ta el ba-nyo |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake and 'buenos días'; in villages a softer handshake; avoid: Rushing straight to business
- Photography: Ask first and accept a no; avoid: Photographing children
- Churches: Covered shoulders, quiet; avoid: Flash during ceremonies
- Bargaining: Smile, make an offer, walk away politely; avoid: Haggling over a few quetzales with weavers
Scams and watch-outs
- Sidewalks are uneven; cars have right of way.
- Only use taxis with a licence plate number; unmarked cabs are unsafe.
- Nightclubs have reported safety incidents; stay cautious after dark.
Cobán is generally safe during the day; exercise usual caution at night and use licensed transport.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Cobán yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Coffee and cardamom production
- Las Victorias National Park
- Semuc Champey and Lanquín caves
- Orchid diversity
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Cobán, revision 5199315 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5199315
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/coban). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.