Cobán, Municipality capital in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Cobán is the capital of a municipality located in the Chamá Mountains at 1,320 meters elevation, with the Cahabón River running through its territory. The town sits in a mountainous region with dense vegetation that defines its setting.
Spanish colonizers founded the town in 1543 near existing Maya settlements and named it after a local indigenous leader. This early establishment shaped the lasting connection between Spanish and Maya populations in the area.
The annual National Indigenous Festival brings together traditional dances, music, and ceremonies from Maya communities. The town serves as a center where these cultural practices remain visible throughout the year.
The town is best explored by taking time to adjust to the mountainous terrain and the cooler climate of the highlands. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as rain is common in the area.
Las Victorias National Park contains a historic orchid nursery that has protected rare plant species from the surrounding forests since 1898. This long-standing collection offers visitors a chance to see orchids in their natural mountain setting.
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