The blue fountain
In the square.
Gobierno de Guatemala — Public domain · Gobierno de Guatemala — Public domain · Gobierno de Guatemala — Public domain · Gobierno de Guatemala — Public domain · Rodrigo Salas Antuche — CC BY-SA 4.0
Parque Central La Paz is the heart of Cobán, capital of Alta Verapaz Department, at 1,320 m and 219 km from Guatemala City. It is a usual starting point for Semuc Champey and Laguna Lachuá, offering a pleasant stop and cooler air than the hot lowlands. The city was known as Santo Domingo de Cobán, and its history is tied to the Dominican friars who came in the 16th century to an area known for war. In the late 19th century an active German colony settled here, working coffee plantations and founding its club in 1888. The region is still a major coffee-growing centre today. The square has a small white arched building, a blue fountain, a modern white curved stage, a statue of a woman and the word «Cobán» in big letters that people pose with. On the other side stands the white cathedral, fronted by a pillar with a large cross, with arcaded buildings and shops around the square and green hills behind. Walking here is easy, so give it a short visit before heading to nearby reserves. Biotopo del Quetzal is 33 km away in a straight line. Rain is frequent in Cobán, so carry an umbrella or jacket. Respect the cathedral as a place of worship, with modest dress and quiet. Try the region's coffee at a nearby café, and keep your things close in crowds.
In the square.
With its cross pillar.
A souvenir picture.
Central Cobán, Alta Verapaz
It is close to Semuc Champey, Laguna Lachuá and the reserves.
Yes, so carry an umbrella or jacket.