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TravelTips24 : North America : Central America : Guatemala : Alta Verapaz

Alta Verapaz

Alta Verapaz is a department of northern Guatemala.

This lush mountainous region has an annual average temperature of 21 degrees (centigrade) with a rain fall of 178cm. Alta Verapaz is home to the Pokemchi and Kekchi mayan people groups. The capital of the department is Coban.

Regions

Cities

  • Coban The capital of the department.
  • Raxruja. Gateway to the Cancuén ruins.
  • Tactic, AV
  • San Cristobal, AV

Other destinations

Culture and History

Talk

In the main towns and cities Spanish is the primary language, however in the mountain villages variants of Pokemchi and Kekchi are spoken.

Travel to Alta Verapaz & Visa Requirements

You can bus from Transportes Escobar in Guatemala City. The Monja Blanca bus line is a popular choice for traveling to Coban. The bus ride is 4 to 5 hours long. On your way stop at the Biopoto Quetzal, an hour before Coban.

By car its about a 4 hour drive to Coban from Guatemala City.

Tours & Getting around Alta Verapaz

Alta Verapaz attractions and sightseeing

  • Rey Marcos Cave
  • Quetzal Biotope
  • Chicoy Cave
  • Sachichaj
  • Lanquin
  • Candelaria Caverns
  • Laguna Lachua
  • Mukbilha Caves
  • Vivero Verapaz Orchid Nursery
  • Semuc Champey
  • Can-Ba Caves
  • Lanquin Caves

Itineraries

Alta Verapaz city tours

Alta Verapaz Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

  • El Mesón(Restaurante), Km. 207.7 Ruta Guate. - Cobán(a 5 minutos de la ciudad de Cobán), ☎ 7951-0141, [1]. 7:00 a.m. a 09:00 p.m.. Sells Kaq Ik (Turkey Soup) traditional dish from Alta Verapaz. The menu has different dishes from grilled lamb, pastas, vegetarian food, delicious coffee and home-made cakes. Traditional beverages made by Keqchí woman like pure chocolate, tiste and orgeat. $5 a $12.  edit

Alta Verapaz nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Stay safe

The Park Hotel is located 15 minutes south of Coban towards Guatemala City

Get out

One option is to continue through Alta Verapaz to the Petén, and continue on to Tikal.

This page was last edited at 19:12, on 16 October 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Dwayne Shreve, Penguinparty, Colin Jensen and Tom Holland, Wikitravel user(s) Jonboy and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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