Cobán, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#2046
15.4702, -90.373506
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cobán is the capital of the Alta Verapaz department in Guatemala, located in the mountainous region known for its lush greenery and coffee plantations. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 55,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20 Mbps, with options for higher speeds in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.80 GTQ; ATMs are widely available, but cash is preferred. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro, with good coverage in urban areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards are accepted at major retailers and some restaurants. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. Monthly rentals start at approximately GTQ 2,500. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; while credit cards are accepted in some businesses, cash is king in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, with prices starting at GTQ 150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de la Abuela offers beds starting at GTQ 100 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Work Cobán is a popular choice, offering high-speed internet and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Casa offers free Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere for working with coffee starting at GTQ 25. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are hosted at local cafes, check community boards for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Cobán' organize regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are common, but local apps like 'Cabify' might be available in larger cities. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available in local shops for around GTQ 50 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Coban is inland; lakes and rivers provide swimming options, such as Lake Izabal (~2 hours away). |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Maya Island Air connects to nearby destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and United Airlines offer flights to Guatemala City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highway CA-9 connects Cobán to Guatemala City. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses are used for intercity travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses do not offer formal passes; pay per trip (GTQ 5). |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses such as Autobuses Cobán connect to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional de Cobán provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available at Centro de Yoga Cobán, pricing around GTQ 40 per session. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center located on Avenida Las Américas offers monthly memberships for GTQ 300. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Ropa offers drop-off laundry services at reasonable rates (GTQ 30/kg). |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Order directly from restaurants via WhatsApp; formal delivery apps are limited. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pepian, a traditional hearty stew with chicken and vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Comedor Vegetariano offers various plant-based dishes at affordable prices (starting GTQ 30). |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería La Esperanza serves local pastries and bread. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado Central have fresh produce and budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sellers on Facebook Marketplace and Instagram offer various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery stores often offer delivery; inquire locally for options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona 1 has a few local bars popular among youth for a casual night out. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Antigua known for craft beers, offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine is limited in Cobán; local restaurants offer a small selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Tacos and elotes (grilled corn) are widely available from street vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta are served at Italian restaurants like Trattoria Isabella. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visita Iglesia La Asunción, renowned for its architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Historia Natural showcases local natural history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the Mayan site of Q'umarkaj are nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit La Virgen de los Remedios in Cobán, a significant local shrine. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festival 'Feria de Cobán' takes place in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant streets around Parque Central. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal hosts local performances and cinema. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Cobán is the place to experience local life and shop for artisan crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in local bars, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Mural art is prevalent near the town square, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops can be found locally for traditional Guatemalan cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display works at Casa de la Cultura. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | La Casa de la Cultura is a historic site worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The area is known for its indigenous heritage, reflected in local fabrics and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visiting nearby Semuc Champey for its natural pools is highly recommended. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional de las Obras de la Paz is a local ecological hotspot. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The trails around the coffee plantations allow for beautiful scenic walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de los Cuchumatanes offers stunning overlooks of the landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Verapaz region is known for diverse bird species, particularly around the reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are generally not permitted in the urban area; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices can handle parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can repair smartphones and electronics; prices vary. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have basketball tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools offer classes for foreigners, such as Centro de Idiomas. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal offers a quiet space for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural is a vibrant space for events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options available; check local gaming cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling options are limited; no major casinos present. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 7,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = GTQ 350,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 5,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = GTQ 275,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 6,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = GTQ 390,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 5,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = GTQ 300,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. GTQ 5,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = GTQ 464,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. GTQ 4,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = GTQ 360,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rate based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, apply to residents with foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on value; rates vary by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Estimated around 3% of the property's value. |