Cobán, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#2046
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cobán is the capital city of the Alta Verapaz department in Guatemala, known for its lush landscape and rich Mayan culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 40,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 25 Mbps, suitable for light remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.80 GTQ. Local banks like Banco Industrial and Banrural are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Tigo and Claro, offering good coverage in urban areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops; cash is still preferred in rural areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals, with prices starting around $15 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless friendly; cards accepted at larger businesses and major tourist spots. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offerings in the city range from $20 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa de los Abuelos is popular with budget travelers at about $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The town center is convenient for tourists, with access to restaurants and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider the neighborhoods near Parque Central for a balance of comfort and connectivity. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kape Kafe offers a quiet atmosphere and good Wi-Fi for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Paz is popular among locals and expats, providing reliable Wi-Fi and a cozy vibe. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Cultural events at Parque Central are good for networking with local artisans and business owners. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Cobán group on Facebook holds regular meetups and social functions. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Cobán, providing reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available from local shops for exploring the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach access is approximately 3 hours away at Livingston. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates flights connecting Cobán to other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta serve major international routes through Guatemala City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Carretera CA-9 and other local highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cobán does not have a train station; buses are the primary form of long-distance travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are inexpensive; fares typically range from 5 to 20 GTQ depending on the destination. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby towns like Chisec are frequent and cheap, around 30 GTQ. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional de Cobán, offering basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Bienestar is a popular local yoga studio. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Evolucion Gym offers basic fitness equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Rápida is a reliable laundry service in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is available and popular among residents. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kak'ik, a traditional Mayan turkey soup, notable in local cuisine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café El Jardín offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados Cobán provides delicious local ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado de Cobán offer fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Guatemala; local options also exist through Guatecompras. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Despensa Familiar offers delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona 4 is known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 12 del Sur produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca Cobán offers a fine selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try street vendors near Parque Central for local snacks like tacos and tortas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante El Portal features various international menus. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the beautiful Cathedral of Cobán and the nearby Cojumatillo Falls. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo de Arte Coban showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Maya ruins of Candelaria are located nearby and are worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | La iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is an iconic church in Cobán. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cobán holds the Feria de la Asunción every August with parades and cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic downtown area is vibrant with local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events held at Teatro Municipal de Cobán. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Cobán provides rich insight into local life and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various local bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals adorn many walls in the central area, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are offered by local chefs to learn about Guatemalan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Oxlajuj offers exhibitions from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various colonial structures in Cobán reflect its history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The indigenous heritage of the area is celebrated in various cultural festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Expecting lush landscapes, Uxul and the surrounding areas provide stunning hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Las Victorias is a protected area nearby, ideal for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cobán is surrounded by beautiful trails, including paths in the Alta Verapaz region. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Cobán offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area is known for a diverse range of bird species, especially in the cloud forests. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Campfire areas can be found in certain parks, ideal for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic device repair, though options may be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Social clubs often have ping pong tables set up. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Lenguas offers Spanish classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The library at Universidad de Verapaz is a good quiet study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Rubén Darío hosts events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming zones are few; some cafes offer gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present in Cobán; nearby cities may offer options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax rate on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest rate is 31%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations on foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the value of the property; varies by local governments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% transfer tax on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign income for residents not exceeding certain limits. |