7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Coban

Coban, a city nestled in the highlands of central Guatemala, is a haven for digital nomads seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a laid-back lifestyle. While the city itself offers plenty to explore, the weekends are a perfect time for nomads to venture out and discover the diverse attractions within reach. From the most popular spots to hidden gems, here are seven weekend getaways that promise to enrich your experience while living in Coban.

Semuc Champey

Semuc Champey is a natural wonder that tops the list of must-visit destinations near Coban. This series of tiered limestone pools, with their turquoise waters, offers a picturesque setting for swimming and relaxation. The surrounding area is also perfect for hiking, with trails leading to viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the pools and the Cahabón River. Adventure seekers can also explore the nearby K'an Ba Cave, where you can swim and climb through a series of chambers illuminated by candlelight.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Semuc Champey is by taking a shuttle service from Coban, which typically takes around 2 hours. Many local tour operators offer day trips or overnight excursions to the site.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to hike to the Mirador, a lookout point that provides a panoramic view of the entire Semuc Champey. The climb can be steep, but the view is well worth the effort.

Where to Stay: For those wishing to stay overnight, El Portal de Champey offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to the pools. Alternatively, Utopia Eco Hotel is an eco-friendly option that often hosts social events for travelers.

Where to Eat: The restaurant at El Portal de Champey serves a variety of local and international dishes, and it's a great place to refuel after a day of exploring. Their traditional Guatemalan Pepian is a must-try.

Lanquin Caves

The Lanquin Caves, or Grutas de Lanquin, are a fascinating underground world just a short distance from Coban. These extensive limestone caverns are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological formations. Guided tours are available, taking visitors deep into the caves to witness the awe-inspiring natural artistry. At dusk, you can also observe the spectacle of thousands of bats streaming out of the cave entrance.

How to Get There: Lanquin Caves are about an hour's drive from Coban. Buses and shuttles frequently run between Coban and Lanquin, making it an accessible day trip.

Travel Tip: Be sure to bring a good flashlight or headlamp for the cave tour, as the lighting inside can be quite dim. Also, wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be slippery.

Where to Stay: El Retiro Lanquin offers a peaceful retreat with riverside cabins and a social atmosphere. They also organize tours to the caves and Semuc Champey.

Where to Eat: Comedor Shalom in Lanquin is a local eatery where you can enjoy hearty meals at a reasonable price. Their homemade tortillas are a highlight.

Quetzal Biotope

The Biotopo del Quetzal, also known as the Mario Dary Rivera Nature Reserve, is a cloud forest sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of Guatemala's national bird, the resplendent quetzal. This lush, misty forest offers a network of trails where you can immerse yourself in the flora and fauna, with the chance to spot the elusive quetzal, especially during the breeding season from February to June.

How to Get There: The Quetzal Biotope is located about an hour's drive from Coban. You can rent a car or take a local bus that heads towards the biotope.

Travel Tip: The best time to see quetzals is early in the morning, so consider staying nearby the night before to maximize your chances of a sighting.

Where to Stay: The nearby Posada Montaña del Quetzal provides simple but comfortable accommodations, with the added bonus of being located right in the heart of nature.

Where to Eat: The restaurant at Posada Montaña del Quetzal offers traditional Guatemalan dishes, with ingredients sourced from the local area. Their Caldo de Gallina, a traditional chicken soup, is particularly warming after a day of hiking.

Chilasco Waterfall

The Salto de Chilasco is known for being one of the tallest waterfalls in Central America. The journey to the falls takes you through scenic landscapes and offers a refreshing escape from the digital world. Once there, you can enjoy the view from the top or hike down to the base for a swim in the invigorating pools.

How to Get There: Chilasco Waterfall is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Coban. You can either drive yourself or arrange a tour with a local operator.

Travel Tip: The hike to the base of the falls can be quite challenging, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.

Where to Stay: There are a few guesthouses in the town of Chilasco, such as Hospedaje El Viajero, which offers basic but comfortable rooms.

Where to Eat: Local comedores near the waterfall entrance serve up delicious and affordable Guatemalan fare, perfect for replenishing your energy after the hike.

Finca El Paraiso Hot Springs

Finca El Paraiso is a unique hot spring located near the town of El Estor. The warm, sulfuric waters are heated by an underground river and cascade into a cooler river below, creating a natural steamy waterfall and pool that's perfect for a relaxing soak. The surrounding area is also great for exploring, with lush vegetation and opportunities for bird watching.

How to Get There: The hot springs are about a 3-hour drive from Coban. You can take a bus to El Estor and then a short taxi ride to Finca El Paraiso.

Travel Tip: Visit during the week if possible, as the hot springs can get crowded with locals on the weekends.

Where to Stay: While there are no accommodations directly at Finca El Paraiso, the nearby town of El Estor has several options, such as Hotel Ecologico Cabanas del Lago, which offers stunning views of Lake Izabal.

Where to Eat: In El Estor, Restaurante El Viajero is known for its fresh seafood dishes, especially the grilled fish caught from Lake Izabal.

Chajul

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, the small town of Chajul offers a glimpse into the authentic Ixil Maya culture. This remote community is surrounded by mountains and coffee plantations, and visitors can learn about the local traditions, textiles, and way of life. The town also serves as a gateway to the Ixil Triangle, a region known for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

How to Get There: Chajul is a 4 to 5-hour drive from Coban. The journey is best undertaken by renting a car or joining a guided tour, as public transportation options are limited.

Travel Tip: Visit the Asociación Chajulense coffee cooperative to learn about coffee production and sample some of the local brews.

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Chajul are basic, but guesthouses like Hospedaje La Paz offer a warm welcome and a chance to connect with the local community.

Where to Eat: Comedor Tipico Ixil serves traditional Ixil dishes, providing an authentic culinary experience. Their Boxboles, a local variation of tamales, are a must-try.

Uspantán

Uspantán is a tranquil town set amidst the stunning landscapes of the Cuchumatanes mountain range. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the slower pace of life. The town is known for its friendly locals, traditional markets, and nearby natural attractions, such as the Cenotes de Candelaria, which are sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water.

How to Get There: The drive to Uspantán from Coban takes about 3 hours. While there are buses that make the trip, renting a car provides more flexibility to explore the surrounding area.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit on a market day to experience the vibrant local commerce and to purchase some of the region's exquisite textiles.

Where to Stay: Hotel y Restaurante El Portal offers comfortable rooms and is conveniently located for exploring Uspantán and its surroundings.

Where to Eat: Restaurante El Balcon in Uspantán is known for its generous portions and tasty regional cuisine, including the local specialty, Caldo de Gallina.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these weekend getaways from Coban provide a diverse array of experiences for digital nomads looking to explore the richness of Guatemala.