The city of Cobán is the capital of the department of Alta Verapaz in Guatemala.
Cobán is surrounded by mountains laden with orchids, the rare Monja Blanca orchid is the departamental symbol. Many regulations protect the orchids but much like the trade in illegally harvested timber, the market is full of illicit orchids. These mountains also contain several of Guatemala's national parks, most notably Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera (Biotopo Del Quetzal) and abundant caves and waterfalls as a result many travelers visit Cobán to arrange eco-tourism adventures.
Popular tourist spots in the city of Cobán include the El Calvario Church, the Dusseldorf coffee plantation, the Principe Maya archaeological museum, and Coban's central plaza.
The departmental fair is held in Cobán and begins on the last Sunday in July and continues for a week. The annual religious festival (fiesta titular) is on August 4 and dedicated to Santo Domingo de Guzman.