Coban and the Alta Verapaz
Cobán is located in the cool, humid mountains of northern Guatemala. Its lush, subtropical cloud forests are perched on top of the watershed dividing the 
Yucatán Peninsula; the pristine rivers of the department of Alta Verapaz feed into the Chixoy-Usumacinta system (Gulf of Mexico) to
the west, and into Lake Izabal-Rio Dulce (Caribbean Sea) to the east. Cobán is the center of Guatemala's gourmet coffee-growing region, and also produces cardamom and allspice for export.
Because of its unique history (Alta Verapaz was never "conquered"; rather, Juan Matalbatz, the chieftain of the warlike K'ekchi Mayan Indians, voluntarily
converted to Christianity and allied himself with the Dominican priests), the Indians of Alta Verapaz have preserved their language and customs to a remarkable degree. Indeed, the dominant language of the Alta Verapaz
remains K'ekchi Mayan, not Spanish. The K'ekchis are shy and wary of strangers, but if you can say a few words in their language, they become warm
and friendly ("en-kwan-bee" means "hello"; "ban-tee-osh" means "thank-you").
The elevation of Coban is 5000 feet and the average temperature is 70 degrees. Annual rainfall of 70 inches makes the countryside green and lush. The virgin rainforests are home to the resplendent quetzal, as well as jaguars and howler monkeys. For more information on eco-tours to the rainforest, and things to see and do in the Cobán area, see the Cobán webpage Trips to Mayan holy places such as the grotto of Chicoy and the temple of Chiajxucub can be arranged through Don Jeronimo’s.
Don Jeronimo’s is a magical place in the Guatemala highlands for relaxing, finding guidance, and curing what ails you. It’s fun: rustic but comfortable (private bungalows with hot water showers; delicious vegetarian meals fresh from our organic garden). 
Located in the K’ekchi Mayan village of Chajaneb 12 kms from Cobán, the power and peace of the place are perfect surroundings for R & R, and we are closely affiliated with the Mayan spirit world for those who are on the spiritual path. Recreational activities include hiking the surrounding mountains to scenic lookout points, tubing and swimming in our river, and caving in the nearby grotto of Rey Marcos. There are ping-pong tables and extensive libraries of books and videos in English for rainy days. Private instruction in psychic techniques and astrological counseling are available for those who are interested. Private Spanish language classes with an excellent native teacher are available for US $100 (4 hours / day x 5 days).
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