Cobán itself is a pleasant town to wander, with a colonial centre built around a large central park and a cathedral that merits a look inside. But the main reason to base yourself here is access to the surrounding landscape — cloud forest, rivers, and karst formations that rank among the best in Central America.
The single most important excursion is Semuc Champey, about 60 kilometres south of town: a series of limestone bridges spanning the Cahabón River, with turquoise pools you can swim in. The Grutas de Lanquín cave system, just before Semuc Champey, is visited on the same trip. Closer to town, the Vivero Verapaz orchid nursery is worth visiting if you are passing through during flowering season.