A private orchid nursery on the eastern side of Cobán, the Vivero Verapaz maintains one of the best collections of Alta Verapaz orchids in existence. The cloud forest conditions around Cobán are ideal for orchid cultivation, and the nursery has been propagating local varieties for decades, including the Monja Blanca (Guatemala's national flower) and many other species.
Visiting requires ringing ahead to arrange a time, as it is not a walk-in attraction. But for anyone with even a passing interest in tropical botany, the scale and variety of the collection is impressive. The staff are knowledgeable about which plants flower when, which is useful if you want to time a visit to see them at their best.
The nursery also sells plants to visitors, though export restrictions on orchids mean you should research the rules before buying anything you plan to take across a border.