The Coban Guatemala Hotel Association sponsors the biggest and funnest half-marathon in Central America! Participating in the annual International Half Marathon in Coban is more than just a challenging activity of physical conditioning F itBs an adventure in exotic Maya-land. Traditionally held on the third Sunday in May (in 2009 it will be run on May 17th), this 21 kilometer race through the green mountains of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala attracts top-notch competition from all over the world (the last few races have been won by Kenyans). Considered the major race of Central America, the run is from downtown Coban; through the beautiful, verdant mountain scenery of GuatemalaBs Alta Verapaz; to the neighboring city of San Pedro Carcha; and then back to Coban. Besides the race itself, the occasion is celebrated by special expositions and gastronomic festivals F the whole town becomes a party! Since Coban is high in the mountains the run is not too hot; but serious training is required since thereBs lots of ups and downs running through these mountains.
Coban hotels are also right in the middle of some of the most spectacular natural formations on earth. Semuc Champey, located 3-hours drive from Coban, is a system of travertine pools F larger than Olympic pool size F linked by waterfalls. The entire geological formation, which has been built up over millions of years, lies atop an enormous cave through which flows the Lanquin River. In other words, itBs like a river with waterfalls lying on top of another river. Really, thereBs no way to describe the thing F you have to see it for yourself (and jump in)! Another great attraction within 3-hoursB drive of your Coban Guatemala hotel are the Caves of Candelaria F a 38-km long grotto pierced by windows to the jungle outside which illuminate the intricate cave formations with mystical light. Candelaria Caverns is mentioned in the Popul Vuh F the Mayan bible F as the door to the underworld; and Mayan shamans still perform propitiatory ceremonies here to this day. Another amazing sight within easy driving distance of Coban hotels is Laguna Lachua, which resembles a Caribbean beach in the middle of the jungle where a wide variety of wildlife including jaguars and tapirs can be seen drinking at the waterBs edge.
