Guatemala Guide
The Verapaces
Vivero Verapaz
Address: 3km from the Plaza; follow Diagonal 4
Opening time: Mon– Sat 9am– noon & 2–5pm, Sun 9am– noon
Price: US$2
In the southwest outskirts of town Vivero Verapaz is a fascinating orchid nursery; they flourish in Cobán's damp climate. The farm produces some seven hundred indigenous varieties, as well as a handful of hybrids they've created themselves. The plants are nurtured in a wonderfully shaded environment, and a farm worker will show you around and point out the most spectacular buds, which are at their best between November and January. The nursery is about 3km from the plaza: follow Diagonal 4 and then, at the bottom of the hill, turn left, go across the bridge and follow the main road. A taxi here from the plaza will cost about US$3.