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Coban Cardamom Hills

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The Cardamom Hills surrounding Cobán in the Alta Verapaz department serve as the heart of Guatemala's spice production. Cardamom was introduced to the region in the early 20th century by Oscar Majus Kloeffer to reduce the national economy's heavy reliance on coffee exports. Due to the good environmental conditions, featuring high humidity and consistent rainfall, Guatemala has ascended to become the world's leading exporter of this spice. The plantations are spread across the rolling hills of the region and are primarily cultivated by small-scale indigenous Q'eqchi' farming communities. Harvesting and processing often involve traditional techniques, where the drying process in specialized facilities known as 'secadoras' is critical for ensuring product quality. This industry is a vital economic engine for the department, providing a livelihood for thousands of rural families. Cobán serves as the primary commercial hub for what is locally known as 'green gold,' reflecting its deep integration into the region's cultural and economic identity.

Location: Guatemala
Top sights: San Pedro Carchá · Alta Verapaz
Nearby: Barberena (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	17	19	21	23	23	21	21	21	21	20	18	17
Rain mm	32	20	24	41	142	235	166	226	282	197	68	35

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The humid slopes around Coban are the heartland of Guatemala's cardamom and coffee production. Travellers can understand the global spice trade by observing these plantations, which supply premium cardamom to world markets.

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Visiting

Cardamom and coffee plantations line the mountain roads and are partially visible from public routes. While many estates are private, glimpses of the dense green foliage and drying patios are common.

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Where to view it

Scenic viewpoints along the Coban-San Pedro Carchá road offer overlooks of the misty hills covered in cardamom groves. The Mirador de la Cruz outside Coban provides a broad panorama of the plantation landscape.

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Local products

Local markets in Coban sell cardamom pods, ground cardamom, and freshly roasted coffee beans. Seasonal spices and coffee varieties appear during harvest times, with the aroma filling the streets.

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Active season

The cardamom harvest peaks between September and December, while coffee harvest runs from November to March. During these months, the hills are bustling with pickers and processing activities.

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Nearby

Combine a visit with exploring the colonial town of Coban and its famous orchid garden. The nearby Semuc Champey natural pools make an excellent day trip from the cardamom hills.

Geography

Coordinates

15.48300, -90.31700

Facts

Guatemala is currently the world's largest exporter of cardamom spices.
Cardamom was first introduced to the region by Oscar Majus Kloeffer in 1914.
More than 70% of national production is concentrated in Alta Verapaz.
The cardamom plant belongs to the ginger family, known as Zingiberaceae.
The peak harvesting season in the Cobán area runs from October to March.
Localized processing plants used for drying the pods are called 'secadoras'.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Salamá<1 km · EExplore →

Candelaria Caves2 km · NExplore →

Tactic4 km · SExplore →

San Pedro Carchá4 km · NExplore →

Alta Verapaz Hydroelectric Plant7 km · NExplore →

Celestun Reserve9 km · SExplore →

Valley of Flowers9 km · SExplore →

Edzná10 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Coban Cardamom Hills (2)

San Pedro Carchá📍 landmark

San Pedro Carchá is a town in Alta Verapaz department, known for coffee and cardamom cultivation.

Alta Verapaz📍 landmark

Alta Verapaz is a department in northern Guatemala, characterized by rainforest and coffee plantations.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is mainly grown here?

The region is one of the world's largest producers of cardamom.

What does the landscape look like?

It consists of green, misty hills with dense vegetation and plantations.

Can you visit the plantations?

Yes, many cooperatives offer tours to explain the cultivation process.

When is the harvest time?

The harvest usually takes place between September and February.

What weather should I expect?

Often rainy and humid, typical for the cloud forest of Alta Verapaz.

Coban Cardamom Hills: where is it located?

Coban Cardamom Hills is located in Guatemala.

Coban Cardamom Hills: what is there to see?

Highlights include San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz.

Coban Cardamom Hills: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.

Coban Cardamom Hills: why is it worth visiting?

The Cardamom Hills surrounding Cobán in the Alta Verapaz department serve as the heart of Guatemala's spice production.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →