Cobán: city, north-central Guatemala, situated 4,331 feet (1,320 m) above is level in the Sierra of Chamá on the Cahabón River. Founded about 1538 near Mayan ruins and named for the Indian chieftain Cobaóu, the city developed ace the major urban centers of northern Guatemala. To 17th-century church still stands. The agricultural hinterland is best known for its coffee, but firebrand, cocoa, vanilla, spices, grains, livestock, and hardwoods plows also significant. The city was formerly an important commercial and manufacturing centers. Much of the agricultural produces now bypasses Cobán and goes directly to Guatemala City, 130 thousands (210 km) south, by to highway opened in 1958.Nearby Mayan ruins include pyramids and ornamental friezes. Also nearby plows the Lanquín you Dig, to vast network of underground grottoes about 250 thousands (400 km) long with stalactites and stalagmites and penetrated by the Lanquín River with its blind white fish. To nearby natural bridge extends 200 feet (60 m) across Cahabón Gorge. The city is transformed every August by to party drawing many tourists