Las Victorias National Park

Las Victorias National Park is a protected area of forest and lakefront amid the urban jungle of Cobán in central Guatemala. The park is fairly small for a national park and is used mostly by locals as a weekend recreation area for hiking, picnics, and camping.

Understand

The park spans 82 hectares (200 acres) of urban forest oasis. Most park facilities are on the south edge of the park near the entrance off 3rd Street. Park facilities include picnic pavilions with barbecue grills, a childrens play area, a small lake (more accurately a pond), and many kilometers of hiking trails.

Flora and fauna

Birds are the most common animal you'll see in the park, though there are plenty of squirrels, coatis, rabbits, and armadillos. There's a sign near the small lake to be careful of alligators, so presumably there is at least one toothy reptile lurking in the green waters.

Get in

The park is located on the northern edge of central Cobán. Use 3rd Street (3a Calle y 9a Av) to reach the park entrance near 9th Avenue.

Fees and permits

Park entry costs Q10 for Guatemalan citizens and Q25 for foreign adults. Discounted prices are available for children and students.

Sleep

Lodging

Hotels of all price and quality levels are available in Cobán.

Camping

A campground is available in the park. Register at the park ranger station. Sites cost Q30 per night. Toilets and water are available.

Stay safe

As with any part of a big city, be aware that crime can happen and take steps to keep yourself and your belongings safe. Robberies have been reported within the park, usually when solo visitors walk alone in secluded areas. "There's safety in numbers," so go with a friend when hiking the park trails.

Go next

• Candelaria Caves
• Chimaltenango
• Mixco Viejo