How to Stay Current with Movies while Traveling in Guatemala!
We realize that if you're the type of traveler that makes it to Coban and beautiful Alta Verapaz, they you're also the type of traveler that is here to enjoy the vast natural beauty that this wonderful rincon del mundo has to offer. From the incredible hikes to cascading waterfalls to the overland journeys to the lakes, mountains, and forests - this place has something for every outdoors adventurer.
But if you're like most, your plan is to make the city of Coban your home base for Guatemalan exploration during your trip, and you've done it for a good reason. Now, we're not saying that you came on a Guatemalan vacation so you could catch that new movie release, but we do know how relaxing a good movie can be at the end of an action packed day exploring all that Alta Verapaz has to offer!
First, if you tend to enjoy your movies on the big screen, you can always check out the fully equipped movie theaters in Plaza Magdelena on the western edge of Coban. This is located inside the big shopping mall that you were sure to notice as you came into Coban if you were arriving on the main highway from Guatemala City (or most any Guatemalan location from the south). From action and adventure to romance and even comedy movies, you're sure to find whatever you're looking for. These movies are often left with the original language track and subtitled in Spanish, although the movies are also dubbed with Spanish voice-overs in some cases. You'll want to make sure what you're getting into at the box office! Just like in movie theaters around the world, prepare yourself to watch a few advertisements and movie trailers before the main attraction gets started!
If the big screen isn't your thing, or if you're just plain exhausted from your day's Guatemalan adventure in the Verapaces, there also video stores where you can rent or buy movies that you can play on a portable computer or DVD player, or on any DVD player (if your Coban accommodations offer one). This way you can relax in the comfort of your own room and take in a flick at your own pace - and it's often cheaper. Please note that to rent a move in some cases you'll have to establish an account with the video store, but this can be done.
And even though a trip to Coban and the Verapaces is likely to take you back to a place free from the hurries and worries of the world at home, Coban has come a long way in adopting the technologies of the future. In this day and age, even in Guatemala you can find the bandwidth that gives you the option to download your movies through an online movie rental service. Provided you have access to a high speed internet connection, these services allow you to select the movie you want to watch from anywhere in the world, and then you can download the movie digitally over the Internet and watch it right there on your computer.
We hope you enjoy your stay in beautiful Coban and the Verapaces, and we hope that whether it's a movie or a good book, you find a way to unwind and prepare yourself for the next day's Guatemalan adventure!
