Guatemala's Pacific Coast is conformed by the territorial divisions with an opening into the Pacific Ocean: ESCUINTLA, SUCHITEPÉQUEZ and RETALHULEU.

Escuintla, whose capital city is located at 58 km from Guatemala City, a 45-minute trip. This region, and its surroundings, has a great number of tourist attractions, such as its black-sand beaches, sugar farms, such as El Salto, and recreational areas, as are rivers, pools, forests and all the services to make your stay more comfortable, all this provided by the south pacific.

Suchitepéquez is the "city of deer" and generally very humid. Among the tourist attractions of this territorial division is its capital city, Mazatenango, especially during February, which is when Carnival is held. Several natural attractions are found in Suchitepéquez, such as rivers and beaches, especially in the boroughs of Patulul, Santa Bárbara and San Juan Bautista, where you can also enjoy the pools formed along the riverbed of Río Madre Vieja (river).

Retalhuleu, "the capital of the world", offers tourist attractions as are the beaches of Champerico and Tulate, Cueva del Encantado (cave), the archaeological site of Abaj Takalik, excellent water spots with pools and hotels, as well as one of the most important and complete amusement parks in Central America, Xetulul and Xocomil from IRTRA.

The most significant natural attraction in Retalhuleu is found by the sea shore. Its beaches are the most important ecotourism resource, and its beaches are fit for everyone. There are also many types of restaurants, near or far, but all full of sun and sea breeze.

The most popular beaches are Tres Cruces, El Chico, Manchón, Champerico, and Tulate. Champerico is also a port, which offers all the necessary services, such as hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and transportation, as well as medical services.

The beaches of El Manchón are the fiercest, which makes them an ideal place to come in contact with nature and enjoy the channels surrounded by mangroves. There are many opportunities to fish, walk, swim, take pictures, sunbathe, and enjoy a cold coconut and local dishes.

San Jose , 51 kilometers from Escuintla is distinguished by the black sand beaches, which can be enjoyed at several hotel complexes in the area. From here, you have access to one of the Pacific coast's major attractions, sport and sail-fishing. The Port of San Jose began its operations in 1853, and has contributed greatly to the nation's economy throughout the years, above all in its role as the exporter of the country's coffee. Puerto Quetzal, a more modern port was inaugurated during the 1980s.


Source: Content and images with permission from the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism - www.visitguatemala.com