 PACIFIC COAST |
Experience the unique pleasure of taking in the sun on a black sand beach.
Close your eyes and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the call of the shore birds as they patrol the blue skies above.
Sun-filled days and sultry nights await visitors to Guatemala's Pacific Coast.
The coastal lowlands are a taste of paradise.
The coastline extends down from the border with Mexico down towards El Salvador. Volcanoes cast their shadows on the lowland plains that extend out to the blue ocean. The area's tropical forests hold an abundance of local wildlife such as iguanas, black tailed hawks and several species of shorebirds.
Area residents are known for their friendly smiles and warm hospitality. The easygoing ways of coastal residents are comforting and may have visitors extending their stay for a few more days! The small towns and villages you will see along the road are tight-knit communities always willing to give each other a helping hand day or night.
The Pacific coast is considered to be the ideal get away for city residents eager for a few days in the sun. While many of the locals own private homes, there is now an abundance of hotels. From posh resort-type hotels to small, rustic cabins set right on the beach, travelers will find their ideal setting.
One of the country's busiest ports is found on the Pacific coast. Puerto Quetzal caters to international shipping companies and is one of the largest in Central America. The area of Puerto Quetzal is a great place to stop off and stock up on supplies. There are a number of convenience stores in the area that offer everything from refreshments and snacks to sunblock and film. There are also a few restaurants that specialize in typical seafood dishes. The ceviche is incredibly popular and is a tangy snack perfect for a hot day. Fish is cubed and "cooked" in lime juice and then mixed with onion, tomato and cilantro. It is eaten cold with soda crackers and accompanied by a frosty beer or soda. Try it out!
Whether you're in a rented vehicle or on a tour, the coast has a lot to offer the visitor. Turtles, sportfishing, sunbathing and the quiet exploration of mangroves are just a few of the activities that can keep you in the area for more than a few days.
There are a few sportfishing outfits in the area and all are known for their excellent service and incredible luck when out on the water. The lure of big fish brings anglers from the world over to Guatemala's Pacific coast. Marlin, sailfish and dorado are just a few of the finned residents waiting to challenge your experience, not to mention your stamina.
The black sand beaches of this coast are not only visually spectacular but have a quiet appeal that invite you to make yourself comfortable under the blue sky. No matter where you're staying, take advantage of your vacation days and take in a few of the sunsets. These splendid sky shows are best viewed in the company of others with your feet deep in the sun-warmed sand. | From Puerto Quetzal you can travel to the east or west and visit many small towns and isolated stretches of beach. To the east, lay several fishing villages where residents live intimately with the big blue. San José is one of the larger towns and offers several hotels.
The further up the coast you drive, whether east or west, the less populated the areas become. Tecojate is a small fishing town with a phenomenal silent beach that stretches for miles alongside thatched roof huts. The ocean's currents here are strong and ideal for body boarding. Don't forget the sunscreen or the fins!
When the sun takes its toll, go on safari. The Auto Safari Chapin lies just east of Escuintla. Here you can hunt with your camera and get some fabulous shots of fierce lions and gangly giraffes. Just make sure your vehicle has air conditioning since some of the paddocks require closed windows prior to entry. The Safari also boasts a restaurant and pool for unwinding after braving the dangers of the wild animals.
If the exotic fauna of the safari wasn't enough for you then head for a more natural setting and visit Monterrico Biological Reserve. This reserve is run by the country's state university, USAC. Its primary objective is the protection of sea turtles and their hatching grounds. The Reserve promotes grass roots programs that involve the area residents.
Explore the park's mangrove stands and estuaries accompanied by a naturalist guide who will point out the elusive residents. The area is beautiful and offers plenty of photo opportunities for shutterbugs.
The town of Monterrico is a casual, laid-back spot that has recently sprouted several small hotels. Travelers with the need to be in natural surroundings will feel quite at home spending their days swinging in a hammock.
Take the Pacific coast highway out to the ocean and enjoy a few sun-filled days in one of Guatemala's most beautiful regions.
| How to get there |
Take the new Pacific Highway, or CA9, south out of Guatemala City. The road boasts illumination and four lanes all the way out to the coast. There is a toll booth prior that charges a fee for cars, trucks and semi-trailers.
| Climate |
The coast boasts warm temperatures year around. Daytime temperatures tend to stay in the range of 80 to 90F. Even during the rainy season, the hot weather continues unabated. Light, cotton clothing and good sun protection is recommended for the region.
| Getting Around |
Public transportation runs daily from Guatemala City to Puerto San José. Rental vehicles are available but it is easier to rent in the city. There are taxis in San José and further up the road in Puerto Quetzal.
All these informations are provided by courtesy of Destination Guatemala and Sol y Luna |
