8 Places in Guatemala’s Pacific Coast You Need to Visit

Guatemala may not be well known for its beaches but as an ex-pat living in Guatemala for more than 20 years, I got to know all the hidden gems to visit, and one of the best places is the Pacific Coast. When it comes to beach getaways most of the locals visit this side of the country and I know all the best places to visit in Guatemala’s Pacific Coast.

This area is better known as the “Southern Coast or La Costa Sur“, and something characteristic of the Pacific Coast is that the sand is black due to the volcanic activity of the country (Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes).

While it’s not as picturesque as the white-sanded beaches, it’s unique and worth checking out.

Best Places to Visit in Guatemala’s Pacific Coast

There are many great places and beaches to visit on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, but also many unique activities you need to try! My kids loved releasing baby turtles in Monterrico but also liked the surf class

These are the most popular spots on the Pacific Coast:

El Paredon

I have visited El Paredon several times while living in Guatemala and it started to become my family beach getaway, the town developed so much in recent years and nowadays is a trendy beach town with a relaxed vibe.

Like Monterrico the beach here is perfect for surfing and you can actually find several surf schools around, but you need to be super careful with the rip current, they are pretty strong.

Here are some activities you can’t miss:

• Visit El Paredon Tour and check out the salt farms and turtles
• Go for a stroll during sunset.
• Kayak or SUP through the mangroves
• Try an ATV tour on the beach
• Enjoy the nightlife in The Driftwood Surfer

Monterrico

Monterrico is one of the most popular black-sanded, volcanic beach destinations in Guatemala. But that’s not it, it’s so much more than that.

Monterrico is also the most important protected area for sea turtles in the country. I did the baby turtle release tour with my kids and it was amazing. Imagine seeing a mother turtle come ashore and lay her eggs. How about holding the baby sea turtle in your hand before it goes off to sea? This is guaranteed to leave an impression on anyone.

Besides that there are several other activities to do here, it’s also home to the Biotope Monterrico-Hawaii and the Tortuguero Monterrico.

Here are some things to do you can’t miss:

• Tour the mangroves at Biotope Monterrico-Hawaii
• Sunset bird watching
• Baby sea turtle release tours at Tortugario Monterrico
• Party all night long at Johnny’s Place
• Get surf lessons

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Retalhuleu

Retalhuleu or Reu, as the locals call it, is the gateway to Guatemala’s greatest amusement parks. If you’re not into water rides and other attractions, you can visit the nearby Mayan ruins of Takalik Abaj, or simply relax in the upper-scale accommodations quickly popping up all over the place.

Reu is a rich destination, it’s my second favorite vacation headquarters in the country if it’s your second visit. It’s close to most of the big attractions like Lake Atitlan but also the Pacific coast and you have all the water and amusement parks to visit.

Here are some things to do and places to visit you can’t miss:

• Visit Xocomil, the largest watermark in all of Central America
• Enjoy a day in Xetulul Amusement Park
• Explore Xejuyup Theme Park
• Visit Takalik Abaj Mayan Site
• Learn about dinosaurs at the Dino Park
• Go for a swim in Tulate Beach
• Enjoy the sunset at Champerico Beach
• Try the canopy tour at Vuelo Extremo

Puerto San Jose

The closest beach to Guatemala City and colonial Antigua, is only 1 hour to 2 hours away by car, making it the perfect day trip.

It’s the place to go for most locals that live in that area, so you’ll bump heads with the locals coming here during the weekend.

At one time this was Guatemala’s main shipping port but has been displaced by the newly built Puerto Quetzal (like the beautiful bird).

However, this is still a great place for sports fishing, and relaxing at the beach. Also, you get the chance to visit places in Escuintla on your way there and check out Auto Safari Chapin.

Here are some things to do you need to try:

• Go for a fishing adventure
• Do a whale and dolphin watching tour (depends on the season)
• Check out Ostrich Farm
• Visit Auto Safari Chapin on your way to the beach
• Try skydiving at Gravity Skydive

Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii

Just a short distance from Monterrico lies Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii, a coastal nature reserve and one of the most unique places I have ever visited.

You can explore its diverse ecosystems, from lush mangroves to sandy dunes on a boat tour, by kayak or SUP.

It’s constantly visited by birdwatchers from all over the world, which will delight in spotting colorful local birds. On the other hand there you could just enjoy the tour during sunset or try one of the many secluded trails.

Takalik Abaj

A must-do while in Guatemala is to visit Mayan ruins, which are scattered around the country and the most popular is Tikal. But, you can head outside Retalhuleu to Takalik Abaj!

It’s an archaeological site that shows both Maya and Olmec influences. You’ll be able to explore ancient pyramids, stelae, and altars. As well as the lush surroundings that are packed with wildlife and add an air of mystery to this historical gem.

This Mayan ruins are incredibly accessible and only 4 hours away, making it a good day trip from Antigua.

Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa

Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa is a small but lovely town, at first I wasn’t sure about visiting this place, but once we got there I was actually surprised.

The town has a unique charm to it but its biggest draw is that it’s home to impressive stone sculptures that are the only remnants of the ancient Cotzumalguapa civilization.

These intricately carved monuments stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, make sure to visit the museum and churches.

Puerto Quetzal

While technically a port city, Puerto Quetzal serves as a gateway to exciting excursions and adventure but make sure to check out and marvel at the main port of the country

From here, you can explore the nearby Iztapa and its world-class sport-fishing tours, and even try some deep-water fishing yourself, the offshore waters are packed with sailfish, tarpon, tuna, and marlin.

If you visit on the right season you can head to the Tortugario Bahía Tortuga and release baby turtles!

Things to Pack

The things to pack depend a lot on whether you’re visiting the beach or not, and I wish I had known this before but the success of your trip will depend on the things you pack, and some items are a good practice to pack most of the time.

Here are some essential items to pack:

• Daypack or Backpack
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Snacks and Food Supplies
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito Spray
• Comfortable Clothes
• Hiking Shoes or Trekking Boots
• Rain Jacket (Doubles as a Windbreaker)
• Earbuds or Noise-Canceling Headphones
• Money Belt
• First Aid Kit

Where to Stay

Most of the Pacific coast of Guatemala can be visited from Antigua as a day trip, but I highly recommend staying in El Paredon, the town is booming, trendy, and developing fast in a major tourist hub.

Here are some places to stay in El Paredon:

Driftwood Surf Hostel: Budget-Friendly Vibes

Driftwood is by far the most popular place to stay on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, it’s visited by a lot of locals and tourists from all over the world and is the place to go for expats and digital nomads.

It’s a hostel so prices aren’t that big, it’s relaxed, friendly, and has a unique vibe! You can find dorm-style rooms, private rooms, hammocks, a communal kitchen, and a laid-back atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a social vibe and a wallet-friendly stay, Driftwood is your spot.

El Paredon Surf House: Rustic Charm by the Sea

El Paredon Surf House is another popular stay in the area, it blends rustic simplicity with beachfront views. It’s a cozy escape for nature lovers with a touch of adventure.

Here you get a glamping experience and the rooms are wooden cabins, with hammocks on a private terrace, and direct beach access.

Also, its close to Cocori Lodge bar, which is one of the top-notch places for nightlife in the area.

How to Get Around

Getting around the Pacific Coast of Guatemala is easy, most tourists stay in Antigua and move around using shuttles or taxis, but depending on how many days are you staying the costs can add up quickly.

My recommendation is to drive yourself, Guatemala is well connected by roads, and those aren’t as bad as you may think. Most roads are well-marked, but remember to always use a map app!

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, since it’s the most ideal time for beach hopping. The sky will be a lot clearer, and the temperature will be hotter, but you need to be prepared to find places a bit crowded.

This is the time when surfers flock to spots like El Paredón, to catch the waves and ride the swells.

Also, if you’re lucky, you might be able to catch the sea turtles nesting on the beaches. Keep in mind that conservation efforts are in full swing during these months.!

How’s the Weather (Hot and Humid – 85 °F year-round)

The climate in Guatemala is tropical, but temperatures can fall by the night and have hotter and humid days. The Pacific coast of Guatemala is hot all year long, with temperatures going from 20c to 37c.

In this region, the weather tends to be a bit unpredictable since rainy days can be possible all year round.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

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Last Updated on March 22, 2026