Places to Visit in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala, America

Places to Visit in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala, America

Puerto San Jose is a coastal city in Escuintla department in Guatemala geographically positioned at 13°56′ N 90°49′ W, about 100 km from the national capital Guatemala city. It is a large site along Guatemala’s Pacific Ocean coast with a population of more than 20,000.

The economy of Puerto San Jose is centered on rich tourism industry and it is visited by most of the weekenders from Guatemala City. The higher majority of native employers are working in Puerto Quetzal complex. Puerto San Jose has its own airport.

 

History of Puerto San Jose:

Puerto San Jose was earlier pacific port for Guatemala and this was later replaced by Puerto Quetzal during the 20th century.

 

How to reach Puerto San Jose?

Puerto San Jose is catered by San Jose Airport which is placed in the western part of the city and is used for both public and military purpose, served by Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos and Air Venture Tours with charter flights. San Jose Airport is situated about 105 km from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

There are regular buses available at the centre of the city to Guatemala City and other nearby cities. Rental taxis and bikes are useful for local travel.

Food and Shopping in Puerto San Jose:

The major hotels of Puerto San Jose have inbuilt restaurants and the city houses many independent restaurants as well. Some food corners in and around Puerto San Jose are:

  • Nautilus
  • Hamburguesas y Choripanes
  • Johnnys Place Playa Club
  • McDonald’s Restaurant
  • Taberna El Pelican

General stores and fashion shops are located all around the city of Puerto San Jose.

 

Things to do in Puerto San Jose:

  • Big Bouy Fishing
  • Water sports
  • Boating
  • Fishing

 

Places of interest in Puerto San Jose:

Puerto San Jose harbor:

Puerto San Jose harbor is the major sightseeing spot allowing different activities like boating, fishing and swimming as well.

 

Big Buoy Fishing Charters:

Big Buoy Fishing Charters is a boat tour operator offering tourists to do fishing in the middle of the sea with different fishing equipments. Advance booking is offered.

 

V & C Tours Day Tours:

If tourists have interest to explore all around Puerto San Jose, they can choose V & C Tours Day Tours which offers horseback riding and different adventure activities.

 

Other places of interest in Puerto San Jose include:

  • Volcan de Pacaya
  • Iximche
  • Antigua
  • Mixco Viejo
  • Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
  • Volcan Atitlan
  • Teatro Nacional
  • Universidad del San Carlos de Guatemala
  • La Aurora Zoo
  • National Palace (Palacio Nacional)

 

Best time to visit Puerto San Jose:

From May to October is the ideal time to visit Puerto San Jose.

 

Accommodation Options in Puerto San Jose:

Puerto San Jose is a coastal city drawing water sport and nature lovers from all around the country throughout the year. Hotel Costa Verde is one of the best hotels in Puerto San Jose with home environment allied with excellent customer service. Its super clean, food and beautiful bungalows are the notable features and it costs $55 per night. The other major hotels in Puerto San Jose are listed below:

  • Hotel Turicentro Martita
  • Pantanal
  • Hotel Posada del Quetzal
  • Soleil Pacifico Resort
  • Pelicanos Hotel
  • Del Mar Hotel
  • Las Farolas Hotel
  • Posada Don Valentino
  • Soleil La Antigua
  • Hotel Posada San Vincente
  • Hotel Casa Rustica
  • Porta Hotel Antigua
  • Camino Real Antigua
  • Hotel Los Pasos
  • Casa de los Micos
  • Hotel Meson Del Valle
  • Hostal Las Marias

Carmelita Tourist Places to Visit in Carmelita, Guatemala, America

Carmelita Tourist Places to Visit in Carmelita, Guatemala, America

Carmelita is one of the settlements of San Andres municipality in El Peten department of Guatemala, situated about 85 km from the department capital, Flores and 500 km from the national capital, Guatemala City. Carmelita is specially known for the famous archeological sites.

The municipality of San Andres comprises of 55 rural communities, Carmelita is one of them. San Andres municipality was formed in 1962 in the area of 8,874 km² which is around 25% of El Peten department and the town of San Andres is located on the north-western shore of Peten Itza Lake at the coordinates of 16°58′03″ N 89°54′37″ W with an altitude of 150 meters. The Central Government of Guatemala declared 93% area of San Andres as protected nature reserve in 1990.

 

How to reach Carmelita?

Carmelita has its own airport located within the village well connected with domestic locations and the nearest international airport is Mundo Maya International Airport situated at a distance of 90 km with connection to Guatemala City, Belize City, Cancun, Palenque and El Mirador, operated by Avianca, Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos and Tropic Air.

There are buses departing from Carmelita to department capital city Flores at 1 PM and 5 AM every day and it takes around 4.5 hours to reach. Tuk-tuk is the private cheap mode of transportation good to reach surrounding regions and tourist places.

Food and Shopping in Carmelita:

Carmelita houses only few well facilitated restaurants and shopping centres, but tourists can have traditional dish at small food corners and purchase handmade clothes, hats and wooden carvings at local shops at affordable costs. It will be better to reach Flores city to enjoy best shopping experience and to have delicious food.

 

Things to do in Carmelita:

  • Swimming
  • Visit Tikal
  • Cinema

 

Places to see in Carmelita:

Lake Peten Itza:

Lake Peten Itza is a major tourist destination of San Andres municipality and Carmelita. Behind Lake Izabal, it is the 2nd largest lake in Guatemala with surface area of 99 sq. km. measuring a length of 32 km and width of 5 km. It is visited by more than 150,000 tourists annually for its archaeological significance. Lake Peten Itza has abundance of fishes in its crystal clear water and is located around 65 km from Carmelita.

 

Ak’tun Kan:

Ak’tun Kan is a magnificent cave featuring different relics of animals and humans. The objects are labeled by Spanish and also tourists can take help of staff for easy exploration. Entrance fee is Q15. There are taxis and other private vehicles available to reach from Carmelita.

 

Petencito Zoo:

Petencito Zoo houses jaguars, raccoons, monkeys and many endangered animals as well. Also there are several food corners surrounding the zoo.

 

Other places of interest in Carmelita include:

  • Ixpanpajul Natural Park
  • Ruinas de Uaxactun
  • Las Guacamayas Biological Station
  • Carmelita Airport

 

Best time to visit Carmelita:

The months between May and October are ideal to visit Carmelita.

 

Accommodation Options in Carmelita:

There are few luxury hotels located in Carmelita, but Carmelita boasts many home stays that offer bed and breakfast and traditional meal as well. List of best hotels with upgraded facilities near Carmelita and in Flores city (85 km) include:

  • Villa Benjamin
  • Gran Hotel De La Isla
  • Hotel Peten
  • Hotel Isla de Flores
  • Hotel y Restaurante El Peregrino
  • La Lancha Lodge
  • Hotel Casa Amelia
  • Hotel Villa del Lago
  • Green World Hotel
  • Mayan Internacional
  • Hotel Casa Elena de las Flores
  • Hotel Jaguar Inn Santa Elena
  • Hotel Mayab
  • Mirador del Lago
  • Hotel Casazul
  • Hotel Casona de la Isla
  • Hotel Villa Margarita
  • Hotel Casona del Lago
  • Peten Esplendido

Places to Visit in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, America

Places to Visit in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, America

Puerto Barrios is a capital city of Izabal department in Guatemala located between 15°43′ N latitude and 88°35′ W longitude, within the Gulf of Honduras. It is administrated by Puerto Barrios, located about 315 km from the national capital Guatemala City. Puerto Barrios harbor is located on the bay of Bahia de Amatique.

Most of the youths of neighboring areas arrange a party at night in Puerto Barrios harbor because of its pleasant environment. The major suburbs of Puerto Barrios are los tanques, las champas la veinte, la catorce, la trece, la veintedos and El rastro. Puerto Barrios enjoys a tropical monsoon climate.

 

Etymology and history of Puerto Barrios:

Puerto Barrios was named in the honor of the former president of the country, Justo Rufino Barrios in 1884. It was damaged strongly by the earthquake on February 4th of 1976 and then most modern cargo traffic shifted to neighboring Santo Tomas de Castilla port. Presently Puerto Barrios is the centre of Dole and Fresh Del Monte Produce industries.

 

How to reach Puerto Barrios?

Puerto Barrios has an airport used for both military and public purpose, presently it is not served by any scheduled flights, but it can be accessible by charter flights and the airport is located few kilometers away from the town centre.

Litegua, a national bus company, operates bus services between Puerto Barrios and Guatemala City and it takes around 5 to 6 hours. The company offers first class and second class services which costs Q80 and Q50 per way respectively.

Puerto Barrios has boat services to Belize. Bus costs Q3 and taxi costs Q5 for local travel. Advance booking is offered.

 

Food and Shopping in Puerto Barrios:

Puerto Barrios is a port city housing many food corners and shopping centres, most of them are situated near the harbor and town centre. La Colombina Forever is a disco centre in Puerto Barrios.

The famous restaurants in Puerto Barrios are:

  • El Castillo
  • Fogon Porteno
  • Pepin Burger
  • Restaurante y Cafeteria MAXIM
  • Dona Maria

 

Things to do in Puerto Barrios:

  • Gus Tours
  • Bird watching
  • Shopping
  • Boat riding

 

Places to see in Puerto Barrios:

 

Puerto Barrios Harbor:

Puerto Barrios harbor is the major tourist site offering different activities like boating, swimming and night entertainment.

 

Santo Tomas de Castilla:

Santo Tomas de Castilla or Matias de Galvez is a port town located 6 km away from Puerto Barrios. It is located between 15°41′20″ N latitude and 88°36′45″ W longitude. Santo Tomas de Castilla has a sea port which was constructed in 1976 and it is now the favorite spot of youths.

 

Livingston:

Livingston is a neighboring town of Puerto Barrios well known for its archeological sites and cultural festival “San Isidro Labrador” attracts people from all around the country.

 

Other places of interest near Puerto Barrios include:

  • Las Escobas
  • El Estor
  • Livingston
  • Los Amates
  • Morales
  • Hot Springs
  • Playa Sand Bay

 

Best time to visit Puerto Barrios:

Throughout the year is best, especially during the ending months of the year are ideal to visit Puerto Barrios.

 

Accommodation Options in Puerto Barrios:

Puerto Barrios hosts many luxury and mid range accommodation centres with world class amenities. Puerto Barrios is a 100 year old hotel located in the old downtown of Puerto Barrios in the proximity of Central Market offering world class hospitality services. The prominent hotels in and around Puerto Barrios are listed below:

  • Amatique Bay Resort & Marina
  • Hotel Europa 2
  • Hotel Marbrissa
  • Hotel del Norte
  • Casa Pez Vela Lodge
  • Valle Tropical
  • Puerto Libre
  • Hotel del Puerto
  • Hotel & Travel Agency Rios Tropicales
  • Casa de la Iguana
  • Hotel Rio Dulce
  • Hotel Dona Alida
  • Hotel El Viajero
  • Hotel La Casa Rosada
  • Vecchia Toscana Resort
  • Hotel Maya HB

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Playa Grande, Guatemala, America

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Playa Grande, Guatemala, America

Playa Grande is a town and seat of Ixcan municipality in El Quiche department of Guatemala, is situated about 280 km from the national capital Guatemala City. Playa Grande houses the inhabitants of different ethnic groups like Kiche, Ixil, Uspantek, Kekchi and Ladino.

Uspantek and Q’eqchi are the Mayan languages spoken by the natives along with Spanish. The annual festival of Playa Grande is celebrated from the 15th May to the 17th May. Playa Grande houses farmers market, airport, schools and general stores.

 

Geography of Playa Grande:

Playa Grande is placed between 15°59′ N latitude and 90°46′ W longitude.

 

Connectivity to Playa Grande:

Playa Grande has its own airport connected only with domestic locations, located around 8 km away from the midpoint of the town. Playa Grande is situated about 220 km from its nearest international airport, Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores and La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City is placed about 280 km from Playa Grande.

There are regular buses plying between Playa Grande and its nearby towns and cities. For local travel, tourists can hire bicycles or bike from natives or travel agents.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Playa Grande:

Playa Grande is culturally diverse town housing the population of Roman Catholicism and Evangelicalism and the ethnicities in Playa Grande are Ixil, Uspantek, K’ekchi, Ladino and K’iche. Uspantek and Q’eqchi are the commonly spoken languages in Playa Grande. Annual festival of Playa Grande is held in the month of May from 15th to 17th.

Playa Grande is home to all the types of shops including daily usable items, mobile recharge, electrical and electronic, fashion and clothes.

Playa Grande Ixcan Farmers Market is an ideal place to purchase traditional handicrafts, fresh vegetables and fruits and special umbrellas. Other than shops, Playa Grande also hosts many food corners with both traditional and neighboring countries eateries. Most of them are located near the market of Playa Grande.

 

Things to do in Playa Grande:

  • Cycling
  • Shopping
  • Cultural events
  • Internet browsing

 

Places to visit in Playa Grande:

Chichicastenango:

Chichicastenango is a town known for its annual celebrations and is surrounded by mountains and valleys. Thursday and Sunday markets at Chichicastenango sell beautiful traditional Mayal textiles at reasonable costs. Santo Thomas Festival in Chichicastenango is famous for typical traditional dances.

 

Q’umarkaj:

Q’umarkaj is an archeological site which served as the capital of different kingdoms in earlier times and tourist can now see many big rocks and old houses here.

 

San Andres Sajcabajá:

San Andres Sajcabaja is located in the Sierra de Chuacus mountain range with an average altitude of 1500 meters. It is a historic town housing many archeological sites from the colonial period.

 

Other places of interest near Playa Grande include:

  • Church of Santo Thomas
  • Pascual Abaj
  • Santa Cruz del Quiche
  • Cerro de San Andres
  • Los Cerritos
  • La Laguna
  • Chichicastenango Regional Museum
  • Nebaj Museum
  • Santo Tomas Church
  • Visis Caba Biosphere Reserve

 

Best time to visit Playa Grande:

During the beginning months of summer season are best to travel Play Grande.

 

Accommodation Options in Playa Grande:

Playa Grande is a city with many archeological sites and natural attractions. Also the town houses accommodation centres categorizing from home stays to hotels with all the basic facilities. The hotels in Playa Grande and its nearby towns are listed below:

  • Santo Tomas Hotel
  • Posada El Arco
  • Hotel Chalet
  • Hotel Villa Grande
  • Hospedaje Salvador
  • Hotel Ixil
  • Hotel Chuguila
  • Hostal de Santa Maria
  • Mayan Inn
  • Hotel El Sitio
  • Hotel Giron
  • Posada Vetz K’aol
  • Hotel Turansa
  • Hotel San Pasqual
  • Hotel Rey Kiche
  • Hotel Santa Maria
  • Chalet Tony
  • Hacienda San Antonio
  • MediaLuna MedioSol
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