Guatemala Beaches
Guatemala's beaches aren't the main reason most travellers visit the country, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth visiting! Don't miss out on the beaches in Guatemala, because the nation's shoreline boasts Pacific and Caribbean coasts. If you're into sport fishing, head to Puerto Quetzal — Guatemala is the "Sailfish Capital of The World!" Meanwhile, in Puerto San José you can do some excellent marine mammal observation.
Looking for beachside adventures that will keep you on dry land, the Pacific Coast has pleasant, nearly deserted black-sand beaches around Monterrico and Hawaii. On the Caribbean side, there are white-sand beaches just outside Lívingston, including Playa Blanca. Most of Guatemala’s beaches are uncrowded, and surfing is possible in some locations.
Bottom line: wherever you decide to visit, you can be certain that these are the best beaches in Guatemala.
Where are the best beaches in Guatemala?
Guatemala's best beaches are Monterrico on the Pacific and Playa Blanca on the Caribbean. Beaches aren't the reason most people come to Guatemala, but a couple of nights on the coast is a relaxing way to finish a highlands itinerary.
Monterrico is a long, tranquil black-sand beach facing the open Pacific, better for sunset walks and seafood than for calm swimming. The area is also a nesting site for leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles. It's about 3½ hours from Antigua by private transfer.
Playa Blanca is the opposite: white sand, palm trees and calm Caribbean water that's good for swimming, sunbathing or simply doing nothing. It's reached by boat from Lívingston, so it pairs naturally with a Río Dulce and Lívingston stay on the Caribbean side.
5 Guatemala Beaches
The places our local insiders recommend most come first.
Monterrico
Monterrico is a tranquil town along Guatemala’s Pacific coast. This formerly sleeping fishing village is becoming increasingly popular with travelers, many of whom come here to see nesting sea turtles.
Destination
Puerto San Jose
When Guatemalan urbanites need a break from the city they head to Puerto San José. Set along the Pacific coast, Puerto San José is Guatemala City’s nearest and most popular beach destination. It isn’t the most idyllic place in the world, but it is a convenient spot to spend some time by the sea.
Destination
Lívingston
Lívingston is unlike anywhere else in Guatemala. For starters, it has a seriously interesting mix of Guatemalan and Caribbean cultures—it’s a hub for the Garífuna people and Q’eqchi’ Maya of the Río Dulce region. It’s also surrounded by water and is only accessible by boat.
Destination
Puerto Barrios
Puerto Barrios is a large, hot port city along Guatemala’s Caribbean coast. The town was once Guatemala’s main shipping port, but today is a rather forlorn and unappealing place. There is little reason for travelers to come here except while en route to places like Lívingston and Punta de Manabique.
Destination
Iztapa
Iztapa is a small port town along Guatemala’s Pacific coast that’s well known for sailfishing. The fishing here truly is incredible—it’s common to haul in 15-20 Pacific sailfish each day. The surfing is good too, and there isn’t much competition for waves.
Destination
Guatemala Beaches itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Guatemala Beaches itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
A Wedding Celebration Made Better
Thank you for making my Wes and Ines's wedding so special! We were taken care of at all times and will return and only use your services!
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Artisan Explorer in Guatemala
the culture is so rich and diverse, the colors, the music, language, dance, art, artesania, nature, and most of all the people are very nice and wonderful
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This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!
Take the children on an exciting adventure without sacrificing your comfort. Spend time outdoors, then enjoy high thread count linens, swimming pools, and private transportation.
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The Colors & Culture of Guatemala
Don’t just take your family somewhere new, teach them about the world on a colorful expedition of Guatemala full of outdoor adventures, history, and cultural exchanges.
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Colorful Cultural Adventures
Explore the world in vivid color when you make your way through Guatemala. Get outdoors, enjoy cultural exchanges, learn something new. Sample the best of Guatemala now!
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Guatemala's Gems of Nature
Take yourself on an amazing journey –– collect precious memories throughout the visually striking nation of Guatemala. The beauty of Lake Atitlan and history of Antigua awaits.
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An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize
You’re an intrepid traveler with an explorer’s spirit –– it’s time to make your way through the wild heart of Guatemala and Belize. This vacation, walk with the ancients.
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Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala
Rediscover your passion for adventure and each other when you make your way through beautiful Guatemala. Sample a little of everything –– from ruins to cuisine.
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Heart of The Mayan World
I would warn them about the deceptive practices of Casa Azul though about the stocking and charges of the alcohol in the fridge. No warning at check in. No signage on fridge. Not locked. No tally sheet. No warning or heads up by Anywhere. I have never had to pay for alcohol before. ($92. U.S.) There was a store a few doors away. My only complaint about this hotel. I would stay there again. I just wouldn't be tricked twice.
Guatemala
We Dreamt. Then We Went.
When we told our family and friend that we were going to Guatemala, their first impression was your kidding. The country is not safe. Let me say we had a fantastic time from beginning to end of our trip. Guatemala has a lot to present and the country has a lot of history and the people are wonderful. I would come back again. In general I would say we had no issues with the Itinerary and the drivers of Anywhere were very professional and most of all kept us safe where ever we went. The hotels that we stayed were very nice and in safe location.
Guatemala
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