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.
The best places to visit in Guatemala Beaches
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, explore the Guatemala Beaches destinations our local insiders recommend most.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
Family Memories Together
Embark on a vibrant family adventure that balances Guatemala’s soaring volcanoes and tranquil lakes with affordable, immersive experiences designed for lasting memories. Your journey threads from the cool mist of Lake Atitlán to Antigua’s colonial cobblestones, then into a high‑altitude forest canopy, with avocado farm visits, lake tours, and street‑food evenings. Friendly local guides and welcoming families will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving you with a deeper connection to Guatemala’s culture and unforgettable family moments.
A Solo Journey Through Guatemala
From the misty highlands surrounding Lake Atitlán to the colonial charm of Antigua, your solo adventure weaves volcanic landscapes, vibrant markets, and ancient Maya heritage into a single unforgettable trek. You’ll kayak on Lake Atitlán’s glass‑blue waters, trek the coffee‑scented slopes of Pacaya volcano, explore bustling market stalls in Chichicastenango, and wander cobblestone streets beneath Antigua’s cool, spring‑time breezes. Friendly local guides and community hosts will share stories, recipes, and traditions, leaving you with a deeper connection to Guatemala’s resilient spirit and a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.
The Best of Guatemala
From the volcanic highlands to the misty lake shores, this adventure captures Guatemala’s dramatic contrasts of ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and rugged natural wonders. After arriving in Guatemala City, you’ll head to cool Lake Atitlán for kayaking and coffee tours, then ride ATVs on Pacaya’s volcanic slopes before exploring Tikal’s towering temples. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in Maya heritage, bustling street food scenes, and serene lake villages, leaving you with stories and a deeper connection to Guatemala’s soul.
Exclusive Guatemala
Embark on an exclusive, luxury adventure that juxtaposes tranquil highland lakes, dense jungle wilderness, and vibrant colonial charm across Guatemala's most iconic landscapes. You’ll glide from the cool shores of Lake Atitlán to the rainforests surrounding Tikal, then ascend the volcanic slopes of Acatenango before winding through the coffee farms of Antigua. Local experts and passionate hosts will lead horseback rides, private lake tours, and a traditional temazcal ceremony, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Guatemala’s heritage and natural splendor.
Explore and Connect
Embark on an adventurous couples vacation in Guatemala that balances vibrant markets, soaring canopies, and tranquil lakes while keeping the budget‑friendly spirit alive. From the high‑altitude colors of Chichicastenango and its bustling market to the serene waters of Lake Atitlán, then zip‑lining over cloud forests and unwinding on Monterrico’s Pacific shore. Local guides and friendly hosts weave authentic stories into each activity, leaving you with unforgettable memories of culture, nature, and shared adventure that feel both intimate and enriching.
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
Nature Week in Guatemala with Friends
Swap bustling city streets for the emerald heart of Guatemala, where mist‑kissed highlands and turquoise lakes reveal a world of untamed nature and timeless Maya heritage. Your week threads through Lanquín’s rainforest canopy, Semuc Champey’s limestone pools, and Lake Atitlán’s volcanic rim, each microclimate delivering zip‑lining thrills, river swims, and coffee‑farm tours. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides share Maya traditions, sustainable farming, and volcanic legends, leaving you with vivid memories of adventure, community, and the pristine beauty of Guatemala’s wild heart.
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.
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.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
