Things To Do In Guatemala On A Cruise Port Day
Is Guatemala one of your Central America cruise stops? If so, you’re in luck! Just south of Mexico and about the size of Tennessee, this vibrant country is rich in culture and natural beauty. Home to 24 ethnic groups, Guatemala bursts with color, from lively streets to lush jungles and dramatic mountains.
There are two cruise ports: one on the Pacific, one on the Atlantic. Wherever you dock, expect exciting shore excursions to colonial towns, volcanoes, hot springs, and historic forts.
Spanish is the official language, and the currency is the quetzal (also the national bird), though US dollars are widely accepted.
Where Is The Guatemala Cruise Port?
Guatemala has two different cruise ports. You’ll find Puerto Quetzal on the Pacific Coast, and Santo Tomas de Castilla is on the Atlantic.
Atlantic Cruise Port – Santo Tomás de Castilla
Cruise itineraries on Guatemala’s Atlantic Coast, stop in Santo Tomás de Castilla. It is located in Amatique Bay, off of the Gulf of Honduras. Santo Tomás de Castilla is the smallest cruise port in the Western Caribbean but sees around four cruise ships each month.
Some Oceania and Regent cruises, include this port as part of a longer itinerary to South America. While the port welcomes cruise ships, it’s also one of the busiest ports in Guatemala for container ships.
After disembarking, guests can buy traditional handicrafts, watch Garifuna dancers, and go on shore excursions. Located in Izabal, Guatemala, this port of call features a vibrant tropical region. Shore excursions here can include:
- Hiking nature trails.
- Visiting the Mayan ruins of Quirigua.
- Visiting the Castillo de San Felipe (a fort built to repel pirate attacks).
Pacific Cruise Port – Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Situated on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, Puerto Quetzal is a crucial port for cargo traffic and cruise liners. The dock can accommodate one large cruise ship daily. Travelers entering Puerto Quetzal enjoy a welcome area, offering gift shops or operators selling tours.
Guests with cruise ship excursions, board buses at the port. Should you choose to explore on your own, you can spend a full day immersed in local culture and enjoying colonial architecture. By using chicken buses, the local means of transportation, you’ll have an inexpensive way to reach small villages nearby.
How Many Ships Can The Guatemala Cruise Port Handle?
Guatemala sees about 55 to 75 ships annually. One third of these stop at Santo Tomas de Castilla, Izabal, and the balance go to Puerto Quetzal Escuintla. Most cruise ships dock for 10 to 14 hours, but a few stay overnight. Long port days allow for travel inland or multiple shore excursions.
Depending on the cruise port of call, different activities are available. Here’s a look at the top shore excursions from both the Pacific and Atlantic sides.
Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursions
These are the top things to do in Guatemala from the Pacific.
Explore Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala is the country’s most popular destination—and for good reason. Set in the central highlands and surrounded by the volcanoes Acatenango, Agua, and Fuego, this UNESCO World Heritage city blends history, beauty, and charm.
Its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and crumbling convents are framed by street food stalls, craft vendors, musicians, and blooming jacarandas. The city is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and historic churches.
For panoramic views, head to Cerro de la Cruz, where a hilltop cross overlooks the city and the distant Agua Volcano. Don’t miss Las Capuchinas, a 1736 convent with fountains, courtyards, and crypts, approved by King Felipe V.
History buffs, outdoor adventurers, coffee addicts, shopaholics, kids, and the curious will all find something to love in Antigua. Depending on traffic, Antigua is approximately 90 minutes from the Puerto Quetzal Cruise Port.
Climb Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya Volcano offers a unique adventure. Its stark and dramatic landscape is beautiful. A trip there allows visitors to roast marshmallows over molten lava. There’s even a lava-roasted pizza place at the top of the trail.
This complex volcano rises 8,372 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views of many of Guatemala’s other volcanoes. They parade in a line from the Mexico border all the way to El Salvador and are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
This volcano hike is a nature lovers’ dream and a must-visit destination. It will allow you to enjoy sweeping views, exercise your muscles, and explore lava fields. Pacaya Volcano is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Puerto Quetzal.
Spend A Day At El Paredón
A trip to El Paredón is ideal for beach lovers. This laid-back fishing village and surfer favorite, offers black sand, big waves, baby turtle releases, and fresh coconuts.
Join a guided boat tour through Sipacate Naranjo National Park’s mangroves to learn about the trees and spot sea turtles at Poza de Nancy, along with local birdlife. Or surf, stroll the beach, and enjoy whole fried fish at a seaside restaurant.
El Paredón is 1 hour from Puerto Quetzal.
Tour Guatemala City
Although not a top tourist destination, touring Guatemala City could be a great option. My favorite spot to visit in the nation’s capital is “Zona 1.” This is the center of the city and is the pulsing heart of the nation’s government. It also is an interesting place to learn about coup d’etats and censored artists.
Tour the national palace, see the cathedral, sample some traditional dishes, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the pedestrian “Sexta Avenida.” Zone 1 also features a huge artisan market, tons of food stands, restaurants, and cafés, all with a side of intriguing history.
Guatemala City is approximately two hours from Puerto Quetzal.
Explore The Mayan Ruins Of Iximche
Head to the last capital of the Mayan empire on this day trip: the ruins of Iximché. Iximche is a small, tranquil ruin featuring palaces, two ball courts, temples, and a small altar. Some of the altars are still used by Mayan people today. You might see them carrying out their ancient customs during your visit.
Iximche was founded by the Kaqchikel people in 1470, and a visit offers a unique experience of its cultural history. With a local guide, travelers gain insight into the lives of the ancients, their beliefs, customs, and ball games.
The ruins of Iximche are located in Tecpan, Guatemala, about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Puerto Quetzal.
Tour A Coffee Plantation
Coffee lovers can dive into Guatemala’s rich caffeine culture with a visit to a highland plantation. Explore one of the world’s top coffee regions, where elevation, soil, and moisture shape unique flavors. Learn how beans are grown, fermented, dried, roasted, and ground.
Although Guatemala has eight different coffee-growing regions, Antigua is the easiest region to reach from Puerto Quetzal. Antigua is only 90 minutes from the cruise port.
Tip: Consider combining a coffee tour and an Antigua city tour. Antigua has plenty of things to fascinate, from old convents to cooking classes. It’s also a spectacular city for walking around, taking pictures, dropping into a cafe, or taking a chocolate workshop.
Shore Excursions from Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla
Guests docking on the Atlantic side of Guatemala, have plenty of cool excursions from Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla.
Tour The Castillo de San Felipe
One of the most interesting things to see near Guatemala’s Atlantic Port is the Castillo de San Felipe. The Spanish built the old fort on the Dulce River to protect the towns of Lake Izabal from pirate raids. It also served as a prison at one time.
The fort features extensive grounds filled with gardens, walking paths, and playgrounds. Jet Ski rentals are available if you fancy a fun ride on the water. You can eat inside the fort grounds or head to one of the many eateries just outside the gates.
I recommend hiring a tour guide for the best experience of the fort. Tour guides share fascinating stories, providing a more immersive experience.
It takes a journey of 1 hour and 47 minutes to reach the Castillo from Santo Tomás de Castilla.
Visit Frutas del Mundo
Frutas del Mundo is a cool stop, slightly off the beaten path. This exotic fruit nursery is in Aldea el Amatillo, Izabal. A Peace Corps volunteer started the nursery when they came to Guatemala in the 80s. Tours of the farm usually last one hour and can be modified according to your interests.
Discover a variety of fascinating tropical plants, unique fruits, and creative takes on chocolate. For a truly immersive experience, I suggest booking a delicious farm-to-table meal that includes everything from fresh-caught tilapia to delicious hearts of palm salad.
It takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Frutas del Mundo from the cruise ship port.
Unwind In Livingston
Fancy an adventure by boat? If so, there are plenty of spots all along the Caribbean Coast. I suggest the Garifuna town of Livingston, only reachable by water. Rent jet skis or kayaks, chill and unwind, and eat tasty local cuisine. I recommend yummy coconut bread and “tapado,” the traditional dish of the town.
Take a tour down the Rio Dulce, or visit some of the white sand beaches en route. Some of the nicest spots to see include Siete Altares and Playa Blanca.
Water taxis leave from the main dock in Puerto Barrios and reach Livingston in 30 minutes. The ride is on the open sea, so it can get choppy.
Explore The Ruins Of Quiriguá
A visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Quiriguá is one of the most captivating historical excursions from Guatemala’s Atlantic coast. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its towering 35-foot stelae, some of the tallest in the Maya world, and intricate carvings that influenced sites as far as Belize and Copán.
Wander through the expansive grand plaza and explore a complex network of terraces, pyramids, and staircases that reveal the site’s former grandeur.
Quiriguá is approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes from Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla.
Hike The Las Escobas Nature Trails
Hiking shoes and a bathing suit are essential for exploring the lush jungles of Izabal. The Las Escobas Nature Trail offers one of the region’s top hikes, featuring waterfalls, turquoise pools, and rich birdlife. Orchids and native plants line the path, while the herpetarium showcases local snake species.
Three interpretive trails wind through the forest, complete with bridges and meditation platforms, and the cool, clear water provides a refreshing escape from the Izabal heat.
This spot is only 25 minutes from Santo Tomás de Castilla, making it perfectly accessible during a cruise ship shore excursion.
Final Thoughts On Visiting A Guatemala Cruise Port
When arriving by cruise ship, which of these things to do in Guatemala sounds like the most fun? Will you explore a nature reserve, visit a Mayan ruin, or meander through a picturesque colonial city?
Whether you are visiting from the Atlantic or Pacific ports of Guatemala, you’re sure to find plenty of exciting excursions to choose from. A port day in Guatemala is certain to leave you with great memories, photos, and happy thoughts.
This guest post was written by Yvonne McArthur
Yvonne McArthur is a writer, word-lover, and adventurer born and raised in Guatemala. She spent her childhood swimming in caldera lakes, mountain biking through maize fields, and toasting marshmallows over molten lava. As an adult, she continues doing all those things, plus more. She loves sharing her passion for Guatemala with visitors and locals alike, whether on her site, Guate Adventure, or other awesome travel blogs (like this one).
