The Pacific Coast
of Guatemala

Costa Sur

A flat, hot coastal strip runs about 300 kilometers along Guatemala's Pacific shore, rarely exceeding 50 kilometers in width before rising into volcanic highlands. The region experiences intense heat and humidity year-round, with a distinct rainy season from May to October. Black volcanic sand beaches characterize the coastline, with powerful waves attracting surfers but making swimming challenging in many areas. This zone serves as Guatemala's agricultural powerhouse, with vast plantations producing sugar cane, African palm oil, rubber, and tropical fruits. Despite the coastline's length, tourism development remains limited compared to neighboring countries, with a handful of beach towns catering mostly to domestic weekend visitors. The coast offers a different Guatemala—hotter, more relaxed, with stronger mestizo than indigenous influence.

Things to see and do in Costa Sur

Visit sea turtle conservation projects during nesting season
Surf at beaches near Monterrico and Sipacate
Tour archaeological sites like Takalik Abaj with Olmec and Maya carvings
Explore mangrove channels by kayak near Monterrico
Stop at the Xocomil water park and Xetulul theme park near Retalhuleu

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Unique travel experiences to do on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala

Sea Turtle Conservation Programs

Several organizations welcome volunteers and visitors to their hatcheries, where they protect eggs from poachers and natural predators. During nesting season, you can join night patrols along dark beaches, watching for female turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. Teams carefully excavate and relocate eggs to protected hatcheries. Later in the season, you can witness or participate in releases, carrying tiny hatchlings to the surf and watching them instinctively scramble toward the ocean.

Monterrico or Hawaii
Fauna

Plus d'infos

Highland-to-Coast Contrast Journey

Experience Guatemala's dramatic geographical and cultural transition by traveling from cool highland cities to tropical beaches in under two hours. Start your day in Antigua at 1,500 meters elevation, where temperatures might be 18°C (64°F). Drive through coffee plantations and pine forests as the road descends toward the coast. Within 90 minutes, you'll reach sea level where temperatures soar to 32°C (90°F) with intense humidity. The vegetation shifts from temperate crops to palm trees and tropical plants.