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Located on the Pacific side of Guatemala in Central America, Puerto Quetzal is a small commercial and cruise port that is frequented by cruise ships traveling through the Panama Canal. Although there is not much to see in the Puerto Quetzal Cruise Port area itself, there is a marketplace for shopping and the pickup point for all our Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursions. The majority of our Quetzal excursions and tours are inland for 1 hour around Antigua City. The area surrounding Antigua City is lush mountains with coffee plantations, inactive volcanos, and Mayan ruins.

Top 2 Puerto Quetzal Excursions

Puerto Quetzal Excursions

  • Community, Textiles & Lunch ($125.99)
  • Pacaya Volcano & Pizza ($184.99)

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Puerto Quetzal Private Mayan Village Traditions, Culture & Lunch Excursion

  • Round-trip transportation from your Puerto Quetzal cruise ship terminal!
  • English-speaking, friendly shore excursion guide!
  • Great sightseeing and cultural excursion!
  • Complimentary bottled water!
  • Learn how to prepare Pepian- a typical Guatemalan dish!

Puerto Quetzal Private Pacaya Volcano & Pizza Excursion

  • Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
  • Professional, friendly English-speaking shore excursion guide!
  • Entrance fee included!
  • Volcano-made Pizza!

Puerto Quetzal Colonial Antigua City Highlights Sightseeing Excursion

  • Round-trip transportation from your cruise ship terminal!
  • Bi-lingual (English and Spanish speaking), certified cruise shore excursion guide!
  • All entrance fees and taxes!
  • 3-hour walking through Antigua City!
  • See La Merced Church, Santa Catalina Arch, San Jose Cathedral, Jade Factory, and the Central Park shopping area!
  • Optional lunch!
  • Small groups only!

Puerto Quetzal Best of Antigua with Lunch Excursion

  • Round trip transportation from your cruise ship terminal!
  • Air-conditioned, fully licensed and insured transportation!
  • See Central Park, La Merced Church, Cathedral, Santo Domingo Convent, Jade Factory, and Museum!
  • Guatemalan Lunch and One Beverage!

Puerto Quetzal Colonial Antigua City Colors and Flavors Excursion

  • English-speaking certified cruise excursion guide!
  • All entrance fees are included!
  • Optional lunch can be added - see pricing option!
  • Guests will visit 2 Guatemalan food restaurants and a Candy Store!

Puerto Quetzal Coffee Plantation and Antigua City Sightseeing Excursion

  • Round trip transportation from your Puerto Quetzal cruise ship terminal!
  • English speaking certified shore excursion guide!
  • All entrance fees included!
  • Guided walk in Antigua City!
  • Visit a rural coffee plantation!
  • Free time in Antigua!

Puerto Quetzal Antigua Market and Cooking Class Excursion

  • Guided walk in a traditional market in Antigua!
  • Cooking Class at La Tortilla Cooking School!
  • Learn how to cook 6 traditional dishes such as Pepian, Rellenitos, Atol and much more!
  • Unlimited wine during the cooking class!

Puerto Quetzal Antigua City and Volcano Hot Springs Excursion

  • Air-conditioned and comfortable shore excursion vehicle!
  • English-speaking and knowledgeable Quetzal cruise excursion guides!
  • Entrance fee to Santa Teresita hot springs!
  • Therapeutic thermal circuit!
  • Complimentary lunch (vegetarian options available)!

Puerto Quetzal Thermal Hot Springs Spa Excursion

  • Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation from your Puerto Quetzal cruise terminal!
  • English-speaking certified local Guatemalan excursion driver!
  • 5 hours of relaxation at Santa Teresita Thermal Spa!
  • Delicious lunch included and fruit smoothie!
  • Thermal circuit pools, swimming pool, and more!

Searching for the Quetzal

Searching for the Quetzal

  • Destinations
  • Quetzaltenango
  • Things to do

You'll be given a chance to spot a resplendent quetzal - the national bird of Guatemala - on this tour. The tour includes bird watching at the Refugio del Quetzal.

You do not have to go far from Quetzaltenango to explore one of the sanctuaries of Guatemala’s national bird. This tour takes you to the Refugio del Quetzal, a reserve that is about 1.5 hours outside Quetzaltenango.

The reserve is set an an elevation of around 6,000 feet (1,830 m) and is populated with humid forest. The forest here protects a number of birds, including the Azure-rumped Tanager, Blue-throated Motmot, Emerald-chinned hummingbird, and Emerald Toucanet.

The reserve supports a population of resplendent quetzals. The breeding season, which ranges from February to May, is the best time of year to see them. Guides accompany travelers along a short, 0.5-mile (1 km) loop trail through the forest (there are also smaller trails that lead to other spots in the reserve that you may hike on too). You're given binoculars to help you spot the birds.

Attraction Visited

Biotopo del Quetzal

Biotopo de Quetzal, also known as Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera, is a 2,580-acre (1,044-ha) protected area that’s about an hour from Cobán. While you may or may not see the namesake bird, the reserve’s convenient location makes it a good place to stop and explore the region’s dense cloud forests.

Read more: Biotopo del Quetzal

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes and shoes, rain jacket, camera, and snack.

What's included

Transportation, local guide (birdwatcher), entrance fees, and breakfast.

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

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Adventures Hiking

Trail of the Quetzal 4-Day Trek

Quetzal

This is a pioneer trek across the Sierra Las Minas, one of Guatemala’s most protected areas. It is not easy, but to experience such pristine nature, untouched and raw never is. The Sierra las Minas encompasses over 60% of Central America’s remaining cloud forest and boasts the highest amount of biodiversity anywhere in the region. If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird, in its wild native habitat, book this trip. The hiking is rough and hard going. It is often damp and muddy. Our walk takes us 4 days across the sierra through the various parts of the park where howler monkeys play overhead. We will spend each night in rustic cabins that are nestled in the forest. They are basic but provide a warm shelter for us to warm up and dry out after the day's walk.

  • Round trip transportation from Old Town Outfitters office in Antigua
  • All gear, food and guiding, including local resource officers in the park
  • Entrance fees to protected area
  • OTO bilingual guide with certified 1st-Aid training
  • Hiking shoes
  • Clothing for hiking and campsite
  • Expedition pack with rain cover
  • Rain jacket
  • Personal medication, camera, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen; 1½L bottle for water
  • TIP for great service from your Old Town guide!

What to Expect

Leave Antigua at 5:00am and transfer out to the entrance to the reserve. After picking up our rangers/guides we head out to tackle the 30 kms. 2000 mts climb up to the trailhead. We have lunch at the top of the climb before setting out on foot through the forest to the top of the ridge. This is prime Quetzal country so hopefully, we’ll get a glimpse of some. We arrive at our Cabanas by late afternoon just in time to listen to the sounds of the forest and take in the sunset.

After an early breakfast on the porch of the Cabana, we gear up for the long and hardest of the treks. An 8 hour day will push us up and past La Pena del Angel then down through the forest to one of the Ranger cabins where we’ll meet up with the next set of rangers to accompany us the rest of the way. After a quick snack here we’ll continue on to the next cabin for lunch. The trail crisscrosses those of tapirs, jaguars and it is not uncommon to hear monkeys howling over-head. Our last objective is up and over a small ridge to an area called Cana Braval where we’ll spend the night.

Today will take us further into the Sierra through areas that no one else ever ventures. Today we’re sure to see lots of wildlife and follow the tracks of various big animals. It’s not an easy walk today, but getting this far back into the wilderness never is. We’ll make our way to our final ranger cabin of Vega Larga where we will camp in an old abandoned church. Vega Larga was once a small community that was relocated outside the park to further protect the area.

We round out our 4-day trek with a beautiful hike out to the nearby town of Chilasco. Leaving the cloud forest behind as we reach the limit of the core zone we enter a beautiful Pine/oak forest on our way home. Arriving in Chilasco we have a panoramic view back up into the Majestic Sierra las Minas as a departing glimpse.

Quetzal National Bird

Quetzal Tours Guatemala

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QUETZAL TOURS GUATEMALA (Quetzaltenango) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

quetzal tours guatemala

Puerto Quetzal (Antigua), Guatemala

Last updated on January 22nd, 2024 at 02:52 pm

Welcome to Puerto Quetzal, a gateway to the enchanting colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and architecture as you wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings. Visit historic sites such as La Merced Church and Casa Santo Domingo, explore vibrant local markets, and sample traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Puerto Quetzal offers a captivating blend of culture and natural beauty.

quetzal tours guatemala

Temperatures usually range between a high of 75 F and a low of 56 F. Humidity averages about 74%. The hottest month is May, with an average temperature of 71 F. The coldest and windiest month is January, with an average temperature of 65 F. The wettest month in Puerto Quetzal is September, with an average of 4.28 inches of rain.

The Quetzal (GTQ) is the currency used. The Quetzal is named after the country’s official bird. The US dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency. When in Guatemala, make sure that your US currency does not have any tears or rips, even if they are small. Shop owners won’t accept bills that are less than whole. Even though you might give US currency, you may not get change back in the same currency, so it is a good idea to have small bills. There is an ATM located at the Visitors Center.

Spanish is spoken by 93% of the population. Also spoken are Garifuna and 21 Maya languages.

Where You Dock in Puerto Quetzal (Antigua), Guatemala

Puerto Quetzal is the largest Pacific Ocean port in Guatemala. The Marina Pez Vela has two piers where ships dock. One pier is the dock for cruise ships, and the other is usually reserved for cargo ships.

If, under certain circumstances, your cruise ship docks at the cargo pier, passengers can take a free 10-minute shuttle to the cruise terminal.

Located near the cruise terminal is a visitor center. You will find some souvenirs, postcards, books, and information on excursions to other areas of Guatemala.

Getting Around Puerto Quetzal (Antigua), Guatemala

Puerto Quetzal is mainly a point from which to explore other areas of Guatemala. Once off the ship, it is an easy walk to the Visitors Center. This is the place to book excursions. There are taxis available, but they can end up being pricey as Antiqua, the largest city, is 90 minutes away.

Shopping In Puerto Quetzal (Antigua), Guatemala

Guatemala is famous for its textiles, but there is not much shopping in Puerto Quetzal. The Visitor Center will have some small souvenirs, but you will need to travel to Antigua to do any type of actual shopping.

Puerto Quetzal is not a stand-alone tourist attraction but a port in the truest sense. You will find vendors outside of the Visitor’s Center selling small, inexpensive items, but they are of lesser quality.

Dining In Puerto Quetzal (Antigua), Guatemala

In Guatemala the cuisine is reminiscent of the dishes Mayans used to eat. You will find that most of the dishes will feature some variation of rice, corn, or beans. Flavoring is often done with chilies. Unfortunately, there are no restaurants in Puerto Quetzal.

There is one restaurant near Porto de San Jose, less than a mile away, and it is an open-air venue called Pez Vela . It is located behind the marina and has a menu printed in both Spanish and English. They will have sandwiches, soups, and various types of ceviche, which is spiced fish cooked with onions and lemon juice.

Things To Do in Puerto Quetzal (Antigua), Guatemala

As a port for cargo and cruise ships, Puerto Quetzal does not offer much in the way of things to do. If you leave the ship, you will pass over an open-gate bridge to get to the Visitor’s Center. It is not an extensive center but will offer local information, have tour sign-ups, and an area that sells postcards and stamps.

Puerto Quetzal is the point from which you will leave to visit other areas of interest. The largest city in Antigua, Guatemala , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is about 90 minutes away. Antigua is a lovely Spanish colonial city that is both walkable and charming. In Antigua, you will find churches, museums, and cafes. Antigua offers a break from the more hurried pace of other destinations.

Cultural & Colonial Antigua Tour

You will be able to see some of the city of Antigua’s well-preserved colonial sights. This historical city has a natural beauty that is evident in its Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture and several ruins of colonial churches. Click here to book.

Highlights of Antigua

A tour guide will pick you up from the cruise pier for the 90-minute ride to Antigua. You will be in an air-conditioned vehicle as you pass through forests and volcanoes until you arrive in the heart of the city. You will have time in the city to browse shops for handcrafted items and visit the Jade Factory Museum. Click here to book. 

Colonial Antigua & Santa Teresita Hot Springs

After walking through beautiful Antigua, take a dip in the Santa Teresita Hot Springs that features 12 thermal pools. The walking tour is about one and a half hours and gives you a chance to see the city’s structures like La Merced Church and the Santa Catalina Arch. Click here to book. 

Hot Springs Escape

The Santa Teresita Hot Springs gets its heat from the nearby Pacaya Volcano. The 12 thermal pools vary in size and temperature, so you are sure to find the one that suits you best. This is also the place to take advantage of massages, manicures, and pedicures for a relaxing and stress-free day. Click here to book. 

A Taste of Antigua

This is the perfect way to learn about Antigua’s history and traditional cuisine. You will get to sample Guatemalan food whose roots date back to the 16th century and sample handmade candies made from fruit and local ingredients. This tour includes roundtrip transportation and an expert guide. Click here to book. 

Private Colonial Antigua City Highlights

Antigua is a charming city, and taking a private tour will enable you to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site to its full advantage. You will be transported to Antigua, visit the ruins of Santo Domingo Convent and be able to tour the Jade Factory and Museum. This full-day tour also visits the Cathedral Church of San Jose, a beautiful park with circular walkways, a large fountain, and the Santa Catalina Arch. Click here to book.

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Top Tours in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

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  • Ports of Call Tours
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  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Historical & Heritage Tours
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  • Cultural Tours
  • Archaeology Tours
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  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

quetzal tours guatemala

1. Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursion: Antigua, Jade Museum & Factory

quetzal tours guatemala

2. Pacaya volcano adventure from Quetzal port.

quetzal tours guatemala

3. Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursion: Colonial Antigua City Highlights

quetzal tours guatemala

4. Colonial Antigua - Past and Present from Puerto Quetzal

quetzal tours guatemala

5. Half Day Macadamia and Coffee Tour from Quetzal Port

quetzal tours guatemala

6. Antigua, Hobbitenago and Altamira Parks from Quetzal Port

quetzal tours guatemala

7. Private Transfer from Puerto Quetzal Port to Guatemala City

quetzal tours guatemala

8. Leather Legacy: Antigua Boots Town Tour from Puerto Quetzal

quetzal tours guatemala

9. Private Wildlife Auto Safari Adventure from Puerto Quetzal

quetzal tours guatemala

10. Birdwatching Day to Los Tarrales Nature Reserve (Private tour)

quetzal tours guatemala

11. Monterrico beach with day pass and Lunch from Quetzal Port.

quetzal tours guatemala

12. Iximche Private Tour: Mayan City Tour from Puerto Quetzal + Lunch

quetzal tours guatemala

13. Full Day Private Shore Tour in Guatemala from Puerto Quetzal Port

quetzal tours guatemala

14. Birdwatching Day to Finca la Gracia (From the Cruise Ship, Puerto Quetzal)

quetzal tours guatemala

15. Exclusive Active Pacaya Volcano Trek from Puerto Quetzal

quetzal tours guatemala

16. Full-Day Antigua villages and brewing company from Puerto Quetzal.

quetzal tours guatemala

17. Private Transfer from Puerto Quetzal Port to Antigua Guatemala

quetzal tours guatemala

18. Antigua Guided Tour with lunch from Quetzal Port.

quetzal tours guatemala

19. Private Transfer from Puerto Quetzal Port to Guatemala City Air

quetzal tours guatemala

20. Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursion: Thermal Circuit and Hot Springs with Lunch

quetzal tours guatemala

21. Visit The Iconic Antigua - Private Shore Tour from Puerto Quetzal

quetzal tours guatemala

22. Half Day Cultures in the Pacific lands from Quetzal Port.

quetzal tours guatemala

23. Mayan Threads: Textile Excursion from Puerto Quetzal + Lunch

quetzal tours guatemala

24. Wine and Rum Private Tour from Puerto Quetzal

quetzal tours guatemala

25. Half day Antigua Coffee tour from Puerto Quetzal

quetzal tours guatemala

26. Kayak -Bird Watching Combo Tour from Puerto Quetzal

quetzal tours guatemala

27. Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursion - Private Tour: Antigua Guatemala and Hot Springs

quetzal tours guatemala

28. Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursion: Colonial Antigua and Hot Springs with Lunch

What travellers are saying.

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  • Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursion: Antigua, Jade Museum & Factory
  • Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursion: Colonial Antigua City Highlights
  • Visit The Iconic Antigua - Private Shore Tour from Puerto Quetzal
  • Wine and Rum Private Tour from Puerto Quetzal
  • Pacaya volcano adventure from Quetzal port.
  • Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures
  • Captain Hook Fishing Charters Guatemala
  • Captain Hook Fishing
  • Handmade Experiences Guatemala
  • Guat2do Travel Experiences Shore Excursion Puerto Quetzal

Biotopo del Quetzal

Alta & Baja Verapaz

In the lush cloud forests south of Cobán is the Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera nature reserve, commonly called Biotopo del Quetzal.

You need a fair bit of luck to see a quetzal, as they're rare and shy, though you have the best chance of seeing them from January to June. Even so, it's well worth stopping to explore and enjoy this lush high-altitude cloud-forest ecosystem, which is the quetzal's natural habitat.

Early morning or early evening are the best times to watch out for the quetzal – they're actually more prevalent around the grounds of the nearby hotels.

Two excellent, well-maintained nature trails wind through the reserve: the 1800m Sendero los Helechos (Fern Trail) and the 3600m Sendero los Musgos (Moss Trail). As you wander through the dense growth, treading on the rich, spongy humus and leaf-mold, you'll see many varieties of epiphytes (air plants), which thrive in the reserve's humid atmosphere. Deep in the forest is Xiu Gua Li Che (Grandfather Tree), some 450 years old, which germinated around the time the Spanish fought the Rabinal in these mountains.

The reserve has a visitor center, a little shop for drinks and snacks, and a camping and barbecue area. The ruling on camping changes from time to time. Check by contacting Cecon , which administers this and other biotopes.

At certain times the mosquitoes can be vicious: bring bug repellent and make sure you use it.

Hwy 14 Km 160.5

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Forever Karen

Things To Do In Guatemala On A Cruise Port Day

Cathedral in Antigua Guatemala

Is Guatemala one of the port stops on your Central America cruise? If so, consider yourself lucky! This lush country sits just below Mexico and is about the size of Tennessee. But it packs plenty into its small country.

Twenty-four different ethnic groups live here, the streets bustle with color and texture, and the landscape ranges from vibrant jungles to striking mountain ranges.

Guatemala has two different cruise ports, one on the Pacific and the other on the Atlantic. No matter which Guatemala cruise port you visit, you’ll have plenty of things to do and wonderful shore excursion options.

Colonial towns, active volcanoes, thermal waterfalls, and old forts await.

The official language of Guatemala is Spanish, and the currency is the quetzal – which is also the name of the national bird. However, tour operators readily accept the US dollar.

Two Mayan ruins and a beach near the Guatemala cruise ports

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.

Pacific Cruise Port – Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Situated on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, Puerto Quetzal is a crucial port for cargo traffic and cruise liners. While this port handles mostly commercial vessels, a dock can accommodate one large cruise ship daily.

If you’re doing a Pacific cruise or a repositioning itinerary through the Panama Canal with a stopover in Guatemala, Puerto Quetzal will be your entry point to the beauties of Guatemala.

Antigua Guatemala

From this cruise port, visitors can access the famed colonial city of La Antigua Guatemala, the active Pacaya volcano, and the fascinating Mayan ruins of Iximché.

Travelers entering Puerto Quetzal will walk down a long gangway from the ship. The welcome area has plenty of space to shop for gifts or book tours with local operators.

If you’ve booked an excursion through your cruise ship, you’ll head straight to the buses. 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.

Guatemala chicken bus

Atlantic Cruise Port – Santo Tomás de Castilla

If your cruise itinerary travels along Guatemala’s Atlantic Coast, you will 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. Most ships go to the more popular port of Mahogany Bay further east, and Belize City cruise port to the north.

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.

Cruise ship travelers to Santo Tomás de Castilla will walk down a short gangway to access the arrivals area. They’ll have the opportunity to 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).

How Many Ships Can The Guatemala Cruise Port Handle?

Antigua Cathedral

Guatemala received a total of 66 cruise ships in the 2022-2023 season. These include vessels belonging to Oceania, Regent, Seabourn, Norwegian, Holland America, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean.

Twenty-four stopped at Santo Tomas de Castilla, Izabal, and 42 ships stopped at Puerto Quetzal Escuintla.

Most cruise ships remain in Guatemala for 10 to 14 hours, but a few stay overnight. With long port days, you can travel further inland or enjoy more than one shore excursion.

Things To Do Near The Cruise Port

Depending on what cruise port you stop at, you’ll have the chance to enjoy different activities. Let’s take a look at the best shore excursions from the Pacific and the Atlantic.

Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursions

Wondering what the top things to do in Guatemala on a cruise port day from the Pacific? Check out these outstanding day trips.

Explore Antigua Guatemala

Volcanoes of Agua, Fuego, Acatenango

Antigua Guatemala is hands down the most popular destination in Guatemala – and for a good reason!

Nestled in the central highlands of Guatemala between green ridges and tall volcanoes, this UNESCO world heritage city oozes character.

The towering peaks of Acatenango, Agua, and Fuego Volcanoes surround the city.

It was the original capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala during colonial times.

The cobblestone streets and colored colonial buildings add to the city’s charm, and ruined convents and churches stud the city blocks. Street food stands, handicraft vendors, busking musicians, and flowering jacarandas add to the beauty.

Hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and age-old churches line the avenues and alleyways.

Cerro de la Cruz

Located on the northern edge of Antigua, Cerro de la Cruz is a hill adorned with a towering stone cross. You can take in breathtaking views, all while gazing upon the majestic Agua Volcano in the distance.

Don’t miss Las Capuchinas, which dates back to 1736. Approved by the King Felipe V, Antigua’s famous ruins feature fountains, beautiful courtyards, and underground crypts.

Antigua Las Capuchinas Ruins

Whether you have a few hours or several days to seek out hidden gems, it’s a place worth exploring on your own or with a local guide.

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

Have you ever dreamed of roasting marshmallows over molten lava? Or climbing through a stark landscape that is both dramatic and beautiful? If so, consider adding Pacaya Volcano to your Guatemala bucket list.

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.

Visiting Pacaya Volcano

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. If you’re lucky, there will be a steam vent or two where you can roast marshmallows or sausages.

There’s even a lava-roasted pizza place at the top of the trail.

Pacaya Volcano is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Puerto Quetzal.

Spend A Day At El Paredón

If beaches are what you’re after, you might just love a trip to El Paredón , a small fishing village that is a favorite spot for surfers.

Black sands, dramatic waves, baby turtle releases, and delicious coconuts make El Paredón a great place to visit.

It’s also a perfect place to enjoy a guided tour of the mangroves at Sipacate Naranjo National Park. On your boat ride, you’ll learn about the different kinds of mangrove trees and their uses.

Touring the mangroves by boat

Visit the “Poza de Nancy,” where adult sea turtles feed and hang out, and see how many sea birds you can identify.

Take a surfing lesson, walk along the beach, and order a whole fried fish in one of the restaurants.

El Paredón is 1 hour from Puerto Quetzal.

Tour Guatemala City

If you’re looking for something a little unusual, touring Guatemala City could be a great option. It isn’t considered a top tourist destination but still has lots to offer.

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, enjoy the best smoothies you’ve ever tasted, sample some traditional dishes, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the pedestrian “Sexta Avenida.”

Guatemala City Cathedral

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.

As you explore the ruins with your local guide, you’ll gain insight into the lives of the ancients, their beliefs, customs, and ball games.

Mayan Ruins Of Iximche

The ruins of Iximche are located in Tecpan, Guatemala, about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Puerto Quetzal.

Tour A Coffee Plantation

If you love your morning cup of joe, why not immerse yourself in the world of caffeine for a day?

Explore one of the coffee plantations on the mountainous Guatemalan highlands and discover what makes this one of the world’s premier coffee-growing regions.

Not only will you get to visit a plantation where the coffee is grown, but you’ll also learn about the different varieties of coffee and how the soil, moisture, and elevation all impact the flavor.

Discover how coffee is fermented, dried, roasted, and ground to create a delicious and steamy cup.

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 if you have the time. 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

If your cruise ship stops on the Atlantic side of Guatemala, you can enjoy 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.

Castillo de San Felipe, Guatemala

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. That way, you’ll hear all the most fascinating stories firsthand.

It takes a journey of 1 hour and 47 minutes to reach the Castillo from Santo Tomás de Castilla.

Visit Frutas del Mundo

Another cool stop that you can visit that is slightly off the beaten track is Frutas del Mundo. You’ll find this exotic fruit nursery in Aldea el Amatillo, Izabal.

A Peace Corps volunteer started the nursery when they came to Guatemala in the 80s.

Frutas del Mundo

You can learn about all sorts of intriguing tropical plants, exotic fresh produce, and alternative versions of chocolate.

If you reserve ahead, you can even book a delicious farm-to-table meal that includes everything from fresh-caught tilapia from the farm to delicious hearts of palm salad.

Tours of the farm usually last one hour and can be modified according to your interests.

It takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Frutas del Mundo from the cruise ship port.

Explore The Ruins Of Quiriguá

Visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Quiriguá is one of the most interesting historical day trips from Guatemala’s Atlantic coast.

Thanks to the incredibly carved stelae and masterful artwork that influenced other Mayan sites in Belize and Copan, these ruins are a UNESCO world heritage site.

It also has a massive grand plaza and a highly elaborate system of terraces, pyramids, and staircases.

Some of the stelae are 35 feet tall!

Quiriguá is approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes from Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla.

Unwind In Livingston

Beach hut in Livingston

Fancy an adventure by boat? If so, there are plenty of incredible spots all along the Caribbean Coast. One of the most notable is the Garifuna town of Livingston.

It’s only reachable by water and is a quiet spot to unwind, rent jet skis or kayaks, 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.

Hike the Las Escobas Nature Trails

Don your hiking shoes and bathing suit, and head into the lush tropical jungles of Izabal. The Las Escobas Nature Trail is one of the best hikes, with gorgeous waterfalls, turquoise water, and hundreds of birds.

You can also see orchids and local flora and fauna.

Collared Aracari Toucan, Guatemala

Swim in the pure chill water and forget the heat of Izabal. Be sure to check out the snakes in the herpetarium.

There are three different interpretative nature trails to hike, complete with bridges and meditation platforms.

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.

A cathedral, Mayan ruin and beach near the Guatemala ports - all things you can do on a cruise

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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).

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COMMENTS

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    Offered in English, Spanish. You do not have to go far from Quetzaltenango to explore one of the sanctuaries of Guatemala's national bird. This tour takes you to the Refugio del Quetzal, a reserve that is about 1.5 hours outside Quetzaltenango. The reserve is set an an elevation of around 6,000 feet (1,830 m) and is populated with humid forest.

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