Must-see attractions in The Pacific Slope

  • Museo El Baúl

    This museum, about 2.75km on foot or 5km by vehicle from El Baúl hilltop site, comprises a very fine open-air assemblage of Pipil stone sculpture…

  • Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii

    This reserve, administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is Monterrico's biggest attraction. The 20km…

  • El Baúl Hilltop Site

    With two great carved stones, this archaeological site has the additional fascination of being an active place of pagan worship for local people. Maya…

  • Parque Arqueológico Takalik Abaj

    This 6.5-sq-km archaeological site spreads over nine natural terraces. The rainforest-like grounds boast temple mounds, ball courts and flights of steps…

  • Museo Cultura Cotzumalguapa

    At the headquarters of the Finca Las Ilusiones sugarcane plantation, you’ll find this museum, which holds a collection of sculptures found around Las…

  • Tortugario Monterrico

    The Cecon-run Tortugario Monterrico is just a short walk east down the beach from the end of Calle Principal and then a block inland. Several endangered…

  • Volcán Cruz Quemada

    This dormant volcano towers 1700m over the tiny village of Santa María Ixhuatán at its base. Coffee plantations reach about one third of the way up its…

  • Autosafari Chapín

    About 25km southeast of Escuintla, Autosafari Chapín is a drive-through safari park and animal conservation project. Species native to Guatemala include…

  • Tecuamburro

    The Tecuamburro volcanic complex comprises various peaks, including Cerro de Miraflores (1950m), Cerro la Soledad (1850m) and Cerro Peña Blanca (1850m)…

  • Plaza

    At the archaeological site of Monte Alto, on the outskirts of La Democracia, huge basalt heads and pot-bellied sculptures have been discovered, probably…

  • Las Piedras

    Monumento 21, a copy of which is in the Museo Cultura Cotzumalguapa, still stands with three other fine sculpted stones in the Finca Bilbao cane fields to…

  • Museo Regional de Arqueología

    Facing La Democracia's main plaza – along with the expected church and palacio municipal (city hall) – is this small modern museum that houses some…

  • Teleférico

    This cable car heads out over the lakeshore then pretty much straight up the hillside. It's a half-hour ride with some stunning views of the surrounding…

  • Abandoned Train Station

    In the early 20th century, Retalhuleu was an important way station for cotton, coffee and sugar exports to the port at Champerico. The trains have long…

  • Museo de Arqueología y Etnología

    Retalhuleu has a small museum of archaeological relics from local Mayan sites, as well as an interesting collection of historic photos showing the town in…

  • Church

    Retalhuleu's church occupies pride of place in the middle of the plaza, and is a useful landmark to orient yourself by.