El Zapote Estate
Swim in spring water with Fuego volcano rumbling in the background.
~240 minPhotographyWith children
Guatemala
Pacific Coast
Living lava and black sand: Pacaya volcano smoking an hour from the capital, Monterrico’s volcanic beaches with baby-turtle releases, the Chiquimulilla canal mangroves, an African-style safari and the southern coast’s adrenaline.
Places (7)
Gravity Skydive
Free fall over volcanoes and coast — Central America’s only private drop zone.
~240 minPhotographyAs a couple
Chiquimulilla Canal
Sunrise by boat through the mangroves — Monterrico’s quiet other face.
~120 minPhotographyAs a couple
Los Amates Waterfall
Swim at the foot of three 50-meter falls — no crowds.
~150 minPhotographyWith children
Pacaya Volcano
Walk on lava and roast marshmallows on a living volcano — an hour from the capital.
~300 minPhotographyFirst visit
Monterrico Beach
The black-sand sunset every Guatemalan should see once a year.
~300 minFirst visitAs a couple
Our Lady of Conception Cathedral
Almost five centuries of colonial history right on the beach route.
~30 minFirst visitPhotography
Useful traveler info
Pacaya is ~50 km from the capital (local guide required for the hike). Monterrico ~125 km (2–2.5 h). The coastal sun is fierce: sunscreen, water, and sandals — the black sand BURNS at midday. Turtle season: July to December.