Best Beaches in Guatemala
The 6 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 5 guides that rank for "best beaches in guatemala"
Named by 3 of 51. El ParedónA small fishing village on the Pacific, a two to 2.5 hour bus ride from Antigua.Black sand and a surf scene; go early morning or after 5 p.m. to surf.
Named by 2 of 52. MonterricoMore developed than El Paredón, with many places to stay, but farther from Antigua.Has turtle hatcheries, and baby turtles are released between September and December.
3. Lake AtitlánThe most visited of three lakes, in a cooler climate and close to Antigua.The drive from Guatemala City is about three hours.
4. Lake Petén ItzáLess than an hour's drive from Tikal, with water suitable for swimming.Flores is the base town; a small public beach called La Playita is near San Miguel.
5. Lake IzabalGuatemala's largest lake, better for sightseeing than swimming because parts are visibly polluted.A five-hour drive from Guatemala City.
6. SipacateOne of the black sand beaches along the Pacific Coast.
Fares to Guatemala from your city
Live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
When to go
Travel guides most often name November to April as the best time to visit Guatemala.
Questions people ask
- Which coastal town in Guatemala is considered the best?
- One blogger calls El Paredón the best beach in Guatemala for relaxation and surfing; Monterrico is more developed with more places to stay.
- Is El Paredon worth it?
- One writer found it quiet and black-sand, with great food and few places to stay, and ranked it among the best places to try surfing in Guatemala.
- What to be careful of in Guatemala?
- On the Pacific beaches, watch for strong currents and rip currents; non-experienced swimmers should stay close to shore.
