7 Best Beaches in Guatemala

When it comes to beaches, you don’t hear much about Guatemala, as its Mexican and Belizean neighbors usually get most of the attention there. And while Guatemala does have impressive Mayan pyramids, volcanoes puffing away on hillsides, lush rainforests, and the lively chicken buses used for public transportation, the country also has its share of beaches, which tend to be quiet, laid back, and local. Add in a long dry season from November to April, and you’ve got a long window of time during the winter and spring months to find a warm spot in the sand. Here, our favorite beaches in Guatemala.

A small beach town along the Pacific, El Paredón has a laid-back vibe and black sandy beaches. Surfing is popular here, and you’ll find everyone from beginners to advanced surfers riding a wave. Infrastructure is still growing here, so don’t be surprised if your Wi-Fi isn’t strong and you find yourself walking down an unpaved street.

Still, you’ll find hotels and hostels, authentic Guatemalan food, and a lot of nightlife. From September through December, guests at the Driftwood Surfer can participate in daily sea turtle hatchling releases in the morning, and just to the west of town, Sipacate-Naranjo National Park is great for birdwatching and lazy beach days.

On the Caribbean side, Playa Blanca is near Livingston and is an isolated, white sand beach that is perfect for doing absolutely nothing. Yes, you read that right. If you’re looking to unplug and get away from life’s daily noise, this is your spot. Playa Blanca is only accessible by boat, making it a much less touristed spot than traditional beaches. Bring along a book or spend some time napping in a hammock strung between the coconut trees for a truly relaxing day.

Depending on the season, food vendors are set up selling local fare, so it’s smart to bring a snack in case no one is set up. You’ll need to arrange a boat transfer through your hotel or travel agency, which often includes a stop to nearby Siete Altares, where you’ll find small pools and waterfalls in the jungle. Pro tip: Bring some cash for the entry fee, or make sure the fee is paid for through your boat tour.

Popular with locals and tourists alike, Montericco is a Pacific-side beach town where you’ll find the luxe Hotel Dos Mundos, plus other mid-range options. The town is another laid-back option, where sunbathing and playing in the waves is the main form of entertainment. Another popular option are the mangrove tours, which leave early in the morning and take you through the estuary to spot wildlife. This is also a popular sea turtle hatchling release spot, and a great place to watch the sun set against the black sand beach.

Where Amatique Bay flows into the Caribbean, you’ll find Playa Punta de Manabique, a small peninsula jutting out into the sea that’s great for a day trip from nearby Puerto Barrios or Livingston. There are no accommodations here, so bring some snacks and a book for reading. Sometimes, you can find locals setting up and cooking lobster by fire on the beach, which you can buy for a tasty local lunch. On the western side of the peninsula, the sea is calm and great for snorkeling, where you might see sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins porpoising through the waves.

Near Amatique Bay, Playa Dorada is actually a beach along Lake Izabal and a popular weekend spot for locals. The sand here, a golden color, gives the beach its name (Golden Beach), and it’s a prime spot for watersports like jet skiing, water bikes, and kayaks, which are all available to rent. Find a shaded spot and spend some time in the sand, or take to the water and make a day zipping through the surf. There are lots of restaurants and places to stay in this buzzy little beach town, but you won’t find anything fancy, which makes this spot a beloved local treasure.

While not a beach in the traditional sense, Lake Atitlán has to be included in this list, as it’s arguably the most beautiful place in Guatemala and its shoreline does offer some beach spots. The lake sits in a massive volcanic crater and is surrounded by green hills and Mayan villages. The town of San Pedro la Laguna sits along the lake and has a public beach, or you can swim at the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve.

There are about 12 villages along the shores of Lake Atitlán, inhabited by different Mayan peoples with different languages, clothing, and specialties. In some places, you’ll find gorgeous weaving and textiles, and in others, beautiful pottery or coffee farms. Take a lancha (boat) across the water to hop along the villages.

My advice? Stay at Casa Palopó, which has jaw dropping views of the lake, and is only one of two Relais & Chateaux properties in the entire country. The hotel arranges lancha tours across the lake and guides you through villages. On my journey, we traveled across the lake to San Juan la Laguna, where Tz'utujil Mayans demonstrated their centuries-old weaving techniques and art galleries were plentiful. Back at Casa Palopó, dine at Kinnik, the fabulous dockside restaurant where seasonal ingredients and Mayan grilling are the focus, and Lake Atitlán unfolds in front of you.

Along the Pacific coast, Iztapa is a small port town that’s known for its sailfishing. It’s not uncommon to catch around 20 sailfish a day, as the fish flock to this area to feed. Iztapa has a black sand beach, and surfing is popular. Fishing lodges here are modern and comfortable, and hotels in town are more basic, but development is in the works.