Pacific Coast
The Pacific coastline stretches some 250km (155 miles) from the Mexican border in the west to the border with El Salvador to the east and includes parts of six administrative departments. The region is characterised by black volcanic sand beaches on the coast; mangrove swamps irrigated by numerous rivers behind and lush, subtropical forests further inland. Agriculture is the prime industry, with extensive coffee, sugar cane, cardamom, cotton and banana plantations. As well as enjoying watersports and swimming on the coast and exploring the rainforests and swamps with their unique habitats, visitors can tour several important Olmec archaeological sites.
After Puerto Barrios on the Caribbean, San José is the country’s second-largest port, which is connected to Guatemala City in the north by Highway CA9 (more commonly known as the Pan American Highway). There are several seaside resorts on either side of San José where a variety of watersports are available. The waters here have abundant marine life (such as red snapper, tarpon, bass and sailfish) and the sea fishing is rated very highly. To the west, an interesting journey can be taken by launch from the old Spanish port of Iztapa through the Chiquimulilla Canal, which runs through mangrove swamps rich with plant life such as water lilies and irises. This canal is part of the Monterrico Nature Reserve, which was created to conserve coastal wildlife such as the green iguana, marine turtle and crocodile.
Guatemala has 33 volcanoes, three of which are still active. Although not the highest, one of the most dramatic is the Pacaya Volcano (2252m/7388ft), which is located about halfway between Guatemala City and Escuintla. During periods of activity, guided tours are organised to watch the eruptions and the lava flows. When inactive, an ascent of the volcano can be made by a marked route from San Francisco de Sales. Northwest of Escuintla are the sugarcane fields of Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa. The remains of great stone heads and other carved reliefs are dotted throughout the fields belonging to three fincas (plantations) – Bilbao, El Baúl and las Ilusiones. South from here is the site of La Democracia, which contains dramatic basalt sculptures of heads with closed eyes and furrowed brows.
North of Retalhuleu is El Asintal and the site of Abaj Takalik (‘standing stone’ in the Quiché language). This is one of the few sites that has remnants of terraces, carved stones, inscribed altars and calendars from two civilisations: the Mayan and the Olmec, who preceded the Mayas. A little further east in San Martín Zapotitlán is the Xocomil Aquatic Park – a theme park with pools and waterslides built around replica Mayan temples, palaces and sanctuaries.
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