South Guatemala (black sand beaches, nature, volcanoes and more)
Escuintla, a department in the south of Guatemala, covers an area of
4,384 kms and consists of 13 municipalities. Its climate is quite
warm. Rich in pre-Hispanic history, this region is best
characterized as the setting for the development of the Olmec
culture, the mother civilization of Central America. It is here that
their archeological traces have been discovered.
The trip to Escuintla from Guatemala City is quite rapid due to a
great part of the journey on a high-speed freeway with an impressive
view of the Guatemalan low lands in contrast with its imposing
volcanoes. The trip from Guatemala to Port Quetzal is only one and a
half hours.
The economy of Escuintla is based on agricultural production such as
sugar cane, cotton, coffee, and tropical fruits; livestock
production such as cattle, horses, and pigs; industrial production
such as sugar, rum, oils of citronella, paper and cardboard; tourism;
and textile production such as the embroidery of Palín, the gold and
silver embroidering of Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, and a variety of
crafts elaborated with shells, snails and articles for fishing.
The Guatemalan Pacific southern coastline offers surfers and other
visitors extensive beaches with more than 250 kilometers of pristine
uncrowded black sand beaches, perfect for a surfing vacation. Beside
the great Beach Breaks, here you will find world-class waves caused
by two brand new jetties.
For professional fishermen and true sport-fishing enthusiasts, the
Pacific offers candlefish, marlin, and goldens. In fact, Guatemala
is recognized as one of the better places for sport-fishing in the
world. The companies that offer this service with fishing boats and
yachts leave Port Quetzal equipped with personnel and provisions to
guarantee the best possible experience in the open sea. |
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Photography by
María Luisa Schlesinger
Milvia Ortega
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