Things to do & places to visit in Escuintla Department, Guatemala

Escuintla Department #10 destination in Guatemala 2023. The average rating score is 4.85 based on 371 traveler reviews, of 34 attractions. Timezone: America/Guatemala, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 8:24.

Top things to do (36)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Big Buoy Fishing Charters (109 reviews)
- Great fishing trip!
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours

Our 6th time to the lodge and another home run! Didn’t recognize the place ($300,000 remodel just completed). Absolutely fabulous! If you are tired of just being a number then go to this boutique lodge. Just like “Cheers” everybody knows your name from waitstaff to airport pickup & especially Eric the owner. Most importantly the fishing was fabulous! 3 Blue Marlin (biggest 400 lbs), lots of sails & countless dorado up to 40 lbs. Last but not least we always take advantage of Eric’s fluent English tour guide (Santiago) for at least a day tour of Antigua or another cultural place. Guatemala has a ton of history so we always take advantage of it. There are no “smoke & mirrors “ involved here. Big Buoy offers trips for 1/2 the price of other lodges and over delivers. Mark & Patty from Wyoming See more..
5.0 Panamax Sailfishing (40 reviews)
- Supersized Sails
Boat Tours

Just returned from a fabulous trip to Guatemala, catching sailfish with Captain Tom and his mate, Victor. Tom knows where to go to find the fish, and Victor was a joy to watch and learn from, as he would maneuver the baits to hook us up, and then expertly release the fish. And these pacific sailfish are huge! One day saw us bring 11 sails to the boat. Throw in a couple 30lb dorados (mahi) and we had all the action we needed. After fishing, it was back to the "lodge", a nicely appointed vacation home in a safe, gated community on the coast. We had a few hours to lounge by the pool and cool off after a hot day of fishing offshore. There were always plenty of refreshments available. Meals were a treat, as Tom excels as well in the kitchen as he does on the boat. He incorporates fresh, local ingredients, including the mahi landed just hours earlier, or mangoes off the tree in the back yard. The beds are comfortable and there's plenty room. I highly recommend Panamax sailfishing. Guatemala is a fairly short trip from the states, and there were none of the hassles that can sometimes accompany international travel. We hope to make this an annual trip. See more..
5.0 Pacaya Volcano Luxury Horseback Ride with Lava Chef (36 reviews)
- Once in a lifetime experience!
Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

Do it! This trip was phenomenal from start to finish and benefits the local community. Manuel and his team were amazing guides. We laughed all day and were blown away by this once in a lifetime experience. Being on a private tour meant we were able to be away from the bigger hiking crowd and stayed on the volcano for sunset so we had the whole place to ourselves. Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 La Choza Chula (27 reviews)
- Shore excursion in Puerto Quetzal
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Boat Tours • Eco Tours

Found this through “the back door” while trying to find fishing excursions while the ship was in port. We were picked up at the port and (not quite) whisked away to El Paradon.... traffic was bad heading out but much better on the return to the ship. We had two different types of boat rides separated by a delicious meal in one of the local homes. The first one went to see the turtles with a stop to see the salt farm/processing. After lunch and a short walk, we boarded another boat for a ride through the mangroves where we saw numerous crabs, water birds, and “four eyed fish.” Towards the end, we tried our hand at fishing. Since it took so long to get away from the port in the morning, we were concerned about the timing so decided to cut the fishing time short. We got back to the port with an hour to spare. A delightful way to get away from the crowds with two ships in port. See more..
5.0 Blue Bayou - Private Charters (20 reviews)
- Great trip
Boat Tours

Muchas Gracias to Captain Chris and all of his staff. It was a wonderful experience. The fishing was great by my standards. 7 Sailfish, and I think 3 Dorado the first day, and 5 or 6 Sails and a couple Dodos the next day. Enough to wear me out. The food is definitely first class. Both on the boat, and at the Lodge. All inclusive means what it is. There were no surprise extras at the end. The Lodge was immaculate. What else can I say? Wonderful country, people, history. Thanks again Blue Bayou for a great experience. See more..
5.0 Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures (20 reviews)
- Top notch - world class - sails for days
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours

Absolutely incredible weekend spent with Captain Brad and his team across Decisive! The entire weekend was top notch, world class start to finish! The team had us hooked up with Big Sails two days in a row, and we’ll be back for those blue marlin that came into our spread. Can’t say enough positive things about this sport fishing operation from the initial booking to the drop off at the airport. See more..
5.0 Mad Marlin Sportfishing (9 reviews)
- Mad Marlin sport fishing Guatemala
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Boat Tours • Water Sports • Fishing Charters & Tours

My wife, daughter and niece had a fantastic experience. Captain and crew were very experienced, friendly and worked non-stop. They put us on some nice Mahi. We split filets with crew and our chef. She made some ceviche and and fried mahi strips. We also grilled some a couple days later on our journey to Lake Atitlan. Delish! We had a sailfish rise but didn’t take lure. We’ll be back! See more..
5.0 Abba Sport Fishing (6 reviews)
- Epic
Fishing Charters & Tours

I love to Sport, Fly & Spear Fish and this recent trip out of Puerto Quetzal blew my mind away. Our driver Juan set us up with Pedro Norman Raxon and the rest says it all! 4 Sail Fish & 4 Mahi-Mahi says enough. They prepared our first Mahi-Mahi caught around 9:30 am for lunch around noon. The fishing got so good again in the afternoon the Captain & Crew wanted to stay and fish more! We actually decided to return as I was with my 73 year old father & 6 year old daughter and the weather got squally in the late Afternoon. We returned to port to unite with the rest of the family with plenty of Mahi-Mahi for everyone. See more..
5.0 Great Sailfish Company (2 reviews)
- Great Fishing trip
Boat Tours

Had a great sail fishing trip in Guatemala with the Great Sail fishing company. We had a great Captain and super mates. My buddy and I fished for three days and landed 14 Sail Fish and three Dolphin. The Sails averaged from 70 to 100 pounds. They put us up in a super all inclusive hotel and all transportation was provided. I would definitely go back to fish again. See more..
5.0 Antigua Surf Shop (1 review)
- nice vibes !!!
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Taxis & Shuttles • Gear Rentals • Day Trips

I really enjoyed this day trip ! Parédon beach is awesome and Piloy the driver is super cool. definitely recommended. See more..
5.0 Parque Nacional Volcan De Pacaya (1 review)
Volcanos

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5.0 Black Sand Kayaks (1 review)
- Best thing to do at El Paredon!
Gear Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing

You can rent a kayak and go off on your own or take a tour to see huge turtles in the mangroves which is what i did! It was so much fun! The place is beautiful. They provide all the gear and even give you dry bags to put your phone and stuff in. We went swimming with the turtles its crazy ♡♡♡ we saw the sunset from the kayaks and our guide was great! Super recomended See more..
5.0 Buena Vista Sport Fishing Resort (1 review)
- The best of everything
Walking Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

Everything was fantastic, fishing, accommodations, food, owners, crew, mates and staff. Nothing comes close to this place. See more..
5.0 Sailfish Oasis (1 review)
- Tight Lines in Guatemala
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Fishing Charters & Tours

The crew at Sailfish Oasis are they best in the game. Their professionalism and hospitality made for a fantastic fishing trip to Guatemala. 10/10 would recommend!! See more..
4.5 Auto Safari Chapin (64 reviews)
- Amazing tour, worth the trip
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

We took this tour whilst on a cruise, this tour was a shore excursion by the Cruise Ship, we were taken to this Safari by comfortable Coach with a great Guide, the drive thru the Safari Park was amazing, would have been great in an open air bus, however in the coast we managed to see the amazing animals in a well kept, tidy natural environment, Once we completed this amazing drive thru we wandered thru the well kept manicured gardens and animal enclosures, only a few birds in cages, most animals in open safe enclosures, great credit to those who run this Safari Park, part of the money paid goes to the up keep off this amazing Safari park... Well Done ( I must add, that most off these animals are here from Circuses, or humans that can no longer look after them ) See more..
4.5 Finca El Barretal (11 reviews)
- "Guatemalan Estate and Gardens" - Cruise excursion (Panama Canal- Royal Caribbean)
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Farms

Coffee Farm & Ecoturism. Family owned small business. We are located only 45 min. away from Guatemala City near the Pacaya Volcano. Private tour to a beautiful Coffee Farm; where you will learn the process of coffee, one of the main products of Guatemala. Coffee tasting included. Visit our local souvenir shop. Relax by the pool or take a 20 min walk to a 45 mts. waterfall. Surround yourself with nature, relax and enjoy! We offer: Beautiful garden for special events Trails Waterfalls Camping & fireplace areas Picnic packs & Much more. We are petfriendly! Come and visit us! See more..
4.5 Driftwood Surfer Activities (7 reviews)
- Baby turtle release :)
Cultural Tours • Surfing & Windsurfing • Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Boat Rentals • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing • Day Trips

The owners from The Driftwood Surfer will take you on a daily tour to the turtle hatchery at 6am. The explain everything about the sea turtles and their conservation project. You can tell that they really care so I would definitely recommend going with them :) Just don't forget to bring a donation!! ps: they sell cool turtle t-shirts as well! See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Escuintla (2 reviews)
Churches & Cathedrals

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4.0 Gray Line Puerto Quetzal (5 reviews)
- Antigua Review
Taxis & Shuttles • Private Tours • Day Trips

It was just so busy on a Saturday during a flower festival that it was hard to keep our group on 18 together. See more..
4.0 Corazon del Bosque (3 reviews)
- Corazón del Bosque - Fascinating cultural stop near lake Atitlán
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Corazón del Bosque is located close enough to Chichicastenango to be a worthwhile 1/2 day stop enroute to your next location. The lodge and grounds are beautiful. Our group enjoyed hiking into the woods where we took part in a Maya spiritual ceremony in a beautiful clearing as well as a traditional Maya meal (rabbit - other options available), and (also up the hill) the Maya temascales (saunas). We arranged everything weeks ahead so I don't know how much lead time is needed for any of those activities. The cabins are lovely (I made a note of that for future trips) and I've heard the birding is great (it was rainy the day we were there and our time was limited so I can't speak personally about that). There were lots of Maya families swimming and picnicking before the rain hit. This community has developed a way to share their beautiful setting and fascinating culture in what I hope will be sustainable manner - check it out! See more..
4.0 Parque Acuatico El ViejOeste (2 reviews)
- For families with children
Water Parks

Designed to experience unlimited family fun. You will find interactive water games for adults and children, giant slides, Rapid River with turbulent waters, waves, a bat cave, an abandoned mine and a live plant tunnel. During the journey you will experience the fog, sound effects, darkness and ice water falls. See more..
4.0 Rock & Birra (1 review)
Spent 2-3 hours Bars & Clubs

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3.0 Parque Guateque (2 reviews)
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Water Parks
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Playa Tecojate (0 review)
Beaches

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Guat2do (0 review)
Taxis & Shuttles • Climbing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

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A Donde Te Llevo (0 review)
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles

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Pacaya Tours (0 review)
Volcanos
An adventure among volcanic lava See more..
Museo Cultura Cotzumalguapa (0 review)
Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Museum built by José Ricardo Muñoz Gálvez, in which parts of the archaeological site of Bilbao are located in Finca Las Ilusiones, Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa. These pieces were found at the end of the 19th century. One of the pieces is replica of monument 21, the original piece weighs approximately 80 tons and was preferred to leave in place. The other monuments are original. See more..
Volcán Pacaya Hike (0 review)
Hiking & Camping Tours • Day Trips

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Puerto Quetzal Cruise Port (0 review)
Marinas
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