Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Guatemalan Quetzal
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Population:
Approximately 13 million people call Puerto Quetza
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Puerto Quetzal: Climate and current weather information for Puerto Quetzal: The climate of Guatemala is divided. It is more tropical along the coasts, and cooler and more temperate inland, making in warm at the beach and cooler in the mountains. The climate depends very much on the altitude and the coast is hot and humid. The Caribbean coast is occasionally affected by northers in winter. Throughout the year the local prevailing winds are easterly.The climate in Puerto Quetzal is agreeably cool - from 60-80°F/ 16 to 27°C in the dry season, from November to April, and agreeably warm - from 68-86°F/20 to 30°C degrees in the wet season, from May to October. Other highland towns are slightly cooler. The lowlands are tropically hot and humid.
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This new port was built on the Pacific side to replace the old port of San José.
Puerto Quetzal, serves as a cruise passenger's gateway to the inland attractions of this Central American country. Located on Guatemala's Pacific coast, the population centers in the more temperate central highlands, rather than along the tropical coasts.
Unfortunately, Puerto Quetzal, while it offers plenty for shipping companies, offers little in the way of attractions for cruise passengers. Local ordinances, zoning, and massive construction projects have changed this city into a prosperous pleasure port, catering to family fun, upscale restaurants, yacht owners, cruise passengers and a fast-growing residential population.
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Attractions |
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It is recommended that cruise passengers choose an organized tour. There is not very much to see in Puerto Quetzal since most attractions are inland and involve considerable travel from Puerto Quetzal. You can take a sightseeing tour, go shopping or enjoy sporting activities.
Guatemala City:
The city offers a number of museums, although many more closely resemble art galleries featuring Mayan and pre-Hispanic works. The National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology and the Popol Vuh museums are especially notable. The National Cathedral and Main Square are popular tourist attractions.
Antigua:
Officially, Antigua was Guatemala's first colonial capital. The city reached its peak in the mid-1700s but repeated earthquakes finally took their toll on the city. The capital and was transferred to safer Guatemala City, and Antigua was virtually abandoned. This abandonment actually saved the old colonial buildings of Antigua from total demolition and modern reconstruction. Tour escorts use the term "once was" and "used to be" over and over again as your motorcoach bumps along the old cobblestone streets of town. Stops at the convent of Las Capuchinas, a market square, and Central Park afford plenty of time for shopping and browsing.
Tikal:
At least 3,000 buildings (and many more yet to be discovered) housed the estimated 100,000 Mayans who once called Tikal home. Though Tikal reached its peak during the 8th century, the ruins contain buildings dating from 600 BC to AD 900. During that 1300-year history Tikal progressed from a hunter-gatherer village to a city populated by a highly sophisticated agricultural society. The most impressive buildings in Tikal were not palaces or government buildings, but the towering temples - one-time sites of worship and human sacrifice - built to please the deities.
Pacaya Volcano:
Pacaya's elevation is listed at about 8400 feet, but it varies from year to year - depending on its eruption activity. Access to the volcanic rim is via one of several hiking trails. "Falling bombs," sulfuric gases, and lava flows present their share of dangers ... no doubt a factor discouraging cruise lines from offering tours to the volcano. Pacaya is just one of a number of volcanoes forming Guatemala's mountainous Pacific spine (and contributing to the country's sometimes seismic activity).
Lake Atitlan:
Fantastic views of the surrounding volcanoes are yours for the taking, when your tour boat cruises this very scenic highland lake.
Sugar Cane Mill and Archeological Museum:
Sugar production is big business here in Guatemala so it is here that you'll learn how it is milled.
Coffee Plantation Tour:
You may have tasted the luxury blends at Starbuck's. Now see where some actually originate from. Your stop at the local coffee shop will never be the same. Enjoy free samples and be sure to purchase a bag of beans to bring home.
Shopping
The best places for shopping is in Guatemala City and Antigua.
Special Mayan Textiles:
Since pre-Columbian times, "backstrap weaving" techniques have developed as an expression of community identity. Through the use of different materials, colors, patterns, and symbols, each clothing item takes on its own personality and may require months to weave. Look for blankets, belts, skirts, vests, and huipil, or blouses.
Handicrafts:
Woven bags and purses, rugs, blankets, woodcarvings, jewelry, folk art, and T-shirts (of all things) are popular.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.enjoyguatemala.com/guateinfo.htm
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