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Voykit pocket guide · Guatemala
Retalhuleu
Spend 1–2 days in Retalhuleu: see nearby beaches, ruins and theme parks; stay central for easy bus links.
Retalhuleu is the hub of Guatemala's Pacific Lowlands, offering easy access to Champerico beach, Takalik Abaj ruins and two major theme parks. A short stay lets you sample nature, culture and family fun without long travel times.
- Country
- Guatemala
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry season)
- Avoid
- May–Oct (rainy season)
- Stay
- 1–2 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- GTQ
- Money
- Currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q). Cards work in Antigua hotels and restaurants; markets, lake villages and shuttles often need cash.
- Daily spend
- Budget Q250–Q350 excl. bed · Mid Q350–Q500 excl. bed · High Q500+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Tigo and Claro sell SIMs at the airport and shops; bring your passport.
- Emergency
- Police 110 · Fire and ambulance 122 · Tourist assistance 1500
- Plugs
- Types A, B · 120 V · 60 Hz · US plugs fit; power cuts in storms.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% — check if 'propina' is already on the bill.; Guides (Tikal, volcanoes): Q50–100 per person per day.; Shuttle drivers: Q10–20.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations in Antigua and lake hotels.
- Toilets
- Paper in the bin; public toilets charge Q1–5.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee | Q5–Q8 |
| Local meal (plato típico) | Q30–Q50 |
| Bus ticket to Champerico | Q30–Q40 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- REU · Retalhuleu Airport
- Small domestic field; most travellers arrive by road from Quetzaltenango, Mazatenango or Guatemala City — check schedules
- GUA · La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City
- Main international gateway; long-distance bus or shuttle to Retalhuleu — check times
Typical fares
- Retalhuleu → Champerico bus
- ≈ Q35, about 40 min (check)
- Retalhuleu → Xetulul taxi
- ≈ Q80–Q120, 15 min
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Buses connect Retalhuleu to Quetzaltenango, Mazatenango and coastal towns; local taxis or motorbike rentals for short trips.
See and do
Known for
- Champerico beach
- Takalik Abaj ruins
- Xetulul Theme Park
- Dino Park
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Champerico | Bus from Retalhuleu, about 40 min via highway 95 | ≈1 h round trip |
| Takalik Abaj | Microbus to El Asintal, then walk or local transport north on REU‑13 | ≈2 h total |
| Xetulul Theme Park | Local bus or taxi north on CITO‑180, 10 km (6.2 mi)Local bus or taxi north on CITO‑180, 6.2 mi (10 km) | ≈30 min |
Sleep
- Hotel Posada de Don Jose
- Central town location, pool, a/c, wifi; price 378 GTQ per night
- Mansión Los Guichos
- Near Dino Park, breakfast included, pool, spa; price 517 GTQ per night
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpedis-kuhl-peh |
| Thank you | Graciasgra-see-as |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta?kwahn-toh kwes-tah |
| Where is the bus stop? | ¿Dónde está la parada del bus?don-de es-ta la pa-ra-da del bus |
| Can I pay by card? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?pweh-doh pa-gar con tar-he-ta |
| Where is the toilet? | ¿Dónde está el baño?don-de es-ta el ba-nyo |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Handshake and 'buenos días'; in villages a softer handshake; avoid: Rushing straight to business
- Photography: Ask first and accept a no; avoid: Photographing children
- Churches: Covered shoulders, quiet; avoid: Flash during ceremonies
- Bargaining: Smile, make an offer, walk away politely; avoid: Haggling over a few quetzales with weavers
Scams and watch-outs
- Bus schedules may vary; confirm times at the terminal (check).
- Roads to beaches can be rough after heavy rain; allow extra travel time (check).
Retalhuleu is generally safe for tourists; stay aware of traffic when crossing roads and keep valuables secure in busy bus stations.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Retalhuleu yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Champerico beach
- Takalik Abaj ruins
- Xetulul Theme Park
- Dino Park
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Retalhuleu, revision 5100526 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5100526
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/retalhuleu). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.