Theme-Park Central

Retalhuleu is home to two well-designed, Disney-like theme parks operated by IRTRA, a Guatemalan labor organization. Both sit just north of town on the highway to Quetzaltenango.

Xocomil. Wet and wild, Xocomil is a water park of which there are many in this part of the country. The Mayan-themed structures tend a bit toward the cheesy side, but it's a well-integrated design that encompasses waterslides, wave pools, and more tranquil children's pools in the park. Km 180.5, Carretera a Quetzaltenango, 11001. 7722–9400; 2423–9000; www.irtra.org.gt. Q75; Q50, kids 5–12, under 5 free. Tues.–Sun. 9–5.

Xetulul. We'll call the adjoining Xetulul a bit more "Epcot Center-y." It expands on Xocomil's Mayan theme, but incorporates pavilions devoted to colonial Guatemala, as well as Spain, Italy, and France into its complex, with several fun amusement rides to boot. Km 180.5, Carretera a Quetzaltenango, 11001. 7722–9450; 2423–9000; www.irtra.org.gt. Q200; Q100, kids 5–12, under 5 free. Thurs.–Sun. 10–6.