When to Go

The year here divides into rainy (May–October) and dry (November–May) seasons. Unlike those in most of the rest of Guatemala, hotels here do observe high and low seasons corresponding to the weather, and set rates accordingly. Beach lodgings also raise rates on weekends. Even though comparatively few travelers come here, the Pacific lowlands fit nicely into a visit to points just north. A good highway connects the eastern coast at Puerto Quetzal with Guatemala City and Antigua, putting you here in about 90 minutes, and Retalhuleu is a one-hour drive south (and downhill all the way) from Quetzaltenango in the highlands.