Retalhuleu Travel Guide

Plan your dream visit to Retalhuleu with our comprehensive travel guide including its top tourist attractions, cultural insights, food scene, transportation, and safety tips.


Introduction to Retalhuleu

Retalhuleu is a small city in the Pacific Lowlands region of Guatemala, located in Central America. The city is known for its warm weather, coffee plantations, and theme park, Xetulul. Aside from its man-made attractions, Retalhuleu boasts natural attractions such as hot springs, mountains, and beaches. Its location makes it an ideal base for trips to nearby traditional Mayan villages, archaeological sites, and national parks.

List of Places to Visit in Retalhuleu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Municipal Museum: This is a small but informative museum located in the city center, filled with historic artifacts, photographs, and cultural exhibitions.

  • Parque Arqueológico Tak’alik Ab’aj: This is an ancient archaeological site located 60 km east of Retalhuleu, which features ruins dating back to 800 BC and examples of the early Olmec-style architecture.

  • Museo Ídols: This museum showcases over 4,000 ceramic figurines, stone sculptures, and pottery from pre-Columbian times, and is located near Xetulul.

Natural Attractions of Retalhuleu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Xocomil Water Park: This is a water park located within Xetulul, featuring wave pools, water slides, and a lazy river.

  • Sierra Madre de Chiapas: This mountain range, located to the east of Retalhuleu, offers scenic hiking trails, rivers, and waterfalls.

  • Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs: The hot springs are located approximately an hour and a half drive from Retalhuleu and offer a picturesque setting among the mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Retalhuleu

  • Sierra Madre de Chiapas: Trails can be found throughout the mountains.

  • Travesía de los Altos: A challenging multi-day trek through the highlands of Guatemala.

Best Things to Do in Retalhuleu: Activities and Tours

  • Visit Xetulul: This theme park is the most visited attraction in the area, featuring rides and attractions with a Guatemalan cultural theme.

  • Coffee Plantation Tour: There are many coffee plantations in the area, offering tours and tastings.

  • Chocolate-Making Workshops: Several chocolate-making workshops are available, where visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and even make their own chocolate bars.

Week-Long Itinerary for Retalhuleu

Day Activity
1 Visit Xetulul Theme Park
2 Explore Tak’alik Ab’aj and Museum
3 Hiking and Scenery Viewing Sierra Madre de Chiapas
4 Tour of Coffee Plantations
5 Enjoy Hot Springs at Fuentes Georginas
6 Take part in a chocolate-making workshop
7 Relax and rejuvenate at Xocomil Water Park

Food and Drink Scene of Retalhuleu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pepián: A traditional Mayan stew made with meat and a nut sauce, served with rice.

  • Tamales: A dish made with masa (corn dough) filled with meat, vegetables, and spices.

  • Chilate: A drink made from chocolate, cinnamon, and rice.

Local Beverages

  • Café de Altura: Coffee grown in the area, known for its high quality.

  • Cerveza Gallo: A popular local beer.

Where to Stay in Retalhuleu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel y Hospedaje Bel Avenir: A mid-range hotel with clean, comfortable rooms and a restaurant.

  • Hostal y Parqueo: A budget-friendly hostel located near the city center.

  • Hotel Mansión Los Guichos: A luxury hotel located within Xetulul, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, spa, and restaurant.

What to Buy in Retalhuleu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Coffee: High-quality coffee beans harvested from the nearby coffee plantations.

  • Textiles: Traditional Mayan textiles, such as weavings and embroideries.

  • Ceramics: Handcrafted ceramics made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Retalhuleu

Retalhuleu is a culturally rich city, with a mix of indigenous Mayan and European influences. The area is known for its traditional music and dance, which can be seen at local festivals such as the annual Holy Week celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Retalhuleu

The best time to visit Retalhuleu is during the dry season, from November to April. The temperatures are mild, and the skies are clear, making it the perfect time to explore the area’s natural attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Retalhuleu

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

  • Try the local specialty dishes.

  • Learn some basic Spanish before visiting.

Don’t:

  • Show too much skin when visiting religious or historical places.

  • Haggle too aggressively at local markets.

  • Drink water from the tap.

Safety and Health

Safety in Retalhuleu

Retalhuleu is generally a safe city to visit. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, such as not flashing valuables and keeping an eye on your belongings.

Health in Retalhuleu

Visitors should be aware of the risks of dengue fever and malaria. It is recommended to take preventative measures such as using insect repellent and sleeping under mosquito nets.

Getting to Retalhuleu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Retalhuleu

  • Mundo Maya International Airport: Located in Flores, approximately a 7-hour drive from Retalhuleu.

Bus Stations Near Retalhuleu

  • Retalhuleu Bus Station: the city has a bus service to and from neighboring cities, popular destinations, and the international airport in the capital.

Other Options

Taxis and rental cars are readily available to explore the area.

How to Get Around in Retalhuleu

The easiest way to get around Retalhuleu is by hiring taxis. There are also local buses and tricycles that operate on fixed routes within the city.

Where to Go Next from Retalhuleu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • San Felipe: A small, picturesque town located approximately 20 km southeast of Retalhuleu, with colorful colonial buildings and traditional markets.

  • Tikal National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 600 km northeast of Retalhuleu, featuring ancient Mayan ruins.

Conclusion

Retalhuleu is an enchanting destination that boasts a blend of natural, cultural, and historic attractions, alongside modern amenities. It’s the perfect base to explore the surrounding areas, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere guarantees to leave its visitors feeling rejuvenated and fulfilled after their journey.