Where Is The Best Fishing In Guatemala?
One of the incredible things about Guatemala is that it's a country where no two vacations have to be alike. You can indulge your passion for Mayan culture, go on a beach getaway, enjoy days of leisure as you do nothing but rest and relax — or, you can go on a spectacular fishing getaway. ...That last one sounds good...
Guatemala is home to remarkable oceanic and lake fishing. Incredible sailfishing can be had at Iztapa, which is located along Guatemala's Pacific coast about 90 minutes from Guatemala City. In fact, Iztapa is hailed as the "Sailfish Capital of The World," having set world records for single-day catch-and-release. Lake fishing can be enjoyed at Lake Atitlán, where you may be able to hook largemouth bass.
How do you make this fisherman's fantasy a reality? It starts with understanding the best time to go to Guatemala. In general, Guatemala's dry season is November to May, but your Anywhere Travel Consutlant will offer you the best advice! The Caribbean coast can rain anytime of year, and they might have inside intel on when the fish are most likely to bite!
When you've determined when you're going to book your fishing adventure, it's time to figure out how you're going to get to Guatemala and make sure you're prepared to meet Guatemalan entry requirements. Many visitors will air travel most convenient, and will require little more than a vaild passport and proof of onward travel — however, it's still best to verify this information prior to your departure.
The last step, when it's finally time to pack, find out what you should bring when you're heading off to do the best fishing in Guatemala.
Not only are you going to do some of the best fishing in Guatemala, you're going to come back with some of the best travel stories ever!
Related Questions
- Where Are The Nicest Beaches in Guatemala?
- Where Is The Best Surfing in Guatemala?
- Is Guatemala Family Friendly?
- When Is The Best Time To Go To Guatemala?
- What Are the Top Activities in Guatemala?
Guatemala Beaches
Guatemala's beaches aren't the main reason most travellers visit the country, but that doesn't mean they aren't worth visiting! Don't miss out on the beaches in Guatemala, because the nation's shoreline boasts Pacific and Caribbean coasts. If you're into sport fishing, head to Puerto Quetzal — Guatemala is the "Sailfish Capital of The World!" Meanwhile, in Puerto San José you can do some excellent marine mammal observation. Looking for beachside adventures that will keep you on dry land, the Pacific Coast has pleasant, nearly deserted black-sand beaches around Monterrico and Hawaii. On the Caribbean side, there are white-sand beaches just outside Lívingston, including Playa Blanca. Most of Guatemala’s beaches are uncrowded, and surfing is possible in some locations. Bottom line: wherever you decide to visit, you can be certain that these are the best beaches in Guatemala.
Guatemala Mayan Vacation
Make your Guatemala vacation a Mayan adventure! In many ways, the nation is synonymous with the Mayans. The ancient ruins here are some of the best in the world! It's not uncommon to book a trip simply to witness the sheer magnificence of Guatemala's Mayan ruins, but the country is more than its remnants of the past. History is alive and well, and its found in the blood and traditions of Guatemala's people and culture. From Guatemala City to San Marcos La Laguna, the country is full of 'modern day Mayans.' The lively communities of Guatemala Mayans today are diverse, but this will be obvious to you when you see the contrast between the nation's modern cities and regions where people uphold their heritage by carrying on with the traditions, language, and attire of their ancestors. In the following destinations, you will have the opportunity to directly experience Guatemala's Mayan culture. That might mean touring the Sololá marketplace, trekking to the temples of Tikal, or simply enjoying authentic Guatemalan food in Flores and Santa Elena. No matter the place or activity, you’ll be certain to gain an appreciation for Guatemala's mayan culture. For an especially memorable experience, make sure you book your vacation during one of Guatemala's holidays.
Guatemala Getaways
Sometimes it’s nice to kick back, sip a drink, and relax — and in these destinations, you can do just that during your Guatemala vacation. If you've never thought about Guatemala's travel and leisure scene, then you've been missing out. Aside from the obvious beauty of the country, one of the amazing things about Guatemala is how far a modest budget can go — which means you may be able to treat yourself to the vacation you always dreamed of, but never thought was within reach. The terrain of this Central American country is diverse, and so are Guatemala's leisure activities. Explore Guatemala's beaches along the coastal town of Monterrico. Dance the night away as you delve into Guatemala's music and arts scene in the city of Antigua. You will, of course, be sampling plenty of Guatemala's food. Rest, relax, and rejuvenate in luxury accommodations and beautiful surroundings whilst you enjoy exciting leisure activities.
Cultural Tours and Activities in Guatemala
With its spectacular ruins, fantastic museums, and authentic Mayan villages, Guatemala isn’t lacking for culture. Cultural tours give travelers intimate access to some the country’s best cultural attractions. During one of these tours, you might tour a Mayan marketplace, or visit a traditional coffee farm. Knowledgeable guides lead the tours, answering questions and providing information as you explore the site.
What Should I Bring To Guatemala?
What you bring to Guatemala will largely depend on what you want to do. If you’re going to be spending time in the outdoors – be it hiking in the forest or climbing volcanoes – you’ll need closed-toed shoes, long-sleeved shirts, a hat, socks, sunglasses, insect repellent, sunscreen, water bottle, and a flashlight. If you’re going to be visiting areas where you’ll be swimming, bring a swimsuit, towel, and sandals. Travelers planning to visit Mayan ruins will also want to have good, comfortable footwear — this makes it easier to explore the sites, which often have uneven ground.
Getting to Guatemala
The easiest way to get to Guatemala is by air. The country has remodeled its two international airports and is catering to carriers from the U.S. and Asia. Guatemala can also be entered by land or sea.
Guatemala Entry Requirements
United States citizens traveling to Guatemala will need a U.S. passport valid for at least six months past their intended length of stay. A ticket documenting onward or return travel is also needed. U.S. citizens can stay in Guatemala for up to 90 days without having a visa.
Biking in Guatemala
Biking is fairly popular in Guatemala and there are a number of places to get your wheels spinning. Mountain biking can be enjoyed in the hills above Lago Atitlán and Antigua — both places offer incredible views of the surrounding landscape, which often includes mountains and volcanoes. Local outfitters provide travelers with gear and guides and take them to the best trails in the region. Biking tours are a fun way to explore the Guatemalan countryside.
When Is The Best Time To Go To Guatemala?
Anytime is a great time to visit Guatemala! There are all kinds of places to explore and things to do any season — rain or shine.
Nature Tours and Activities in Guatemala
Guatemala has astounding outdoor areas — the landscape here includes tall volcanoes, dense jungles, huge lakes and cascading waterfalls, as well as all the creatures that live within these various habitats. Nature tours allow travelers to explore these incredible places. The tours include bird watching expeditions, hikes with naturalist guides, horseback riding, night walks, and marine turtle nesting trips.
Iztapa
Iztapa is a small port town along Guatemala’s Pacific coast that’s well known for sailfishing. The fishing here truly is incredible—it’s common to haul in 15-20 Pacific sailfish each day. The surfing is good too, and there isn’t much competition for waves.
Lake Atitlan
Guatemala’s gorgeous Lake Atitlán has captivated people for centuries. Visiting the lake in 1934, Aldous Huxley called it “The most beautiful lake in the world” and compared it to Lake Cuomo in Italy. Surrounded by traditional Mayan villages and studded with three volcanoes on its southern shore, Lake Atitlan is indeed spectacular. To this day it remains one of Guatemala’s most popular destinations.
