Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mazatenango, 23km east of Retalhuleu, is the capital of the Suchitepéquez department.
It's a center for the farmers, traders and shippers of the Pacific Slope's agricultural pro-
duce. There are a few serviceable hotels if you need to stop in an emergency. Otherwise
just keep on keeping on.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Tulate
Another beach town that's yet to make it onto the radar of most travelers is Tulate. The
great thing about this beach is that, unlike others along the coast, the water gets deep very
gradually, making it a great place to swim and just hang around and have some fun. The
waves rarely get big enough to surf, but bodysurfers should be able to get a ride any time
of the year. To get to the beach you have to catch a boat (Q5) across the estuary. Once on
the other side, the water's 500m in front of you, straight down the only paved street. If
you're heading towards the Paraíso or Iguana, avoid the long hot walk along the beach-
front by taking the riverfront path to the left as soon as you get off the
lancha
. If you
don't feel like walking, the
lancha
to the Paraíso/Iguana costs Q50/100.
There are three hotels in Tulate worth mentioning. All have restaurants, but the best,
most atmospheric dining is at the little shacks right on the beachfront where good fresh
seafood meals start at around Q35.
Buses run direct to Tulate from Mazatenango (Q15, two hours). Coming from the west,
it's tempting to get off at Cuyotenango and wait for a bus there to avoid backtracking. The
only problem with this is that buses tend to leave Mazatenango when full, so you might
miss out on a seat.
Sleeping
Playa Paraíso $$
( 7872-0626; bungalows Q350; )
This is a comfortable if slightly worn option about 1km
down the beach to the left from the main street. The bungalows here have two double
beds, a sitting room and laid-back little balconies out front. There are hammocks strung
around the property and a good, if somewhat pricey, restaurant serves meals any time.
Things can get a little hectic on weekends, but midweek you may just have the place to
yourself.
BUNGALOW
