Puerto Barrios
Caribbean gateway on Amatique Bay with crystal-clear waters, Garifuna culture, and hidden beaches.
Puerto Barrios is Guatemala's Caribbean soul — a laid-back port city on the stunning Bahía de Amatique where crystal-clear turquoise waters meet lush tropical jungle. Unlike the country's more tourist-trodden destinations, Puerto Barrios offers an authentic Caribbean experience shaped by Garífuna, Q'eqchi' Maya, and Afro-Caribbean cultures. The bay's calm, waveless waters make it perfect for swimming, kayaking, and boat trips to hidden beaches like Playa Blanca and Punta de Palma. From here you can explore the protected wetlands of Punta de Manabique, hike the trails at Las Escobas waterfall park, or take a lancha across the bay to the Garífuna town of Livingston. As Guatemala's main cruise port (via nearby Santo Tomás de Castilla), Puerto Barrios is emerging as a gateway to one of Central America's best-kept Caribbean secrets. At night, the city comes alive with reggaeton, punta music, and cold Gallos at local bars — don't miss Single's Bar, the city's favorite nightlife spot.
🎯 Top Things to Do — Puerto Barrios
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Bahía de Amatique — calm, warm, and waveless
Visit Playa Blanca, a pristine white-sand beach accessible only by boat
Hike the jungle trails and cool off at Las Escobas waterfall and natural pools
Take a boat trip to Punta de Palma and the Ensenada Verde lagoon
Explore the Punta de Manabique wildlife reserve — mangroves, manatees, and dolphins
Cross the bay by lancha to Livingston for Garífuna tapado (coconut seafood soup)
📅 Best Time to Visit
February to May is the driest period with the clearest waters. Puerto Barrios has a tropical rainforest climate — warm year-round (27-33°C) with occasional rain even in dry season. September-November is the wettest. The Caribbean water is warm enough for swimming every day of the year.
✈️ Getting There
Puerto Barrios is 4-5 hours from Guatemala City via Highway CA-9 (paved the entire way). Litegua buses run every hour ($8-12 USD, comfortable first-class service). Flights to Puerto Barrios Airport (PBR) are available but infrequent. Cruise passengers dock at Santo Tomás de Castilla, just 5 km southwest.
💰 Average Daily Budget
Budget: $20-35/day. Mid-range: $50-80/day. Hotel rooms: $15-30 (budget) to $60-120 (waterfront). A seafood meal at a local comedor costs $5-8. Boat trips to Playa Blanca: $8-15 round trip. Lancha to Livingston: $3-5.
Use our free budget calculator →💡 Travel Tips
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The bay has almost no waves — perfect for families with kids and non-swimmers
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Hire a local lancherito for a full-day boat tour: Playa Blanca + Punta de Palma + Las Escobas (~Q200-300)
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Try tapado (coconut-based seafood soup) — it's the signature Garífuna dish of the region
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Bring cash — many beach spots and boat operators don't take cards
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The best nightlife is at Single's Bar — live DJs, open-air vibes, right in the city center
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Combine with a day trip to Quiriguá Maya ruins (1 hour drive) and Río Dulce
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