Puerto San José is where Guatemala City dwellers escape to for a quick dip in the sea. Avoid coming here during Holy Week, as droves of Guatemalan families descend upon the town and its beaches like shoppers at a Filene’s Basement day-after-Christmas sale, leaving a trail of trash in their wake. Otherwise, the town makes an acceptable place to enjoy some time by the sea, though nearby Iztapa and Monterrico are certainly better beach alternatives.

Once Guatemala’s main shipping port, it has been displaced by the newer Puerto Quetzal just a few kilometers away along the same stretch of coast. Cruise ships dock at Puerto Quetzal, which has its own cruise ship terminal. Most visitors either stay at the terminal, where they can eat and shop, or are quickly whisked away on package tours to a local resort; others go sailfishing or visit Antigua for the day.

Getting to Puerto San José

Buses to Puerto San José leave Guatemala City’s bus terminal every half hour or so. It’s also possible to arrange a private transfer with almost any travel agency in Antigua.