If you’re spending some time in Puerto San José [1] or just passing through, you may want to stop by the local ostrich farm for a look. Avestruces Maya (tel. 5608-0835 or 5608-8075, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, $3.50 adults, $2.65 children 10 and over, children under 10 free) occupies 27 acres, mostly devoted to raising ostriches, but also includes a small petting zoo, plant nursery, and riverlike swimming pool where you can relax in an inner tube.
A restaurant (open weekends) specializes in ostrich meat and a small shop sells ostrich-leather wallets, boots, purses, and assorted eggshell trinkets. The surprisingly supple leather can be very expensive.
The park is at Km. 100 along the old road from Guatemala City to Puerto San José. You can camp here for $3.25.
Also at the farm, you’ll find light aircraft rides. Contact Christopher at tel. 5651-6908 for details.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/guatemala/the-pacific-coast/escuintla-department/puerto-san-jose