Retalhuleu

Guatemala

Retalhuleu (often shortened to Reu) is in the Pacific Lowlands of Guatemala.

Retalhuleu is the capital of the department of the same name, and is the main hub for travel in the area.

  • Champerico. Pacific beach. Direct bus from Retalhuleu.
  • Takalik Abaj. Ancient ruins with some interesting sculpture of the Olmec and Maya cultures. Take a microbus to El Asintal, and either find further transport there, or walk along the road to the ruins (about 2 miles/3 km). There is a site museum and small zoo.
  • Tulate. Pacific beach. Take the bus from Retalhuleu to Mazatenango and get off at Cuyotenango junction - then take a bus from there to Tulate.

Champerico. Pacific beach. Direct bus from Retalhuleu.

Takalik Abaj. Ancient ruins with some interesting sculpture of the Olmec and Maya cultures. Take a microbus to El Asintal, and either find further transport there, or walk along the road to the ruins (about 2 miles/3 km). There is a site museum and small zoo.

Tulate. Pacific beach. Take the bus from Retalhuleu to Mazatenango and get off at Cuyotenango junction - then take a bus from there to Tulate.

  • IRTRA. Twin theme parks consisting of Xocomil (the water park) and Xetulul (theme park with rides). There are on-site rooms, cabins and restaurants. If staying overnight, it is much cheaper to leave the parks and eat in one of the restaurants along the highway. Buses between Retalhuleu and Quetzaltenango pass the entrances to the parks.

IRTRA. Twin theme parks consisting of Xocomil (the water park) and Xetulul (theme park with rides). There are on-site rooms, cabins and restaurants. If staying overnight, it is much cheaper to leave the parks and eat in one of the restaurants along the highway. Buses between Retalhuleu and Quetzaltenango pass the entrances to the parks.

  • Quetzaltenango - the principal city in the Western Highlands)
  • Tapachula - across the Mexican border in Chiapas