The sail into Puerto Quetzal involves an almost complete 360º loop to clear the sea wall and access the pier at the cruise terminal. This also involved navigating through a busy industrial port.
The cruise terminal itself is a small square of lush green trees surrounded on three sides by a container terminal. To the left, a large depot, steadily loading thousands of tonnes of the black stuff onto a waiting cargo ship.
We had half-heartedly considered an excursion into Antigua, but a quick look at pictures online show that although beautiful, this is no town for scooters. A trip into the jungle would be similarly wasteful. So instead, we decide to stay local and see what we can do on the immediate vicinity of Puerto Quetzal.
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As before, we hang around a bit, waiting for the early rush to subside for a smoother disembarkation. The pier is fairly new and well maintained which makes for a decent scooter ride.
Once ashore, we pass through a large “hut” that doubles as a tourist information point. There are several desks offering tours, mostly to Antigua. Outside, it’s a festival of music and colours, dozens of stalls selling local handicrafts, chocolate, clothing and jade.
The people are cheerful, friendly and open to bartering. This is the first port stop where we have seen any handmade Christmas ornaments and they look excellent. So we buy one. The entire terminal is a riot of colour.
It is very warm and humid, but the trees provide some respite. There are also some local musicians playing traditional instruments to entertain the crowds. There is even one dude dressed as a Mayan warrior…
We don’t stay ashore too long but we have really enjoyed our visit. Guatemala has been much more welcoming than Mexico and Puerto Quetzal is a great advertisement for the country.
Accessibility info
Batteries used: 66%
Terrain: The cruise terminal is very well paved, with smooth cement paths and well laid paving throughout. The walkways do get quite crowded however, and it may be a little difficult to get close to some of the stalls.
Taxis: Taxis are available outside the cruise terminal for short trips to nearby San Jose. We can’t comment on the vehicles, but other passengers suggested that the town is not very accessible.
Did you get a passport stamp in Puerto Quetzal?
Yes! Just ask at the tourist information desk inside the large hut as you disembark.
Would you revisit Puerto Quetzal?
Perhaps not Puerto Quetzal itself, but the terminal has provided a taste of what Guatemala has to offer – and we liked what we saw.
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Things to do in Puerto Quetzal
Puerto Quetzal may be the southern gateway to Guatemala – but the majority of the population live in the centre of the country. As such, there’s not that many things to do in Puerto Quetzal itself. In fact, Princess Cruises advise guests not to walk into town because it is quite dangerous and heavily trafficked.
However, the UNESCO listed city of Antigua is around 50 miles away:
Puerto Quetzal: Antigua ATV Quad Shore Excursion
Explore the stunning colonial city of Antigua in a fun and unique way with a guided ATV adventure, perfectly designed for cruise passengers docking at Puerto Quetzal. After a convenient pickup from your ship, you’ll be taken to a base camp to get acquainted with your quad bike. Once you’re kitted out with safety gear and a helmet, you’ll be ready to hit the road and discover this UNESCO World Heritage city from an exhilarating new perspective.
For two hours, you’ll follow your guide through Antigua’s charming cobblestone streets, effortlessly navigating past pastel-coloured colonial buildings, grand plazas, and historic church ruins. This unique mode of transport allows you to cover all the city’s most important sights with ease, soaking up the atmosphere without the strain of a long walking tour. After your exciting ride, you’ll return to base camp before being driven comfortably back to the cruise terminal, making this an action-packed and efficient way to experience one of Guatemala’s gems.
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Shore Excursion from Puerto Quetzal to Antigua Guatemala and back
Embark on an unforgettable shore excursion from Puerto Quetzal to Antigua Guatemala, where every moment reveals the beauty and heritage of this remarkable region. Your journey begins the moment you board our comfortable vehicle, travelling through a scenic landscape dotted with majestic volcanoes, lush sugar cane fields, and tranquil cattle farms. The drive to Antigua takes roughly 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in Guatemala’s breathtaking countryside views.
Upon arrival, our first stop ensures everyone’s comfort before delving into the historic heart of Antigua. This charming colonial city is a living museum of cobbled streets, brightly painted façades, and baroque architecture. As you wander through its streets, you’ll discover highlights including the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, La Iglesia de la Merced, the Jade Museum (Casa del Jade), El Tanque de la Unión, and the panoramic Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint.
Depending on your cruise schedule, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, savouring traditional Guatemalan flavours before the scenic two-hour return to Puerto Quetzal—an ideal blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
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