Puerto Quetzal (Antigua): 27 Apr 2009 to 1 May 2009

Named for the vibrantly coloured national bird, the Quetzal, Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala’s largest port on the Pacific coast. As the gateway to the interior for cruise ship passengers, Puerto Quetzal leads to a variety of interesting attractions, including magnificent Mayan ruins at Tikal, Lake Atitlán in the cool Guatemalan highlands and the appealing old colonial capital, Antigua.

Visit a nearby coffee plantation or the old sugar cane mill to learn more about these two economically important commodities. The coastal waters offer some of the best deep-sea fishing in Central America, especially for the prized Pacific sailfish. Or perhaps relax on one of the peaceful, black sand beaches.